- Dec 7, 2023
How to guarantee the optimum subscriber experience with DiRoam’s RaaS enhanced VoLTE steering.
Operators all across the world have begun to adopt the 5G technology, so as 5G acquires commercial traction, the closure of 2G/3G networks will also quicken. VoPS is necessary for 5G, either directly over 5G (VoNR) or via LTE (VoLTE). Unlike the 3G network, it does not have a separate voice network; instead, VoLTE, the voice service, is provided through LTE's integration with the IMS network. The GSMA estimates that VoLTE adoption is 30% worldwide.
The Call Session Control Function (CSCF), which manages call and session control in the IMS network, provides VoLTE functionality. The CSCF is made up of tools for handling IP-based multimedia service calls and sessions. It connects calls, controls the registered data of VoLTE terminals, and provides information about the origination and termination of voice calls. [1]
As VoLTE is available in more markets and subscriber devices are updated to support it, more roaming subscribers will eventually rely on it for voice service. The only customers who can get any voice and/or data services from the operators who stopped supporting 3G are those whose home network provider (even while roaming) has also installed a mobile IMS core. Operators must reduce the hazards associated with the widespread use of VoLTE, and steering of roaming is a crucial component of this.
Mobility signaling (SS7 and Diameter) has historically been the foundation of steering roaming systems, which use this signaling to try to coerce the subscriber into connecting to the network we want them on. In order to apply a special steering strategy for them to ensure continuous roaming services at 2G/3G sunsets, the steering system should be conscious of which subscribers are VoLTE capable.
The absence of such a steering system may result in connection problems for a great number of subscribers while roaming. For example, if the preferable network within the roaming country supports VoLTE roaming, but the home network of the subscriber doesn’t support or/and IMS core is not constructed; roamers will be unable to use data and voice services.
Another scenario that might be troublesome is when the home operator only has a VoLTE roaming contract with one or two operators in a specific region. Some carriers may have pure LTE networks, meaning they do not have Circuit Switch (CS) fallback for voice and SMS, which further complicates matters. Thus, the home network must establish steering policies to guarantee that roaming subscribers continue to receive high-quality voice service while upholding wholesale agreements.
DiRoam RaaS (RoamingSuite as a Service) offers VoLTE steering feature. The service's capabilities are described below to maintain roaming in any situation.
Classifying VoLTE-compatible networks
Classifying Finding VoLTE-compatible subscribers
Identify IMS registrations (including successful and unsuccessful attempts)
Ability to operate based on the intelligence mentioned above to assure service accessibility and reliability for their roamers.
With DiRoam’s Steering of Roaming, operators can create unique steering policies for VoLTE roamers by automatically detecting a variety of characteristics in real-time and determining if devices and the network are compliant with VoLTE service. This allows MNOs to control which VoLTE subscribers are routed to pure LTE networks and which subscribers are retained on 3G networks by only directing those VoLTE subscribers with the appropriate phones and profile. Platform also supports Diameter sniffing, SIGTRAN - Map Sniffing, Diameter Steering and SIGTRAN - MAP steering.
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