Huawei and Vodafone Italy have launched the world’s first cloud-based Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Network.
Huawei supported the launch with cloud-based IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) core applications and cloud-based Element Management System. It also provided Management and Orchestration-Virtualised Network Function Management and an automatic O&M platform.
The cloud-based core network has now been integrated end-to-end for commercial deployment in a multi-vendor environment. Huawei has also implemented IMS core vertical integration and traditional horizontal service integration.
Huawei has been active in the Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) market, establishing NFV-compliant solutions for operators through partnerships with major operators.
"Huawei is committed to establishing itself as NFV leader by providing the market with mature commercial solutions," said a statement from Huawei. "As part of the SoftCom strategy for ICT transformation, Huawei’s CloudIMS portfolio proves its commitment to supporting customer efforts to address new technologies and business challenges."
Running high-definition voice calls over 4G data networks, or VoLTE, is gaining increasing momentum among mobile operators as a way of improving voice call quality and coverage.
Call quality is superior on 4G as more data can be transferred than via 2G or 3G networks. Coverage will also be far more pervasive; users can make calls where only 4G is available.