Kineto Wireless today announced new software for its access gateway that supports voice and SMS services over LTE networks using the VoLGA Forum’s specification.
Since LTE is a pure IP technology, traditional voice and SMS services must be implemented over the packet network. The VoLGA (Voice over LTE via Generic Access) protocol enables LTE operators, like Verizon, to use the same core network they use today for voice services. It uses current 3GPP Generic Access Network (GAN) standard over the LTE network.
Verizon’s LTE service, expected next year in 5-25 markets, will be delivered to laptops via a USB stick. Verizon says Boston and Seattle each now have 10 LTE 4G cell sites up and running on the 700 MHz spectrum. Dual-band hones aren’t expected until the later half of 2011.
Kineto also announced availability of the industry’s first combined VoLGA/IMS voice client for LTE handsets. T-Mobile made the world’s first voice call over LTE using the VoLGA standard.
While T-Mobile appears to be embracing VoLGA as an interim solution for voice over LTE, the longer term solultion is the IP Multimedia Subsystem, which integrates a variety of media over the IP channel.
Nokia, AT&T, Orange, Telefonica, TeliaSonera, Verizon, Vodafone, Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Nokia Siemens Networks, Samsung and Sony Ericsson have all agreed to use the IMS and are dubbing it the “One Voice initiative“. Faced with the risk that large players might delay their plans until they have a strong route to voice, One Voice has defined a profile based on existing 3GPP standards for IMS-enabled voice — apparently something of a VoLGA solution that’s supported by larger vendors and operators.
Meanwhile, ZyXEL has announced “the world’s first LTE router“. The ZLR-2070S is an all-in-one, multi-service gateway that includes two VoIP ports, four-port 10/100 switch, 802.11n wireless and USB port supporting printer and drive sharing. ZyXEL claims the ZLR-2070S offers data rates with up to 50Mbps.
ZyXEL is providing the product to service providers only and says it offers up to 50 Mbps of throughput from a 4G LTE WWAN connection. ZyXEL says the device is ideal for operators looking to provide service in rural or other traditionally under-served markets where new wireline deployments are cost-prohibitive. It will be shown at CES next month.
