www.telecomtutorial.

info

01 - VoWifi Introduction

Why you need VoWifi? Or Wifi Calling?

1. Why you need Vo-Wifi? Or Wifi Calling?
2. How to avail VoWiFi Service?
3. Role of Mobile Operator in VoWiFi Service?
4. How to enable VoWifi on your Phone?
5. VoWifi - Benefits for Customers & Mobile Operator
6. Vo-Wifi Challenges & Risks

1|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Why you need Vo-Wifi? Or Wifi Calling?

The biggest frustration for Mobile users is Weak coverage. Specifically, when you are
inside house or office, Weak coverage will bring new level of frustration in your life. As
you can see in Diagram (above), House No.3 is not getting good signal from Mobile
Tower. These users in this house will be always complaining of bad Quality. You can
see such users trying to make call while roaming in Street or leaning out of Window

As solution, VoWiFi makes it possible for users to make and receive calls while staying
indoors. As you know by now, VoWifi stands for Voice over Wi-Fi. VoWifi or Wi-Fi
calling is altogether making and receiving calls using a Wi-Fi connection

2|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

How to avail VoWiFi Service?

• First 2 are Most important things which belongs to Handset. The handset used
should support VoLTE & VoWifi Service. Also, The Software Binary running on
handset should also support VoLTE & VoWifi for corresponding Mobile
Operator. This Software / or Firmware Build to allow or Disallow VoLTE is
controlled by Handset manufacturer
• 3rd one is ISIM or USIM to be used by User, VoLTE will not work on traditional
SIM used in 2G or 3G Era
• These two but most critical are VoLTE Switch & VoWifi Switch in Handset
where user can enable or Disable VoLTE Services himself. Pls note, you must
enable VoLTE in order to use VoWifi
• The last one is Good Wifi Network, you need to ensure good Wifi coverage all
over the place, you also need to ensure that Wifi network backhaul is not
congested and is not having Packet loss or latency

3|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

VoWifi Service Doubts?

VoWifi Service Doubts?

While every country & every operator will have different terms and conditions as per
plan you have opted: -

1. Let’s understand, who all customers are eligible for Wi-Fi calling? Well
Any user have VoWifi enabled Handset & 4G SIM with active plan should be
able to use VoWifi Services
2. Are there any extra charges for using VoWifi services? Answer is NO ..
Since VoWifi services brings host of benefits for operator as well as for end
users, It’s a win win situation. Usually Operators doesn’t charge anything extra
for VoWifi Service
3. How to use VoWifi service? Once Wifi Calling is enabled on phone , You have
to make or receive calls using standard dialer , No separate app is required .
We will cover steps for enabling Wifi calling in some time in this Video. Once
VoWifi is enabled you will notice small icon in Notification area of Phone. Your
phone will automatically start placing calls on Wifi whenever its latched on Wifi
Network
4. What is Role of VoLTE in order to avail VoWifi Service? Since Both VoLTE
and VoWifi belongs to same IP based IMS Technology , Enabling VoLTE is
mandatory for using VoWifi services

For more details, I would request you to go to your mobile Operator Website for further
details as these terms may vary from Country to Country and Operator to Operator

4|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Operator role - VoWiFi Service?

Let’s understand Operator role in providing VoWiFi Service?

Mobile Operators needs to have 4G Network support along with VoLTE Services to
start their journey . Moving ahead this same VoLTE service can be easily extended
to VoWifi support as parent technology of both VoLTE and VoWifi is same i.e. IMS
Core Network

In order to have seamless VoWifi Network experience , Operator need to enable

handovers between VoLTE and VoWifi Services as well

5|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

How to enable VoWifi on Apple?

How to Enable WiFi Calling on iPhone?

1. For Apple users, just make sure you have the latest iOS version running on your
device (typically iOS13 is available now a days) and that’s it.

2. Now, Pls connect to an active WiFi network

3. Now it’s time to enable Wifi Calling, Go to Settings > Phone. Here you will see an
option WiFi calling

4. Enable the toggle or Switch for WiFi calling on your iPhone and you are ready to
use VoWifi

Similar steps can be followed for iPad, or Apple Watch

6|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Option # 1 - How to enable VoWifi on Android

How to enable VoWifi on Android?

Android is flexible, there are various options available to enable Wifi calling on Android.

1st one is easiest option. Just Pull down the notification panel (or Android's Quick
Settings Dropdown) and tap the Wifi Calling Icon to get started. Just head over to
Quick Settings Panel and turn on the WiFi calling option as visible on screen

This is example of Samsung device, based on your device make / model, Settings
may vary

7|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Option # 2 - How to enable VoWifi on Android

How to enable VoWifi on Android? – Let’s see Another Option to do

this

As you know, Android is flexible, we get many ways to enable VoWifi

1. Go to Settings & Click Search Icon. on Top Right

2. Type Wifi Calling in Search box & You will see Wifi-Calling Option as visible on
screen
3. This will take you to Wifi Calling Switch which needs to be turned ON

Depending upon the brand of your phone, this might differ a little

8|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Option # 3 - How to enable VoWifi on Android

Let’s see one more Option to enable VoWifi on your phone

1. Go to Settings & Then to Connections

2. Under Connections, you will See Wifi Calling Option
3. Just Head on to Wifi Calling Switch which needs to be turned ON

This is example of Samsung, For Xiaomi, Users can find the option within the device
Settings > SIM cards and Mobile Networks > SIM1 or SIM2 > Make Calls using WiFi.
Similarly, OnePlus users will get the option within Mobile Network & SIM1 or SIM2
Section

9|Page
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

What is VoWiFi or Wifi Calling?

Let’s understand What is VoWiFi or Wifi Calling?

You can see the typical 4G VoLTE Network here. The users are attaching on 4G Radio
network are connecting to IMS Network for using Telephony services such as Voice,
SMS etc. The IP Packets are travelling from User Equipment which is Mobile Handset
to IMS Network

The VoWifi Services as shown in diagram is extension of existing Mobile Network.

VoWiFi is a complementary technology to VoLTE and utilizes IMS technology to
provide a packet voice service delivered over IP via a Wi-Fi network. VoWifi enables
direct connectivity between Mobile handset to EPC Network of Mobile Operator.
Technically, it uses IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs standard supporting Wifi network to
make Voice calls over Wifi. This is very beneficial specially whenever you are in low
4G coverage like in house or indoors or in basement where Wifi is available. This
feature will allow you to make normal calls using Wi-Fi. The technology is now
available on all Leading Operators across Globe. All you need is latest Android and
iOS smartphones to support this

Where possible, Mobile Operators allow seamless handed over between 4G LTE and
Wi-Fi and vice versa. This is applicable to both Video and Voice Calls. This will help
in case you are moving in or out from home and switch between VoWifi network inside
your home and VoLTE Network outside

10 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

How is it any different from VoLTE?

VoLTE or Voice over LTE is upgraded technology as compared to 2G / 3G Networks.

It uses all End to End - IP Based, Packet based 4G Network to make voice calls. This

enables high-quality voice calls and also makes sure that the user can browse internet

while on a phone call. Both VoLTE and VoWifi are served by common IMS Platform

which makes them similar in feature & functionality

While VoLTE still requires you to stay connected to a 4G radio and serve via 4G

Access. VoWifi uses Untrusted network such Public Internet or Wifi to serve services

using IMS Infrastructure

11 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

VoWifi - Benefits for Customers & Users

VoWifi - Benefits for Customers & Users

Deploying VoWifi Solution enables operators to quickly and easily extend their
coverage or service range without putting up towers and costly Radio infra, this
technology brings many benefits to users as well. In order to enjoy all benefits Users,
need good Wifi Connection which is not having latency or congestion. If your Wifi is
having problems such as Packet loss, frequent disconnection etc.., The overall
experience will not be great.

Let’s understand What all benefits VoWifi brings to end users: -

1. Better indoor coverage: - With VoWifi, you are definitely going to experience
better indoor coverage and this brings ease of making calls and SMS in Low
Coverage
2. Secure Communication: - VoWifi works on End to End Secure
communication, even if you are public Hotspot or using Wifi of any Caffe shop,
you should not worry on security, there is no way someone can listen your voice
call or read your SMS even if they get duplicate copy of all Traffic
3. Ease of Connectivity: - There is no need to type user name / Password or
login into some app or platform to use VoWifi. What you need is enable VoWifi
in Handset and you are ready to use seamless voice, SMS and telephony
services via Wifi. You are actually registering on you Mobile Operator network

12 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

using SIM-based authentication. Yes, it works with the existing SIM, through
the default phone dialer and messaging app without any additional App
4. Call to Any Network: - WhatsApp users can make call or text to another
WhatsApp users; Same goes with Telegram. Telegram user can make call or
send text to another Telegram users only. Well such restrictions don’t apply
with VoWifi services. With VoWifi, you can make WiFi calls to the other person
irrespective of their phone supporting WiFi Calling or not. The recipient can be
on any network, be it same operator or any other operator, you can make STD
or ISD Calls as well just like normal telephone
5. Seamless Handovers: - Have you ever wondered, what will happen if WiFi
gets disconnected, what will happen to ongoing VoWifi Call. Well, the call will
take place over your mobile 4G Network. VoWifi and VoLTE are parented to
same IMS Network at Mobile Operator, this gives you flexibility to have
seamless handover between VoWifi and VoLTE Networks
6. HD Quality Voice: - As you know, VoLTE and VoWifi belongs from same family
of technology. This brings all good Qualities of VoLTE to VoWifi as well. VoWifi
enables high-definition (HD) voice quality. The VoWifi uses wideband audio
codecs, Net Net HD voice uses a wider frequency range than narrowband voice
services, which enhances overall voice experience
7. Faster Call Setup: The average call setup time of 2G / 3G networks is 6
Seconds. Which means after dialing, you need to wait for average 6 seconds
before call terminates to B Party. With VoWifi, its rocket fast calling where your
call terminated between 1-2 seconds. This benefits also comes from VoLTE
family where call set-up times are greatly reduced so that people can connect
with each other more quickly
8. Longer battery life: Since your phone is not changing networks between 4G
& 3G or 2G for voice calls. Users saves couple of Amps & battery life with
VoLTE & VoWifi Technology
9. No Extra Charge: For using VoWifi, there are usually no additional charges
levied by Operators

Conclusion

Altogether, the benefits of VoLTE and VoWiFi will contribute to an overall better
customer experience for consumers and business users. And when customers have
good service experience, they are more likely to stay with their current service provider
and tell others about it, which in turn helps service providers reduce churn and attract
new customers

13 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

VoWifi - Benefits for Mobile Operators

VoWifi - Benefits for Mobile Operators

Better User Experience & Cost Saving are key factor when they consider VoWiFi. The
main fascination for VoWiFi for mobile operators is that it reduces customer churn and
improves end to end experience by helping users get service in buildings that can’t get
good quality signal from the 4G Radio, and it does so without investing into CAPEX.

1. Wifi Offload, Unclog Cellular Network: - Operators are always trying to

offload traffic to Unlicensed Wifi rather than utilizing Precious and costly
spectrum. Few Operators are coming up with Public Wifi hotspots all major
public places such as Shopping Malls, Metros, Shops, Markets. VoWifi helps
operators to offload traffic to Wifi and save 4G Spectrum
2. Reduce Customer Churn: Serve customers without Coverage helps operators
to stop churn of users
3. Unlock revenue opportunities: Operators can make new customers & Serve
them with Quality even when coverage is not so great
4. Existing Security re-use: Since both VoLTE & VoWifi solutions are part of
same family, Operators can Leverage existing SIM-based security and
authentication which they have used for VoLTE
5. Use Other Operator Wifi for serving users: Operators gain the opportunity to
access Wifi of Other Operators to serve Voice / SMS traffic of their users
6. Common Bill / Charging: Operator Issue a single bill for the user for all IMS-
based services across different access types such as VoWifi, VoLTE etc. There
is no additional investment required at Operator for VoWifi charging / billing

14 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Net Net, Operators gain a competitive advantage with VoWifi. Since VoLTE & VoWifi
belongs to same family, Operator leverage all VoLTE benefits for providing VoWifi
services

Vo-Wifi Challenges & Risks

VoWiFi challenges
Let’s understand What is needed for VoWiFi to work well? You need mitigate below
challenges

• Quality of Service: Mobile Operators have absolutely no control over the

quality of a WiFi network. After VoWifi, they will be challenged to troubleshoot
WiFi issues and could be unfairly blamed for poor service. As solution, we need
to timers well placed with Handset Binary to trigger fallback to VoLTE during
bad quality of Wifi Internet

• Capacity planning: Offloading 4G or Mobile traffic to WiFi will free up spectrum

bandwidth for Mobile Operators. This means, Operator need to Re-Plan
Capacity & Infrastructure and need to build ample Backend capacity for Wifi
Core such as ePDG, AAA etc. In case Mobile Operator have also deployed Wifi
Hotspots in Country, they need to Re-Engineer for traffic Capacity & Coverage
for Wifi Hotspots as well

• Security: End to End Secure communications must be managed by Mobile

Operator. They need to implement Authentication, encryption, & IPsec

15 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

• Emergency Calls: Since IP Address of End user does not provide a location.
Mobile Operator need to find solution to services which requires geographical
location

Factors effecting VoWifi experience

Quality of Wifi Networks: Since VoWifi is thrown open for Public Network,
Quality of Wifi Networks may be compromised in terms of factors like these: -

• Wifi Coverage: A Weak Wi-Fi___33 coverage will lead to bad

experience as call will switch to VoLTE once RSSI level goes down

• Internet Congestion: Since Internet is shared resource at Wifi End, You

Wifi router doesn’t differentiate and give priority to VoWifi traffic, this
become really challenging during congesting scenarios where someone
at your home watching YouTube will deteriorate quality of your voice call
over Wifi as your internet is congested

• Packet Loss: Transit Packet Loss between your Wifi Backbone to

Mobile Operator Network will also lead to huge quality issues. There are
so many internet providers now a days. Every Internet provider may not
give you seamless error free highway and connectivity to Mobile
Operator Network where every VoWifi calls are terminating

16 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

• Latency: High Latency between UE & Mobile Operator ePDG will

seriously dent your VoWifi Experience.

Net-Net, you need to ensure Good Wifi Network & Internet connectivity for seamless
Wifi Calling experience

Offloading Algorithms

Do you know, who takes decision of handover for VoWifi to VoLTE or Vice versa,
There is whole set of calculations done by handset such as Wifi Signal, Packet loss,
Reachability with Mobile network ePDG on basis of which it takes decision to stay on
Wifi-Calling or exit to VoLTE Network. Again, every handset has its own criteria to
build these calculations wherein we have huge dependency on Handset
Manufacturers to decide fate of VoWifi uptake and experience

Security & Authentication

• Encryption: Mobile Operators needs to allow Access from Untrusted network
which is full of Security risks if not done properly. On One side, Mobile Networks
needs to protect themselves from Cyber-attacks, they also need to ensure End
to End encryption for all communication with Mobile Handset

• Seamless Latching Wifi Hotspot: Since both Wifi and VoWifi latching needs
Authentication of user, Mobile Operator needs to ensure its all seamless and
user need should not experience any sort of hassle to use this service. Entire
Latching and Authentication has to be done by handset Automatically in
backend without bothering user about same

17 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Conclusion

Threats for Wifi Calling

• As you know, VoWiFi or Wifi Calling is still a relatively very new service.
Currently, only a handful of smartphone models support VoWiFi. At worst, there
is No backward support for old smartphone models

• This problem amplifies as Mobile Operator doesn’t have control over the quality
of Wi-Fi signal at home or malls. At times, the End to End Quality of service
may be impacted at times. At best, The Mobile operators can reserve bandwidth
for VoWiFi calling on their hotspots and self-owned Fix line networks but same
can’t be guaranteed on public Internet such as MiFi devices, Public hotspots &
routers

• As you know, The Wi-Fi operates in unlicensed bands, so there are

interferences seen in many Wifi Networks which also deteriorates Wifi Calling
Quality

• Another issue is Maintaining service continuity and seamless transition

between VoWifi and VoLTE networks, this can be challenging as service
disruptions may occur due to bad implementation by Operator

18 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen
 www.telecomtutorial.info

Paybacks for using Wifi Calling

Even after so many challenges & threats, VoWifi or Wifi Calling is new revolution. It
brings joy & smile to frustrated customers specially in Urban areas where indoor
coverage is problem. VoWifi helps Mobile operator to Combat OTT apps and gain
back lost revenue, provide a better experience & keep their users happy and Loyal

This technology is Simple, you don’t need for an Additional app. Users can just call
straight from phone’s native dialer. Ultimately WiFi calling often has a much higher-
quality and a clearer sound

Altogether, the benefits of VoWiFi give overall better customer experience, we know
that when customers have good service experience, they are more likely to stay with
their current service provider. This technology ultimately helps Mobile Operators to
reduce churn and attract new customers

19 | P a g e
01 - VoWifi Introduction , Author : Vikas Shokeen