IP Multimedia Subsystem or IMS is a standardized Next
Generation Networking (NGN) architecture for telecom operators that want
to provide mobile and fixed multimedia services. It uses a
Voice-over-IP (VoIP) implementation based on a 3GPP standardized
implementation of Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), and runs over the standard Internet Protocol
(IP). Existing phone systems (both packet-switched and
circuit-switched) are supported. The aim of IMS is not only to provide
new services but all the services, current and future, that the Internet
provides. In this way, IMS will give network operators and service
providers the ability to control and charge for each service. In
addition, users have to be able to execute all their services when
roaming as well as from their home networks. To achieve these goals, IMS
uses open standard IP protocols, defined by the IETF.
So, a multimedia session between two IMS users, between an IMS user and
a user on the Internet, and between two users on the Internet is
established using exactly the same protocol. Moreover, the interfaces
for service developers are also based on IP protocols. This is why IMS
truly merges the Internet with the cellular world; it uses cellular
technologies to provide ubiquitous access and Internet technologies to
provide appealing services.
Example use of IMS: The LTE standard only supports packet switching with its all-IP network. Voice calls in GSM, UMTS and CDMA2000 are circuit switched, so with the adoption of LTE, carriers (Telecom Operators, e.g., T-mobile, Vodafone, etc.) will have to re-engineer their voice call network. Three different approaches sprang up:
To ease the integration with the Internet, IMS uses IETF protocols wherever possible, e.g. SIP. According to the 3GPP,[1] IMS is not intended to standardize applications but rather to aid the access of multimedia and voice applications from wireless and wireline terminals, i.e. create a form of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). This is done by having a horizontal control layer that isolates the access network from the service layer. From a logical architecture perspective, services need not have their own control functions, as the control layer is a common horizontal layer. However in implementation this does not necessarily map into greater reduced cost and complexity.
Alternative and overlapping technologies for access and provisioning of services across wired and wireless networks include combinations of Generic Access Network, soft switches and "naked" SIP.
Since it is becoming increasingly easier to access content and contacts using mechanisms outside the control of traditional wireless/fixed operators, the interest of IMS is being challenged.[2]
An example of a global standard based on IMS is MMTel.
Example use of IMS: The LTE standard only supports packet switching with its all-IP network. Voice calls in GSM, UMTS and CDMA2000 are circuit switched, so with the adoption of LTE, carriers (Telecom Operators, e.g., T-mobile, Vodafone, etc.) will have to re-engineer their voice call network. Three different approaches sprang up:
- VoLTE (Voice Over LTE): This approach is based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network.
- CSFB (Circuit Switched Fallback): In this approach, LTE just provides data services, and when a voice call is to be initiated or received, it will fall back to the CS domain. When using this solution, operators just need to upgrade the MSC instead of deploying the IMS, and therefore, can provide services quickly. However, the disadvantage is longer call setup delay.
- SVLTE (Simultaneous Voice and LTE): In this approach, the handset works simultaneously in the LTE and CS modes, with the LTE mode providing data services and the CS mode providing the voice service. This is a solution solely based on the handset, which does not have special requirements on the network and does not require the deployment of IMS either. The disadvantage of this solution is that the phone can become expensive with high power consumption.
To ease the integration with the Internet, IMS uses IETF protocols wherever possible, e.g. SIP. According to the 3GPP,[1] IMS is not intended to standardize applications but rather to aid the access of multimedia and voice applications from wireless and wireline terminals, i.e. create a form of fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). This is done by having a horizontal control layer that isolates the access network from the service layer. From a logical architecture perspective, services need not have their own control functions, as the control layer is a common horizontal layer. However in implementation this does not necessarily map into greater reduced cost and complexity.
Alternative and overlapping technologies for access and provisioning of services across wired and wireless networks include combinations of Generic Access Network, soft switches and "naked" SIP.
Since it is becoming increasingly easier to access content and contacts using mechanisms outside the control of traditional wireless/fixed operators, the interest of IMS is being challenged.[2]
An example of a global standard based on IMS is MMTel.
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