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Introduction

While the demand for data services is the main force driving the evolution and growth of 5G technology, voice services remain a crucial component of mobile communication networks. The adoption of 5G will bring significant improvements in Quality of Service (QoS), including reduced latency, faster speeds, enhanced network availability, increased reliability, and minimized jitter. These enhancements will address longstanding voice issues such as blocked, skipping, and dropped calls that have plagued users due to congestion in 3G and 4G networks. Additionally, the introduction of an Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC) 5G network slice for voice communications will further mitigate common voice quality and latency problems.

The transition to 5G involves various migration paths and steps, all of which must support voice services. So, now let us see is 5G Ready to Revolutionize Voice Services? Exploring VoNR and the Future of Mobile Communication along with User-friendly Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools and User-friendly LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & Cellular RF drive test equipment in detail.

What is VoNR?

VoNR is a voice solution based on the IMS architecture in 5G Standalone (SA) deployments. With VoNR, user equipment (UE) remains on the 5G network, providing both voice and data services through gNB and the 5G core (5GC). When UE moves out of NR coverage, it initiates an inter-RAT handover to VoLTE in LTE coverage areas.

Voice Deployment in 5G Technology

In the early stages of 5G, networks may not support VoNR if it hasn’t been deployed on an SA architecture or if the network uses an NSA option 3 architecture without 5GC. In NSA mode with EPC, VoLTE handles voice services over LTE while NR handles data. However, in SA mode, VoLTE is unsupported, necessitating fallback mechanisms for continuous voice service.

Voice Over 5G Migration Paths

The journey to 5G involves several mobile network migration paths, all of which must support voice services at each evolutionary phase. To ensure seamless voice service continuity across 4G and 5G networks, 5G VoNR leverages the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture and associated IMS services currently used for VoLTE services. Globally, there are about 1.4 billion VoLTE subscriptions across more than 155 networks in over 75 countries, expected to grow to 5.9 billion by 2024, representing 85% of combined LTE and 5G subscriptions. Therefore, certain 5G deployment options will continue using IMS and VoLTE, enhanced by additional 5G services as they roll out over the coming years.

Voice Option for NSA

In NSA mode with EPC, VoLTE handles voice services over LTE while NR handles data. Devices will be VoLTE-enabled 4G/5G dual connectivity devices, allowing rapid launch of initial 5G data services. In this option:

Option 3x Voice Option:

• eNB serves as the signalling anchor.
• Voice/VoLTE traffic is sent from the core to UE via eNB radio (eNB Configuration).
• Minor software upgrades are needed for 4G EPC and 4G RAN.

Voice Options for SA

VoNR is a complex service requiring support from UE, RAN, and 5GC.  Operators may introduce VoNR in phases, with 3GPP specifying two mechanisms: EPS Fallback for Voice Service and Native Voice Service over 5GS (VoNR).

Implementing Voice Over 5G SA

5G SA Initial Phase:

• 5G data is available where coverage exists.
• EPS technology handles voice fallback to LTE network using VoLTE.
• Devices must support VoLTE and be EPS enabled.
• Requires software upgrades for IMS, cloud-based 5G NGC, and updates to 4G and 5G RAN.

5G SA Mature Phase (3GPP SA Option 2):

• 5G New Radio coverage supports voice (VoNR) and data, with seamless mobility between 4G and 5G via voice handover.
• In areas without 5G NR coverage, Packet Switched Handover (PSHO) switches sessions from 5G NR to LTE for VoLTE to manage voice services.

Conclusion

Voice services remain a vital part of the 5G ecosystem, with IMS-based services ensuring continuity and quality. Migration options must support voice services, requiring careful network optimization to meet QoS needs. Device availability and support for voice services are crucial for the early adoption and migration of voice services to 5G. Also read similar articles from here.