Introduction
If high-definition video and HD voice were the two standout features of VoLTE in the 4G era, how will voice services evolve in the 5G era? Will they undergo a similar leap as VoLTE? This article introduces VoNR, the target voice solution for 5G networks.
VoNR Solution Overview
Explosive data growth, massive device connectivity, and a flood of new services and application scenarios drove the emergence of fifth-generation mobile communication (5G) systems. Although data services have been the primary driver for 5G evolution, voice services remain an essential part of operators' offerings. Vo5G (Voice over 5G) is the general term for 5G voice solutions; VoNR is the target voice solution within Vo5G.
VoNR (Voice over New Radio) is a voice solution based on pure 5G access in which both voice and data services are carried over the 5G network. Since 5G continues to use the 4G network architecture for packet switching and does not support circuit switching, it still relies on IMS to provide voice services to users.
Key Characteristics of VoNR
As the target voice solution for 5G, what advantages does VoNR have compared with other voice solutions in the 5G era?
User Perspective
Although VoNR follows the VoLTE architecture and does not introduce revolutionary changes in architecture, it does improve user experience: VoNR provides better call quality than VoLTE, higher-definition video calling, and lower call setup latency. Users can enjoy high-speed 5G data while on calls, avoiding situations where gaming or other data use slows down during voice calls.
VoNR is also applied in scenarios such as virtual reality, extending beyond traditional audio and video limits. It can satisfy auditory and visual requirements while supporting interactive operations, enabling multimodal immersive experiences that combine voice, vision, and haptics.
Operator Perspective
Lower Operational Costs
Because VoNR builds on the VoLTE foundation, it can accelerate CS network decommissioning and drive migration of traditional 2G/3G circuit-switched voice toward 4G and 5G. This avoids maintaining multiple legacy networks simultaneously, improving network efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Support for New Applications and Revenue Streams
In the 5G era, applications such as AR, VR, and holographic projection rely on real-time, high-definition audio and video. For example, to reproduce a remote scene accurately for precise remote control, 5G-enabled remote collaboration synchronizes audio and video dynamics in real time. Remote operators can analyze collected site data, identify anomalies, and ensure reliable and timely operations. These capabilities are applied in healthcare, autonomous driving, mining, logistics, and other industries.
Under VoNR, voice and video services are extending from person-to-person connections to include person-to-machine interactions, offering capabilities beyond what OTT audio/video services can provide.
Summary
From legacy 2G/3G voice to VoLTE and now VoNR, circuit-switched voice is gradually being retired. From both user and operator perspectives, VoNR is the preferred evolution path for the 5G era. It improves the user experience across the board, and the combination of standalone 5G networks and VoNR-enabled applications will have a significant impact on daily life and industry.
