Hi there,
5G networks are still gaining steam, but an exciting new innovation is already leveraging their capabilities to enhance a voice communication staple – phone calls. Welcome to the world of Voice over New Radio, or VoNR.
In this quick guide, I‘ll explain what exactly VoNR is, how it improves on previous voice call tech, where we stand with adoption, and why both businesses and average cell phone users stand to benefit. Read on to learn why VoNR represents the future of voice!
VoNR refers to the technology enabling voice calls to work over 5G networks utilizing the New Radio air interface and 5G core network architecture standardized by the 3GPP.
In essence, it equates to Voice over 5G. By embracing the advanced features of 5G like higher bandwidth, lower latency, network slicing and upgraded codecs, VoNR delivers significant gains to the traditional phone calling experience we‘re all familiar with.
Some of the key infrastructure upgrades allowing this 5G voice innovation include:
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Enhanced Multimedia Priority Service: Dynamic allocation of network resources to voice sessions, guaranteeing them quality of service levels needed for HD voice even during congested traffic periods.
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Network Slicing: Logical partitioning of networks to create customized slices, including an ultra reliable low latency slice tailored to the needs of latency-sensitive VoIP traffic.
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Next-Gen Audio Codecs: Codecs like EVS and ACELP.EVS used by VoNR equipment to encode voice at far higher quality levels than legacy networks.
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Tight Integration with IMS: Built-in interop between VoNR and IP Multimedia Subsystem frameworks for intelligent session control.
So in summary, VoNR does not work in isolation. It leverages sweeping modernizations across 5G network hardware and software to elevate voice calling to new heights.
Now that we‘ve covered how VoNR ticks from a technical perspective, what exactly does it mean for call quality and the user experience?
Plenty of advantages emerge in comparison to VoLTE on 4G networks. Measurable gains enabled by 5G advancements include:
- Faster call setup time: Average of 0.8 seconds for VoNR vs 2.2 seconds for VoLTE based on field trials. That‘s over 60% quicker call connect times.
- Greatly reduced jitter and latency during calls from 5G network slicing, boosting call clarity.
- Higher voice sampling rates and next generation codecs pushing HD voice to even greater fidelity levels.
- And more reliable connectivity with quick recovery times if calls drop on the go.
In consumer terms? Crystal clear conversations with almost real-time call responsiveness. It‘s like jumping from AM to high-definition FM radio quality.
So should everyone rush out to get a 5G phone to start tapping into VoNR? Not quite yet – the technology is still actively rolling out. As of 2022, total VoNR traffic makes up less than 5% of voice minutes across leading carriers.
(Insert data table showing VoNR growth trends)
Why the limited availability for now? As cutting edge as VoNR is, it remains constrained by 5G network coverage. Carriers continue building out 5G, but its mostly restricted to urban areas and metro density zones.
Still, where 5G does reach, VoNR comes along for the ride. And analysts project exponential gains in 5G network and VoNR device penetration over the next 3 years.
In the interim, remember VoLTE still also delivers enhancements over conventional voice calling. But make no mistake, VoNR represents the future – for both consumers enjoying crystal clear video chats with friends, and businessestransmitting mission-critical communications.
The cutting edge of connectivity deserves phone calls to match. And VoNR delivers precisely that.
Hope you enjoyed this beginner‘s breakdown! Let me know if you have any other questions on the rapid changes coming to voice networks.
