Vo5G Technical White Paper: Huawei Technologies Co., LTD

Vo5G Technical White Paper
Date July, 2018
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

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Address: Huawei Industrial Base, Bantian, Longgang, Shenzhen 518129
People's Republic of China
Website: http://www.huawei.com
1
Contents
1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 5
2 Vo5G Has Been Standardized Together with 5G ............................................................. 5
2.1 What Is Vo5G? ...................................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Vo5G Standard Development .......................................................................................... 7
2.3 Voice and Video Codec Standard Development ....................................................... 7
2.4 Introduction to the Vo5G Voice/Video Communication Solution ............................ 8

2.4.1 VoNR .................................................................................................................................................... 8
2.4.2 EPS FB.................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.4.3 VoeLTE................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.4.4 RAT FB .................................................................................................................................................. 11
2.5 Introduction to the Vo5G SMS and USSD Solutions ..................................................... 13
2.6 Vo5G Solution on Different 5G Networks ...................................................................... 13

2.6.1 Introducing 5G by EPC NSA ............................................................................................................13
2.6.2 Introducing 5G by 5GC ...................................................................................................................15
3 Vo5G Is an Important Technology for Accelerating 5G Development .................... 19
4 Road to Vo5G: IMS Readiness Is the Prerequisite ........................................................... 20
5 Road to Vo5G: Accelerating VoLTE Commercialization Is the Basis.......................... 21
5.1 Voice Solution Selected at the Initial Stage of 5G Commercialization .................. 21
5.2 Evolution to VoNR............................................................................................................... 22

5.2.2 Path1: VoLTE->EPS FB->VoNR ..........................................................................................................23
5.2.3 Path2: VoLTE-> VoNR ........................................................................................................................23
5.2.4 Path3：VoLTE-> VoeLTE->RAT FB->VoNR ......................................................................................23
5.3 Accelerating VoLTE as the Fundamental Network of Vo5G .................................... 24
2
6 After Vo5G: Industry-oriented Real-Time Voice and Video Communication

Evolves Continuously ............................................................................................................... 25
6.1 5G Will Bring New Changes to Carriers' Real-Time Voice and Video
Communication ....................................................................................................................... 25
6.2 3GPP Release 16 Has Initiated a Research on the Next-Generation Real-Time

Communications Networks.................................................................................................... 25
7 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 26
8 Glossary ................................................................................................................................... 27
3
Figures
Figure 2-1 5G Voice Solution Options............................................................................................. 6
Figure 2-2 Vo5G Standard Development ...................................................................................... 7
Figure 2-3 VoNR Protocol Stack via 5GC and gNB ........................................................................ 8
Figure 2-4 VoNR Protocol Stack via EPC and gNB ......................................................................... 9
Figure 2-5 EPS Fallback Protocol Stack .........................................................................................10
Figure 2-6 VoeLTE Protocol Stack ..................................................................................................11
Figure 2-7 RAT Fallback Protocol Stack .........................................................................................12
Figure 2-8 5G option 3/3a/3X Networking ....................................................................................13
Figure 2-9 VoLTE over E-UTRA PDCP Protocol Stack .....................................................................14
Figure 2-10 VoLTE over NR PDCP Protocol Stack ..........................................................................14
Figure 2-11 5G Option7/7a/7X Networking ..................................................................................15
Figure 2-12 5G Option5 Networking ..............................................................................................16
Figure 2-13 5G Option2 Networking ..............................................................................................16
Figure 2-14 Evolution from EPS Fallback to VoNR .........................................................................17
Figure 2-15 Evolution from VoLTE of dual registration to VoNR ....................................................17
Figure 2-16 Evolution from RAT Fallback to VoNR .........................................................................18
Figure 2-17 5G Option4/4a Networking ........................................................................................18
Figure 5-1 Selection of 5G Deployment Options ..........................................................................22
Figure 5-2 Selection of 5G Voice Solutions....................................................................................22
Figure 5-3 Evolution to VoNR .........................................................................................................23
4
1 Introduction
On June 14, 2018, 3GPP TSG #80 Plenary Meeting approved the completion of
5G NR specifications for standalone (SA). In addition, after the release of the
5G NR specifications for non-standalone (NSA) in December 2017,
standardization of 5G at the first stage has been successfully completed. This
means that 5G standards are completed on time and 5G networks will be put
into commercial use.
Although data services drive 5G evolution, voice/video communication

services are still important services of carriers. Like 4G networks, how to provide
voice/video communication services must be first determined for 5G
commercialization.
2 Vo5G Has Been Standardized Together

with 5G
2.1 What Is Vo5G?

3GPP has specified that 5G uses the 4G voice/video communication
architecture and still provides voice/ video communication services based on
the IMS. The 4G radio access technology is LTE, and the voice/video over the
LTE network is called VoLTE. The 5G radio access technology is NR, and the
5
voice/video over the 5G network is called voice/video over NR (VoNR). VoLTE

and VoNR are different access modes for IMS voice/video communication
services.
In the 4G voice solution, VoLTE is the target voice/video communication

solution for 4G networks. With the expansion of 4G network coverage and
maturity of the terminal ecosystem considered, global carriers have
experienced the evolution from CSFB to VoLTE.
In addition to the expansion of 5G network coverage and maturity of the

terminal ecosystem, carriers need to consider the factors of various 5G
network deployment options when deploying 5G networks. The 5G
voice/video communication solution faces the options and evolution process
shown in the following figure.
Figure 2-1 5G Voice Solution Options
As shown in the preceding figure, in addition to VoNR, the voice/video

communication solutions EPS fallback (EPS FB), RAT fallback (RAT FB), and
voice/video over eLTE (VoeLTE) (Note 1) need to be implemented by using the
5G core network (5GC). These solutions are not defined in the 4G era.
Therefore, VoNR cannot represent all 5G voice/video communication
solutions. The industry needs to use Vo5G to summarize all 5G voice/video
communication solutions. Vo5G should include VoNR, VoeLTE, EPS FB, and RAT
FB.
Note1: eLTE, which is also called ng-eNB, supports the access to the 5GC after
a 4G base station is upgraded. For details about the definition of the eLTE
architecture, see 3GPP TS 38.300.
6
2.2 Vo5G Standard Development

At the beginning of 5G standardization, voice/video communication services
have been fully considered. By June 2018, 3GPP has completed the definition
of basic Vo5G functions in Release 15, meeting the requirements of
commercial deployment of 5G networks.
Figure 2-2 Vo5G Standard Development
There are many options for 5G networking. The voice/video communication

solution has been standardized regardless of whether 5G is introduced by EPC
NSA or is introduced by 5GC. After the 5GC is introduced, the 5GC does not
provide the CSFB solution to simplify the network and accelerate the exit of
the CS voice.
2.3 Voice and Video Codec Standard Development

According to GSMA and 3GPP, EVS (Note 2) and H.265 are mandatory codec
for voice and video communication services in Vo5G. Compared with VoLTE
AMR and H.264, EVS and H.265 require fewer bandwidths to provide better
user experience.
In the future, 3GPP will complete the standardization of Immersive Voice and
Audio Services (IVAS) in Release 16. IVAS provides better user experience and
higher error robustness under various transmission conditions from clean
channels to channels with packet loss and delay jitter. IVAS provides support
for a range of service capabilities, e.g., from mono to stereo to fully immersive
audio encoding/decoding/rendering.
At the same time, ITU and ISO have set up a joint research team, which is
studying the next-generation video codec standard H.266. A new generation
of video standards will be released in 2020. Currently, with the technologies
accumulated in the industry, H.266 has improved the performance by over 40%
compared with H.265. H.266 will be the most advanced video compression
technology solution in the industry.
7
With the continuous evolution of the voice and video codec, IVAS and H.266
are expected to take the lead in Vo5G, continuously improving user
experience.
Note 2: Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) is standardized in 3GPP Release 12

and is the voice codec providing high error robustness and good voice quality
at present.
2.4 Introduction to the Vo5G Voice/Video

Communication Solution
2.4.1 VoNR
VoNR indicates that the voice/video communication service is carried on the
gNB. There are two options based on different 5G networks:
1. The 5GC and gNB are used to carry VoNR, as shown in the following figure.
Voice/Video Voice/Video
Codec Codec
Service Service
HTTP/ RTP/ HTTP/ RTP/

SIP SIP
XCAP RTCP XCAP RTCP
TCP/IP – UDP/IP TCP/IP – UDP/IP TCP/IP – UDP/IP

NR PDCP NR PDCP
NR RLC NR RLC
QoS Flow
NR MAC NR MAC
NR PHY NR PHY
UE gNB and 5GC IMS
Figure 2-3 VoNR Protocol Stack via 5GC and gNB
2. The EPC and gNB are used to carry VoNR, as shown in the following figure.
8
Codec Codec
Service Service

SIP SIP
XCAP RTCP XCAP RTCP

NR PDCP NR PDCP
NR RLC NR RLC
EPS bearer
NR MAC NR MAC
NR PHY NR PHY
UE gNB and EPC IMS
Figure 2-4 VoNR Protocol Stack via EPC and gNB
In VoNR, UEs camp on the NR network, and voice/video communication and

data services are carried on the NR network. When a UE moves to the area
where the NR signal coverage is poor, a coverage-based handover needs to
be initiated to implement the interworking with the 4G network. Then, the UE
handovers to the LTE network, and the VoLTE service is provided.
2.4.2 EPS FB
The description of EPS FB is as follows:
The 5G NR network does not provide voice/video communication services at

the initial stage. When the gNB establishes an IMS voice/video communication
channel on the NR network, a handover is triggered. In this case, the gNB
sends a redirection or inter-RAT handover request to the 5GC to fall back to
the LTE network and use the VoLTE service, as shown in the following figure.
9
Voice/Video Service Voice/Video Service
SIP HTTP/XCAP SIP HTTP/XCAP

NR PDCP NR PDCP
NR RLC NR RLC
QoS flow
NR MAC NR MAC
NR PHY NR PHY
UE gNB and 5GC IMS
Establishing the QoS flow for IMS voice
Redirection/Handover procedure to EPS

Codec Codec
Service Service

SIP SIP
XCAP RTCP XCAP RTCP

PDCP PDCP
RLC RLC
EPS bearer
MAC MAC
PHY PHY
UE eNB and EPC IMS
Figure 2-5 EPS Fallback Protocol Stack
User experience of EPS FB is similar to that of 4G CSFB. If the UE camping on the

5G NR network makes a call, the voice/video communication and data
services fall back to the 4G network. The connection duration is 1 to 2 seconds
longer than that of the VoNR. However, there are differences between user
experience of EPS FB and that of 4G CSFB. For example, certain services, such
as USSD, do not trigger EPS FB.
The deployment of EPS FB requires overlapping coverage of LTE and NR

networks. The advantage of EPS FB is that the UE or gNB only needs to support
the IMS signaling channel (SIP over NR, low real-time requirements), and does
not need to support the IMS voice/video communication channel (RTP or
10
RTCP over NR, high real-time requirements). The RTP or RTCP over NR requires
continuous optimization on the NR network to achieve good voice quality and
low power consumption of the UE. With this technology, carriers can focus on
developing data services at the initial stage of 5G NR, and then evolve to
VoNR after the NR network coverage and optimization are complete.
2.4.3 VoeLTE
VoeLTE refers that the voice/video communication service is carried on the
5GC and ng-eNB, as shown in the following figure.
Codec Codec
Service Service

SIP SIP
XCAP RTCP XCAP RTCP

NR PDCP NR PDCP
RLC RLC
QoS Flow
MAC MAC
PHY PHY
UE ng-eNB and 5GC IMS
Figure 2-6 VoeLTE Protocol Stack
In VoeLTE, UEs camp on the eLTE network, and voice/video communication

and data services are carried on the eLTE network. When a UE moves to the
area where the eLTE signal coverage is poor, a coverage-based handover
needs to be initiated to implement the interworking with the 4G or NR network.
Then, the UE handovers to the LTE or NR network, and the VoLTE or VoNR
service is provided.
2.4.4 RAT FB
The description of RAT FB is as follows:
Similar to EPS FB, the 5G NR does not provide voice/video communication

services at the initial stage. When the gNB establishes an IMS voice/video
communication channel on the 5G network, a handover is triggered. In this
case, the gNB sends a redirection or inter-RAT handover request to the 5GC to
fall back to the eLTE network and use the VoeLTE service, as shown in the
following figure.
11
Voice/Video Service Voice/Video Service
SIP HTTP/XCAP SIP HTTP/XCAP

NR PDCP NR PDCP
NR RLC NR RLC
QoS flow
NR MAC NR MAC
NR PHY NR PHY
UE gNB and 5GC IMS
Establishing the QoS flow for IMS voice
Redirection/Handover procedure to EPS

Codec Codec
Service Service

SIP SIP
XCAP RTCP XCAP RTCP

NR PDCP NR PDCP
RLC RLC
QoS flow
MAC MAC
PHY PHY
UE ng-eNB and 5GC IMS
Figure 2-7 RAT Fallback Protocol Stack
User experience and introduction causes of RAT FB are the same as those of
EPS FB. The deployment of RAT FB requires overlapping coverage of eLTE and
NR networks. It is used for NR and LTE networks without overlapping coverage,
and the gNB does not deploy an IMS voice/video communication channel
(RTP or RTCP over NR).
12
2.5 Introduction to the Vo5G SMS and USSD Solutions

In Vo5G, the short message service (SMS) and USSD solutions are implemented
through the 5GC and IMS regardless of VoNR, EPS FB, VoeLTE, or RAT FB.
The SMS solution is implemented through SMS over IMS. For details, see 3GPP TS
23.204.
The modification of supplementary services is implemented over the XCAP/Ut

interface. For details, see 3GPP TS 24.623.
The USSD solution is implemented through USSD over IMS. For details, see 3GPP
TS 23.390.
2.6 Vo5G Solution on Different 5G Networks

2.6.1 Introducing 5G by EPC NSA
For 5G option 3/3a/3X, the NR is provided by the gNB, and the gNB serves as
the secondary node of the master node of eNB to access the EPC network, as
shown in the following figure.
Figure 2-8 5G option 3/3a/3X Networking
1. Voice/Video Communication
In the networking, the voice/video communication services can continue

using technologies, such as the CSFB and VoLTE, or using the VoNR technology
under the NR coverage. Generally, carriers can select evolution from CSFB to
VoLTE, and then choose to evolve to VoNR.
In the networking, there are two options for using the VoLTE technology:
1) VoLTE over E-UTRA PDCP defined on the 4G network
13
Codec Codec
Service Service

SIP SIP
XCAP RTCP XCAP RTCP

PDCP PDCP
RLC RLC
EPS bearer
MAC MAC
PHY PHY
UE eNB and EPC IMS
Figure 2-9 VoLTE over E-UTRA PDCP Protocol Stack
2) VoLTE over NR PDCP
Codec Codec
Service Service

SIP SIP
XCAP RTCP XCAP RTCP

NR PDCP NR PDCP
RLC RLC
EPS bearer
MAC MAC
PHY PHY
UE eNB and EPC IMS
Figure 2-10 VoLTE over NR PDCP Protocol Stack
3GPP TS 37.340 is for option 3 networking. The eNodeB can support NR PDCP or
E-UTRAN PDCP. If only NR PDCP is supported, the variant VoLTE over NR PDCP is
introduced. Although no new function is provided for VoLTE, the introduction
of new protocol stacks will increase the workload of network optimization and
UE power consumption optimization.
2. SMS and USSD
The SMS solution can use the SMS over SGs or SMS over IMS technology. The
USSD solution can use the CSFB or USSD over IMS technology.
14
2.6.2 Introducing 5G by 5GC

1. SMS and USSD
The SMS solution can only use the SMS over IMS technology. The USSD solution
can only use the USSD over IMS technology.
2. Voice/Video Communication
1) 5G option 7/7a/7X
The networking is evolved from option 3/3a/3X. With the deployment of 5GC,
option 3/3a/3X originally connected to the EPC can be cut over to the 5GC.
Figure 2-11 5G Option7/7a/7X Networking
In the networking, the CSFB technology cannot be used because there is no

interface between the 5GC and MSC. The voice/video communication
service needs to use the VoeLTE technology, or use the VoNR technology
under the NR coverage. Carriers can choose to evolve to VoNR.
2) 5G Option5
15
Figure 2-12 5G Option5 Networking
The networking is evolved from the LTE networking. With the deployment of
5GC, the eNodeB originally connected to the EPC is upgraded to ng-eNB and
can be cut over to the 5GC.
In the networking, the CSFB technology cannot be used because there is no

interface between the 5GC and MSC. The voice/video communication
service requires the VoeLTE technology.
3) 5G Option2
The networking is the target 5G networking. VoNR can be selected for the
voice/video communication services, as shown in the following figure.
Figure 2-13 5G Option2 Networking
In addition, at the initial stage of 5G deployment, NR and 4G network

coverage is overlapped. Therefore, EPS FB can be preferentially selected for
voice/video communication services. Then, VoNR is used, as shown in the
following figure.
16
Figure 2-14 Evolution from EPS Fallback to VoNR
Alternatively, at the initial stage of 5G deployment, NR and 4G network

coverage is overlapped. Carriers can select the dual registration solution
(Note 3). The UE (Note 4) can access the EPS and 5G system (5GS) at the same
time. The voice/video communication service is carried using VoLTE in the EPS,
and data services can be carried in the NR/5GS or LTE/EPC based on
coverage. Then, VoNR is used, as shown in the following figure.
Figure 2-15 Evolution from VoLTE of dual registration to VoNR
Note 3: Dual registration is defined in 3GPP TS 23.501 and 3GPP TS 23.502.
Note 4: The UE can use dual Rx/Tx or 1Tx+2Rx to meet requirements of

simultaneous access to the EPS and 5GS. In this case, the power consumption
of the UE is high.
Alternatively, at the initial stage of 5G deployment, NR and eLTE network

coverage is overlapped. Therefore, RAT FB can be preferentially selected for
voice/video communication services. Then, VoNR is used, as shown in the
following figure.
17
Figure 2-16 Evolution from RAT Fallback to VoNR
4) 5G Option4/4a
The networking is enhanced on the basis of 5G option 2, and the secondary

node of the eLTE is added.
Figure 2-17 5G Option4/4a Networking
The NR coverage scope of the master node is larger than that of the eLTE
secondary node. Therefore, the voice/video communication service is
optional on the secondary node. The voice/video communication solution
options of the networking are the same as those of option 2.
18
3 Vo5G Is an Important Technology for

Accelerating 5G Development
5G development requires more spectrum resources, especially low-frequency

resources with good penetrating capabilities. High-quality low-frequency
resources are occupied by 2G or 3G networks for voice/video communication
and cannot be released. With the introduction of 5G, carriers will face the
challenge of coexistence of 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Too many RATs and
networks result in high CAPEX and OPEX. Vo5G can accelerate the migration
of voice/video communication from 2G or 3G networks to 4G or 5G networks,
reducing the number of networks and costs as well as refarming
low-frequency resources for 5G.
Vo5G provides the same user experience as VoLTE. A voice/video call is

connected within a short period, only about 1 to 2 seconds from dialing to
hearing the ring back tone. While making the call, subscribers can also enjoy
high-speed 4G or 5G Internet access, for example, by accessing a high-speed
download service.
In addition, EVS and H.265 codec is mandated for Vo5G, which provides
better user experience. The voice bandwidth (ultra-broadband and full
bandwidth) is expanded, and the high error robustness of voice and video
communication services is improved.
Vo5G will be fundamental to accelerate 5G development because both

carriers and subscribers are willing to use Vo5G.
19
4 Road to Vo5G: IMS Readiness Is the

Prerequisite
3GPP has specified that 5G must provide voice/video communication services

based on the IMS, that is, the IMS must be deployed for VoNR, VoeLTE, EPS FB,
and RAT FB in 3GPP Release 15 or 5G-to-3G SRVCC in 3GPP Release 16.
After years of VoLTE construction, IMS deployment is no longer complex. There

are standard solutions to difficulties, such as inheritance of services on the 2G
or 3G networks and CS and IMS service consistency. At the same time, the IMS
is the product that first adapts to cloud-based transformation of
telecommunication networks and commercially deploys NFV.
IMS deployment has entered the fast lane. According to statistics of GSMA
(Note 5), 138 carriers around the world had launched IMS-based VoLTE
networks by May 2018.
Note 5: The data is from

https://www.gsma.com/futurenetworks/resources/all-ip-statistics/
20
5 Road to Vo5G: Accelerating VoLTE

Commercialization Is the Basis
5.1 Voice Solution Selected at the Initial Stage of 5G

Commercialization
At the 2018 IMS World Forum (Note 6), a carrier-oriented survey shows that
nearly half of carriers will first choose EPC NSA to introduce 5G.
Note 6: IMS World Forum (https://tmt.knect365.com/ims-world-forum/) is the

only professional forum that focuses on the IMS technology, innovation,
evolution, and ecosystem and has great influence in the industry.
21
Figure 5-1 Selection of 5G Deployment Options
75% carriers select VoLTE as the solution for Vo5G at the initial stage. No carrier
selects CSFB as the solution for Vo5G at the initial stage.
Figure 5-2 Selection of 5G Voice Solutions
5.2 Evolution to VoNR

VoNR is the target voice/video communication solution for 5G networks. There
are multiple methods to transform the voice/video communication solution
selected at the initial 5G stage to VoNR. By June 2018, Huawei Marketing
Intelligence (MI) has investigated global carriers who will deploy 5G networks,
and the investigation results show that there are three VoNR evolution paths.
22
Figure 5-3 Evolution to VoNR
5.2.2 Path1: VoLTE->EPS FB->VoNR

At the initial stage of 5G, voice/video communication and data networks are
separated. Voice/video communication services are provided by the EPC
and LTE, and VoLTE is used as the voice/video communication solution. With
the introduction of the 5GC, voice/video communication services are still
provided by the EPC and LTE, and EPS FB is used as the voice/video
communication solution. After the 5G network is further optimized, VoNR is
gradually provided using either of the following 5G evolution methods:
• 4G->5G Option3/3a/3X->5G Option2
• 4G->5G Option2
5.2.3 Path2: VoLTE-> VoNR

Voice/video communication and data services are provided on the 5G
network using the following method:
• 4G->5G Option2
5.2.4 Path3：VoLTE-> VoeLTE->RAT FB->VoNR

At the initial stage of 5G, voice/video communication and data networks are
separated, and the NR+LTE networking is adopted. Voice/video
communication services are provided by the EPC and LTE, and VoLTE is used
as the voice/video communication solution. With the introduction of the 5GC,
the NR+LTE networking is still adopted, voice/video communication services
23
are provided by the 5GC and LTE, and VoeLTE is used as the voice/video
communication solution. The NR SA networking is introduced gradually,
voice/video communication services are still provided by the 5GC and LTE,
and RAT FB is used as the voice/video communication solution. After the 5G
network is further optimized, VoNR is gradually provided using the following 5G
evolution method:
• 4G->5G Option3/3a/3X->5G Option7/7a/7X->5G Option2
5.3 Accelerating VoLTE as the Fundamental Network of

Vo5G
The traditional CS voice service is gradually phasing out from the 2G or 3G CS
voice service to 4G VoLTE and from 2G or 3G CS-domain voice service
continuity supported by VoLTE to only IMS-based voice services supported by
Vo5G. For carriers, as 5G approaches, VoLTE deployment becomes
increasingly urgent.
For 5G, the networking is complex. The key to success requires the assurance
of service continuity and economic and effective network deployment. OPEX
and CAPEX can be effectively reduced by providing the voice/video
communication services only on the 4G or 5G networks with the 2G or 3G
voice networks shut down based on site conditions. VoLTE will become the
basic voice/video communication network in the 5G era and work with Vo5G
to ensure the continuity of voice/video communication services.
24
6 After Vo5G: Industry-oriented Real-Time

Voice and Video Communication Evolves
Continuously
6.1 5G Will Bring New Changes to Carriers' Real-Time

Voice and Video Communication
Currently, there are 7 billion people-to-people voice and video connections
around the world. As 5G is coming, voice and video connections will extend to
20 billion people-to-people and people-to-machine connections. 5% to 10%
5G application scenarios, such as UHD videos, AR or VR communication, and
IoT, need to be built based on real-time communication capabilities,
indicating that voice/video communication services will be transformed from
consumer voice/video communication services to enhanced real-time
communication network capabilities and will run on the dedicated network
and Internet. Terminals also change from mobile phones to TV, watches, cars,
and even robots. The changes are good opportunities for voice/video
communication services and will enhance user experience and create
business value for carriers.
6.2 3GPP Release 16 Has Initiated a Research on the

Next-Generation Real-Time Communications Networks
The FS_NG_RTC (Note 7) project has been approved in 3GPP Release 16 in
June 2018. The project invites carriers and suppliers to discuss and define the
next-generation real-time communications networks, such as how to provide
enhanced media planes to support the AR or VR communication and how to
define IMS network slices to enable vertical industries.
In addition, the new requirements and applications of real-time voice and

video in various industries are key to driving network architecture evolution.
More and more vertical industry partners and the entire ecosystem are
recommended to participate in the project and jointly plan future-oriented
real-time communications networks.
25
Note 7: For details about the project, visit

https://portal.3gpp.org/desktopmodules/WorkItem/WorkItemDetails.aspx?wo
rkitemId=800029.
7 Conclusion
Vo5G has been standardized with the standard process of 3GPP 5G. The
Vo5G solution is provided based on the IMS.
Vo5G can accelerate the migration of voice/video communication from 2G

or 3G networks to 4G or 5G networks, reducing the number of networks and
costs as well as refarming low-frequency resources for 5G. Deploying the IMS
and accelerating the commercial use of VoLTE are the only way to move
towards Vo5G.
5G will greatly change our society and lives. The entire industry needs to plan
future-oriented real-time communications networks in advance to
continuously evolve to the next-generation communications networks.
26
8 Glossary
Table 8-1 Abbreviations List
Abbreviations Description
3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project
5GC 5G Core Network
CAPEX Capital Expenditures
CS Circuit Switched Domain
CSFB Circuit Switched Fallback
EPC Evolved Packet Core
EPS FB Evolved Packet System Fallback
EVS Enhanced Voice Services
GSMA GSM Association
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol
IMS IP Multimedia Subsystem
IP Internet Protocol
ISO International Organization for Standardization
ITU International Telecommunication Union
IVAS Immersive Voice and Audio Services
LTE Long Term Evolution
MAC Medium Access Control Protocol
MI Marketing Intellgence
MSC Mobile Switching Center
NR New Radio
NSA Non-Standalone
OPEX Operating Expenses
PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol
PHY Physical Layer
QoS Quality of Service
RAT Radio Access Technology
RAT FB Radio Access Technology Fallback
RLC Radio Link Control Protocol
27
RTCP RTP Control Protocol

RTP Real-time Transport Protocol
SA Standalone
SIP Session Initiation Protocol
SMS Short Message Service
SRVCC Single Radio Voice Call Continuity
TCP Transmission Control Protocol
UDP User Datagram Protocol
UE User Equipment
USSD Unstructured Supplementary Service Data
Vo5G Voice over 5G
VoLTE Voice over LTE
VoNR Voice over NR
VoeLTE Voice over eLTE
XCAP XML Configuration Access Protocol
eLTE Evolved LTE
eNB Evolved NodeB
gNB Next Generation NodeB
ng-eNB Next Generation Evolved NodeB
VR Virtual Reality
AR Augmented Reality
IoT Internet of Things
28

Vo5G Technical White Paper: Huawei Technologies Co., LTD

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Vo5G Technical White Paper: Huawei Technologies Co., LTD

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Vo5G Technical White Paper

Date July, 2018

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Trademarks and Permissions

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

2 Vo5G Has Been Standardized Together with 5G ............................................................. 5

2.1 What Is Vo5G? ...................................................................................................................... 5

2.2 Vo5G Standard Development .......................................................................................... 7

2.3 Voice and Video Codec Standard Development ....................................................... 7

2.4 Introduction to the Vo5G Voice/Video Communication Solution ............................ 8

2.5 Introduction to the Vo5G SMS and USSD Solutions ..................................................... 13

2.6 Vo5G Solution on Different 5G Networks ...................................................................... 13

3 Vo5G Is an Important Technology for Accelerating 5G Development .................... 19

4 Road to Vo5G: IMS Readiness Is the Prerequisite ........................................................... 20

5 Road to Vo5G: Accelerating VoLTE Commercialization Is the Basis.......................... 21

5.1 Voice Solution Selected at the Initial Stage of 5G Commercialization .................. 21

5.2 Evolution to VoNR............................................................................................................... 22

5.3 Accelerating VoLTE as the Fundamental Network of Vo5G .................................... 24

6 After Vo5G: Industry-oriented Real-Time Voice and Video Communication

6.2 3GPP Release 16 Has Initiated a Research on the Next-Generation Real-Time

Figure 2-1 5G Voice Solution Options............................................................................................. 6

Figure 2-2 Vo5G Standard Development ...................................................................................... 7

Figure 2-5 EPS Fallback Protocol Stack .........................................................................................10

Figure 2-6 VoeLTE Protocol Stack ..................................................................................................11

Figure 2-7 RAT Fallback Protocol Stack .........................................................................................12

Figure 2-8 5G option 3/3a/3X Networking ....................................................................................13

Figure 2-9 VoLTE over E-UTRA PDCP Protocol Stack .....................................................................14

Figure 2-10 VoLTE over NR PDCP Protocol Stack ..........................................................................14

Figure 2-11 5G Option7/7a/7X Networking ..................................................................................15

Figure 2-12 5G Option5 Networking ..............................................................................................16

Figure 2-13 5G Option2 Networking ..............................................................................................16

Figure 2-14 Evolution from EPS Fallback to VoNR .........................................................................17

Figure 2-15 Evolution from VoLTE of dual registration to VoNR ....................................................17

Figure 2-16 Evolution from RAT Fallback to VoNR .........................................................................18

Figure 2-17 5G Option4/4a Networking ........................................................................................18

Figure 5-1 Selection of 5G Deployment Options ..........................................................................22

Figure 5-2 Selection of 5G Voice Solutions....................................................................................22

Figure 5-3 Evolution to VoNR .........................................................................................................23

Although data services drive 5G evolution, voice/video communication

2 Vo5G Has Been Standardized Together

2.1 What Is Vo5G?

voice/video over the 5G network is called voice/video over NR (VoNR). VoLTE

In the 4G voice solution, VoLTE is the target voice/video communication

In addition to the expansion of 5G network coverage and maturity of the

Figure 2-1 5G Voice Solution Options

As shown in the preceding figure, in addition to VoNR, the voice/video

2.2 Vo5G Standard Development

Figure 2-2 Vo5G Standard Development

There are many options for 5G networking. The voice/video communication

2.3 Voice and Video Codec Standard Development

Note 2: Enhanced Voice Services (EVS) is standardized in 3GPP Release 12

2.4 Introduction to the Vo5G Voice/Video

HTTP/ RTP/ HTTP/ RTP/

TCP/IP – UDP/IP TCP/IP – UDP/IP TCP/IP – UDP/IP

UE gNB and 5GC IMS

Figure 2-3 VoNR Protocol Stack via 5GC and gNB

HTTP/ RTP/ HTTP/ RTP/

TCP/IP – UDP/IP TCP/IP – UDP/IP TCP/IP – UDP/IP

UE gNB and EPC IMS