VoNR technology supports both voice call and data service using the 5G network while the current 5G network approach switches into 4G network when making voice calls. Without the need for switching between networks, VoNR provides a higher chance of maintaining connection in voice call as well as faster call connection times. Users can also enjoy true 5G speeds when playing high-performance games or streaming high-quality videos even while staying on a call.

Samsung’s VoNR solution includes key technologies such as an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), Quality of Service (QoS), and handover.

The Exynos Chip, which applied the comprehensive VoNR solution

IMS is the key technology for VoNR that enables all multimedia services – such as audio, video, and extensive data services – within a single IP (internet protocol) network. Samsung’s 5G NR (New Radio) communication protocol stack for the IMS used in 4G voice calls (VoLTE) is designed for stable compatibility with VoNR services as well. The protocol stack is an aggregation of software layers that implement the communication protocols needed for different devices to communicate data with each other.

Samsung has also developed the QoS that provides stable support for 5G VoNR and the technology that assists uninterrupted handover between nearby network base stations. QoS analyzes the flow of data using the network and determines the priority of services in real-time. Additionally, Samsung’s protocol stack places the highest priority on voice calls anytime, anywhere, thereby enhancing the quality of VoNR.

“With a surge in the number of 5G smartphone users, there is a higher demand for various 5G technologies and services,” said Jonghan Kim, Vice President of System LSI Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to deliver next-generation mobile communication technologies, including VoNR service support, that will bring users together, faster.”

Samsung’s prolific journey in 5G includes the launch of the Exynos Modem 5100 in 2018, which was the industry’s first multi-mode chip that is fully compliant with the 5G telecommunication standard (5G NR Release-15). The momentum continued in January this year, with the launch of the Exynos 2100, Samsung’s first premium mobile SoC with an integrated 5G modem.

Being a part of the industry’s first commercial VoNR deployment in Singapore back in July and building on that momentum, Samsung is currently providing its 5G VoNR-integrated solution to global mobile device manufacturers while conducting focused localization and automation tests for VoNR deployment with global network companies.

During the live demonstration at Deutsche Telekom’s booth, two robotic arms were connected to Samsung’s 5G radio system which incorporates GLA technology. When GLA was applied to both of the robotic arms for the guarantee of low and controlled latency, a box was successfully delivered from point A to B, as they moved in a synchronous harmony within the set amount of time. On the contrary, when GLA was applied to only one of the arms, the different latencies caused the arms to differ in speed, causing the box to drop. GLA will gain importance especially in industrial use cases where accurate synchronization between machines are critical.

“5G signifies more than ultra-fast speed. With low latency, close to what is expected of ‘real-time’, unprecedented business models and services can be generated,” said Youngky Kim, President and Head of the Networks Business at Samsung Electronics. “The 5G GLA showcase, jointly conducted with Deutsche Telekom, has proven that an accurate and stable operation of latency control is a feasible concept. We believe that this is a key element in enabling operators to create new business models, including industrial use cases.”

“In the 5G era, the ability to control latency in the entire end-to-end network chain guarantees users an unprecedented level of Quality of Service, which would have otherwise been not possible with past technologies,” said Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, Chief Technology Officer, Deutsche Telekom. “Today’s event is significant, as this innovation makes the application of 5G for industrial use cases more tangible. Through our ongoing partnership together, we will continue to actively make 5G a reality.”

Related to end-to-end latency, each step and element with the 5G end-to-end network chain carries an impact, meaning that Radio Access should not be an exception. With GLA, based on 3GPP’s Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC), in particular, each network element must control its latency contribution. Guaranteed latency is an aspect of Quality of Service (QoS) that is guaranteed with Samsung’s GLA feature, which is part of its 5G radio system. The feature enables efficient operation of scarce radio resources, in turn guaranteeing efficient time management and investment. This makes it an ideal option for various sectors, including those requiring real-time communication such as industrial services and autonomous cars.