R&S helps China Mobile conduct 5G VoNR acoustic testing

Although high-speed data services are an important factor driving the development of 5G, traditional voice and video communications are still an important part of operators' services. From 2G to 5G, the voice service model has undergone tremendous changes. 2G and 3G voice are carried through the circuit domain (CS), such as 12.2k AMR voice and 64k video call services, while data services are carried through the packet domain (PS). Starting from 4G, voice services are based on the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture and have evolved on this basis. 3GPP did not define the switching between 5G and 3G/2G in R15. Therefore, 5G voice must be implemented through EPS fallback or VoNR, especially under the SA architecture, the use of IMS-based ultra-high-definition voice communication has become inevitable.

The initial voice codec used in GSM focused only on voice services, while the EVS (Enhanced Voice Service) codec used by VoNR focuses on high-quality multimedia services. This service has a wider audio bandwidth (narrowband NB, wideband WB, ultra-wideband SWB, full-band FB), a higher sampling rate, a better quantization level, and higher clarity. These features make 5G applications based on low-latency ultra-high-definition voice communications possible and greatly improve user experience.

Rohde & Schwarz has been cooperating with China Mobile in 2G/3G/4G acoustic testing, using CMW500 to provide acoustic testing solutions from 2G to 4G. Earlier this year, Rohde & Schwarz worked with chip manufacturers and terminal manufacturers to debug VoNR test cases, preparing for the official VoNR China Mobile inventory test.

The figure below depicts a test setup for 5G voice and video applications, which includes the LTE and 5G-capable CMX500 Wireless Communications Tester and CMW500 Wideband Wireless Communications Tester for either standalone or non-standalone signaling testing.

As shown in the figure, the setup can be extended with an audio analyzer to perform audio measurements using an artificial mouth and an artificial ear. The DUT is connected to the audio analyzer via the speaker output. The CMX500 supports an internal IMS server, allowing virtual UE emulation and audio loopback mode, allowing for fast and simple VoNR testing.

Rohde & Schwarz is a leading supplier in the fields of test and measurement, broadcast and media, aerospace, defense and security, and cybersecurity. As an independent technology group, Rohde & Schwarz's innovative communications, information and security products provide a more secure and connected world for customers in industry and government. As of June 30, 2020, Rohde & Schwarz had approximately 12,300 employees. Headquartered in Munich, Germany, the company has subsidiaries in more than 70 countries and regional centers in Asia and the United States.

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