Length: 3 Days
LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro Migration to 5G Training
5G is garnering a lot of attention as carriers roll out this new technology in the U.S., but until 5G infrastructures are established over the next several years, consumers will actually be getting a 5G that’s also a little 4G.
Pushing the migration to 5G wireless networks is a go-between technology called Long Term Evolution (LTE).
Another way of looking at it: The road to 5G wireless technology has been more of a step by step than one giant leap.
With the publication of Release 15, the standardization organization 3GPP implemented specifications for the new 5G technology. But the releases before R15 (R8 through R14) laid the groundwork for 5G advancement through Long Term Evolution (LTE) architecture. Each progressive version of LTE produced results closer to what is expected of 5G today (or near future).
For example, LTE (as covered in R8 and R9) was capable of download speeds of 100Mbps. The next LTE, LTE-Advanced, produced download speeds of 300Mbps as specified in R10 -12. The newest version of LTE, LTE-A Pro rode 3GPP releases 13-14 with specifications much closer to 5G. Its download speeds jumped to 1Gbps.
Today LTE-A Pro is also known as 4.5G because it’s bridging the gap between 4G and 5G. This is important because with the 5G rollout just starting out in mid-2019 in the U.S., it will be several years before carriers can complete infrastructures capable of supporting the full 5G specifications as outlined starting with Release 15.
In other words, consumers can expect to depend on much of what LTE-A Pro has to offer until 5G is completely built out.
And because the newest LTE version has progressed so rapidly, the use of this technology is not all that out of line with what 5G plans to offer.
The main advancements underpinning LTE-A Pro technology include carrier aggregation and increased network capacity and efficiency.
LTE-Advanced Pro roughly doubles the network capacity without the need for any additional spectrum or base stations. The use of 4×4 MiMo antennas increases capacity by allowing multiple transmit and receive signals simultaneously, and a 256 QAM modulation scheme (an increase from 64) makes it possible to carry more bits of data per symbol, increasing throughput and making better use of the spectrum.
Other benefits delivered by LTE-Advanced Pro over earlier LTE technologies include longer battery life (up to 10x) and a closer alignment with 5G for improved network future-proofing. It also enables private organizations to take advantage of spectrum sharing to establish private LTE networks, without having to buy a spectrum license.
An argument can certainly be made that the LTE series has been important in the furthering capabilities of the Internet of Things (IoT) massive connectivity of devices – an area that should reach its peak with full development of 5G.
LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro Migration to 5G Training Course by Tonex
LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro Migration to 5G Training covers LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, features and enhancements and migration towards 5G. Other topics include: 5G NR, Air Interface Architecture, 5G Core (5GC) Architecture, Nodes, Interfaces, and Operation.
LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) is essentially a 4G technology and LTE-Advanced Pro (LTE-A Pro) AKA Gigabit LTE aims to significantly increase the data speeds and bandwidth, a stepping stone toward 5G. Pre-5G and 4.5G essentially point to LTE-A Pro with key attributes such as:
- Data speeds in excess of 3 Gbps (LTE-A: 1Gbps)
- 640 MHz of carrier bandwidth (LTE-A: 100MHz)
- Latency: 2ms (LTE-A: 10ms)
IMT-2020 (5G) defines Pre5G as:
- Peak downlink speeds of 100Mbps-1Gbps & increase average user bandwidth by five times
- Increase system capacity by up to eight times
- Connect 100 times more connections per unit area compared with 4G
This practical hands-on training course presents LTE technologies from end-to-end, including network planning and the optimization tradeoff process, features of LTE-Advanced and LTE-Advanced Pro and how they integrate into existing LTE/EPC and 5G network. Attendees learn but the migration paths, and the challenges involved with the migration from LTE/EPC toward 5G-NR (SA and NSA)/5GC.
Topics Include:
- 5GC Overview
- 5G Technology Overview
- 5G System Survey
- 5G Architecture and Interfaces
- 5G Network Services
- 5G-NR Architecture, Interfaces, Protocols and Operations
- 5G-NR Signaling
- 5G Core (5GC) Architecture, Interfaces, Protocols and Operations
- Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)
- Advanced LPWA for IoT
- 5G Signaling and Operations
- 5G Protocol and Architecture
- 5GC Network Solutions
- 5G Network Design and Optimization
- 5G Network Roll-Out
- 5G Capacity Planning
- 5G For Non-Engineers and Managers
- 5G RAN Signaling
- 5G RF Engineering
- 5G RF Planning
Learning Objectives:
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the evolution from LTE/LTE-A and LTE-A Pro to 5G
- Summarize LTE-A pro architecture enhancements towards 5G
- Describe the fundamentals of 5G networks
- Illustrate the architecture of the 5G network including 5G NR and 5GC
- Describe Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type (mMTC) Communications and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC) features in 5G
- Identify key 5G network functions, interfaces, protocols and interworking elements
- Describe how the 5G NR works
- Describe 5GC network functions and interfaces
- Compare 5G Service Based Architecture vs. Reference Point Architecture
- Describe ingratiation paths to 5G
Who Should Attend
This professional training course is designed for young technical professionals in engineering, managers and others seeking to establish credentials in preparation for migration to 5G NR (SA and NSA) and 5GC networks.
Method of Learning
The class consists of pedagogical elements that are interwoven to maximize the use of individual, group and class time. These elements are lectures, in-class activities, teamwork, group assignments, quizzes and tests for the advancement of engineers in multiple areas.
The methods of learning consist of visual presentations on engineering management topics, textbook, discussions, activities and involvement of all participants in practical exercises to demonstrate application of knowledge learned.
Courses Material, Tools and Guides:
Evolution from LTE/LTE-A Pro to 5G
- LTE/LTE-A Overview
- LTE-A Pro Overview
- Carrier Aggregation
- Dual Connectivity
- LTE Unlicensed ad License Assisted Access (LAA)
- LTE/WLAN Interowkring and Aggregation
- LTE Broadcast Multicast
- Evolved Paacket Core (EPC)
- Group Communication
- Enhancements for D2D
- D2D Discovery
- ProSe
- LTE V2X Communication and Architecture
- MTC and IoT
- LTE enhancements for Machine-Type Communications (MTC)
- Evolution to 5G
- Enhancement of Network Flexibility
- CDN(Content Distribution Network)
- Inteligent content-reqest routing mechanism
- New APN provisioning and associated signaling
- Additional Support for Essential Functions
- Fundamental Attributes of Network Layer
- Automatic topology mapping and pathology-free routing
- Mobility Solution
- Multi-RAT Integration and Management
- Standalone 5G NR operation (SA)
- Non-Standalone 5G NR operation (NSA)
- NB-IoT vs. LTE-M vs. 5G and More
- Cat-0, Cat-1, LTE-M, NB-IoT, EC-GSM, and 5G
- Cat-M1/Cat-M/LTE-M
- NB-IoT/Cat-M2
- EC-GSM (Extended Coverage formerly EC-EGPRS)
Overview of 5G Network Services
- 5G Use Cases
- 5G Device-types
- 5G Services
- Expectations on 5G
- Use cases and spectrum bands for 5G
- Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB)
- Massive Machine Type (mMTC) Communications
- Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC)
5G Radio and Core Network Architecture
- 5G Network Building Blocks and Interfaces
- 5G Deployments and Spectrum
- New Radio (NR) or sub-6GHz
- Frequency Range 1: 450 MHz to 6,000 MHz
- Frequency Range 2: 24,250 MHz (~24GHz) to 52,600 MHz (~52GHz).
- millimeter wave
- Architectural Layout using Network Functions
- Network nodes in the 5G Core Network (5GC)
- 5GC Key functions
- Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
- Network Slicing
- Multi-Tenancy
- Multi-Connectivity
- IMS based Services
- New Quality of Service Architecture
- Interfaces between these 5GC nodes and the 5G Base Stations (gNB)
- LTE/5G Dual Connectivity
- EPC or the 5GC as core network
- 5G Network Deployment Options
- Standalone (SA) and Nonstandalone (NSA)
- Evolved Packet Core (EPC) and 5G Core Network (5GC)
Network Slicing in 5G
- 5G Applications
- 5G RAN Control Plane Architecture
- 5G RAN User Plane Architecture
- Dual Connectivity Architecture
- Interfaces 5G Core / RAN
- RAN Internal Architecture
- IP Multimedia Service Architecture
- Other aspects
Architecture Evolution from LTE/LTE-A and LTE-A Pro to 5G NR
- Next Generation 5G RAN Architecture
- Key 5G NR Technologies
- Radio Access Architecture and Interfaces
- 5G RAN Architecture
- 5G New Radio (NR)
- 5G NR bands
- Low bands below 1 GHz: longer range for e.g. mobile broadband and massive IoT
- 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 850/900 MHz
- Mid bands 1 GHz to 6 GHz: wider bandwidths for e.g. eMBB and mission-critical
- New frequency range for NR (3.3-4.2 GHz)
- New frequency range for NR (4.4-4.99 GHz)
- High bands above 24 GHz (mmWave): extreme bandwidths
- New frequency range for NR (24.25-29.5 GHz
- channel model for frequencies from 0.5 to 100 GHz
- Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) for NR
- User Equipment (UE) Radio Transmission and Reception
- Integrated Backhaul Access (IAB)
- Separation of NR Control Plane (CP) and User Plane (UP)
- 5G NR L2 and L3 Protocols
- NG Radio Access Network (NG-RAN)
- Functional specification of User Equipment (UE) positioning in NG-RAN
- User Equipment (UE) radio access capabilities
- Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol specification
- Radio Link Control (RLC) protocol specification
- Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) specification
- Radio Resource Control (RRC); Protocol specification
Cloud and Open RAN Architectures
- 5G Services and Network Architecture
- Network Slicing in 5G
- OpenStack
- Carrier Aggregation
- Containers and Microservices in Telecom
- Orchestration
- 5G Radio Technologies and Deployments
- Licensed Assisted Access (LAA)
- Cloud and Open RAN Architectures
- Network Functions Virtualization
- ONAP
- Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC)
- Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi)
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
- Overview Control and User Plane
- Radio Resource Control
- Acquisition of System Information
- Initial Access and RRC Connection Control
- New RRC Inactive State and RAN Paging / Notification
- 5G RAN User Plane Architecture
- SDAP-, PDCP-, RLC-, MAC-Layer Functionality
- Signalling Radio Bearer and Data Radio Bearer
- RLC transmission modes
- MAC Multiplexing and Control Elements
- Dual Connectivity Architecture
Control and User Plane Architecture and Bearer Types
- LTE / New Radio Dual Connectivity
- RRC Terminal Points and inter-eNB/gNB signalling
- Interfaces 5G Core / RAN (N2/N3 IF)
- Transport Network Topologies
- N2 and N3 Interfaces and Application Protocols
- N2 and N3 Control Procedures
- GTP and SCTP Protocol
- Xn Interface
- RAN Internal Architecture
- Fronthaul Interfaces F1 / F2 and Standardization
- Control- / User Plane Split of Centralized Unit (E1 Interface)
- RAN Deployment Options
- 5G RAN Procedures
- Uplink and Downlink Handover Procedure
- Data Forwarding during Handover
- Contention based and Non-Contention based RACH
Introduction 5G Core Network (5GC)
- Next Generation 5G Architecture
- Architecture Evolution from EPC to 5GC
- Key Network Technologies
- 5G Core Network Architecture
- 5G Core Network Building Blocks
- 5G Core Network Interfaces
- 5G Quality of Service Architecture
- 5GC Network Functions
- Entities and Functional Split
- Roaming and Data Routing
- 5GC Interworking and Migration from EPC
- Non-3GPP Access (e.g. WiFi, Satellite)
- Next Generation 5G Architecture
- Overview Next Generation 5G Architecture
- Service Based Architecture vs. Reference Point Architecture,
- Key Network Functionality or the new 5G Core
- Architecture Evolution from EPC to 5GC
- Standalone vs. Non-Standalone Radio Access Network
- Dual Connectivity with eLTE or 5G as Master Node
- Impact on Interfaces and Mobility
- Key Network Technologies
- Network Function Virtualization and Sofware Defined Networks
- Network Slicing and End-to-End Quality of Service
- Multi-Connectivity and Multi-RAT Traffic Control
- Multi-Tenancy
- Context Aware Networks
- 5GC Standardization in 5G Phase I and Phase II
- 5G Core Network Details
- Handling of Network Functions
- Entities and Functional Split
- Roaming and Data Routing
- 5GC Interworking and Migration from EPC
- Non-3GPP Access (e.g. WiFi, Satellite)
- 5G Quality of Service Architecture
- Overview QoS Architecture
- QoS Flow Concept and Radio Bearer
- Service Differentiation, Signalling Flow and QoS Attributes
- Standardized 5G QoS Identifiers and Packet Classification
- Pre-Authorized QoS, Reflective QoS and Per Packet based QoS
Overview of 5G Core Network (5GC) Network Entities
- Network Entities
- The Same But Virtual
- The 4G Mobility Management Entity (MME) as AMF and SMF in 5GC
- Access Management Function (AMF
- Session Management Function (SMF)
- The 4G HSS split in 5GC
- Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
- Universal Data Management (UDM
- Unified Data Repository (UDR)
- The User Plane
- Nodes Become Functions
- 5G Next Generation Core (NGC/5GC)
- 5G System (5GS)
- Standalone (SA) mode
- 5G New Radio (NR) with the 5G NGC
- ReSTful API
- ReST HTTP/JSON
- LDAP
- SOAP
- ReSTful Network APIs (OMA)
- Nu
- Service-Based Architecture (SBA)
- 5G System: Service-based architecture (SBA)
5G Network Deployment and Migration Paths
- EPS to SA Option
- Feasibility of the path in meeting 5G use cases
- Deployment considerations
- Impact on device and network
- Impact on voice including service continuity
- EPS to NSA Option
- Feasibility of the path in meeting 5G use cases
- Deployment considerations
- Impact on device and network
- Impact on voice including service continuity
- Other migration steps
- 5G technology and service trial activities
- Deployment purpose and spectrum at disposal
- Analysis of 5G migration options
- Rationale behind migration option
- Challenges in actual migration
- Migration case study
- Core network considerations
- Core network solutions
- EPC (Evolved Packet Core)
- 5GC (5G Core) 42
- Comparison of EPC and 5GC
- Detailed considerations on 5G deployment options
- Standalone considerations
- Non-standalone considerations
- Impact on voice including service continuity
- Options for operator voice/video communications service in 5G
Case Studies
LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A Pro Migration to 5G Training