UMTS (3G) mobile radio networks

This course is designed for study by those working in, or intending to work in, the mobile radio sector with a technical role. The course covers the technologies employed in Third Generation (3G) mobile networks.

Summary of topics covered:

UMTS concepts: Similarities and differences between GSM and UMTS networks; aspects of UMTS radio path inc, frequency bands.

Principles of WCDMA: channel processing; spreading, channelisation and scrambling, principles of RAKE receiver, cell capacity.

Introduction to UMTS network architecture inc. protocol model: access stratum, non-access stratum; user and control plane protocols inc. GTP, MAC and RLC; radio access networks: the UTRAN; PS and CS domains of the core network; network provisioning, shared networks; evolution of network architecture from Release 99 R4 and R5 to R6; Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs).

Mobility Management (MM) in a UMTS network inc. CS and PS MM states, location areas and routing areas, soft, hard and inter-system handover, location and position including integration with GPS.

UMTS user equipment inc. mandatory and optional elements; classes of terminals; UE architecture: inc. Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and Mobile Termination (MT); types of data held by USIM; role of user profiles.

Security in 3G networks: Enhanced features of UMTS security compared to GSM security; access security inc. user and NE authentication; commercial data, classes of attack inc. spoofing and Denial of Service, lawful interception.

Evolution of UMTS services inc. WLL, WLAN, CAMEL, HSPDA, HSUPA, TD-SCDMA, Push to talk, VHE and SMS evolution to EMS/MMS/XMS

Non-assessed appendix: OQPSK; uplink power saving features; introduction to 3GPP technical specifications


Number of chapters: 9 Study time: 7 hours

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