What you will learn:
You'll learn how LTE uses OFDMA and MIMO to maximise spectral efficiency, and carrier aggregation and error correction to maximise data transfer speeds, understand how 5G NR extends these techniques with massive MIMO, beamforming, and new frequency bands including millimetre wave, and discover how the RAN architecture has evolved to support network slicing and cloud-native deployment.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- describe and compare the structure and operation of LTE and 5G radio access networks (RANs).
- explain how the 5G RAN gains maximum benefit from operation at higher carrier frequencies including unlicensed bands and MMWave.
- explain that initially 5G services may be provided as a non standalone (NSA) service that relies on existing LTE infrastructure.
- describe the role, special requirements of, and methods of achieving, 5G enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra reliable low latency communications (uRLLC), and massive machine type communications (eMTB).
- describe the role, principles, and possible applications of network slicing and network function virtualisation in 5G systems.
- explain and compare how radio resources are shared between LTE mobile users and between 5G mobile users.
- describe the role of the various protocols and radio channels employed in LTE and 5G radio access networks.
- describe the techniques used in LTE and 5G RANs to maximise data transfer rates in the presence of interference with reference to multi-antennae arrays, carrier aggregation, and error correction.
- explain the benefits and methods of distributing the functions of a base station with reference to the provision of Integrated access and backhaul (IAB) and mobile edge computing.
- describe the concept, benefits, and applications of a heterogeneous radio access network.
Course prerequisites:
You will get the most out of this online course if you already understand the principles of mobile communications. Therefore, familiarity with the material in the PTT "Introduction to mobile systems" and "Mobile radio communications" courses is desirable.
Approximate study time: 5 hours
Delivery platform requirements:
To access the course, a computer/tablet running a browser such as Chrome, Safari, Edge etc. is required. The device should have an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024x768.