Course Content

MODULE 1: Introduction to Advanced Communication Networks and 5G Cellular Networks

Introduction to Advanced Communication Networks, ISO-OSI Reference Models (protocol layers and function, service access points and examples), Protocols, Standards and Service models, Introduction to Mobile Communication, Cellular networks basics and historical developments (1G to 4.5G), 4G LTE, 5G requirements of ITU, what is 5G? 5G services and its flavours (eMBB, URLLC, mMTC), 5G standardization and regulation, 5G use cases, technical ingredients, and market overview.

Expert interviews with experts from Qualcomm and Nokia on 5G Evolution

Demos- 5G services and use cases examples (mix from various German companies)

Suggested Readings:  Study notes.

Self-Assessment: Quiz

MODULE 2: 5G Network Architecture and Key 5G New Radio Technologies

Introduction to Architecture of 5G Cellular Communication Networks, Architecture of 2G, 3G and 4G Cellular Networks, 5G System Architecture Overview, 5G Base Station (gNodeB), 5G Access and Core Network Architecture. Introduction to 5G New Radio (NR) ,5G Frequency aspects and spectrum,5G NR standard, 5G NR- waveforms and modulation, 4G LTE & 5G NR- frame types, fixed frame structure, flexible numerology, Carrier aggregation and bandwidth adaptation. Wireless propagation aspects (theory and practical aspects), mm Waves, small cell networks, dual connectivity, and beamforming.

Demos- 5G New Radio prototyping (Fraunhofer IIS)

Suggested Readings:  Study notes.

Self-Assessment: Quiz

MODULE 3: 5G Networks- Types, planning and deployment options

Introduction to 5G Radio Access Networks (RAN),5G RAN design aspects, non-orthogonal schemes for efficient multiple access, Massive Inputs Massive Output (MIMO), Massive MIMO, O-RAN, C-RAN.

Demo: Positioning / Localisation using 5G NR (Fraunhofer IIS).

Expert Interview: Open RAN and 5G Localization (Fraunhofer IIS)

Introduction to 5G Radio Network Planning and Optimization, Fundamentals of Network Planning, Basics of Radio Network Optimisation.

Expert presentation: Smart Spectrum Solutions (LS Telcom AG)

Demos: RF Planning Tool and various operations in network planning (CHIRplus_TC of LS Telcom AG)

Introduction to 5G Core and Transport Network, 5G Core Enabling Technologies and Functionalities, Transport network, 5G Deployment Considerations, 5G Core and Radio Network Deployment Scenarios

Suggested Readings:  Study notes.

Self-Assessment: Quiz

MODULE 4: 5G Use cases and Campus Networks

Introduction to 5G Use Cases, Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) Use cases, Ultra-Reliable low latency Communications (URLLC) Use cases, Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) Use cases; 5G Use Cases Examples Presentation (Fraunhofer IPT), 5G Campus Networks, Operator models of Campus Networks, Setting up and operating 5G campus networks.

Expert interview and demo: Campus Networks (1)- MECSWare GmbH

Expert Interview- Campus Networks (2) - Campus-genius GmbH; Industrial 5G

Expert Interview - 5G For Industry - Siemens

Narrowband Wireless Wide Area Networks, Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), LTE-M, Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)

Expert Presentation: Narrowband IoT Networks, Hahn Schickard

Expert Interview: NB-IoT, CommSolid GmbH

Suggested Readings:  Study notes.

Self-Assessment: Quiz

MODULE 5: 5G Hardware’s and Implementation Aspects

Introduction to 5G Hardware’s and Implementation Aspects, Cellular Network Hardware Elements, 5G RAN Equipment, Antenna Systems for Cellular Base Stations, User Equipment’s (UE).

Expert Interview - Antenna Systems for 5G - Fraunhofer HHI

Self-Assessment: Quiz

MODULE 6: 5G - System testing, Testbeds, and Industrial showcases

Introduction to 5G Testing, testing fundamentals,5G Testing Requirements and Challenge, Test Environment, 5G Physical layer testing, 5G System Testing

Expert Presentations and Demos - 5G Test & Measurements (Rohde & Schwarz)

Demos- 5G Testbeds -5G Campus Europe Testbed(s)

Demo: System Testing NB-IoT Devices (Hahn Schickard)

Interview: 6G Outlook

Suggested Readings:  Study notes.

Self-Assessment: Quiz

 

Assessments

Module quizzes

Assessment for 1^st 3 modules

Assessment for last 3 modules

Final Exam

Timeline -
11th April to 1st May: Course enrolment
1st May: Registrants receive a joining link to the 5G Technology course in the DADB platform
1st November: Last date of course access

Note:
-Each section will be unlocked sequentially as you complete the at least 75% of previous section.
-All exams can have maximum 2 attempts. Second attempt only after a failure. You can move forward to next modules only after passing the exam.

Industry Job roles

·       5G RF Planning engineer

·       5G Field engineer

·       5G RAN engineer

·       5G System Engineer

·       5G Test and Measurement Engineer

·       5G R&D Engineer