IMT and 5G Network Lifecycle: Architecture, Design, Deployment, and Operations Training Course

Introduction to IMT and the Evolution to 5G

• The vision and key requirements of IMT-2020.
• 3GPP releases and the standardization timeline.
• The evolution path from LTE to 5G.
• 5G use cases: eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC.
• Spectrum bands: low-band, mid-band, and high-band.
• Key performance indicators for 5G networks.

5G Architecture

• Non-standalone and standalone deployment architectures.
• 5G Core service-based architecture.
• Functional split of gNB into CU and DU.
• RAN architecture options and deployment choices.
• Separation of control and user planes.

RAN and Core Network Components

• gNB components: CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU.
• Core functions: AMF, SMF, and UPF.
• Data management: UDM and AUSF.
• Policy and repository functions: PCF and NRF.
• Network slice selection function: NSSF.
• Key interfaces N1 through N15.
• Protocol stacks across 5G interfaces.

Transport Networks for 5G

• IP/MPLS transport architecture for 5G.
• Design considerations for fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul.
• Comparison of eCPRI and CPRI interfaces.
• Synchronization using IEEE 1588 PTP and SyncE.
• QoS and traffic engineering in transport networks.

Open RAN Introduction

• O-RAN Alliance architecture and principles.
• Functions of the RAN Intelligent Controller.
• Disaggregation of O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU.
• Open interfaces and multi-vendor interoperability.
• Benefits and challenges associated with Open RAN adoption.

Virtualization and Cloud Native Technologies

• NFV architecture and its role in 5G.
• Containerization for network functions.
• Kubernetes for telco workloads.
• Cloud-native 5G Core deployment.
• Edge computing concepts and patterns.

Network Slicing

• Concepts and principles of network slicing.
• NSSAI and slice identification.
• Slice types for different use cases.
• Resource isolation across slices.
• Slice lifecycle management.
• SLA enforcement mechanisms.

Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC)

• MEC architecture and key components.
• Overview of the ETSI MEC framework.
• Edge deployment scenarios.
• Enablement of low-latency applications.
• Integration of MEC with the 5G Core.

5G Network Design and Planning

• Coverage planning and propagation models.
• Capacity dimensioning for RAN and core networks.
• RAN planning using link budget analysis.
• Transport network dimensioning.
• Core network sizing and site selection.

Deployment Planning and Technology Integration

• Deployment strategies for 5G networks.
• Migration pathways from LTE to 5G.
• Integration with existing infrastructure.
• Considerations for multi-vendor deployment.
• Testing and validation approaches.

Network Operations and Observability

• NOC operations and workflows.
• KPI monitoring and performance management.
• Telemetry and streaming data collection.
• Distributed tracing and logging.
• Alarm correlation and event management.

Incident and Fault Management

• Fault detection and isolation techniques.
• Methods for root cause analysis.
• Approaches to automated remediation.
• Escalation procedures and workflows.
• Optimization of mean time to repair.

Change Management and Operational Continuity

• Change control processes and governance.
• Planning for maintenance windows.
• Risk mitigation and rollback strategies.
• Disaster recovery planning.
• High availability design patterns.
• Backup and restore procedures.

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

• Scheduling and planning of maintenance activities.
• Software upgrade procedures.
• Hardware lifecycle management.
• Proactive monitoring strategies.
• Spare parts management.

Spectrum Management

• Frequency bands for 5G deployment.
• Spectrum licensing approaches.
• Interference management techniques.
• Dynamic spectrum sharing.
• Regulatory coordination and compliance.

Mobile Network Security and Security by Design

• 5G security architecture per 3GPP TS 33.501.
• Authentication with 5G-AKA and EAP-AKA.
• Encryption and integrity protection.
• Network domain security.
• Security Edge Protection Proxy.
• Roaming security considerations.
• Threat modeling in 5G networks.
• Secure architecture principles.
• Vulnerability assessment practices.
• Security monitoring and incident response.
• Zero-trust architecture in 5G.

Operational Resilience and Compliance

• Resilience frameworks for telecom networks.
• Business continuity planning.
• Overview of regulatory requirements.
• Standards compliance and governance.
• Audit readiness and preparation.

Network Automation

• Automation frameworks for 5G networks.
• Orchestration platforms and tools.
• Zero-touch provisioning.
• Intent-based networking concepts.
• CI/CD pipelines for network functions.
• AI and ML for network operations.

Technology and Vendor Evaluation

• Evaluation criteria for 5G technologies.
• Proof of concept design.
• Interoperability testing approaches.
• Total cost of ownership analysis.
• Vendor-neutral decision frameworks.

Practical Case Studies

• RAN design for a regional operator.
• Transport dimensioning scenario.
• Security assessment exercise.
• Fault management drill.
• Change management simulation.
• Operational continuity planning.