5G Mobile Cellular Networks

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the 5G system. The course begins with the 5G system Service Based Architecture (SBA).

Section 1 focuses on the evolution to 5G and the effort performed by the International Telecommunication Unition – Radiocommunications (ITU-R) sector in identifying the characteristics and goals of the 5G system. This is followed by a description outlining the actual 5G System standardization process by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). The implementation of the 5G System by mobile operators will evolve the evolution of their 4G LTE networks, a key topic on the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Migration to Control & User Plane Separation (CUPS) is covered showing this important step that will be required to successfully migrate to a 5G network. This section then provides an integrated look at the various functions and Radio Access Network (RAN) connections in the 5G System and Service Based Architecture (SBA). It concludes with an overview of the many optional deployments for 5G, involving both Standalone Architecture (SA) and Non-Standalone Architecture (NSA).

Section 2 covers the fundamental design of the 5G Core Architecture, which involve a Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). Both of these are integral to the development, deployment and operation of 5G networks. This section also delves into the topic of security with regard to SDN and NFV. Software Defined Network (SDN) security deals with the challenges, principles, and requirements. Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) Security focuses on critical Security elements, NFV-based Security Management, and Security Management and Orchestration.

Section 3 takes a more in-depth look at the 5G core functions. Each one of the functions are covered at in detail. The course has a student exercise that provides the student with additional details on these core functions. In addition, this section provides additional details on the Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), which is at the heart of 5G security, which involves the zero-trust model between roaming partners for 5G external connections.

Section 4 provides an in-depth look at the 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN). Here, the 5G User and Control Plane protocol stacks are covered, along with many details involving the two 5G Frequency Ranges (FR-1 and FR2). The RAN protocols are also covered, including the 5G Xn (that operates between gNBs) and F1 Application Protocol (F1AP). The section concludes with coverage on Quality of Service (QoS) flows across the Xn-User Plane.

Section 5 focuses on  the Centralized-RAN (C-RAN) for 5G. The 5G RAN has several alternative splitting options, ones that go beyond direct support for the 3GPP standards. So, this section provides an overview of other standards organizations and consortiums that provide additional options in support of a robust 5G access network. Several ladder diagrams are used in this section to show how the protocol exchange works various types of handovers between cells, including dual connectivity.

Section 6 comprises of the identifiers used in 5G mobile networks. One of the most problematic privacy issues in past mobile cellular generations has been the exposure of the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) during the authentication process of the subscriber’s mobile. The 3GPP working group on security has successfully implemented the solution in the form of the Structure of Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI) for protecting the IMSI from ever having to be transmitted unencrypted. So, this section introduces the many different identifiers that have been defined for use in 5G networks, including the Remapping the (Globally Unique Temporary Identifier (GUTI) in handovers between 4G and 5G networks.

Section 7 provides an in-depth security primer for 5G networks. The section begins with a review of how Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) functions, which is the key to encrypting the IMSI into the format of the SUCI, mentioned in the introduction of the previous section above. This section also provides explanations of the 5G Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) and Procedure Generation of 5G Authentication Vector (AV).

Section 8 furnishes a technical overview of 5G security. It provides examples of the terms that were explained in the previous section and delves into the details of the zero trust security concept and shows how that is implemented between roaming partners to keep identities of mobile subscriber accounts protected, along with the location of the subscriber’s mobile devices. This section concludes with some detailed latter diagrams explaining the steps involved with 5G key distribution and the 5G authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) procedure.

Section 9 provides an overview for the evolution of SIMs and remote provisioning of Embedded SIMs (eSIMs), used in 5G devices today. Remote provisioning is the key to scaling Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC) services. This methodology was crafted by the GSM Association (GSMA) and is at the heart of both M2M remote provisioning and consumer device remote provisioning architectures.

Prerequisites

Students should have completed the Mobile Cellular Wireless Communications 1, 2, and 3 courses.

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Is there a discount available for current students?

UMBC students and alumni, as well as students who have previously taken a public training course with UMBC Training Centers are eligible for a 10% discount, capped at $250. Please provide a copy of your UMBC student ID or an unofficial transcript or the name of the UMBC Training Centers course you have completed. Asynchronous courses are excluded from this offer.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Student will receive a refund of paid registration fees only if UMBC Training Centers receives a notice of cancellation at least 10 business days prior to the class start date for classes or the exam date for exams.