Cellular/Mobile Wireless 3

This is the third course in the series on mobile wireless cellular communications. This course (Part III) begins with one of the most important topics in mobile cellular networks today. Since RF spectrum, used by mobile operators, is quite limited, there has been a need for radio link technologies to operate more efficient.

The first section delves into the complex topic of how multiple antenna systems are used in mobile cellular networks, which is yet another way to increase data rates between the mobile and base station. This critical technology was introduced in enhanced 3G mobile networks, referred to as 3.5G, which is also used in Wireless LANs (WLANs) today. It has become the basis for the air interface design in both 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and 5G Radio Access Networks (RANs), which is critical to providing ever-increasing data rates. It also forms the basis for other enhancements that provide greater user density, in higher population areas.

The second section focuses on the various Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards, including LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) and LTE-A Pro. Today, there are over five billion unique mobile subscribers, worldwide, with all generations of technologies combined (2G through 5G). And there over 10 billion overall subscriptions, worldwide, when cellular Internet of Things (IoT) devices are included. Growth in 4G-LTE subscriptions is expected to grow through 2022, when 5G is expected to have a huge impact on global market saturation.

Section three covers the advances in mobile cellular technology, focusing on the evolving core networks, and newer methods of connectivity to the RAN. This section also introduces the concept of Self-Organizing Networks (SON) that help to manage growth and allow operators to scale today’s cellular networks to meet demands. The concepts and implementation of small cells is also introduced, used to greatly increase network coverage and density.

Finally, section four describes the current developments in 5G cellular networking standards and the services they provide. This section will begin with an overview of the International Telecommunications Union – Radio (ITU-R) requirements, providing a thorough description of what a 5G network is, and what services it can provide. The course will then conclude with an in-depth look at some of the technologies that are part of 5G networks and interfaces between logical and physical components of the network.

Prerequisites

• This is the final course in the series focused on mobile cellular networks and standards. The topics include Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards and network architecture, and 5G networks. Therefore, it is essential to have a firm grasp of packet networks and mobile cellular technology before attending this class.
• It is highly recommended that the student attend the first two courses, Mobile Wireless Cellular Communications 1 and Mobile Wireless Cellular Communications 2, and have obtained a high level of comprehension. However, only completion of Mobile Wireless Cellular Communications 1 is required.
• It is also important that the student have an in-depth knowledge of communications packet networking protocols. It is also recommended that the student has a clear understanding of radio propagation techniques, of which the first two courses will provide.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Determine the value of an antenna system or array based on its design
• List the techniques used at cell sites to improve the coverage and capacity of a mobile network
• Determine how Advanced Antenna Systems (AAS) utilize multiple antenna techniques and antenna diversity to achieve beam forming and higher signal resolution
• Differentiate between analog and digital beamforming using MIMO
• Compare and contrast the differences between and benefits of spatial diversity and spatial multiplexing
• Interpret the impact for the introduction of the ITU-R’s IMT-Advanced: 4G requirements
• Evaluate the impact of the two proposal responses for 4G: LTE-Advanced and Wireless MAN Advanced
• List the requirements of 4G mobile cellular, according to the ITU-R’s IMT-Advanced requirements
• Summarize the modifications to the system architecture for LTE-Advanced, compared with Rel. 8
• Analyze the evolved UTRAN architecture, defining the improved characteristics over pre-4G LTE
• Relate the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) enhancements of LTE-Advanced to improved service capabilities
• Evaluate the architecture of LTE-Advanced networks and list enhanced capabilities
• Define the LTE communication protocols used by the signaling and control planes
• List the LTE security procedures for the network access and network domain
• Define the different elements of LTE mobility: idle mode, X2 and S1 handover
• Describe the interworking functions between LTE-Advanced and UMTS/GPRS networks
• Distinguish the modifications in mobile backhaul technologies with LTE-Advanced
• List the technologies involved in the advancements of the mobile core network and backhaul transmission
• Describe the significant innovations in RAN technology that have evolved from the standalone base stations to heterogeneous cloud RANs (H-CRANs)
• Provide a summary of the techniques using small cell networks to increase coverage and density for mobile subscribers
• List the key advantages of Self Organizing Network (SON) standards, and demonstrate why they have such a major impact on our existing mobile cellular networks
• Investigate the enhancements of LTE-Advanced Pro; the 3GPPs path toward 5G
• Understand the technologies and resulting services that will be incorporated into 5G networks
• Define the changes to the LTE network architecture to support LTE-Advanced Pro (4.5G)
• Discover the technologies being developed to support the cellular Internet of Things (IoT)
• List the major specifications that define the ITU-R’s IMT-2020 requirements for 5G
• Define the network components of a 5G network

Register 21 days before class start date and save 10%! Enter discount code EARLY10 during registration.

Register 21 days before class start date and save $250! Enter discount code EARLY250 during registration.

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.