Course Code: FG2301

One of the key requirements of 5G is its flexibility. Spectrum, Radio Interface configurations, RAN (Radio Access Network) deployment, Core Networks, and the mix of 4G and 5G used within the network are highly flexible – with much more flexible resource allocation compared to previous generations.

Non-standalone (NSA) 5G made use of this flexibility by enabling 5G to effectively be an add-on to the public 4G LTE network; providing much-needed added capacity in specific locations (many of which were reaching maximum capacity), but continuing to make extensive use of existing 4G infrastructure and operations.

As an Industry, we are now looking at full Standalone (SA) 5G – allowing us to gain the full benefits of 5G (in terms of better efficiency, latency, energy use, reliability etc). This means that we will need to transition to specific configurations and deployment options in order to allow full 5G operation. As an example, one of the conditions for SA 5G is that we use the new Service Based Architecture for the 5GC
(5G Core).

This programme focuses on the 5G system in the form of Standalone 5G (SA 5G), including the various configurations, procedures, and deployment options.

Topic Areas Include:

• Introduction to 5G
• Principles of the 5G New Radio
• 5G Air Interface
• Radio Access Network Architecture
• Core Network Architecture
• Data Transport
• 5G Procedures
• 5G Security Architecture; and Authentication and Key Agreement
• Security and the Service Based Interface (including SEPP*)
• Releases 16 and 17
• 5G Protocols