Summary

This course provides comprehensive information on the 5G wireless network with a focus on physical layer and air interface technologies. The course starts with a review of cellular standards evolution and the shortcomings that 5G addresses. Next we move on to describe the modulation waveforms and also look at the issues that are introduced by working with higher GHz frequency bands. Further topics include Massive MIMO, network architecture, 5G system features, and evolutionary services.

Learning objectives

Upon completing the course you will be able to:

  • Identify shortcomings in previous cellular generations that the 5G wireless network architecture addresses
  • Explain key 5G wireless features and advantages
  • Describe major 5G enabling technologies
  • Understand 5G radio architecture and system considerations
  • Assess the impact of key air interface changes required to support the evolution to 5G
  • Predict physical layer design and implementation issues

Target Audience

Anyone working within the field of general RF, wireless, and cellular systems will benefit from this comprehensive coverage of 5G wireless networks. The course is well suited for design engineers and program managers who require an understanding of 5G principles and design concepts. An electrical engineering background or equivalent practical experience is recommended but not required.

 

 

Outline

Day One

Comparison of 3G/HSPA and LTE (4G) Systems

 • Overview of 3G/HSPA and LTE Standards • Physical & Logical Channels • Network Architecture, Protocol Architecture, Data Rates • UL and DL PHY signal processing discussion (HARQ, MMSE, Spectral Efficiency, etc.) • Shannon Capacity and Throughput Discussion • Shortcomings of existing cellular standards

5G Requirements & Direction

 • Role of ITU & 3GPP standards bodies – 3GPP Standard Release features – CoMP, MU-MIMO, Freq Bands, etc. – Carrier Aggregation CA versus Multiple Antennas – 5G Road map and Time line • Discussion of Data Rates, Low Latency, Throughput, Capacity, Massive MIMO, etc. • Their impact to existing LTE technology

Day Two

Modulation & Multiple Access Waveforms

 • 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM • FFT/iFFT, FDMA, OFDMA, FBMC, SCM • BER Performance and Mathematical representation

Frequency Band Options

 • Below 6GHz and up to 60GHz considerations • Calculating Propagation Path Loss – Path Loss Mathematical Models – Examining Propagation Path Loss measurements • System Deployment • Addressing Macro Cells and Small Cells Use Case

Day Three

5G System Features

 • Network Architecture Discussion – Packet based – Cloud RAN & SDN – Wireless Backhaul • Multi-Site operation – Interference Coordination – Advanced SON – Beamforming (SDMA) • Evolutionary Services: – IoT & D2D – HetNet – LTE-Assisted Access (LTE-AA)