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

Introduction to IMT and the Transition to 5G

• The IMT-2020 vision and its core requirements
• 3GPP release schedules and standardization milestones
• The evolutionary trajectory from LTE to 5G
• 5G application scenarios: eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC
• Spectrum allocation: low-band, mid-band, and high-band
• Critical performance indicators for 5G networks

5G Architecture Fundamentals

• Non-standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA) deployment models
• Service-based architecture of the 5G Core
• Splitting gNB functions into Central Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU)
• RAN architecture variations and deployment strategies
• Separation of control and user planes

RAN and Core Network Elements

• gNB components: CU-CP, CU-UP, and DU
• Core functions: AMF, SMF, and UPF
• Data management roles: UDM and AUSF
• Policy and registry functions: PCF and NRF
• Network Slice Selection Function: NSSF
• Key interfaces ranging from N1 to N15
• Protocol stacks across various 5G interfaces

Transport Networks for 5G

• IP/MPLS transport architectures suited for 5G
• Designing fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul segments
• Comparison of eCPRI and CPRI interfaces
• Synchronization mechanisms using IEEE 1588 PTP and SyncE
• QoS implementation and traffic engineering in transport layers

Overview of Open RAN

• O-RAN Alliance architectural principles
• Functions of the RAN Intelligent Controller
• Disaggregation of O-CU, O-DU, and O-RU
• Open interfaces and the goal of multi-vendor interoperability
• Advantages and hurdles in adopting Open RAN

Virtualization and Cloud-Native Technologies

• NFV architecture and its relevance to 5G
• Containerization applied to network functions
• Utilizing Kubernetes for telecom workloads
• Deploying a cloud-native 5G Core
• Concepts and patterns in edge computing

Network Slicing

• Core concepts and principles of network slicing
• NSSAI definitions and slice identification
• Slice types tailored to specific use cases
• Resource isolation strategies between slices
• Managing the lifecycle of network slices
• Mechanisms for enforcing SLAs

Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC)

• MEC architecture and its primary components
• Overview of the ETSI MEC framework
• Scenarios for edge deployment
• Enabling low-latency applications
• Integrating MEC with the 5G Core

5G Network Design and Planning

• Coverage planning and signal propagation modeling
• Capacity sizing for RAN and core networks
• RAN planning incorporating link budget analysis
• Sizing transport networks appropriately
• Core network sizing and optimal site selection

Deployment Planning and Technology Integration

• Strategies for deploying 5G networks
• Migration routes from LTE to 5G
• Integrating with legacy infrastructure
• Considerations for multi-vendor deployments
• Approaches to testing and validation

Network Operations and Observability

• NOC workflows and operational processes
• Monitoring KPIs and managing performance
• Collecting telemetry and streaming data
• Distributed tracing and log management
• Correlating alarms and managing events

Incident and Fault Management

• Techniques for detecting and isolating faults
• Methods for conducting root cause analysis
• Strategies for automated remediation
• Escalation procedures and operational workflows
• Optimizing mean time to repair

Change Management and Operational Continuity

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

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance

• Scheduling and planning maintenance activities
• Procedures for software upgrades
• Managing the hardware lifecycle
• Strategies for proactive monitoring
• Managing spare parts inventory

Spectrum Management

• Frequency bands utilized for 5G
• Approaches to spectrum licensing
• Techniques for interference management
• Dynamic spectrum sharing practices
• Regulatory coordination and compliance

Mobile Network Security and Security by Design

• 5G security architecture as defined in 3GPP TS 33.501
• Authentication mechanisms: 5G-AKA and EAP-AKA
• Encryption and integrity protection methods
• Securing the network domain
• Role of the Security Edge Protection Proxy
• Security considerations for roaming
• Threat modeling for 5G networks
• Principles of secure architecture design
• Practices for vulnerability assessment
• Security monitoring and incident response
• Implementing zero-trust architecture in 5G

Operational Resilience and Compliance

• Resilience frameworks for telecom networks
• Planning for business continuity
• Overview of regulatory requirements
• Compliance with standards and governance
• Preparing for audits

Network Automation

• Automation frameworks for 5G environments
• Tools and platforms for orchestration
• Implementing zero-touch provisioning
• Concepts in intent-based networking
• CI/CD pipelines for network functions
• Leveraging AI and ML for network operations

Technology and Vendor Evaluation

• Criteria for assessing 5G technologies
• Designing proof-of-concept trials
• Approaches to interoperability testing
• Analyzing total cost of ownership
• Using vendor-neutral decision frameworks

Practical Case Studies

• RAN design for a regional operator
• Scenario-based transport dimensioning
• Security assessment exercises
• Fault management simulations
• Change management role-plays
• Planning for operational continuity