Course #42

3GPP Long Term Evolution Protocol, Services and Architecture

November 25-26, 2010. Barcelona, Spain

INSTRUCTOR
Eiko Seidel, Chief Technical Officer, Nomor Research GmbH, Munich, Germany

TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Wireless broadband internet access providing IP based services to mobile users is growing rapidly worldwide. State-of-the-art systems cannot support this increasing demand for higher bit rates at reduced cost and do generally not meet future requirements. 3GPP Long Term Evolution is the new UMTS standard making use of OFDMA/SC-FDMA based access technologies combined with MIMO and also defines a new layer 2/3 protocol architecture that can process very high data rates instantaneously. LTE is the natural evolution of GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSPA network technologies making 3GPP standards competitive over other cellular standards in the next decade. 

3GPP does not only define a completely new air interface called Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), it also works on a System Architecture Evolution, the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). This is based on a flat, simplified all IP based architecture with a reduced number of network entities, a new Quality of Service concept and the support of seamless mobility between heterogeneous access networks. The standardisation of LTE is completed and the commercial start is expected around the end of 2010. 

COURSE CONTENT
This course provides an overview of the newly defined LTE protocol and architecture part of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) as standardized in 3GPP Release 8. First the new LTE/SAE architecture with network nodes and interfaces is presented along with the underlying mobility and QoS concepts. After explanation of the MME protocols (Mobility Management and Session Management) the new interfaces S1 and X2 are introduced. Layer 2/3 protocol of the base station (eNB) is presented. During the training selected procedures, such as system information broadcast, initial access, bearer setup as well as handover, are elaborated in detail. Based on the example of the Voice over IP service the processing and the protocol and header structures are explained. Eventually some novel deployment concepts such as Self-Organizing Networks and Home Node Bs are introduced.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The course is meant for engineers that already work on LTE and want to get an overall system overview as well as for those who have technical background in 2G/3G protocols and architecture and are interested in future technologies. Basic understanding of the 3GPP Long Term Evolution lower layer technology or attendance of the preceding course "3GPP Long Term Evolution: The future UMTS Standard" is recommended. The course will be beneficial for system engineers, for research and development engineers as well as anyone with interest in the technical details of the LTE protocol and architecture.

Thursday
First an overview of the LTE network architecture as part of the Evolved Packet Core is presented including the underlying Quality of Service (QoS) concept. Next the functions of the Mobility Management Entity are introduced including the Non Access Stratum protocols, the Mobility Management and the Session Management. The transport and radio network protocols of the S1 and the X2 interface are presented and examples for the signalling flows are given.  

• LTE/SAE Network Architecture and Functional Split (eNB, MME, S-GW, PDN-GW, PCRF entties)
• Network Topology and Deployment Options 
• Inter-access Mobility with 3GPP and Non 3GPP Technologies
• QoS Architecture, QoS Bearer and Attributes 
• LTE Services, Voice and SMS Service over LTE
• Mobility and Session Management Protocols 
• NAS Signalling Procedures as Initial Access 
• IDLE State Mobility Procedure and Tracking Updates
• S1 and X2 Interface Application Protocols 
• GTP and SCTP Transport Protocols 
  

Friday 
On the second day the complete eNode B user and control protocol architecture are presented with detailed explanations of the sub-layer as Radio Resource Control, Packet Date Convergence Protocol, Radio Link Control and the Medium Access Control layer. The overview is supplemented by example procedures as Acquisition of System Information, RRC Connection Setup and handover that explain the interactions between the layers. Lastly the novel concept of Home Base Stations (femto-cells) and how they are integrated in existing network is explained as well as the use of Self-Organising Networks

• eNode B User and Control Plane Architecture 
• Radio Resource Control (RRC) Functions and Protocol 
• Broadcast Channel and Overview of System Information
• RRC Connection Setup and RRC Reconfiguration Procedure
• Layer 2 Functions and Protocol (PDCP, RLC, MAC)
• LTE Security Concept and Protocol Structure 
• Handover Procedure During ACTIVE State 
• Home eNode B (Femto-cell) Concept and Deployment
• Introduction of Self-Organizing Networks

See also Course #41, conveniently scheduled before course #42.
For both courses the 5-day price of EUR 2995 (EUR 2725) would apply, see below.

Regular Course Fee: EUR 1310

Early Registration Course Fee: EUR 1180
This applies to firm registrations received 2 months before course start. 

Course Fee for Courses #41 + #42: EUR 2995 (2725)

University Student and Faculty Rate:
Two university participants are welcome to attend for one course fee if payment is to be made from university funds.

Deliverables:
The course fee covers tuition, course material, and the day conference packages (morning/afternoon refreshments, lunches, etc.) paid on your behalf to the course venue. Accommodation is not included.