3GPP Long Term Evolution - Radio Protocol and Architecture

We recommend you to submit your preliminary or firm registration at least 4 weeks before course start to ensure a seat on the course.

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. 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 first networks are already deployed.

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 8/9. 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 and the complete 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 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 #41 3GPP Long Term Evolution: Radio Technology is recommended. The course will be beneficial for system engineers, for research and development engineers as well as participants with an 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 entities)
• Inter-access Mobility with 3GPP and Non 3GPP technologies
• Mobility and Session Management Protocols
• NAS Signalling Procedures as Initial Access
• IDLE State Mobility Procedure and Tracking Updates
• LTE Services, Voice and SMS Service over LTE
• QoS Architecture, QoS Bearer and Attributes
• 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 such as Radio Resource Control, Packet Date Convergence Protocol, Radio Link Control and the Medium Access Control layer. The overview is supplemented by example procedures such as Acquisition of System Information, RRC Connection Setup and handover that explain the interactions between the layers. Lastly it how LTE deployment can be simplified but the use of Self-Organising Networks is explained.

• 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 RRC Connected State
• LTE Measurements and its Configuration
• Architectures for Self-Organising Networks
• Automatic eNB Configuration and Setup of S1/X2 Interfaces
• Autonomous PCI Selection and ANR Procedure
• Mobility Load Balancing and Robustness Optimization

See also Course #41, conveniently scheduled before course #42.
For participants attending both courses a special 5-day price of EUR 2995 (EUR 2725*) is applicable.


Said about the course from previous course participants:
"Everything is covered, from design start to tape out."
"Hands-on experience of teacher, ability to get empirical feedback."
"I found what I expected, teacher was flexible to the group and covered the most interesting topics of the group."
"A lot of interaction and discussions among the participants."
"Valuable add-ons to the course from everybody's background and filed of expertise."