096 5G Network Protocol & Signaling Procedures

5G requirements have proposed advanced 5G use cases which, thanks to ultra-low network latency and very high throughputs, will revolutionize businesses and the day-to-day lives of consumers. But none of those will be possible without a proper enhanced EPC or even better a proper 5G Core (5GC). Alongside 5G new radio (NR), 5G Core is the ultimate deployment goal and a fundamental cornerstone of 5G networks. 3GPP has standardized most of the functions, protocols and interfaces for the proper digital transformation of 5G NR and 5GC. Currently, the vast majority of commercial 5G deployments are based on NR non-standalone (NSA) technology which re-uses existing LTE radio access for signaling between devices and the network together with the Enhanced Evolved Packet Core (EPC) networks as anchors to support 5G NSA. NSA is a quick solution allowing new 5G services to be introduced quickly while maximizing the reuse of existing 4G networks. However, to unlock 5G’s full potential NR standalone (SA) and 5G Core (5GC) is needed. The core is the heart of the mobile network where ultra-connectivity translates into service differentiation and business flexibility and 5G NR is the radio access domain implementing the front end solution. Both establish reliable and secure connectivity to the network and access to its services, determine the E2E quality of service and enforce it through policy allowing services differentiation. 

This course will present RAN signaling, as common platform for both enhanced EPC and evolved 5GC. Moreover a proper introduction to both enhanced EPC and 5GC signaling messages, protocols, procedures and signaling flows will be given and explained for a thorough E2E 5G signaling description.

The 5G network architecture is a significant evolution from the 4G LTE EPC, consisting of specific requirements (3GPP TS 22.261) and comprising three individual steps for network architectures enhancement. The first one is the well known Non Stand Alone (NSA) deployment, compliant with 3GPP release 15 phase 1 (3GPP TS 23.501), with LTE RAN and NR RAN both connected to a 5G upgraded EPC core. This is the most common nowadays approach for smooth migration towards 5G. The second step is the Hybrid Non Stand Alone deployment, compliant again with 3GPP release 15 phase 1 and both LTE RAN and NR RAN migrated towards a preliminary 5Gcore (5GC). This is the next evolution step before full 5G deployment. The last step comprises a Stand Alone (SA) deployment, compliant with 3GPP release 15 phase 2 and Rel.16 (3GPP TS 23.502), with only NR connected to NG 5GC. In the last two steps the introduction of Network Virtualization (NFV) is the key technologiy for the 5G Digital Transformation. Moreover Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) and Network Slicing are new abilities that enable the operator to improve the network to meet specific applications' requirements. 5G Core network provides enhanced Quality of Service for new services like Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine Type (mMTC) Communications and Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC). Service providers prepare their networks to accommodate a proper network convergence step hosted on a common infrastructure, which in most of the cases is Vendor specific with vendor proprietary platforms and node functionalities.

This course is split into two separate flows, offers a complete approach to 5G network signaling from both RAN as well as Core perspective. It emphasizes individually the RAN and Core protocols, signaling messages and signaling flows, offering at the end a proper binding to provide participants with a solid understanding of the E2E network signaling procedures. It starts with the first flow comprising 5G network overview and RAN protocols to be fully explained, together with the most common procedures related to NAS, layer 3, layer 2 and finally layer 1. Then continues with the second flow comprising EPC core signaling review and procedures for the NSA architecture of 3GPP Rel 15 and NG 5GC architecture starting from the Functional Entities and the 5GC interfaces and moving towards the 3GPP supported 5GC signaling messages, procedures and signaling flows.

The course can be offered in two separate options. Option 1 contains only the first flow (sections 1-4) for a duration of 4 days offering a proper 5G RAN Protocol & Signaling Procedures course. Option 2 contains both flows (sections 1-5) for a duration of 5 days, presenting the overall 5G Network Protocol & Signaling Procedures course.

In order for the attendant to better understand the content of this topic and to gain a further insight into this course content, it is also recommended to have prior attended the 5G Network Overview and have relevant and adequate knowledge on LTE signaling.

Course customization is possible based on customer requests and demands.

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This course presents the principles of 5G Network signaling, from 5G RAN as well as 5G core point of view. It is considered to be a useful topic for 5G System Architects who would like to have an overall picture of the 5G Network end to end. Moreover 5G Operational & Maintenance personnel will gain a good insight into the 5G network functionality which will help them to have better understanding on their daily operational and maintenance tasks. 5G RAN optimizers will also find it quite valuable since it will contribute into a good understanding of the hidden functional and signaling procedures, leading them into better troubleshooting actions and solutions. Finally it is also considered a good topic for researchers and Academic staff to further enhance their knowledge background and facilitate their lectures or research on 5G network aspect topics.