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In deploying 5G, operators are committing to a significant investment cycle. It therefore follows that they expect a return on that investment within a reasonable timeframe. The question is how! Fundamentally, in terms of both the radio on the overall infrastructure architecture, 5G works in a similar way to 4G. However, the implementation is very different, and this gives 5G several key advantages over 4G in terms of supporting both the existing broadband business model, and industry-specific use cases. The advantages are realised across the entire 5G system, but in particular, the 5G New Radio (NR) air interface is where...

As part of the study item FS_SMARTER, ‘Study on Stage 1 for New Services and Markets Technology Enablers’, 3GPP examined the market segments whose needs should be addressed by a 5G mobile communication system. TR 22.891 identified over 70 use cases, and collected those use cases into the five categories shown in the diagram. The first four categories are based on common requirements in support of a vertical service or market: eMBB (Enhanced Mobile Broadband): Human-oriented access to multimedia content, services and data. The category includes hotspots, characterised by high user density, very high capacity and low mobility, and widearea coverage, characterised...

Rail networks increasingly depend on efficient and reliable communications networks, the demand for up-to-date technical skills for those involved in maintaining and developing transport communications systems continues to grow, investing in the right training to develop up-to-date skills is vital. Designed and delivered by our industry leading subject matter experts, our collection of live and tutor supported self-study courses cover current transport communication technologies including GSM-R and GSM-R support for ERTMS/ETCS, including future developments that will come with FRMCS. As well as in-depth investigation of the technologies each course also considers operational procedures and practices, network performance and radio planning....

A cellular radio communications system is subject to a number of threats, which are outlined in the diagram below..The motivations for attacks against cellular networks typically fall into one of the following categories: attempts at unauthorised network access to get free services attempts at ‘grabbing’ user identities to make clones attempts at eavesdropping on network traffic to gain unauthorised access to information attempts at tracking users by eavesdropping on signalling traffic The vulnerability of cellular systems to these threats is based mainly on the fact that they employ radio-based user connections.Typically, the most vulnerable parts of the cellular system are...

We are delighted to announce a partnership that will see the delegates at FutureNet Asia in October gain free access to a Wray Castle virtual telecoms training course focusing on 5G SBA (Service based architecture), which is an important theme at the event. 5G SBA Virtualizing the Core:  13th October @ 4pm-5.30pm (SGT, UTC+8) The Service Based Architecture (SBA), standardised as part of 5G, represents a paradigm shift in the way the telecoms core network is planned, deployed, and operated. Using virtualisation principles, the SBA provides a more flexible, efficient, and capable set of features – provided by the different...

Introduction – 5G and Use Cases As well as supporting the existing operator mobile broadband business model in a very efficient and flexible way, 5G also enables a wide range of new Use Cases and deployment scenarios. The key phrase here is “wide range”, because it throws up significant issues for operators, who are used to defining and working with a fairly constrained service set that is primarily based on human communication and broadband access to internet-hosted content and apps. To support the wide range of use cases, 5G, compared to previous generations, is much more capable in a number...

Railways across Europe rely on GSM-R for voice and data communications including ETCS (European Train Control System) signalling, however GSM-R is predicted to reach end-of-life by 2030.  A replacement needs to be found.  The International Union of Railways (UIC) having already specified GSM-R have now outlined the Future Railway Mobile Communications System.  FRMCS is not intended to simply be a replacement for GSM-R but it’s an opportunity for railway undertakings to harmonize all of their railway related communications needs.  GSM-R is ideal for voice and low bit rate data communications, but a modern railway demands broadband capability to support applications...

WHERE IS THE OVERALL 5G VALUE AND WHO REALISES IT? There are two obvious answers in terms of the main generators of overall 5G value. One is that 5G facilitates cost-effective additional capacity through access to new spectrum, efficient use of that spectrum and ease of base-station deployment critical to realising the full potential of that new spectrum. Secondly, it allows new use cases to be supported encouraging connected innovation and new deployment scenarios.  Looking at cost-effective deployment of additional capacity, though - this is a way of reducing, or at least constraining, costs for their existing business model, whether...

Rail and transport networks depend on telecoms, without reliable communications systems networks could not operate safely, we help engineers build the knowledge to truly understand each system and keep up-to-date with their emerging capabilities.Our self-paced on-demand distance learning courses feature illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support delivered in a modern, secure, cross-device Virtual Learning Environment.Designed to enable you to fit your learning around your schedule, our expanding portfolio of courses include: GSM-R Engineering Overview (Course Duration: 22 Hours) ERTMS/ETCS for Radio Engineers (Course Duration: 32 Hours) FRMCS - Future Railway Mobile Communications System (Course Duration: 22 Hours)...

Learn online, anytime, with our self-study courses. Our self-paced on-demand distance learning courses include an extensive blend of core reading materials and video resources, scenario-based assignments, a dedicated Instructor, live virtual workshops and tools to communicate effectively with fellow students, all in a modern, intuitive and secure cross-device Virtual Learning Environment.Each course is accessible on any computer, tablet or smartphone and allow you to study at a time and location that is convenient to you. Subjects covered include key network technologies including 5G, LTE, eSIM, RAN, GSM-R and Network Security. Enrol and you'll get instant access so you can start learning straight...

FutureNet World has announced a partnership with Wray Castle, which will see the delegates of FutureNet World’s Virtual Event in April gain complimentary access to 2 of Wray Castle’s live Telecoms Training Courses, each focused on important themes at the event. 5G SBA (Service Based Architecture) Virtualizing the Core: : 7th April @ 2pm NFV (Network functions virtualization) Deployment: 8th April @ 2pm “We are delighted to collaborate with Wray Castle,” said Giles Cummings, Founder & CEO of FutureNet World. “The chance for FutureNet World delegates to undertake best-in-class training before the event represents a great opportunity for them, both...

The 5G core network architecture is designed to be cloud native making use of NFV (Network Function Virtualisation) and SDN (Software Defined Networking). NFV is used to decouple the logical function of a network element from its associated hardware and implement that function in software as a VNF (Virtualised Network Function). The VNF may be run on general purpose, off the shelf computing platforms. The VNF may be run on general purpose, off the shelf computing platforms. The main feature of SDN is a clear separation between control and user plane functions. SDN supports centralisation of control plane functionality while at the same time supporting...

Where are we now? Initial 5G deployments are referred to as “Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G” and based on Dual Connectivity. This is where the device connects to a 4G “Master” LTE base station first, and then, under the direction of the master, establishes 5G connectivity. These early 5G deployments use spectrum in Frequency Range 1 of 5G. In Europe, this is likely to be in the band 3.4-3.8 GHz (but not exclusively). In terms of coverage, the 5G cells that can be supported at these frequencies within towns and cities, allow 5G “secondary” base stations to be co-located with the 4G...

SETTING THE SCENE In a separate post, we indicated the main ways in which 5G supports current telco business models – largely by enabling the efficient provision of additional capacity in support of broadband connectivity. In this blog, we explore how new business models are opened up by 5G. 4G and 5G share a common underlying foundation radio technology – OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). In 4G it was specifically configured to optimally support relatively large cells (very much the norm at the time that 4G was specified). However, this configuration effectively limited 4G the frequency bands that we...

If you’re following 5G developments you’ll be interested in this overview of how 5G helps to effectively deliver ever-increasing amounts of capacity in support of current and evolving telco business models. Telcos face significant financial challenges in delivering huge amounts of additional capacity across their networks. This is however a fundamental and ongoing requirement that enables their primary business models. The way in which capacity can be increased is effectively limited to four options: Increase the number of base stations Increase the spectrum deployed on those base stations Use the spectrum / radio resources more efficiently / effectively Offload onto...

The traditional SIM card has been a central part of digital mobile communications for 30 years. This unassuming piece of plastic has been responsible for controlling access to GSM mobile networks worldwide, helping to protect assets worth over a trillion dollars per year. However, SIM technology is currently undergoing a major evolution, called Embedded SIM or ‘eSIM’ cards. Instead of receiving then inserting a physical SIM card into your mobile phone to get it connected, consumers will download a ‘SIM’ directly into their device, anytime, anywhere. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ESIM TECHNOLOGY? There are many advantages of using eSIM...

5G security is built firmly on the foundations supplied by 4G security, albeit with significant enhancements. Here we’ll look at what’s stayed the same and where the differences are in how security is implemented in 4G and 5G. A deeper dive into this topic is available in our 5G Security course. 5G - an evolution not a complete change 5G can be viewed as an evolution of 4G rather than as completely new technology with many 5G features being enhancements, improvements or extensions of the equivalent 4G features. This principle can be seen quite clearly in the area of 5G network security...

Wray Castle Group, a new holding company, dedicated to serving the global Telecommunications and Cybersecurity industries, is pleased to announce it has acquired Wray Castle Training, effective immediately. Group announces plans to expand within the MENA region. Established in 1958, Wray Castle Training is the leading telecommunications training provider. Delivering effective learning pathways, from entry-level graduate through to experienced professionals, using a broad spectrum of teaching methods including online, distance learning and classroom. Having delivered training courses in over 55 countries, Wray Castle’s customers include: Vodafone, BT, Orange, T-Mobile, BAE Systems, government agencies, energy and transportation utilities (Network Rail, E.on),...

5G Network Slicing seems to be one of the hottest buzzwords around at the moment. If you’re looking for an introduction keep reading or have a look at our new course in this area. 5G as a platform delivers in two major areas. Firstly it brings cost efficiency through access to huge areas of new spectrum and the effective use of advanced antenna techniques. It also delivers significantly improved performance and capabilities centred largely on reduced latency, increased reliability, and lower energy use. Although requiring significant initial investment, the first area will allow progressive and cost-effective deployment of much needed capacity into the...

LTE was designed mainly for the delivery of mobile broadband over smartphones. However, a progressive flattening of broadband revenues has led network operators to seek out new markets and new use cases, in which connectivity can provide economic benefits. These use cases often have different use cases from those of mobile broadband. Some of them, for example mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communications), can be addressed by enhancing the LTE specifications. However, other use cases cannot be supported so easily over LTE, and require a new technology to address them properly. The technology is known as the 5G New Radio (NR)....