A technical overview of the billing and charging architecture defined for 4G LTE networks, including a review of LTE bearer, traffic flow and QoS concepts. The course goes on to examine the architecture of the billing system, both online and offline and identifies the key nodes, interfaces and protocols employed to transport billing and charging information. Finally, the interactions with the billing system during basic LTE procedures are outlined. This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit Engineers, designers, managers and others involved in the development, deployment or operation of LTE billing and charging systems. Prerequisites Familiarity with the LTE Evolved Packet Core is assumed. Experience of 2G or 3G billing systems would be beneficial. Topic Areas Include Review of EPS bearer concepts and LTE QoS models Packet flows, service data flows and traffic flow aggregates Deep packet inspection – heuristic algorithms and bearer-aware applications Outline of policy and charging control LTE billing and charging concepts Flow-based charging Billing architecture Online and offline charging systems Charging data capture points (S-GW, PDN-GW) IMS charging capture points Charging Data Function (CDF) Protocols – Diameter, CAP Interfaces – Gy, Gz, Rf, Ro and others Charging criteria – time-based, volume-based, application-based CDR formats CDR generation Charging interaction with basic LTE procedures

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A technical introduction and overview of LTE and LTE-Advanced, including the air interface, radio access network, core network and other key associated technologies. This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit This course is intended for engineers either new to, or already working in, mobile communications. Prerequisites Familiarity with telecommunications and general engineering terminology is assumed and some understanding of 2G and 3G cellular systems would be beneficial. Topic Areas Include High level architecture of LTE Basic principles of OFDMA and SC-FDMA Air interface protocol stack Structure of the air interface physical layer E-UTRAN architecture, interfaces and protocols EPC architecture, interfaces and protocols LTE state diagrams Principles of bearers and Quality of Service (QoS) Voice options for LTE Power-on procedures UE procedures in idle and connected modes Enhancements in LTE-Advanced

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A detailed technical description of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) for LTE systems. This includes EPC architecture and interfaces, service provision concepts, application of IP technologies, overall protocol architectures and (optionally) a review of IMS functionality. This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit Engineers and other staff involved with switching or transmission architecture, optimization, network management, network testing or monitoring of the EPC. Prerequisites An engineering background with some knowledge of core network technologies, including IP, is assumed. Experience of 2G or 3G systems would be beneficial. Topic Areas Include High level architecture of LTE Functions of the MME, S-GW, PDN-GW, HSS and PCRF LTE state diagrams Inter-operation with 2G, 3G and non-3GPP networks Voice options for LTE Principles of bearers and Quality of Service (QoS) Data transport in the EPC Policy and charging control architecture IETF protocols in the EPC, including SCTP, DiffServ and Diameter 3GPP protocols in the EPC, including GTP and S1-AP Power-on procedures UE procedures in idle and connected modes Enhancements in LTE-Advance

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This course provides a detailed overview of the issues related to the planning of backhaul services designed to support 4G LTE Cellular sites in both dedicated and single Radio Access Network (RAN) environments. The course focuses on planning techniques related to the most commonly-employed backhaul technologies used in conjunction with LTE, such as Ethernet, packet-based microwave and IP. It also covers aspects such as timing and security solutions and presents techniques that can be employed to estimate backhaul requirements and plan for suitable deployments. This course is delivered as a self-paced on-demand distance learning course and features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit This course is designed for engineers working for network operators in the planning and implementation of RANs and in particular the backhaul region from the cell tower back to the core network and are looking at the options that exist to provide backhaul solutions suitable for 4G LTE networks. Prerequisites No specific prerequisites for this course although a good understanding of mobile networks and in particular the radio access part of 3GPP based networks. Topic Areas Include Backhaul overview Backhaul planning techniques Defining 4G backhaul requirements Backhaul technologies appropriate for 4G networks Transport network evolution Multi RAT and Multi Operator (MRMO) Synchronization options Cell throughput expectations Industry initiatives and forums Radio to transport QoS mapping VLAN management Backhaul traffic profile Backhaul QoS Planning exercise – cell throughput calculations   On-Demand Online Training Our self-paced on-demand distance learning programmes are accessible on any computer, tablet or smartphone and allow you to study at a time and location that is convenient to you. Each course includes: Illustrated Course Books - featuring leading edge knowledge from subject matter experts. Videos - Detailed videos expand the points covered in the course books, discussing topics in greater depth.  Tutor Support – Dedicated course tutors are available to answer any questions you might have throughout your studies. Formative Assessment - Modules include regular quizzes to support learning by testing your knowledge of the subject matter. Certification– Successfully complete the end of module tests to earn Digital Badges to demonstrate the depth of your knowledge of the topic. Included in Wray Castle Hub This course is also available as part of the Wray Castle Hub. An annual subscription delivers unlimited access to this course and over 500 hours of learning material consisting of 30+ Courses, 190+ Learning Modules, and 1,000+ Videos. Annual Subscription: £1400 (Most cost-effective option) Subscribe to Wray Castle Hub here

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LTE and 5G systems are increasingly important in our lives. These systems have the potential to be the basis of much of our future communications and connected devices. LTE and 5G will be used in all kinds of critical applications where we need to have confidence that our data is safe and protected from attack. The concern of mobile security becomes more critical than ever before. Mobile security describes the measures taken to protect against a wide range of threats that seek to violate our privacy and attack the information stored and sent between our phones and connected devices. This course provides a detailed overview of the security environment developed for LTE and 5G networks in both the access and core network domains. This includes LTE Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA), security procedures and Key derivation for LTE Non-Access Stratum, Access Stratum, Access Network and Core Network security. The course then describes the improvements made in 5G security for both Non-standalone and Standalone Modes, 5G security architectures, 5G key derivation and 5G security contexts, 5G procedures for authentication, key agreement, dual connectivity and interworking. Both roaming and non-roaming scenarios are considered. This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit This course is designed for engineers, managers and other personnel who have a need to acquire a technical overview of the security environment employed within LTE and 5G networks. It will also be of benefit to those in the wider technical community who have a need to understand the security protocols employed by cellular networks. Prerequisites Attendance on, or equivalent knowledge, LTE Engineering or 5G Engineering would be useful.  Alternatively, experience working in this area of telecoms. Topic Areas Include LTE Security Architecture Authentication and Key Agreement Evolution to 5G 5G Non-Standalone Mode Security 5G Standalone Mode Security

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Mobile communication systems were originally designed to support voice (with SMS), but then focused primarily on developing data connectivity. With broadband connectivity representing the major areas of opportunity, networks were standardised, deployed and optimised to fully support that [fairly narrow] set of use cases. More recently, machine to machine communication, the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected innovation have seen massive growth, and become a much bigger part of the communications industry. However, the data connectivity requirements are very different to that of broadband. In order to optimally support this type of data, a number of modifications, new features, and complimentary technologies have been introduced to the networks. In LTE, these are grouped under the term Machine Type Communications (MTC). This course explores the technical aspects of MTC for LTE, and includes an examination of NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) as a complimentary technology. Initially, the course provides an overview of IoT and low power networking / connectivity systems, and highlights the role and requirements of LTE for MTC. We then look at the features and performance of the different categories of MTC UE (User Equipment), the Air Interface modifications and features, and the Cellular IoT (C-IoT) enhancements to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Course Modules Introduction to LTE and the Internet of Things (IoT)  LTE Technologies for the IoT  NB-IoT and IoT Core Network Enhancements 

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This course provides a detailed technical description of the currently specified methods of offering a VoIP service using LTE and the IP Multimedia Subsystem.  This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit This course is suitable for engineering and technical management staff who require a technical description of the options that exist in LTE for delivering voice and other real-time traffic types by means of VoIP. Prerequisites Attendance on this course assumes previous attendance on the LTE Engineering Overview course (LT3600) or equivalent basic LTE knowledge (although a recap of basic LTE architecture and concepts is provided at the start of the course) and also assumes a working knowledge of IP. Topic Areas Include Technical overview of LTE Introduction to the options for LTE voice Technical overview of the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) System architecture for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) VoLTE protocols, services and codecs VoLTE power-on and registration procedures VoLTE call setup procedures Access domain selection Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) Delivery of SMS messages over the IMS VoLTE emergency calls Voice over Wi-Fi

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This course concentrates on the two main areas of an LTE network in which Quality of Service (QoS) is applied – the End-to-End EPS Bearer and the underlying Transport Network Layer (TNL). The main QoS concepts are explored as are details of the interworking between LTE QoS and the QoS schemes employed in other network types, such as UMTS, GPRS and the IMS. This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit This course is suitable for engineering and technical management staff who require a technical overview of the technologies and techniques employed by 4G LTE networks to define and control the QoS applied to user connections. Prerequisites An engineering background with some knowledge of telecommunications technologies and protocols is assumed and previous LTE training would be beneficial, as would knowledge of QoS mechanisms in legacy 2G and 3G networks. Topic Areas Include E-UTRAN architecture and interfaces EPS Bearer and PDN Connectivity options and operations User plane connection concepts, packet flows, SDFs and Traffic Flow Aggregates LTE QoS parameters, QCI, ARP QoS parameter representation in LTE signalling protocols QoS Management – TFTs and packet filters LTE PCC (Policy and Charging Control) mechanisms PCC Rules, function and structure Interaction between PCC elements and internal and external network nodes Mapping LTE QoS to legacy network schemes Measuring QoS TNL concepts, architecture and QoS mechanisms DiffServ, MPLS and Ethernet QoS End-to-End QoS Architecture and Operation Network node QoS functions QoS influence on LTE handovers

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This course is designed to provide an end-to-end view of the whole set of signalling messages that support some of the most fundamental LTE network operations, such as: initial attach, PDN Connectivity, EPS Bearer setup, bearer resource allocation, handover and detach. Each procedure is presented in terms of the progression of signalling messages exchanged and each message is explored in detail. The course provides details of messages belonging to the following signalling protocols: RRC, NAS, S1AP, X2AP, GTPv2-C and also the Diameter S6a, S13 and Gx applications. This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit This course is designed for engineers, managers and other personnel who have a need to acquire a technical overview of the total LTE signalling environment (not just signalling in one part of the network) and also those that require an end-to-end view of the management of fundamental LTE procedures. Prerequisites A basic understanding of LTE network architecture, services and protocols, which can be gained from attending the LTE Engineering Overview (LT3600) and LTE Evolved Packet Core Network (LT3604) courses. An understanding of IP would be beneficial. Topic Areas Include Air interface signalling protocols E-UTRAN signalling protocols EPC signalling protocols Initial attach procedures Idle mode procedures S1 release Tracking area update procedure Service request procedure with ISR enabled Extended service request for CS fallback Connected mode procedures Connection establishment, modification and release Bearer resource allocation triggering dedicated EPS bearer establishment Bearer resource modification triggering EPS bearer modification PDN connectivity request Handover procedures X2-based handover with direct forwarding S1-based handover with S-GW change with indirect forwarding Inter-System PS handover to UMTS/HSPA without forwarding Detach procedures

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A detailed technical description of the air interface for LTE radio access. This includes OFDMA principles, access and non-access stratum protocols, channel structures, connectivity and mobility management procedures along with radio link control functions. This self-paced on-demand distance learning course features illustrated course books, videos, tests and full tutor support. Who would benefit Engineers involved with equipment design, operation, optimization or monitoring of the LTE radio link. Prerequisites An engineering background with some knowledge of digital radio systems and general radio principles and techniques is assumed. A basic understanding of LTE and experience of 2G or 3G systems would be beneficial. Topic Areas Include LTE system architecture E-UTRAN architecture and interfaces OFDMA/SC-FDMA basic principles Defining orthogonality OFDMA features and benefits The Fourier transform OFDMA/SC-FDMA transmitter and receiver chains Modulation and coding, MIMO and the Cyclic Prefix MIMO concepts and implementation Physical layer structures Access and non-access stratum protocols Logical, Transport and Physical channels RRC, PDCP, MAC and RLC functions Resource allocation and scheduling strategies LTE-Advanced concepts Lower layer procedures Connection establishment Radio resource management procedures

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