Modules overview

Here is what you learn in a nutshell

5G Certification Course: Master Next-Gen Mobile Networks

About This Course

The world of telecommunications is evolving rapidly, and 5G is at the forefront of this transformation. In this course, you will gain in-depth knowledge about the world of 5G—the cutting-edge technology revolutionising mobile communication. This course seamlessly integrates theory, with hands-on exercises, and expert interviews, providing a comprehensive guide to 5G networks, covering everything from technical aspects, architecture network planning to the inner-workings of how campus 5G networks are designed and tested.

Developed by the German Academy of Digital Education (DADB) in collaboration with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora from Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, it is a comprehensive 5G course that offers in-depth knowledge into 5G communication networks, architecture, and use cases. The course also includes practical examples and demonstrations from leading industry partners to provide you with the skills and knowledge needed in this fast-growing field.

Master 5G technologies with hands-on exercises, expert insights, and real-world examples from leading industry players. This course is designed by DADB and prepares you for the future of 5G communication. 

For more details on 5G technology courses, check our dedicated section on 5G courses online. Additionally, those interested in practical learning can explore our 5G network training module to develop hands-on expertise.

What You Will Learn:

• Understand advanced 5G networks and the architecture behind them.
• Explore the 5G network types, deployment options, and planning processes through industrial examples.
• Familiarise yourself with the components of 5G Campus Networks and their applications.
• Discover key hardware elements and implementation aspects of 5G technology.
• Dive into 5G system testing, testing environments, and 5G testbed.

Who Is This Course For?

• Telecommunications Professionals looking to upgrade their skills in 5G technology
• Network Engineers who want to understand the architecture and components of 5G networks
• IT Professionals involved in wireless technologies and IoT systems
• Students with a background in engineering aiming to build a career in next-generation mobile networks

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Interpret and analyse advanced 5G cellular networks and technologies.
• Explain 5G architecture, the technologies driving it, and how these relate to real-world applications.
• Illustrate network planning, deployment, and different 5G network types.
• Differentiate between various 5G hardware elements and implementation processes.
• Analyse and integrate 5G system testing practices, including the elements of testbed.

Course Content:

Module 1: 

Introduction to Advanced Wireless Communication Networks

• Course Introduction

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora 
• A brief history of interconnectivity and examples
• Uses of 5G
• Trends in Interconnectivity
• Wireless vs wired communication
• Wireless Topologies
• Study notes
• Quiz:  5 questions 

ISO-OSI Reference Models

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Hierarchical Communication Models
• ISO-OSI Reference Models
• ISO-OSI Reference Model Service Primitives
• ISO-OSI Service Access Points
• ISO-OSI Viewpoints
• ISO-OSI Functional Programming
• Study Notes
• Quiz:  3 questions

Protocols, Standards and Service Models

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Protocols
• Standardisation of Protocols
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Standardization
• The Client Server Model
• Further Service Models
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 3 questions
• Module 1 Quiz: 5 questions

Module 2 

 Introduction to Mobile Communication & 5G

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Introduction to Mobile Communication and 5G
• Introduction to Cellular Networks, Part I
• Introduction to Cellular Networks, Part II
• Cellular Networks from 1G to 3.75G
• Cellular Technologies from 4G on
• 4G LTE Details, Part I
• 4G LTE Details, Part II
• Study Notes 
• Quiz: 5 questions

5G- Requirements, Services and Standardisation

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• ITU 5G Requirements, Part 1
• ITU 5G Requirements, Part 2
• What is 5G, Part 1
• What is 5G, Part 2
• 5G Services
• 5G Services in use
• Standardisation and Regulation
•  Study Notes
• Quiz: 4 questions

5G Use Cases, Technical Ingredients and Market Overview

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• 5G Use Cases
• 5G System Requirements
• Technical Ingredients Overview
• 5G Market Overview
• Study Notes 
• Quiz: 3 questions

Expert Interviews – 5G Evolution

• Expert Interview: Qualcomm, Dr. Josef Blanz
• Expert Interview: Nokia, Dr. Ulrich Dropmann
• Showcasing 5G Services and Use Cases
• Quiz: 5 questions

Module 3

Introduction to Architecture of 5G Cellular Communication Networks

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Introduction and Module Overview
• Network Architecture Overview
• Network Architecture of 2G Access Network
• Network Architecture of 2G Core Network
• Network Architecture of 2.5G GPRS
• Network Architecture of 3G UMTS
• Network Architecture of 4G LTE
• 5G Network Architecture Overview
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 3 questions

5G Base Station, Access and Core Network Architecture

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• 5G Base Station(gNodeB)
• Access Network Architecture
• Access Network Architecture Deployment Options
• Core Network Architecture Design Principles
• 5G Core Network Representations
• 5G Core Network Architecture Elements and Their Roles
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 4 questions

Introduction to 5G New Radio (NR)

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora

• Introduction to 5G New Radio 
• 5G Frequency Assignments 
• Global Frequency Assignments 
• NR Standards 
• 5G New Radio Specifications 
• NR-Waveforms and Modulation 
• OFDM 
• OFDM Modulation 
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 3 questions

 4G LTE, 5G NR – Fixed Frame Structure and Numerology

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• LTE: Frame Types and Structures, Basics I
• LTE: Frame Types and Structures, Basics II
• Fixed Frame Structure I
• Fixed Frame Structure II
• 5G NR: Numerology and Flexible Frame Structures
• 5G NR: Selecting Numerologies
• 5G NR: Comparing 4G and 5G Numerologies and Physical Layer Properties
• NR: Carrier Aggregation and Bandwidth Adaptation
• NR: Bandwidth Part Use Cases and Procedures
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 4 questions

Wireless Propagation Aspects.

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• NR Basics of Wireless Propagation, Theory I
• NR Basics of Wireless Propagation, Theory II
• NR Practical Aspects of Wireless Propagation I
• NR Practical Aspects of Wireless Propagation II
• NR Practical Aspects of Wireless Propagation: Interference
• NR Practical Aspects of Wireless Propagation: Noise
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 4 questions

Mm Waves, Small Cell Networks, Dual Connectivity and Beamforming

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Millimetre Waves Communication Overview
• Small Cell Networks
• Dual connectivity
• Beamforming I
• Beamforming II
• Beamforming III
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 3 questions
• Module 3 Quiz: 5 questions

Assessment 1

25 questions

Module 4

Introduction to 5G Radio Access Networks (RAN)

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Introduction to 5G RAN
• 5G RAN Design – General Aspects I
• 5G RAN Design – General Aspects II
• 5G RAN: Coding Aspects Overview I
• 5G RAN: Coding Aspects Overview II
• Non-orthogonal Schemes for Efficient Multiple Access I
• Non-orthogonal Schemes for Efficient Multiple Access II
• Study Notes 
• Quiz: 3 questions

O-RAN, C-RAN, Expert Interview and Presentations

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• O-RAN I
• O-RAN II
• C-RAN
• C-RAN Architecture and Advantages
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 3 questions

Expert Interviews on “Localization”

Expert interviews from Von der Grün (Fraunhofer IIS)

Introduction to 5G Core and Transport Network

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Introduction to 5G Core and Transport Network
• Network Function Virtualization
• Cloud Native Computing
• 5G Core Network Elements and its Functionalities
• 5G Core Network Service Based Architecture
• Core Network Functions A-N
• Core Network Functions N-S
• Core Network Functions S-Z
• 5G Transport Network I
• 5G Transport Network II
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 5 questions

5G Campus Networks

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Campus Networks Overview I
• Campus Networks Overview II
• Operator Models – Separate Campus Networks
• Operator Models – Virtual Slice Models
• Hybrid Models and Use Case Assessment
• Planning and Commissioning Campus Networks
• Setting up and Operating 5G Campus Networks
• Operation and Management of Campus Networks
• Campus Network Standards and Norms
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 3 questions

Expert Interviews on Campus Networks 

• Expert Interview: MECSWare, Dr. Ing. Torsten Musiol
• Expert Interview: CampusGenius, Dr. Thomas Höschele
• Expert Interview: Siemens, Sander Rotmensen on Industrial 5G
• Module 4 Quiz: 5 questions

Module 5

 Introduction to 5G Hardware and Implementation Aspects

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Introduction to 5G Hardware and Implementation Aspects
• Introduction to Cellular Network Hardware Elements
• 2G Base Stations
• 3, 4 and 5G Base Stations
• 5G RAN Equipment I
• 5G RAN Equipment II
• Antenna Systems for Cellular Base Stations
• 1-3G Antenna Systems
• Antenna Systems 4G and on
• User Equipment (UE)
• 5G User Equipment (UE)
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 3 questions

Expert Interview and Presentation: Fraunhofer HHI

Expert Interview: Fraunhofer HHI, Dr.-Ing. Thomas Haustein, Part 1

Expert Interview: Fraunhofer HHI, Dr.-Ing. Thomas Haustein, Part 2

Presentation: Fraunhofer HHI, Dr.-Ing. Thomas Haustein, Part 1

Presentation: Fraunhofer HHI, Dr.-Ing. Thomas Haustein, Part 2

Module 6

 Introduction to 5G Testing

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Introduction and Testing Fundamentals
• Testing Phases and Methods
• 5G Testing Requirements and Challenges I
• 5G Testing Requirements and Challenges II
• 5G Testing Requirements and Challenges III
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 4 questions

 

Test Environment, 5G Physical Layer and System Testing Overview

• Introduction by Prof. Sikora
• Simulation and Testbeds
• Field Testing
• 5G Physical Layer Testing
• Over the Air Testing
• System Testing Overview
• Protocol and Conformance Testing

• Expert Presentation – Hands On – Fraunhofer ISS – Dr. Geordie George and M. Sc. Maximilian Kasparek
• Study Notes
• Quiz: 4 questions

Expert Presentation – 5G Field Test & Measurements

• Solutions Overview: Jaume Gimenez
• 5G Site Testing Solution: Jaume Gimenez
• 5G STS for FR2 (mmWaves) – Jaume Gimenez
• 5G STS for Dynamic Spectrum Sharing – Jaume Gimenez
• 5G STS for EMF & Time Synchronisation Measurements – Jaume Gimenez
• Cellular Functional Tests – Jaume Gimenez
• Field Testing Demo – Jaume Gimenez

Demonstrations of 5G Campus Europe Testbed(s) – Part 1

Fraunhofer IPT and Ericsson created a 5G Industry Campus Europe in Aachen, Germany, with indoor and outdoor coverage, to develop and test adaptive machining using an acoustic emission sensor and a multi-sensor platform for production monitoring.

• Niels König (Fraunhofer IPT)
• Praveen Mohanram (Fraunhofer IPT)
• Sarah Schmitt (Fraunhofer IPT)

 

Demonstrations of 5G Campus Europe Testbed(s) – Part 2

Continuation of the demonstration of 5G Campus Europe.

• Praveen Mohanram (Fraunhofer IPT)
• Sarah Schmitt (Fraunhofer IPT)
• Praveen Mohanram & Sarah Schmitt (Fraunhofer IPT)
• Niels König (Fraunhofer IPT), Part 1
• Niels König (Fraunhofer IPT), Part 2
• Guido Hüttemann ( RWTH Aachen University )

 Expert Presentation – Systematic Functional Testing of NB-IoT

Research engineers from Fraunhofer ISS and Hahn Schickard Association for Applied Research showcase their testing environment and testing approaches of NB-IoT technology.

• Frank Burkhardt (Fraunhofer ISS)
• Systematic Functional Testing of NB-IoT, Fabian Sowieja (Hahn Schickard), Part 1 
• Systematic Functional Testing of NB-IoT, Fabian Sowieja (Hahn Schickard), Part 2
• Fabian Sowieja (Hahn Schickard)

Interview Module – with 6G experts

• Presented by Ulrich Dropmann, Head of standardizations, Nokia Bell Labs, along with an interview with 5G expert Prof. Dr. Frank Fitzek from TU Dresden.
• Module 6 Quiz: 5 questions

Assessment 2

20 questions

Final assessment and exercises

• Interactive 5G Exercises: 6 exercises
• Course Evaluation
• Final Exam

Meet Your Instructor:
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Axel Sikora is a full Professor at the Offenburg University of Applied Sciences, where he now leads the Institute of Reliable Embedded Systems and Communication Electronics (ivESK). He is also a deputy member of the board of the Hahn-Schickard Institute of Applied Research, where he leads two engineering divisions: “Embedded Solutions” and “Software Solutions”. Since 2019, he has also been affiliated with the faculty of engineering at the University of Freiburg, allowing him to serve as the primary PhD supervisor. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sikora is the founder and head of the Steinbeis Transfer Center Embedded Design and Networking and shareholder of STACKFORCE GmbH, an independent and successful spin-off engineering company around IoT connectivity solutions. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Sikora is author, co-author, editor and co-editor of several textbooks, and of more than 200 peer-reviewed papers in the field of embedded design and wireless & wired networking. Amongst his many other duties, he serves as Chairman of the annual embedded world conference (Nuremberg) – the world’s largest event on the topic – and as Scientific Advisor to both the annual Wireless Congress (Munich) and the annual IoT Conference (Stuttgart).