5G Mobile Networks Course 3 Syllabus

This 8-week intermediate course provides a comprehensive exploration of 5G mobile networks, focusing on architecture, key components, and deployment strategies. Designed for learners with a background in networking, it requires approximately 4–6 hours per week, totaling 32–48 hours. The course progresses through foundational and advanced topics, including RAN, core network design, network slicing, and real-world use cases. While it lacks hands-on labs, the structured content delivers strong theoretical grounding essential for telecom engineering roles.

Module 1: Introduction to 5G Architecture

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Evolution from 4G to 5G networks
• Core components of 5G system architecture
• Control and user plane separation (CUPS)
• Overview of 5G network functions and interfaces

Module 2: Radio Access Network (RAN) in 5G

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Functions of gNB and Next-Generation RAN (NG-RAN)
• Millimeter wave spectrum and propagation characteristics
• Massive MIMO and antenna array fundamentals
• Beamforming techniques and signal optimization

Module 3: 5G Core Network

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Service-based architecture (SBA) of 5G core
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and its role
• Session management and PDU session establishment
• Mobility management in 5G-SA and 5G-NSA modes

Module 4: Deployment and Use Cases

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Standalone (SA) vs. non-standalone (NSA) deployment models
• Network slicing for service differentiation
• Enterprise applications enabled by network slicing
• IoT integration and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC)

Module 5: Spectrum and Radio Access Technologies

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Frequency bands and spectrum allocation in 5G
• Sub-6 GHz vs. mmWave trade-offs
• Radio access technology convergence

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Design a 5G network deployment scenario
• Specify architecture components for a use case (e.g., smart factory or URLLC)
• Submit a technical report with rationale and component selection

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic networking concepts (IP, TCP/UDP)
• Understanding of mobile communication fundamentals (e.g., LTE)
• Basic knowledge of wireless technologies and protocols

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain the end-to-end architecture of 5G mobile networks
• Identify and describe key components such as gNB and 5G core functions
• Compare standalone and non-standalone 5G deployment models
• Describe how network slicing enables service customization
• Apply 5G concepts to real-world use cases in IoT and enterprise services