Lecture Notes: Telecom Training Session

Jul 15, 2024

Lecture Notes: Telecom Training Session

Introduction

  • Recording Availability: The session will be uploaded on YouTube. Links to various communities on LinkedIn and Telegram will be shared.
  • Company Overview: Telan is a B2B/B2C training company offering training for individuals and corporations on various telecom topics (5G Core, 5G NR).

Course Offerings

  • Open Sessions: 5G Core, 5G NR, 4G, and more topics available for individual or customized team sessions.
  • Types of Training: E-learning content, workshops, webinars, on-job training, classroom, and virtual training.

Speaker Introduction

  • Vikas Kumar Singh: 20 years of experience in Telecom, worked with AD, Nokia, and Alcatel-Lucent.

Training Focus Areas

  • Current Issues: Job loss, transition to new domains (protocol testing, log analysis) in 4G/5G.
  • Session Goals: Address essential topics for 4G/5G protocol testing and log analysis to help clear job interviews.

Important Topics

5G Network Architecture

  • Core Components: UE, GNB, AMF, AUSF, UDM, SMF, UPF, PCF, Application Function, Data Network.
  • Comparison with LTE: Differences and new functionalities introduced.

Frequency Spectrum

  • Applications: FR1 (450 MHz - 6 GHz) for general use, FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz) for specific scenarios.
  • Use Cases: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), Massive Machine Type Communication (MMTC).
  • Advantages/Disadvantages: Different frequency bands for different requirements (e.g., coverage, latency, bandwidth).

Frame Structure

  • Comparison with 4G: 10 ms frame, 10 subframes, 1 ms subframe/slot, various subcarrier spacing.
  • Numerologies: Different subcarrier spacing (15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, 240 kHz, 480 kHz, 960 kHz) and their impact on symbol duration, slot duration, and bandwidth.

Bandwidth Part (BWP)

  • Concept: Division of high bandwidth into smaller parts for UE to read efficiently, reducing power consumption.
  • Limitations: Maximum 4 BWPs per UE, only 1 active at a time.

Protocols and Layers

  • NAS: Non-Access Stratum - EMS, ESM, ECM states.
  • RRC: Radio Resource Control - Idle, Inactive, Connected states.
  • PDCP: Packet Data Convergence Protocol - Integrity, Ciphering, Robust Header Compression.
  • RLC: Radio Link Control - Transparent, Acknowledged, Unacknowledged modes.
  • MAC: Medium Access Control - Link adaptation, Priority handling, BSR, PHR, DRX, Scheduling.

Tools for Log Analysis

  • Qualcomm Tools: QCAT, QXDM.
  • MediaTek Tools: El Tool.
  • Google Tools: Sanon.
  • Open Source Tools: Wireshark for initial log analysis.

Myths about Protocol Testing and Log Analysis

  • Job Market: High demand for skilled professionals in 4G/5G Protocol Testing and Log Analysis.
  • Experience Transition: Possible for professionals from other domains (NOC, RF, Integration) to transition with the right training and skills.
  • Programming Requirements: No need for Python/C++ unless in automated testing; not necessary for log analysis.

Job Opportunities

  • Companies Hiring: Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, Samsung, TCS, Tech Mahindra, AT&T, BSNL, etc.
  • Job Growth: Significant increase in job postings related to 4G/5G technologies.

Study Topics for Interviews

  • Frequency Spectrum: FR1, FR2, SCS, Numerologies.
  • 5G Network Architecture: Detailed understanding of network components and their functionalities.
  • Log Analysis Tools: Familiarity with various tools and their functionalities in log analysis.

Closing Remarks

  • Additional Resources: Videos, tutorials on Wireshark for hands-on practice.

Questions & Answers

  • Addressed various questions on tools, network layers, handovers, and career transitions.

Feedback Requested

  • A feedback form was shared for attendees to provide their thoughts and receive a certificate of participation.