
Radio Access Networks: Exploring 5G and 4G Technologies
This Learning Path provides a detailed introduction to the radio access technologies of 4G and 5G. Starting with 4G LTE, you'll learn about OFDMA, MIMO, and key radio interface protocols. The journey continues with 5G NR, covering concepts like millimeter wave, beamforming, and more. Hands-on labs guide you through configuring and analyzing 4G and 5G radio interfaces, enabling a clear comparison of their architectures and capabilities. This path equips you with the knowledge to understand the evolution of wireless communication.
About The Learning path
Audiences
Learning Path Flow:

Lab Architecture:
The beginner's 4G Radio Lab provides a rich learning environment tailored for exploring and experimenting with various aspects of 4G radio technologies. It includes simulations of RF environments, which allow users to evaluate signal strength and performance under different conditions. Additionally, the lab features tools for analyzing network protocols, offering insights into the inner workings of Uu Radio interfaces. These resources collectively empower learners to gain practical insights into 4G networks, from understanding theoretical speed calculations to estimating network coverage and performance metrics.

Lab Objectives:
- Gain a solid understanding of LTE fundamentals, its evolution from 3G/2G, and key technologies like SC-FDMA and OFDMA.
- Develop expertise in LTE architecture, including UE, eNB, and interworking with GSM/UMTS.
- Master LTE transmission techniques, including FDD vs. TDD, MIMO, and Carrier Aggregation.
- Build knowledge of the LTE protocol stack, including RRC, PDCP, RLC, and MAC layers.
- Enhance skills in LTE radio planning, link budget analysis, and signal path evaluation using CloudRF.
Lab Architecture:
The 5G Radio beginner setup includes core network components like AMF and UPF, along with the radio access network, user equipment, and visualization tools such as Wireshark. Wireshark helps analyze packet exchanges in the 5G NR portion, providing insights into radio network behavior. Additionally, the architecture features a throughput measurement tool for testing and validating 5G radio concepts, crucial for optimizing performance and ensuring network reliability.

Lab Objectives:
- Gain the ability to assess and differentiate public, private, and hybrid 5G network deployments, understanding their architectures, impact on radio access, and real-world applications.
- Develop expertise in identifying and mitigating 5G radio deployment challenges, such as fading, multipath interference, and spectrum utilization, to optimize network performance.
- Build a deep understanding of 5G New Radio (NR), including TDD/FDD frames, SUL/SDL, and how these technical aspects influence network efficiency and scalability.
- Learn how to apply Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) to optimize frequency allocation, improve spectral efficiency, and enhance 5G network flexibility.
- Gain hands-on experience in measuring 5G NR throughput, configuring numerology settings, and leveraging carrier aggregation for improved data rates and spectral efficiency.
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