2G, 3G, 4G Course

Lesson 1 • Cellular Network Architecture Basics

Introduces the cell concept, frequency reuse, and hierarchical network structure. Provides the architectural mental model applied throughout all subsequent generations.

Lesson 2 • Modulation and Coding Essentials

Teaches digital modulation schemes and channel coding used to protect data over noisy radio links. Forms the signal-processing basis for 2G, 3G, and 4G air interfaces.

Lesson 3 • Multiple Access Techniques

Explains FDMA, TDMA, and CDMA as methods for sharing radio resources amongst users. Directly prepares students to understand how each cellular generation allocates capacity.

Lesson 1 • GSM System Architecture

Maps the radio, base station, and core subsystems of GSM. Establishes the reference model used when comparing later generations.

Lesson 2 • GSM Air Interface and Channels

Details the TDMA frame structure, logical channels, and burst types used on the GSM radio interface. Connects modulation theory to real channel assignments.

Lesson 3 • 2G Security and SIM Functions

Covers GSM authentication, encryption algorithms, and SIM card architecture. Highlights known 2G security limitations relevant to later generation improvements.

Lesson 4 • GPRS and EDGE Data Extensions

Introduces packet-switched overlay on GSM for mobile data via GPRS and enhanced rates via EDGE. Shows how 2G evolved to carry IP traffic before 3G deployment.

Lesson 1 • HSPA: High-Speed Packet Access

Details HSDPA and HSUPA enhancements that boost 3G data throughput via adaptive modulation and fast scheduling. Bridges the gap between UMTS and 4G LTE performance.

Lesson 2 • WCDMA Air Interface Principles

Explains direct-sequence CDMA spreading, chip rate, and RAKE receiver operation. Provides the technical basis for understanding UMTS capacity and coverage.

Lesson 3 • UMTS Logical, Transport, and Physical Channels

Maps the three-layer channel model from logical services down to physical radio resources. Clarifies how voice, video, and data are multiplexed on the WCDMA carrier.

Lesson 4 • UMTS Network Architecture Overview

Introduces the UTRAN, core network domains, and interfaces defined in UMTS. Contrasts with GSM architecture to highlight evolutionary design choices.

Lesson 1 • LTE Resource Grid and Frame Structure

Maps the time-frequency resource grid, subframes, and resource blocks used for scheduling. Provides the structural knowledge needed to interpret LTE radio measurements.

Lesson 2 • OFDM Principles and LTE Downlink

Explains orthogonal subcarrier spacing, cyclic prefix, and IFFT-based signal generation. Establishes why OFDM outperforms CDMA in frequency-selective fading channels.

Lesson 3 • LTE Link Adaptation and Scheduling

Explains CQI-driven adaptive modulation, HARQ retransmission, and proportional fair scheduling. Shows how the eNodeB maximises cell throughput whilst maintaining fairness.

Lesson 4 • LTE Uplink: SC-FDMA

Introduces SC-FDMA as the uplink scheme that reduces peak-to-average power ratio for UE battery efficiency. Contrasts with OFDMA to clarify design trade-offs.

Lesson 1 • LTE Security Architecture

Covers the two-layer security model with NAS and AS security contexts and the USIM-based key hierarchy. Highlights improvements over 2G and 3G authentication mechanisms.

Lesson 2 • EPC Procedures and Protocols

Traces attach, authentication, and bearer setup procedures across EPC interfaces. Connects protocol knowledge to real network events students will encounter in operations.

Lesson 3 • LTE System Architecture Evolution

Introduces the separation of user and control planes and the elimination of the RNC in LTE. Contrasts with UMTS to highlight the architectural simplification driving lower latency.

Lesson 1 • Intra-LTE Handover Procedures

Details X2-based and S1-based handover signalling, measurement triggers, and context transfer. Builds on LTE architecture knowledge to explain seamless mobility within LTE.

Lesson 2 • Idle Mode Cell Selection and Reselection

Explains S and R criteria, cell ranking, and inter-frequency reselection used when the UE has no active connection. Ensures students understand UE camping behaviour across RATs.

Lesson 3 • Inter-RAT Handover: LTE to 3G and 2G

Covers PS handover and circuit-switched fallback (CSFB) procedures between LTE and legacy networks. Addresses the operational reality of multi-RAT deployments during voice service.

Lesson 1 • Capacity Dimensioning Methods

Applies Erlang models for voice and throughput models for data to size network elements. Enables students to translate traffic forecasts into equipment and spectrum requirements.

Lesson 2 • Radio Link Budget Analysis

Teaches path loss models, link budget components, and coverage prediction for each RAT. Provides the quantitative tool for determining cell range and site density.

Lesson 3 • Parameter Tuning and Self-Optimisation

Covers antenna tilt, handover threshold tuning, and SON functions for automated optimisation. Demonstrates how systematic parameter changes improve KPIs without hardware upgrades.

Lesson 4 • Key Performance Indicators and Drive Testing

Defines KPIs for accessibility, retainability, and integrity across 2G, 3G, and 4G. Connects measurement collection to the optimisation actions that improve network quality.

Lesson 1 • Path Towards 5G NR

Outlines 5G NR spectrum, numerology, and use cases that extend beyond LTE capabilities. Contextualises the entire 2G–4G journey as the foundation for next-generation mobile networks.

Lesson 2 • LTE-Advanced: Carrier Aggregation and Beyond

Explains carrier aggregation, enhanced MIMO, and CoMP as LTE-A enhancements for peak throughput. Builds on core LTE knowledge to show how spectrum assets are maximised.

Lesson 3 • Small Cells and HetNet Deployment

Analyses picocell, femtocell, and Wi-Fi offload strategies for capacity in dense urban areas. Addresses interference management and backhaul challenges unique to heterogeneous networks.

Lesson 4 • Network Virtualisation and Cloud RAN

Introduces NFV, SDN, and C-RAN concepts transforming how mobile networks are deployed and managed. Positions students to understand the infrastructure shift underlying 5G readiness.