LTE Protocols and Signaling

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LTE Protocols and Signaling

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In the wireless landscape, one of the next generation wireless networks is Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE promises dramatic improvements in throughput and latency, which opens a new era in Quality of Service (QoS). These enhancements are based on several fundamental pillars: A new air interface (OFDM+MIMO), simplified network architecture and efficient air interface structure and signaling mechanisms. This course takes a detailed look at the layer 2 and 3 signaling procedures as defined in 3GPP specifications. The main focus is on UE-E-UTRAN and UE-EPC signaling. The course also provides an overview of the end-to-end call setup scenario involving the IMS components of the core network.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Sketch the network architecture of LTE-EPC
• Explain the detailed setup of the RRC connection between the UE and the E-UTRAN
• Describe the roles of the MAC, RLC and PDCP protocols
• Describe the roles of S1, X2, and NAS protocols
• Illustrate the initial attach operation, including messaging on S6a and S5
• Explain the implementation of QoS and security
• Summarize traffic operations for UL and DL
• Describe various handover scenarios and the associated signaling procedures
• Describe inter-system handover mechanisms, in particular the LTE-to-3G/2G scenario
• Step through the end-to-end signaling message flow for setting up a call/connection in LTE
Intended Audience
This course is primarily intended for a technical audience in design, test, systems engineering or product support that wants to understand LTE signaling details.
Suggested Prerequisites
• LTE Overview (eLearning)

Course Length
3 Days Instructor Led
Course Outlines / Knowledge Knuggets
1. LTE Network Architecture
1.1. Architecture and node functions
1.2. Interfaces and associated protocols

2. LTE-Uu Interface Protocols
2.1. MAC, RLC, PDCP and RRC
2.2. LTE channels overview
2.3. Role of HARQ and ARQ
2.4. RRC states
2.5. Signaling and data radio bearers
2.6. Radio identities of the UE and E-UTRAN

3. E-UTRAN and NAS Protocols
3.1. S1 and X2 interfaces and protocol stack
3.2. NAS states and functions
3.3. NAS messaging
3.4. Network identities of UE and EPC

4. System Acquisition
4.1. Power-up synchronization
4.2. System Information Blocks (SIBs)
4.3. Random access signaling

5. Connected Mode and UE States
5.1. UE states – NAS and E-UTRAN
5.2. RRC connection setup
5.3. Timing alignment
5.4. DRX operation

6. Attach to the Network
6.1. Selection of MME, S-GW, and P-GW
6.2. Authentication and IP address allocation
6.3. Default bearer setup and registration

7. Security
7.1. Authentication and key agreement
7.2. Integrity protection and encryption
7.3. AS, NAS and IP security

8. Idle Mode and Paging
8.1. Cell reselection
8.2. Paging operation
8.3. Tracking area updates

9. Service Establishment and QoS
9.1. QoS parameters
9.2. EPS bearers, SDFs and TFTs
9.3. PCC architecture

10. Traffic and Bandwidth Management
10.1. Channel quality reporting
10.2. Role of the MAC in DL/UL scheduling
10.3. DL/UL traffic operations

11. Mobility
11.1. Intra-LTE RAN mobility
11.2. Inter-LTE core network mobility

12. Interoperability
12.1. GPRS and UTRAN interworking
12.2. HRPD/1xEV-DO interworking

13. End-to-End Flow