2G & 3G Training

The tutorial element of this course is instructor led. Divided into 6 sections covering:

1. Introduction
Building upon the Engineering the Mobile Network course, this section reviews the Physical Layer in terms of the modulation techniques in operation - GMSK and 8PSK; before explaining in more detail, the format of the various multiframes and their associated Logical / Physical Channels.
The different burst structures are also presented and related to the different Logical Channels. Coding techniques are explained for both EFR and AMR in addition to reviewing how FEC is supported. Finally, the interleaving procedures are explained for signalling, voice and circuit switched data.
 2. The Air Interface Protocols
This section introduces the various protocols that operate across the Air Interface and examines their function - RR, DTAP, MM, CC and SS. Using real network traces within the mpirical interactive, the use of LAPDm is explored as a means of transferring signalling and SMS information across the radio interface. In so doing, the different frame types are explained and related to GSM network operation. Finally, the different RR and DTAP messages are introduced and mapped to the basic operational procedures discussed in the Engineering the Mobile Network course - i.e. mobile call setup etc.
 3. The Mobile Station
In an ever more demanding market, the requirement for mobiles to offer more and more services is making handset design and development ever more complicated. This section focuses on the Mobile Station and in particular, the ME. As such, the different handset capabilities are discussed in terms of Multislot Classmark, Power Class and Multi Radio Access Technology capabilities.
The section also discusses the procedures associated with circuit switched data and in particular the effects HSCSD has on the operation / performance of the mobile.
 4. Network Entry Procedures
This section explains in detail how a mobile attaches to a GSM network and transitions through the different Mobility Management states. In so doing, the procedures undertaken at “Power On” are reviewed, including frequency and time synchronization and the subsequent analysis of the various System Information messages.
The Cell Selection procedure is then discussed before reviewing the means by which a network may be optimized. Finally, through the use of real trace files, the format and significance of the IMSI Attach message is identified.
5. Dedicated Mode Procedures
Expanding on the previous section, the procedures involved in the establishment of both a mobile originated and terminated call / SMS are described. Incorporating real network traces within the mpirical interactive, the various messages are analyzed and related to the Air Interface protocols and Logical Channels previously discussed.
SACCH operation is then explained as a means of passing measurement reports and receiving Power, Timing and SI messages. Finally, Timing Advance is explained in addition to discussing channel optimization techniques such as DTX and Frequency Hopping.
 6. Mobility
The final section describes the various procedures associated with Mobility - Cell Reselection, Location Updates and Handovers. In so doing, the C2 parameter is examined in terms of network optimization through the use of the penalty timer.
In addition, the Location Update procedure is reviewed through the use of trace files. The different types of Handover are explored and related to the handover triggers / handover margins in operation. Finally a handover procedure is reviewed before briefly discussing the issues of handing over to UMTS.