About the Training Course

This course presents a technical description of UMTS Protocol Architecture and signalling procedures, including the enhancements introduced in Releases 5 and 6 of the 3GPP specifications to support HSDPA and the Enhanced Uplink Dedicated Channel (HSUPA)
Data flows and processes through RLC, MAC and Physical layers are discussed and inter-layer messages and procedures explained from both UE and UTRAN perspectives.
Detailed descriptions of the differences in MAC architecture between the various releases are also presented including key functions and responsibilities of this layer.
UMTS protocol analysis software is utilised during the course to analyse detailed logs taken from data-call and IP packet transfer sequences. The output from the analyser software can be made available in HTML format during the course so that delegates can also analyse the call sessions for themselves following the course.

Who is this training course for?

The course will benefit hardware / software engineers, system designers and implementation engineers who require an understanding of the UMTS protocol architecture including the changes that will occur with the introduction of HSPA and an insight into the consequences of these changes.
Engineers and Team leaders working in the following disciplines would find the course particularly useful: Protocol Architecture Development; Handset and Network Testing; Software Development; Hardware Engineering; Network Planning; Systems Engineering; Application Development; Service Provision; Network Operation; Chip-set Manufacture; Cell Planning.
Delegates should already have a general understanding of UMTS principles and basic mobile call / network procedures, or have attended the UMTS System Design and Operation course

Training Course Content

• This course is day 5 of the UMTS: System Design & Operation training course and can be taken on its own or as part of the 5-day course. For details of the full 5-day UMTS training course Click Here

Signalling Procedures

• Signalling Overview
  • Radio Network
  • Core Network
  • End-to-End
• Call Control
• Mobility Management
• GPRS Mobility Management
• Session Management
• Examples*
  • Circuit Switched Voice Call
  • Packet Switched Data Transfer
  • Handover (various)

Security Procedures

• Security Overview
  • System Attributes
  • Data Categories
  • Security Threats
  • Radio Network Threats
• UMTS Security Architecture

CLICK HERE to see related BOOKS and Training Courses

• Security Features
  • ID Confidentiality
  • Authentication
  • Security Mode setup
  • Integrity
  • Data Confidentiality
• GSM-UMTS interoperability
• Example Procedures*

Layer 2 Protocols (UE-RAN)

• General Protocol Architecture
• UMTS Layer 2 Principles
  • Radio Bearers
  • Logical Channels
  • Transport Channels
• RLC Functions and Procedures
  • Transparent Mode
  • Unacknowledged Mode
  • Acknowledged Mode
• MAC Functions and Procedures
  • MAC-b
  • MAC-d
  • MAC-c/sh
• Protocol Termination (Release ’99)
• HSPA outline
• Logical Channels
• Transport Channels
• Additional MAC entities and processes

*Walk-through of signalling procedures and transactions taken from actual voice / data call setups etc. using protocol analyser

About the Lecturer

Neil Wiffen,
Senior Technical Instructor, Red Banana

Since 2001 Neil has developed and delivered training for the majority of the major 3G handset and chipset manufacturers through EMEA, Asia-Pac and North America. Currently his training and consulting efforts are focussed on 3 key topic areas:

(1)  3G protocol stack (WCDMA, HSDPA,HSUPA)
(2)  Mobile Network Service Provision (Mobile Data Solutions, End-to-end Service Provision, Network Optimisation)
(3)  Government Research (Current and Emerging Wireless Systems)

Previously, Neil has worked as a Technical Instructor for Wray Castle Ltd., developing and delivering UMTS technical training material, and prior to this he spent 13 years with GCHQ on various Research and Development projects in both engineering roles and as a technical team leader.