You will learn Open RAN and how to build 4G / 5G networks using opensource software and general-purpose, COTS hardware
Open RAN (O-RAN, ORAN) and Private 4G / 5G Networks
What you’ll learn
- Open RAN Concepts, Architectures, & Interfaces.
- Open Radio Access Network Concept details and building blocks.
- Building the New Radio Air Interface of 4G/5G using opensource tools.
- Building the UE New Radio Air Interface of 4G/5G using opensource tools.
- Building the EPC/5GC Network core of 4G/5G using opensource tools.
- Practically seeing the features of the 4G/5G network.
- The unlicensed Spectrum for 5G private networks.
- Using SDR (e.g., USRPs) and off-the-shelf compute devices for prototyping 4G/5G networks.
- The key building blocks of Private 4G/5G Networks.
- The differences between 5G and the other Wireless Cellular Mobile Generations.
Course Content
- Open RAN Introduction and Motivation –> 6 lectures • 2hr 35min.
- Example on an Open RAN software: O-RAN Detailed Description and how to use it –> 4 lectures • 2hr 28min.
- More possible ways and methods to build private 4G/5G networks –> 3 lectures • 1hr 56min.
- Explaining the exact details of building private 4G/5G networks –> 13 lectures • 25min.
- The exact steps of building private 4G/5G networks –> 3 lectures • 9min.
- Setting up the SDR devices (USRPs) with an open source 4G/5G suite tool (srsRAN) –> 3 lectures • 19min.
- Open RAN Security –> 1 lecture • 30min.
Requirements
Open RAN (O-RAN, ORAN) and Private 4G / 5G Networks
In this course, you will mainly learn two things:
1) Learn the Open RAN Concepts, Architectures, Interfaces, and the details related to them.
2) Learn how to build 4G & 5G networks using open-source Open RAN software and general-purpose, COTS hardware.
If you want to prepare yourself to build practical, and fully open telecom equipment, software programs, and end-to-end 4G/5G systems alternative and competitive to those produced by conventional Telecom companies, such as NOKIA, HUAWEI, SAMSUNG, ERICSSON, ZTE, etc., or want to learn how to build private 4G/5G networks, then this course is just for you. In this course, you will learn in detail most technical aspects of building end-to-end 4G and 5G systems including eNodeB/gNodeB, UE, and EPC/5GC.
Private networks, no matter who you ask (see: here, here, or here) have transitioned from lab toys to a multi-billion dollar industry. Open source too has left the lab and solutions from the likes of RedHat, OpenStack, O-RAN Alliance, and the Telecom Infra Project are a growing presence in operators’ networks globally. As the footprint of open source grows, and network operators see the benefits of deploying open source, the industry is responding by developing open source solutions moving up the stack. Now with the introduction of the Magma project, open-source is moving into complex network functions like the core of the 4G and 5G mobile networks.
Dumping gas on the open and private network fire, the FCC has made available commercially deployable CBRS spectrum that we see taking off in the recent auction and as Spectrum Access Systems (SASs) go live. With its 3-tier access, CBRS means anyone can get a meaningful chunk of airwaves with 25 times (or more) the power of most Wi-Fi networks to deliver high-quality wireless services.
In light of these changes, in this version of the build your own network how-to, I will move our target from a lab network to a commercial-grade LTE network deployment. Let’s get started.
The content of the course is listed below.
PART 1: Introduction To Open RAN
- What is Open RAN and why do we need it?
- Understanding Classical and Distributed RAN (D-RAN)
- Equipments from traditional vendors (BBU & Boards)
- C-RAN or Centralised RAN)
- V-RAN or Virtualizes RAN
- Evolution towards Open RAN
Part 2: Open RAN Groups And Ecosystem
- Open RAN Groups & Initiatives
- Telecom Infra Project
- ORAN Alliance
- Open Ran players & Ecosystem
- Open Ran Trials & deployments
Part 3: Deep Dive Into O-RAN Architecture
- RU/CU/DU Split
- Oran Architecture
- Service Management and Orchestration Framework (SMO)
- RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)
- xAPPs, rAPPs, AI, ML
- O-Cloud, O-CU, O-DU, O-RU
- Relevant interfaces in O-RAN architecture
Part 4: O-RAN Split Options (8 Options)
- Different RAN split options
- Which Option split to consider
- Relevant interfaces in O-RAN architecture
- Security issues.
Part 5: Use cases and scenarios
- Different companies with different cases
- Real live examples using O-RAN
- Relevant success stories
- Recommendations and suggestions
After you complete watching all the lecture videos of the course, you will be able to get a professional certificate of completion.