Description
The course offers a solid understanding of the main signalling protocols and procedures defined for the Evolved Packet Core network (EPC) introduced in 3GPP Release 8 and Release 9. The course focuses on the various ‘S-interfaces’ but includes also relevant information pertaining to the Non-Access Stratum protocols (NAS) used between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) and the User Equipment (UE).
The course begins with a high level description of the overall network architecture (nodes, areas, bearer concepts, alternative architectures etc). The signalling protocols are then discussed in detail one by one in a logical scenario-based sequence. Plenty of time is also devoted to central features/functionality such as security, interworking, Policy and Charging Control (PCC).
Target group
The course is targeted at those who need detailed knowledge of the EPC architecture, protocols and signalling scenarios. The course suits both vendors and operator staff.
Prerequisites
The course requires general knowledge of legacy 3GPP systems (GPRS/UMTS). Familiarity with basic signalling/call flows is beneficial. IP-Solutions course ‘LTE/EPC Technical Overview’ (or equivalent) is recommended.
Other
This course is a well-balanced mix of lectures, presentations, discussions and mind-maps. This course is avaible as scheduled training and the presentation is given in English or Swedish. This is a theoretical course. We can also give this course as on-site training. If you are interested in customized education, don´t hesitate to contact us for furher information.
Agenda
Introduction
- Overview of 3GPP releases
- Current status of the LTE/EPC standardisation work
EPS Network Architecture
- Legacy architecture and bearer concepts
- EPS nodes and interfaces
- Architecture with Gn-SGSNs (e.g. pre-R8 SGSN)
- Node selection functions
- CP and UP bearers and protocol stacks
NAS Protocols (EMM and ESM)
- Mobility management procedures
- Session management procedures
- NAS states and state transitions
- MME/SGW pool areas
- Authentication and Key Agreement
- Security keys and key derivation functions
- NAS message security
- Network Domain Security (NDS)
- NAS message formats
GPRS Tunnelling Protocol (GTP)
- GTP interfaces and versions
- The ‘tunnel’ concept
- GTP messages (per interface)
- Important GTP procedures
- Context storage in idle and connected mode
- Mobility and data forwarding options
- GTP header and Information Element (IE) format
- Important GTP IEs
Policy and Charging Control (PCC)
- Definitions: PDN connection, default bearer etc
- Default bearer QoS attributes (APN-AMBR etc)
- Dedicated bearer QoS attributes (QCI etc)
- Traffic Flow Templates (TFT)
- The PCRF and PCC rules
- IMS as AF
DIAMETER Protocol
- DIAMETER interfaces
- Procedures, commands and AVPs
- Baseline protocol and extension applications
- S6a/S6d procedures and HSS data
- Rx/Gx procedures
Interworking & Roaming
- Idle mode signalling reduction (ISR)
- Inter-RAT PS handover scenarios
- Non-3GPP interworking
- CS Fallback and the SGs-interface
- SR-VCC and the Sv-interface
- Roaming interfaces (S8, S9 etc)
- Roaming guidelines from GSM Association
Signalling Flows
- Initial Attach and establishment of default bearer
- Dedicated bearer establishment
- Tracking Area Update with MME relocation
- S1-based handover with SGW relocation
- Inter-RAT handover to S4-SGSN
- MT CSFB call establishment
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