Registration closes on 6 May 2024 at 5:00pm EDT

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Online via Zoom

CEU Credits: 0.85 CEUs

Course Description

Open RAN, and particularly the O-RAN standardized by the O-RAN Alliance, is currently one of the hottest topics in the area of wireless mobile communications. O-RAN promises considerable OPEX and CAPEX savings for mobile network operators (MNOs), fostering innovation and competition in the Radio Access Network (RAN) through open interfaces, virtualization, and architecture developments that maximize the potential for innovating RAN solutions and services provided by a multitude of companies.

This course provides first an overview of the current 3GPP-based RAN architecture, covering different deployment options such as D-RAN, C-RAN, and V-RAN. In this context, RAN splitting options are discussed, focusing on the higher and lower layer split (HLS and LLS, respectively). Following that, the limitations and overheads resulting from the proprietary aspects of the 3GPP-based non-open RAN solutions are analyzed, setting the ground for the presentation of the O-RAN framework.

O-RAN is first introduced through the presentation of the relevant standardization effort, the eco-system, the involved parties, and the current deployment status. Next, the technical aspects of the O-RAN are analyzed, including the architecture, interfaces, software and hardware aspects and the role of virtualization. Detailed analysis of the role of the RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC) is provided, explaining how the architecture of the RICs opens the RAN to innovative solutions and features, including the deployment relevant AI/ML workflows. Finally, the instructor presents case studies from early O-RAN adopters, summarizing the main findings from these early deployments and discussing potential O-RAN challenges and threats.

Advanced Topics in Wireless: 5G NR, MTC, and Open RAN Course Series
Participants taking the three courses in the Advanced Topics in Wireless series will develop a comprehensive view on the 5G/NR technology, a profound understanding of the implementation aspects of all the ITU-specified use case categories, i.e. enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), mIoT and URLLC, and a robust foundation on the network architecture evolution technology enablers towards fully open radio access networks. Complete all three courses in this series to earn a digital badge.

Special note:  This course is one of three courses in the Advanced Topics in Wireless series.  The three courses in this series include:

1. 5G RAN and Core Network: Architecture, Technology Enablers and Implementation Aspects, 24-25 April 2024
2. O-RAN: Disrupting the Radio Access Network through Openness and Innovation, 8-9 May 2024
3. Machine Type Communications in 5G and Beyond, 22-23 May 2024

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Register for all 3 courses in the Advanced Topics in Wireless Series in one transaction and save 15% on your registration when you use promo code ATW2024 during the checkout process or add this group of courses to your shopping cart now with the discount applied. Offer expires 22 April 2024 at 5pm EDT.

Student Discount
Students use promo code STUDENT24 during checkout to save 15% on your registration fee.*

*This promotion is only available to student members and cannot be combined with other course promotions or discounts.

Why You Should Take This Course

If you want to understand how O-RAN influences current developments in the industry, how it is expected to unleash innovation and what opportunities it offers, then this course is for you.  The course is designed to help you develop a robust understanding of the subject matter in a very short period.

Who Should Attend

This course will be of particular interest to mobile network operators (MNOs), RAN hardware/software suppliers and system integrators, as well as IT/AI/ML solution providers aiming to contribute with innovative applications to the O-RAN framework. Moreover, the course is well suited for academic staff involved in research and teaching in course-related areas. Individuals with an engineering background in a variety of technical positions would be interested in this course.

Level of Instruction

Intermediate level of instruction.

Prerequisites

Overview level knowledge of LTE and 5G/NR is required.  The ComSoc Training course, 5G RAN and Core Network is recommended in advance of this course. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, you will have gained:

• Knowledge of the Radio Access Network (RAN) architecture and RAN splitting options.
• Understanding of the limitations of proprietary RAN products interfaces and functionality.
• Knowledge of the O-RAN standardization, architecture, and interfaces.
• Awareness of the opportunities and challenges brought by the open interfaces, the cloud-native implementation and the RAN Intelligent Controllers.
• Understanding of the role and the implementation aspects of AI/ML in the RAN .
• Knowledge of the current O-RAN deployment status and market trends.

Course Content

Course Agenda

Below is an approximate schedule for this course:

To be completed in 2 sessions from 10:30am to 3:30 pm EDT each day, with each session including 4hours+15mins teaching time plus 45 minutes break time.

Course Materials

A copy of the instructor's PowerPoint slides is included. Access to the streaming video recording is provided for 20 business days after the course has been taught. Earn 0.75 IEEE Continuing Education Units for participating and completing the post-course evaluation.

The web conference invitation is sent to each participant upon registration,  Course materials will be emailed to participants at least one business day in advance of the course date.

Course Cancellation and Refund Policy: Requests for online course cancellations must be received 3 business days prior to the course date for a full refund. Once course materials have been shared with a course participant cancellation and refund requests cannot be accommodated.

Contact Us

For general inquiries and technical support, contact Tara McNally, Certification and Professional Education Manager.