Mobile Networks

The course addresses the technology and management of contemporary and future mobile cellular communication networks. With a focus on radio access, as it dominates both the performance and cost aspects of mobile networking, the course addresses 5G, 4G (LTE/LTE-A), 3G (UMTS/HSPA) and 2G (GSM/GPRS/EDGE) technologies, all of which are operational network technologies. An outlook to 6G will also be given.

Fundamental aspects of cellular networking are explained and discussed, including e.g. the intrinsic tradeoffs between coverage, capacity and quality and key aspects that influence performance (traffic, propagation, technology, deployment, spectrum. Cellular network planning, dimensioning and performance analysis are treated, as well as radio resource management mechanisms (adaptive beamforming, channel-aware single/multi-user scheduling, handover control, link adaptation, admission, congestion control, ) and the current trend towards (potentially AI/ML-based) self-management. Cutting-edge radio features including single/multi-user massive MIMO beamforming, which is at the heart of 5G, are also covered.

Considering the on-going technological developments in this exciting domain, the course material is updated every year. The principal lecturer has a 25+-year track record of research and consultancy in the field.

The course is enriched with notes about actual deployments, historical anecdotes, popular misconceptions, fascinating factoids, illustrative demonstrations and (potentially) guest appearances.