Taught Masters
- Duration: 6 Terms
- Level: Level 4
Foundation Engineering
This phase provides the “foundations” of the program of study. It explains the architectural and operational elements comprising the technologies that lie on the 3GPP’s roadmap; GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+, LTE and LTE Advanced. The phase not only explains the key procedures but also provides an opportunity to critically analyse real operational networks. The phase charts the current 2G and 3G networks before turning its focus towards 4G technologies, LTE, and LTE Advanced.
Key topics
Technology Roadmap
- technical and commercial implications
- detailed review of the technologies 3GPP Releases
- strategic appreciation of how these technologies are brought to market
Network Architecture
- fundamental building blocks of a mobile network
- technical explanation of the UE, GERAN, UTRAN,E-UTRAN and Core
- detailed analysis of the interfaces and protocols
Initial Procedures
- methodologies for attaching to the network
- detailed analysis of real network signalling scenarios
- network security procedures
- mobility management
Circuit Switched Operation
- GSM call setup for mobile originated and terminated procedures
- UMTS call setup for mobile originated and terminated procedures
- SMS delivery and management
- Sigtran and Soft Switching
- migrating the network to an IP centric architecture
- introduction of Sigtran and Soft Switches
- upgrading the transport network with MPLS and Carrier Ethernet
Packet Switched Operation
- strategic importance of packet switching
- explanation of PDP contexts and session management
- EPS bearers, TFTs and QoS
- Policy and charging control
Mobility and Interworking
- mobility within GSM and UMTS
- mobility in LTE
- interworking between technologies
- analysis of real network traces
Wireless
- Wi-Fi and WiMAX
- NFC, Bluetooth and PAN concepts
insight - extensive knowledge of 2G, 3G and 4G system architecture and operation.
skills - ability to understand and discuss in depth critical network issues.
Commercial & Strategic
For any engineer wishing to progress within the industry, a comprehensive understanding of the commercial and strategic aspects of how a company operates is essential. This phase gives students the opportunity to extend their knowledge to include strategy, finance, marketing and legal / regulatory issues. The phase culminates with students presenting a detailed collaborative report based on spectrum valuation.
Key topics
Finance
- understanding telecoms financial jargon; ARPU, EBITDA, margins
- Free Cash Flow and Return on Investment
- economics of telecoms companies
- how telecoms companies create shareholder value
Strategy
- strategic business planning
- market maturity, industry consolidation and increased competition
- spectrum licensing opportunities and consequences
- MVNOs, convergence and new service development
Porter’s 5 Forces
- techniques to explore competitor positioning and industry structure
- generation and evaluation of strategic options
Marketing
- essential concepts of marketing in the telecoms sector
- segmentation and the adjustment of the marketing mix
- forecasting techniques
- examination of real network data
Legal and Regulatory
- impact on business models
- practices and methodologies employed by regulatory bodies
- spectrum auction
- analysis of recent cases from around the world
insight - how key financial and commercial practice relate to creating value.
skills - the ability to read, interpret and discuss key commercial terms and processes with confidence.
Radio Network Engineering
The Radio Network Engineering study phase focuses on the three different air interfaces in operation today - TDMA, CDMA and OFDMA. The GERAN, UTRAN and E-UTRAN are explored in terms of their mode of operation and network protocols. The evolutionary technologies of EDGE, Evolved EDGE, HSPA and HSPA+ are also critically analysed in terms of their technical characteristics and operational capabilities. The study phase includes the use of cell planning, drive test and emulation software to enhance understanding.
Key topics
GSM & GPRS Air Interface
- GSM air interface physical layer
- GPRS frame and multi-frame structures
- 2G RAN Protocols
- GSM signalling procedures and protocols
- GPRS signalling and resource allocation procedures and protocols
- EGPRS resource allocation and operation
- GSM and GPRS mobility
- network entry and dedicated mode procedures
UMTS Air Interface air interface structure and channels
- physical interface and channels
- radio resource control and UMTS operational procedures
- power control
- idle mode and connected mode interworking
- 3G RAN protocols and UTRAN operation
- HSPA & HSPA+
LTE Air Interface
- E-UTRA interface and states
- LTE protocols including E-UTRA PDCP, RLC and MAC
- OFDMA and SC-FDMA principles and concepts
- E-UTRA physical layer and procedures
- LTE Mobility and Interworking
- 4G RAN Protocols and E-UTRAN operation
- MIMO
Cell Planning & RAN Optimization
- key planning considerations
- planning for capacity and coverage
- dimensioning based on market forecasting
- interworking with other radio access technologies
- self optimizing networks
- white space and cognitive radio
insight - the impact of the radio and radio access on network operation and performance.
skills - confidently analyse radio and radio access protocols and operation within a commercial cellular network.
Core Network Engineering
The final study phase focuses on the Core Network and the delivery of services through an IMS. Migration towards an independent IP based architecture is critically explored along with detailed explanation of the underlying transport technologies. Network convergence is also dealt with during this phase along with service delivery, control and management.
Key topics
IP for Next Generation Networks
- IP Basics
- routing using OSPF and BGP
- IP Transport Networks and MPLS
- IP in Next Generation Networks
- IP RAN concepts
Sigtran
- operation and architecture
- SCTP and user adaptation layers
- signalling gateways and IP signalling points
- Soft Switching
- MSC Server and Media Gateway function and positioning
- pooling concepts, drivers and advantages
- circuit switched operation and calls based on soft switching
- H.248 and MEGACO
Packet Switched Operation
- GPRS core network operation in 2G and 3G networks
- core and aggregation planning for HSPA
- network intelligence and mobile gateway functionality
Flattening the network for LTE
- LTE EPS bearer management
- policy control and packet management
- deep packet inspection
Service Delivery through an IMS
- IMS concepts and architecture
- signalling and service establishment based on SIP
- interworking with legacy services and networks
insight - the drivers, needs and advantage of deploying IP technologies in modern core network architecture.
skills - effective planning of core network deployments to meet the next generation of service requirements.
Dissertation
Students who successfully complete 120 credit points after the portfolio submission stage may either be awarded with a PGDip or continue their study by completing a post graduate project and be awarded the MSc.
The project provides the opportunity to undertake a piece of work, allowing you to integrate and develop further understanding of program material by carrying out a substantial piece of research. You will be supervised by both a member of Middlesex University and the mpirical faculty.