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Analyzing the EPC

Learning Time:
3 Days
Level:
Advanced
Delivery:
Live onsite Live online
CPD Credits:
18
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Course Details

Building on the foundation of LTE System Engineering, this course provides a detailed examination of the LTE Evolved Packet Core. Key emphasis is placed on the network architecture, as well as the main network procedures that occur during a mobile’s typical interactivity with the LTE network. Analysis of the LTE Attach, EPS bearer establishment, EPS bearer usage, Policy Control, Mobility and Interworking will be provided as part of this process. In conclusion, the course will cover the key aspects of voice services across the EPC, including discussion on CSFB and also VoLTE.

Gavin Mitchell

Gavin Mitchell

Mpirical Trainer
Gavin heads up Mpirical’s training product portfolio, which includes all course development alongside the development of NetX. Gavin’s main area of focus is 4G and 5G core networks, with considerable expertise gained over the 20 years of training experience he has within the mobile telecommunications space.
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Live Training

Live training options include live, instructor-led onsite or online for teams of 10 or more.

Module 1
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EPC Concepts

What is the EPC?

  • Market Drivers for EPC.

Defining EPC and LTE - 3GPP Standardization.

Positioning EPC within LTE:

  • E-UTRA, E-UTRAN and EPC.

LTE Principles of Operation.

Module 2
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EPC Functional Architecture

EPC Functional Architecture:

  • MME, S-GW, PDN-GW, PCC, HSS and AAA.

EPC Interfaces:

  • E-UTRAN and EPC Interfaces.
  • Interaction with GPRS.
  • EPC Interacting with Trusted and Untrusted Non 3GPP Access.
  • EPC Interfaces for Roaming.
  • S1-MME, S1-U, S2a, S2b, S3, S4, S5, S6a, S8, S10, S11, Gx, Rx.

LTE Protocols:

  • S1AP - functions and procedures.
  • GTP - GTPv1-U header and procedures, GTPv2-C message format.
  • Diameter - Base Protocol, AVPs and Routing.

DECOR.

CUPS.

Module 3
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EPC Protocols

S1 Application Protocol:

  • S1 Functions and Procedures.
  • Example S1 Procedure - NAS Transport.
  • Example S1 Procedure - Initial Context Setup.
  • E-RAB Establishment.

GPRS Tunnelling Protocol:

  • GTPv1-U.
  • GTPv2-C.

Non Access Stratum:

  • EMM Messages.
  • ESM Messages.

Diameter:

  • Diameter Base Protocol & AVPs.
  • Diameter Routing.
Module 4
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EPC Transport Network Architecture

Carrier Grade IP Transport:

  • IP Overview, Routing and IPv6.

Multi Protocol Label Switching:

  • Overview, Architecture, Label Format, Traffic Engineering, FRR, PWE3.

Carrier Ethernet:

  • CE in LTE, CE Layered Model, CE Transport.

Timing and Synchronization:

  • Timing over Packet Options, PTP, SyncE.
Module 5
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Registration Procedures

Transferring Signalling in the E-UTRAN and EPC:

  • LTE Stratums and NAS Messages.

LTE States:

  • EMM and ECM.

LTE Identities:

  • UE Identities, eNB Identities and EPC Identities.
  • IMSI, GUTI, eNB ID, GUMMEI, S-TMSI.

Detailed Registration Process.

Deregistration.

Activity: detailed analysis of the Registration procedure using Mpirical’s NetX.

Module 6
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Security in the EPC

EPS Authentication and Key Agreement:

  • AKA Principles, AKA in the Attach, AIR and AIA, NAS Authentication Request.
  • EEA and EIA – Null, SNOW, AES, ZUC.
  • RAND, AUTN, XRES, KASME.

Key Distribution and Security Contexts:

  • LTE Key Architecture, Security Context Initiation, S1-MME and S1-U Security.

IPSec and IKEv2:

  • AH and ESP, SPD, SAD, SPI and SA Establishment with IKEv2.

Transport Layer Security:

  • TLS Operation, Handshaking, Cipher Suites, PKI and X.509.

Activity: detailed analysis of security elements of the Registration procedure using Mpirical’s NetX.

Module 7
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QoS, Policy and Charging

Supporting QoS - Significant Protocols:

  • SCTP and DiffServ.

Policy and Charging Control:

  • PCC Architecture, Principles, PCC and EPC.

PCC Binding Mechanism:

  • Session Binding, Rule Authorization, Bearer Binding.

EPC Charging Architecture:

  • CTF, CGF, OCS, OFCS, GTP’, Diameter Charging Interfaces.

Activity: detailed analysis of Diameter based PCC procedures using Mpirical’s NetX.

Module 8
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End to End Session Procedures

Dedicated EPS Bearers:

  • TFTs and QCI.

Dedicated Bearer Establishment:

  • Network and UE Initiated Procedures.

Utilizing EPS Bearers:

  • UE Triggered Service Request, Paging.

Bearer Resource Modification Procedures.

EPS Bearer Deactivation.

Activity: detailed analysis of Network Initiated Dedicated Bearer Establishment and Modification procedures using Mpirical’s NetX.

Module 9
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EPC Mobility and Roaming

Tracking Area Update Detailed Analysis.

Handover Procedure.

EPC Relocation Procedures:

  • MME and S-GW Relocation, S1 Based Handover.

LTE Roaming Considerations:

  • Roaming Scenarios, IPX Architecture, DRA, IPX Proxy and Diameter Routing.

Activity: detailed analysis of TAU and Handover procedures using Mpirical NetX.

Module 10
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Circuit Switched Fallback

Supporting CSFB - Network Considerations:

  • UE, MME, MSC-S, SGs, SGsAP, S3 (Packet Data).

CSFB Preparation Phase.

CSFB MO Call:

  • Key Stages, Handover and Redirection, SIB Skipping/Tunnelling.

CSFB MT Call.

Handover vs Redirection.

Other CSFB Procedures:

  • MO/MT SMS, Packet Switched Handover, Network Detach.
Module 11
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Interworking with the PS Domain

Interworking Concepts and Architecture.

Registration and Bearer Establishment:

  • Establishing the PDP Context and EPS Bearer, Secondary PDP Contexts.

E-UTRAN to GERAN/UTRAN RAU.

E-UTRAN to GERAN/UTRAN Handover:

  • Preparation and Execution.
Module 12
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Exploring VoLTE

Deploying VoLTE:

  • VoLTE High Level Network Architecture.
  • VoLTE Standardization.

IMS Call Control Network:

  • IMS Requirements.
  • IMS Architecture.
  • Call Session Control Functions.
    • P-CSCF, I-CSCF, S-CSCF.
  • Additional IMS Network Elements.
    • ATCF, ATGw, A-SBC, I-SBC, HSS, TAS, SCC-AS.
  • IMS Deployment Options.

VoLTE Initial Procedures:

  • Subscriber Provisioning.
  • Establishing IMS Connectivity.
  • IMS Registration.
  • Post Registration.

VoLTE Call Procedures:

  • VoLTE Media – Codecs.
  • SIP Signalling Exchange.
  • Establishing Dedicated Bearers.
  • Tearing Down the Call.

Interworking:

  • Interworking with Legacy Voice Networks.

IMS Service Centralization and Continuity:

  • Wi-Fi Calling.

End to End VoLTE Architecture.

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Live Training

Live training options include live, instructor-led onsite or online for teams of 10 or more.

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Step 1

Purchase the course with one of the methods below.

Step 2
Log in to the Mpirical learning portal to access your course.
Step 3
Start learning right away with on-demand or get ready for your live session.

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Live Training

Live training options include live, instructor-led onsite or online for teams of 10 or more.

Live Training

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I receive certification for completing the course?

Yes, all our courses provide a shareable certificate of completion following the test of understanding.

How long do I get access to the course?

On-demand courses are accessible immediately following purchase. Each course will have a different access period ranging from 3-6 months on average. You can continue to access the Mpirical learning platform after your course licence expires; however, you won’t be able to view any course content or learning tools unless you are a paid customer.

What else do I get with a course?

All students benefit from automatic access to our ‘Ask the Trainer’ feature with an on-demand course purchase. You will also get access to our acclaimed network visualisation tool, NetX.*

*NetX is not included with the Mini Telecoms MBA course or partner training.

Can I access the course offline?

Offline access is not currently available. You must use a connected device to access the course and learning tools. However, course pdfs and reference documents are downloadable.

Is there recommended follow-on training?

Yes, we do recommend follow-on training courses within the Mpirical learning platform.

How do I choose between a live course or on-demand course?

Our live courses are generally reserved for teams and enterprises of 10 or more. If you’d like to learn more about purchasing a single course to be delivered at your location or online, please get in touch: enquiries@mpirical.com.