Course Details
As TDM transmission networks continue to be replaced by packet based transport solutions, this course seeks to explain the key technologies involved. Initially, the course will explore the concepts of IPv4 and IPv6, before then focusing on the operation of MPLS (including its key capabilities and features). Carrier Ethernet is also considered, exploring its standardized services and transport options. Finally, real life use cases for PTN are examined, in conjunction with a consideration of the new challenges that packet networks bring.

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.
£395
Individual Course
Module 1
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IPv4
Protocol Stacks:
- OSI 7 Layer Model, TCP/IP Model.
- Encapsulation and Decapsulation.
IPv4 Header Composition:
- Key fields and associated functionality.
IP Addressing:
- IPv4 address space administration.
- IPv4 address composition.
- Dotted Decimal notation.
- CIDR.
- Subnetting.
- Private Addressing.
- IP Multicasting.
IPv4 Associated Protocols:
- DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).
- DNS (Domain Name System).
- NAT (Network Address Translation).
Module 2
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IPv6 Fundamentals
IPv6 Features Overview:
- The Driving Factors for IPv6.
- Features of IPv6.
- Colossal address space.
- Address Autoconfiguration.
- Simplified Header.
- Flexibility Through Extensions.
- Improved QoS.
- Numerous Migration Strategies.
IPv6 Base Header Format:
- Header Composition.
- IPv6 Extension Headers.
IPv6 Address Format:
- IPv6 Notation (Colon Hexadecimal).
- Representing the IPv6 Address Correctly.
- Consistency with Representing IPv6 Addresses.
IPv6 Unicast Addressing:
- Network and Node Addresses.
- Address Space Management.
- Global Unicast Addressing.
IPv6 Address Configuration:
- IPv6 Stateless Auto-configuration.
- DHCPv6.
IPv6 Migration Strategies:
- IPv6 Migration Challenges.
- Dual Stack.
- Translation.
- Tunnelling.
Module 3
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MPLS
Multi Protocol Label Switching.
MPLS Architecture:
- Edge Routers and Core Routers (LER and LSR).
MPLS Key Concepts:
- MPLS Protocol Stack.
- Label Format.
- Label, Traffic Class, Bottom of Stack, TTL.
- Label Stacking.
- FEC and Label Binding.
Label Distribution and Binding:
- LDP, RSVP-TE, BGP4.
MPLS Concept of Operation:
- Packet Forwarding Process.
- ILM, FTN, NHLFE.
- Push, Pop and Swap operations.
Derivatives of MPLS:
- G-MPLS (Generalized MPLS).
- MPLS-TP (MPLS Transport Profile).
MPLS Features:
- Traffic Engineering.
- RSVP-TE, CBR.
- Rapid Circuit Restoration.
- One to One and Facility FRR (Fast Reroute).
- Virtual Private Networks.
- Support for Layer 1, 2 and 3 VPNs.
Module 4
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Carrier Ethernet
Ethernet Basics:
- 802.3 Frame Format.
- Ethernet Switching.
- 802.1Q VLANs and 802.1p.
- Ethernet Timeline.
Carrier Ethernet Key Attributes:
- E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree and E-Access services.
- Carrier Ethernet Use Case – Mobile Backhaul.
Carrier Ethernet Architecture.
Carrier Ethernet Transport Technologies.
Ethernet Based Transport Mechanisms:
- Provider Bridges (Q-in-Q or 802.1ad).
- Provider Backbone Bridging (802.1ah).
- Provider Backbone Bridging - Traffic Engineering (802.1ay).
- Mapping Ethernet Transport to CE Services.
MPLS Based Transport Mechanisms:
- Basic MPLS.
- MPLS Pseudowires.
- MPLS VPLS.
- MPLS Transport Profile.
- Mapping MPLS Transport to CE Services.
Optical Based Transport Mechanisms:
- Optical Transport Network (IPoDWDM).
- Next Generation SDH.
- Mapping Optical Transport to CE Services.
Module 5
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IP QoS
QoS and QoE:
- Factors Influencing QoS.
- Factors Influencing QoE.
- Internet versus Private IP Networks.
- IP Transport Network QoS Solutions.
Focus on Differentiated Services:
- Per Hop Behaviours:
- EF, BE and AF.
- Packet Conditioning.
- DSCP Example Usage.
Additional QoS Mechanisms:
- Intserv and RSVP.
- Bandwidth Solution.
- DiffServ in MPLS Networks.
- Diffserv in Ethernet Networks.
Module 6
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IP Security
The Threat Climate:
- Protecting the Network.
Exploring the Threats to Security:
- The Global Cybercrime Industry.
- Malicious Software.
- Botnets.
- Denial of Service.
- Physical Insecurity.
Protecting Network Traffic– IPSec:
- IPSec Basics.
- IPSec Modes of Operation.
- Summary of Operation.
- Focus on IPSec Encapsulating Security Payload.
- Internet Key Exchange version 2.
Public Key Infrastructure (X.509).
Protecting Network Traffic – TLS:
- TLS Operation.
- TLS Handshake.
Security Implementation and Management:
- Security Strategy.
- Defence in Depth.
- Disaster Recovery.
Module 7
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Timing and Synchronization
Timing and Synchronization Basics:
- Timing and Synchronization in Telecommunications.
- Timing and Synchronisation in Packet Switched Networks.
- Hybrid Timing System.
- Network Time Protocol.
- Global Positioning System.
SyncE (Synchronous Ethernet).
IEEE 1588v2 - Precision Time Protocol.
Module 8
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SD-WAN Fundamentals
What is SD-WAN?
- SD-WAN Overview.
- Understanding Traditional WANs.
- What is MPLS?
- SD-WAN Key Benefits.
SD-WAN Architecture:
- The Role of SDN in SD-WAN.
- Control Plane vs. Data Plane.
- Orchestration and Management Plane.
- Overlay v Underlay.
- Traffic Routing and Dynamic Path Selection.
- SRv6 and SD-WAN.
SD-WAN Security:
- Security Features in SD-WAN.
- Encryption and Secure Tunnelling.
- Firewall Integration and Threat Protection.
- SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and Zero Trust.
SD-WAN Implementation:
- SD-WAN Vendor Solutions Overview.
- Migration from MPLS to SD-WAN.
- Performance and Monitoring Tools.
- Regulatory and Compliance Considerations.
SD-WAN Use Cases:
- Medical.
- Retail.
- Transport and Logistics.
- Education.
Module 9
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5G and Transport Networks
5G Packet Transport Fundamentals:
- Overview.
- 5G’s Impact on the Transport Network.
- Factors Influencing the Transport Network.
NG-RAN Overview:
- Centralized RAN and gNB Disaggregation.
- Functional Splits.
Contributing Factors – Radio Features:
- Adaptive Modulation and Coding.
- Channel Bandwidth.
- Massive MIMO.
- Carrier Aggregation.
Contributing Factors – NG-RAN Features:
- Connection Density.
- Cell Densification.
- Dual Connectivity.
- 5G User Plane Redundancy.
Contributing Factors – Beyond the NG-RAN:
- Network Slicing and 5G.
- What is Network Slicing?
- High Level Slice Orchestration.
- Multi access Edge Computing.
Transport Network Topology:
- High Level Considerations.
- Transport Network Architecture.
- Example Disaggregated gNB Deployment.
PTN Technologies – Physical Layer:
- Optical Transport.
- Wave Division Multiplexing.
- Microwave.
- 5G Integrated Access and Backhaul.
PTN Technologies – Ethernet:
- Ethernet in Mobile Networks.
- Ethernet and Time Sensitive Networking.
- FlexE and SPN.
PTN Technologies – MPLS:
- High Level MPLS Operation.
- Traffic Engineering.
- Protection and Restoration.
- Virtual Private Networks.
- Segment Routing.
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