2G to 6G Mobile Networks

Course Overview

This five-week, self-paced course explores the mobile networks in operation today, and in so doing describes the technologies, services, and markets.

Comprising eight modules, this course begins by reviewing the current market position prior to describing how mobile technology has evolved over the past 30 years – from the early networks through to the potential of 6G. Emphasis is placed on the networks which are in commercial operation today as a means of describing evolving services and applications. The growth in machine-type communications is explored, and the new critical communication-based services such as V2X, extended reality and the metaverse are analysed, before finally taking a brief glimpse into what 6G has in store.

This course has been created by Mpirical.

Course Objectives

• Understand the current mobile ecosystem, the coexistence of different generations of mobile networks, and the complexities of managing these networks.
• Describe the basic building blocks of a mobile network.
• Understand the importance of data and the impact of video streaming services on data usage in mobile networks.
• Understand the basics of digital radio communication in mobile networks, including frequency bands, channel bandwidths and modulation.
• Explore the services and capabilities of legacy networks (2G and 3G).
• Explore the development and evolution of 4G networks.
• Understand the basic principles of voice telephony and the difference between circuit-switched voice and IP-based voice.
• Explore the rise of the smartphones and mobile app marketplaces.
• Understand how 4G and 5G networks can interwork with Wi-Fi and other access technologies.
• Explore cellular IoT and mMTC (Massive Machine Type Communication) applications.
• Outline the key performance capabilities of 5G.
• Understand how MEC (Multi-access Edge Computing) is used to support URLLC (Ultra Reliable and Low Latency Communication) applications.
• Understand the relationship between modern mobile networks and the Cloud.
• Explore the SBA (Service Based Architecture) of the 5G core.
• Explore potential use cases such as V2X, AR/XR and private cellular networks.
• Look ahead to the potential capabilities of a future 6G network.

Who Should Enrol on This Course?

This course has been designed for all audiences but is particularly suitable for those with some technical experience. The course will provide a foundational understanding of the evolution and relationship between different generations of mobile technology, as well as key terminology and use cases.

Course Structure and Study Time

The course consists of eight modules, which you will gain access to as soon as you complete your enrolment. You will need to view the modules sequentially.

We estimate that it should not take you more than two and a half hours of study time per week to complete the course in five weeks. You will have, however, eight weeks from enrolment to complete the course.

Course Completion Certificate

To qualify for a course completion certificate, you will have to view all of the course content and correctly answer at least 80% of the questions in the tests of understanding at the end of the modules. You will have unlimited attempts to pass the tests. You will also need to fill out the course survey.

Course Fee

The course fee is US$999.

For group registrations, email [email protected].