Foundations of 5G NR

This course provides a solid foundation on 5G New Radio (NR) technology as defined by 3GPP standards and specifications in Release 15. The content and flow are structured to introduce NR air interface with a focus on PHY, MAC, and RRC layer design principles and their impacts on performance and deployments. Assuming the audience’s familiarity with LTE the course starts directly with discussions on 5G requirements, system architecture, and protocol layers. Then physical layer structure and channels and signals are described. Resource allocation schemes, channel Sounding, MIMO features, and beam management are also explained.  The course also presents the step by step process followed by a UE from downlink synchronization to uplink access and operation in the connected mode under power-saving and mobility procedures. Spectrum and multicarrier deployment and design features that are essential in early 5G implementation are also discussed.

1.    Short Review of 5G Standardization Requirements and Timeline

• 3GPP Standardization Process and Time Lines
• Preview of Key Design Principles and Features in NR

2.    NR Transmission Time-Frequency Structure 

• Band Dependent and Flexible Numerology 
• Unified Frame Structure (FDD/TDD/Unlicensed)
• Flexible Start times and Duration (Mini Slots and Slot Aggregation)
• Bandwidth Parts 

3.    Physical Channels Design and Structures 

• Overview Logical, Transport and Physical Channels
• BCH and Synchronization Signal Block (SSB)
• PDCCH Structure and DCI Signaling 
• PDSCH and PUSCH Structure and PHY Processing
• PUCCH and PRACH Structure and Formats

4.    Physical Layer Reference Signals

• DL and UL Demodulation Reference Signals (DMRS) 
• Phase Tracking Reference Signals (PT-RS)
• Channel State Reference Signals (CSI-RS)
• Tracking Reference Signals (T-RS)
• Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) 

5.    Resource Allocation and Transmission Schemes 

• Dynamic Resources Allocation Types
• HARQ Transmission Protocol and Feedback
• Dynamic DL and UL Scheduling
• Configured Grant/SPS Scheduling 
• Pre-emptive Scheduling
• Reserved Resources

6.    Multi-Antenna Transmissions and Beam Management 

• DL MIMO Operation 
• UL MIMO Operation
• Beam Management in NR

7.    Initial Synchronization and System Access 

• Overview Initial Access and RRC Connection Establishment
• DL Synchronization and Cell/Network Selection
• UL Synchronization and PRACH Procedures and Beam Correspondence

8.    Power Saving and Mobility Management 

• UE RRC States and Procedures 
• Idle State Mobility and CN Based Paging
• Inactive State Mobility and RAN Based Paging
• RRM Measurements and Connected State Mobility
• Power Saving Procedures

9.    Spectrum, Multicarrier Operation 

• NR-LTE Co-deployment & Coexistence 
• DL and UL Spectrum Sharing
• Supplemental Uplink
• 5G/NR Spectrum Bands and Carrier Bandwidths