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5G Signaling

Protocol Architecture and Processes

ExperTeach Networking Logo

Understanding a cellular system requires knowledge of the network architecture, interfaces, and key operations. This 5G training explains the tasks of the network functions of the 5G system (5GS), describes the 5G interfaces, their protocol stacks as well as 5G-specific protocols and explains central procedures as well as signaling flows through the entire 5G system.

Course Contents

  • 5G Standardization & Specifications
  • 5G Network Architecture & Interfaces
  • 5G Identities
  • PDU Session & QoS Concept
  • New Radio, NG-RAN & 5GC Protocol Architecture
  • Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol & States
  • Non-Access Stratum (NAS)
  • GPRS Tunneling Protocol for the User Plane (GTP-U)
  • Xn- & NG-Application Protocol (Xn-AP & NG-AP)
  • Service Based Architecture (SBA)
  • Network Function (NF) Services
  • 5G State Management
  • Connection, Registration & Mobility Management
  • 5G Security Functions & Operations
  • Registration & Deregistration
  • Tracking Areas Updates
  • PDU Session Establishment & Release
  • Handover

Print E-Book PDF Symbol You will receive the comprehensive documentation package of the ExperTeach Networking series – printed documentation, e-book, and personalized PDF! As online participant, you will receive the e-book and the personalized PDF.

Target Group

This 5G training is designed for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of the network and protocol architecture and signaling flows of 5G.

Knowledge Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of 5G is essential, such as can be acquired in the 5G Mobile Communications course.

1 5G Intro
1.1 5G Motivation
1.2 The 5G Standard
2 The 5G Network Architecture
2.1 Overview: The 5G System 5GS
2.2 The 5G User Equipment
2.3 5G Radio Access Network NG RAN
2.3.1 Functional Splitting of the gNB
2.3.2 Deployment Options
2.4 5G Core Network 5GC
2.4.1 UPF & SMF
2.4.2 AMF
2.4.3 AUSF & UDM
2.4.4 PCF & NEF
2.4.5 NSSF, SMSF & 5G-EIR
2.4.6 5G Data Storage: UDR & UDSF
2.4.7 Charging in 5GS: The CHF
2.4.8 Non-3GPP Access
2.5 5G Interfaces
2.6 Roaming Architecture
2.6.1 Home Routed Scenario
2.6.2 Local Breakout Scenario
3 5G Identities
3.1 Hierarchical Structuring
3.2 Subscriber- and Equipment-related Identities
3.3 Location-based Identities
4 QoS in 5G Networks
4.1 5G Applications Require QoS
4.2 PDU Session
4.3 QoS Architecture in 5G
4.4 QoS Flow & QoS Profile
4.5 5QI: QoS Characteristics & Applications
5 5GS Protocol Overview
5.1 5GS Interfaces: Control & User Plane
5.2 5G NR & NG-RAN Protocols
5.3 5G Core Protocols
6 NR Protocol Architecture
6.1 gNB Tasks & NR Protocols
6.2 NR Protocol Architecture
6.2.1 NR User Plane
6.2.2 NR Control Plane
6.3 Layer 2 Protocols: SDAP, PDCP, RLC & MAC
6.4 Layer 3: The RRC Protocol
6.4.1 Radio Bearer: DRB & SRB
6.4.2 RRC States & Gateways
6.4.3 Broadcast of System Information
6.4.4 UE Measurements and Measurement Reports
6.5 RRC Exemplary Procedures
7 NG-RAN Protocol Architecture
7.1 NG-RAN Architecture
7.2 NG-RAN User Plane
7.3 NG-RAN Control Plane
7.3.1 N2 Interface: NGAP Tasks and Procedures
7.3.2 Xn-C Interface: XnAP
7.3.3 F1 Interface: F1AP
7.3.4 E1 Interface: E1AP
8 Non-Access Stratum Protocol (NAS)
8.1 5G NAS Protocol: Transfer & Tasks
8.2 5G Mobility Management: States & Procedures
8.2.1 Important 5GMM Procedures
8.2.2 5GMM-specific Procedures
8.2.3 5GMM Connection Management Procedures
8.2.4 5GMM Common Procedures
8.3 5G Session Management: States & Procedures
9 5G Core Protocol Architecture
9.1 5G Core Protocols—Overview
9.2 5GC Service-Based Interfaces SBI
9.2.1 SBA Communication Models (1/2)
9.2.2 SBI Protocol Stack
9.2.3 SBI: NF Service Procedure—Examples (1/ 2)
9.3 N4 Interface: PFCP
9.4 N26 Interface: GTP for EPC—5GC Interworking
9.5 Rx Interface: Diameter
10 Important Processes in 5GS
10.1 States & Procedures
10.2 5G Security—Procedures
10.2.1 PEI Check
10.2.2 Protection of the Subscriber Identity
10.2.3 Authentication
10.2.4 Start of Encryption and Integrity Check
10.3 Registration Procedures
10.4 PDU Session Establishment
10.5 Service Request
10.6 SMS Transfer by the 5GS
10.6.1 Registration Procedure for SMS over NAS
10.6.2 MO SMS over NAS in CM-IDLE
10.7 Dual Connectivity
10.8 Handover
10.8.1 Xn-based Handover
10.8.2 N2-based Handover
10.8.3 N26-based Handover: 5GS According to EPS
10.9 De-Registration
11 5G Signaling: Summary
11.1 5GS Interface & Protocol Summary
11.2 PDU Session for Data Transmission
11.3 Central 5G Procedures
A List of Abbreviations

Classroom training

Do you prefer the classic training method? A course in one of our Training Centers, with a competent trainer and the direct exchange between all course participants? Then you should book one of our classroom training dates!

Hybrid training

Hybrid training means that online participants can additionally attend a classroom course. The dynamics of a real seminar are maintained, and the online participants are able to benefit from that. Online participants of a hybrid course use a collaboration platform, such as WebEx Training Center or Saba Meeting. To do this, a PC with browser and Internet access is required, as well as a headset and ideally a Web cam. In the seminar room, we use specially developed and customized audio- and video-technologies. This makes sure that the communication between all persons involved works in a convenient and fault-free way.

Online training

You wish to attend a course in online mode? We offer you online course dates for this course topic. To attend these seminars, you need to have a PC with Internet access (minimum data rate 1Mbps), a headset when working via VoIP and optionally a camera. For further information and technical recommendations, please refer to.

Tailor-made courses

You need a special course for your team? In addition to our standard offer, we will also support you in creating your customized courses, which precisely meet your individual demands. We will be glad to consult you and create an individual offer for you.
Request for customized courses
PDF SymbolYou can find the complete description of this course with dates and prices ready for download at as PDF.

Understanding a cellular system requires knowledge of the network architecture, interfaces, and key operations. This 5G training explains the tasks of the network functions of the 5G system (5GS), describes the 5G interfaces, their protocol stacks as well as 5G-specific protocols and explains central procedures as well as signaling flows through the entire 5G system.

Course Contents

  • 5G Standardization & Specifications
  • 5G Network Architecture & Interfaces
  • 5G Identities
  • PDU Session & QoS Concept
  • New Radio, NG-RAN & 5GC Protocol Architecture
  • Radio Resource Control (RRC) Protocol & States
  • Non-Access Stratum (NAS)
  • GPRS Tunneling Protocol for the User Plane (GTP-U)
  • Xn- & NG-Application Protocol (Xn-AP & NG-AP)
  • Service Based Architecture (SBA)
  • Network Function (NF) Services
  • 5G State Management
  • Connection, Registration & Mobility Management
  • 5G Security Functions & Operations
  • Registration & Deregistration
  • Tracking Areas Updates
  • PDU Session Establishment & Release
  • Handover

Print E-Book PDF Symbol You will receive the comprehensive documentation package of the ExperTeach Networking series – printed documentation, e-book, and personalized PDF! As online participant, you will receive the e-book and the personalized PDF.

Target Group

This 5G training is designed for anyone who wants to gain an understanding of the network and protocol architecture and signaling flows of 5G.

Knowledge Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of 5G is essential, such as can be acquired in the 5G Mobile Communications course.

1 5G Intro
1.1 5G Motivation
1.2 The 5G Standard
2 The 5G Network Architecture
2.1 Overview: The 5G System 5GS
2.2 The 5G User Equipment
2.3 5G Radio Access Network NG RAN
2.3.1 Functional Splitting of the gNB
2.3.2 Deployment Options
2.4 5G Core Network 5GC
2.4.1 UPF & SMF
2.4.2 AMF
2.4.3 AUSF & UDM
2.4.4 PCF & NEF
2.4.5 NSSF, SMSF & 5G-EIR
2.4.6 5G Data Storage: UDR & UDSF
2.4.7 Charging in 5GS: The CHF
2.4.8 Non-3GPP Access
2.5 5G Interfaces
2.6 Roaming Architecture
2.6.1 Home Routed Scenario
2.6.2 Local Breakout Scenario
3 5G Identities
3.1 Hierarchical Structuring
3.2 Subscriber- and Equipment-related Identities
3.3 Location-based Identities
4 QoS in 5G Networks
4.1 5G Applications Require QoS
4.2 PDU Session
4.3 QoS Architecture in 5G
4.4 QoS Flow & QoS Profile
4.5 5QI: QoS Characteristics & Applications
5 5GS Protocol Overview
5.1 5GS Interfaces: Control & User Plane
5.2 5G NR & NG-RAN Protocols
5.3 5G Core Protocols
6 NR Protocol Architecture
6.1 gNB Tasks & NR Protocols
6.2 NR Protocol Architecture
6.2.1 NR User Plane
6.2.2 NR Control Plane
6.3 Layer 2 Protocols: SDAP, PDCP, RLC & MAC
6.4 Layer 3: The RRC Protocol
6.4.1 Radio Bearer: DRB & SRB
6.4.2 RRC States & Gateways
6.4.3 Broadcast of System Information
6.4.4 UE Measurements and Measurement Reports
6.5 RRC Exemplary Procedures
7 NG-RAN Protocol Architecture
7.1 NG-RAN Architecture
7.2 NG-RAN User Plane
7.3 NG-RAN Control Plane
7.3.1 N2 Interface: NGAP Tasks and Procedures
7.3.2 Xn-C Interface: XnAP
7.3.3 F1 Interface: F1AP
7.3.4 E1 Interface: E1AP
8 Non-Access Stratum Protocol (NAS)
8.1 5G NAS Protocol: Transfer & Tasks
8.2 5G Mobility Management: States & Procedures
8.2.1 Important 5GMM Procedures
8.2.2 5GMM-specific Procedures
8.2.3 5GMM Connection Management Procedures
8.2.4 5GMM Common Procedures
8.3 5G Session Management: States & Procedures
9 5G Core Protocol Architecture
9.1 5G Core Protocols—Overview
9.2 5GC Service-Based Interfaces SBI
9.2.1 SBA Communication Models (1/2)
9.2.2 SBI Protocol Stack
9.2.3 SBI: NF Service Procedure—Examples (1/ 2)
9.3 N4 Interface: PFCP
9.4 N26 Interface: GTP for EPC—5GC Interworking
9.5 Rx Interface: Diameter
10 Important Processes in 5GS
10.1 States & Procedures
10.2 5G Security—Procedures
10.2.1 PEI Check
10.2.2 Protection of the Subscriber Identity
10.2.3 Authentication
10.2.4 Start of Encryption and Integrity Check
10.3 Registration Procedures
10.4 PDU Session Establishment
10.5 Service Request
10.6 SMS Transfer by the 5GS
10.6.1 Registration Procedure for SMS over NAS
10.6.2 MO SMS over NAS in CM-IDLE
10.7 Dual Connectivity
10.8 Handover
10.8.1 Xn-based Handover
10.8.2 N2-based Handover
10.8.3 N26-based Handover: 5GS According to EPS
10.9 De-Registration
11 5G Signaling: Summary
11.1 5GS Interface & Protocol Summary
11.2 PDU Session for Data Transmission
11.3 Central 5G Procedures
A List of Abbreviations

Classroom training

Do you prefer the classic training method? A course in one of our Training Centers, with a competent trainer and the direct exchange between all course participants? Then you should book one of our classroom training dates!

Hybrid training

Hybrid training means that online participants can additionally attend a classroom course. The dynamics of a real seminar are maintained, and the online participants are able to benefit from that. Online participants of a hybrid course use a collaboration platform, such as WebEx Training Center or Saba Meeting. To do this, a PC with browser and Internet access is required, as well as a headset and ideally a Web cam. In the seminar room, we use specially developed and customized audio- and video-technologies. This makes sure that the communication between all persons involved works in a convenient and fault-free way.

Online training

You wish to attend a course in online mode? We offer you online course dates for this course topic. To attend these seminars, you need to have a PC with Internet access (minimum data rate 1Mbps), a headset when working via VoIP and optionally a camera. For further information and technical recommendations, please refer to.

Tailor-made courses

You need a special course for your team? In addition to our standard offer, we will also support you in creating your customized courses, which precisely meet your individual demands. We will be glad to consult you and create an individual offer for you.
Request for customized courses

PDF SymbolYou can find the complete description of this course with dates and prices ready for download at as PDF.