Core 5G and Beyond

A basic understanding of computer networks and wireless communications is recommended.

After the course you:

• Understand the basic high-level concepts including what are the key services of the mobile network
• Can outline mobile network evolution and the role of standardization
• Demonstrate knowledge of the key standardization organizations on the high level
• Understand the basic timeline of mobile networks from 1G to 5G
• Can describe the elementary network functions of 4G architecture
• Can describe the role of tunneling in 4G architecture
• Are familiar with SIM cards
• Understand the concept of a handover
• Understand 5G architecture and its key functions
• Can describe on a high level how network slicing works and how it can be applied in an application domain
• Can describe VNF and MEC and examples of their use
• Understand the evolution of the 5G architecture towards 6G
• Can discuss the performance and efficiency goals of the initial 6G planning
• Can give examples of potential new services that 6G could enable

Teaching materials are provided online.

General description

Welcome to learn about the future of 5G with the Core 5G and Beyond MOOC! In this course you will learn the fundamental concepts behind mobile networks, focusing particularly on 5G and the envisioned future 6G networks. The design, deployment, and management of a mobile network are herculean tasks involving numerous techniques and elements. We aim to present the essential principles and elements to provide understanding and insight into how modern and near-future mobile networks work.

The free course is available for all. The course is based on chapters and is designed so that you can take the chapters in their natural order. However, you can also follow your path in taking the chapters. Each chapter has related exercises. The course is designed as an introductory course, and there are many follow-up courses you can then take to deepen your knowledge in the wireless communications and information and communication technology (ICT) areas.

Target group

The course is suitable to anyone who wants to learn more about mobile networks, especially 5G and the envisioned future 6G networks.

Optional course in the Bachelor Programme of Computer Science:

• Suitable for all students in any study programme.
• The target audience is especially students with little or no computer science studies.

The course is offered among the university’s continuous learning courses.

Completion methods

• Exercises include multiple choice quizzes and numerical exercises.
• The multiple choice and numerical exercises are automatically checked.
• The course material contains text and interactive elements.
• The exercises challenge you to re-read the material and access further sources enough to produce an answer.

Open University and degree programme completion methods may be different.

Assessment practices and criteria

The course is graded pass or fail. 

• Successful completion requires 100% completed exercises and minimum 80% correctness.
• Only one attempt is allowed in the multiple choice quizzes and numerical exercises.

Recommended optional studies

After the course, if the student wishes to continue learning about computer networks, we recommend Bachelor of Computer Science and Master of Computer Science courses and FITECH courses in the area.

Timing

• any stage of studies
• the course is offered continuously
• the course can be started at any time, and completed at any pace
• recommended duration is five weeks