Course detail

Mobile Network Communication Systems

FEKT-MKA-KPMAcad. year: 2025/2026

The attention will be focused on the theoretical background of mobile networks i.e., architecture of mobile networks; definition of the communication technologies and mechanisms by 3GPP; the key parts of the LTE (EPS); radio access network (RAN) of the 4G+ mobile networks; protocol stack in the EPS; procedures in the LTE network; voice over LTE; next-generation mobile systems (5G NR). In parallel to the theoretical lectures, the laboratory exercises, using the Network Simulator 3 (NS-3), will take place to verify the theoretical assumptions in the simulation environment.

  

 

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Jiří Hošek, Ph.D.

Department

Department of Telecommunications (UTKO)

Entry knowledge

The subject knowledge Basic knowledge of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the Bachelor degree level is required. Work in the laboratory is conditioned by a valid qualification of "instructed person" according to Vyhl. 50/1978 Sb., which students must obtain before starting the course. Information on this qualification is given in the Dean's Directive Familiarization of students with safety regulations.   

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

The correct completion of all tasks in laboratories gives up to 30 points. The requirements on the completion of the tasks in laboratories are described in the annual supervisor’s notice. The maximum of 70 points can be gained during the final exam. 

  


The content and forms of instruction in the evaluated course are specified by a regulation issued by the lecturer responsible for the course and updated for every academic year. 

Aims

The course aims to provide up-to-date information related to the currently deployed mobile networks i.e., 4G (LTE) and recently introduced heterogeneous mobile systems known as 5G NR (New Radio). 

  


The attention will be focused on the theoretical background of mobile networks i.e., architecture of mobile networks; definition of the communication technologies and mechanisms by 3GPP; the key parts of the LTE (EPS); radio access network (RAN) of the 4G+ mobile networks; protocol stack in the EPS; procedures in the LTE network; voice over LTE; next-generation mobile systems (5G NR). In parallel to the theoretical lectures, the laboratory exercises, using the Network Simulator 3 (NS-3), will take place to verify the theoretical assumptions in the simulation environment.

  

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Dahlman, E., Parkvall, S., & Skold, J. (2018). 5G NR: The next generation wireless access technology. Academic Press. (EN)
Rappaport, T. S., Heath Jr, R. W., Daniels, R. C., & Murdock, J. N. (2014). Millimeter wave wireless communications. Pearson Education. (EN)
Sauter, M. (2017). From GSM to LTE-advanced Pro and 5G: An introduction to mobile networks and mobile broadband. John Wiley & Sons. (EN)
Zaidi, A., Athley, F., Medbo, J., Gustavsson, U., Durisi, G., & Chen, X. (2018). 5G Physical Layer: Principles, Models and Technology Components. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme MPC-TIT Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Jiří Hošek, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Mobile networks - characteristics, services, kinds, challenges, Mobility issue - handover, roaming, identification, information security.
2. Architectures of mobile networks – basic functional elements, their goals and features. GSM system - evolution, phases 1, 2, 2+, architecture, interfaces. Mobile network service – speech services, voice encoding - FR, HR, EFR; data services; radio interface communication security.
3. GSM radio access network, base station subsystem - BTS, BSC; GSM radio interface – frequency bands, physical communication channels, multiplex and multiple access techniques, data bursts, logical channels and their functions.
4. GSM network subsystem - MSC, GMSC, registers - HLR, VLR, EIR; SMS service and its implementation in GSM networks. Signalling in GSM networks - signalling system, mobile station authentication, transmission of information about the location of mobile station position.
5. Operational subsystem - operating and service centre, network management centre, administration centre, intelligent service centre.
6. Data transmission services in mobile networks – CSD and HSCSD technologies in pure GSM; packet-based data transmission technologies – GPRS/EDGE – GPRS network architecture, features of SGSN and GGSN nodes.
7. GPRS radio access network – sharing of radio network resources with GSM, physical and logical transmission channels, coding schemes, mobility and packet data protocol contexts; EDGE – modulation and coding schemes, network modifications required in previous GPRS network.
8. Third generation mobile networks –evolution, targets, types, IMT-2000 bands – UMTS, CDMA 2000. UMTS technology – network architecture, duplex techniques – FDD and TDD.
9. UMTS radio access network – nodes NodeB, RNC and their tasks; radio interface - WCDMA technique, its description and features. Handover in UMTS networks - hard, soft, softer. Communication channels in UMTS – physical, transport and logical ones and their tasks.
10. Transmission capacity enhancement and latency reduction in 3G networks for multimedia services – HSDPA, HSUPA and HSPA+ technologies.
11. IMS subsystem – function, architecture, interfaces and their protocol stacks, registration procedure and service realization.
12. EPS (LTE) technologies – all IP network architecture, access (LTE) and core (EPC) parts. LTE radio interface – OFDMA and SC-FDMA access techniques, adaptive modulation and coding schemes, radio interface channel structure - physical, transport and logical channels.
13. EPS core network - MME, HSS, PCRF, S-GW a P-GW nodes and their tasks, interfaces, user and control plane protocol architectures. Signalling – message sequences for implementation of control procedures and data services. Voice service in EPS – CSFB, VoLTE and SRVCC techniques.

Laboratory exercise

39 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Jiří Hošek, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Introduction exercise – rules and safety in laboratory, information about laboratory topics.
2. Cell selection and reselection in GSM and GPRS networks.
3. Signalling in IMS networks.
4. Configuration and measurement of VoIP parameters in mobile data networks.
5. Database of experimental mobile network at FEKT VUT in Brno
6. Measurement at the Mo-bis and A-bis interfaces of GSM network
7. Analysis of information from radio interface of GSM/GPRS network
8. Analysis of information from radio interface of UMTS
9. Transmission of SMS messages in PDU format
10. Remote control of FTP server via data mobile network.
11. Communication in LTE network
12. Spare laboratory
13. Credit test