Informa Certified Advanced Core Network Planning Professional

DURATION

TECHNICAL LEVEL

4 days

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The evolution to all-IP packet-based networks creates a need to rethink how traffic and networks are
modeled and planned. This course introduces the principles of network and traffic planning in packet
based core networks, including the enhanced layered architecture of 3GPP networks, LTE and NGN
migration and suggests some of the models which allow existing networks to be dimensioned. The
critical aspect of service quality is also introduced to allow a detailed analysis and planning for core
network interfaces from access, legacy and backhaul networks. The planning of protocols will also be
examined, with appropriate emphasis on the expanding role of IP and associated protocols such as SIP,
SIGTRAN and 3GPP protocols in the modern mobile network with signaling flows being used where
necessary to illustrate the operation.
Each training session is thoroughly reviewed to help understanding, and with the aid of the trainer,
delegates are required to complete a two stage certification assessment, comprising of a written exam
and comprehensive practical planning case study.
PRE-REQUISITES
A basic understanding of IP networking and GSM / 3GPP (UMTS) architecture and procedures would be
an advantage, but is not essential.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the course, the delegate will be able to:
Describe the overall architectures used within modern Core Networks and explain their
individual functionality - including implementations within UMTS (including HSPA), LTE and
NGN systems.
Describe the methodology used for planning a core network and list the general inputs and
outputs to the sub-processes used within the planning process.
Explain the methodology and processes used within traffic planning.
Identify the processes and techniques associated with traffic and bearer modeling.
Identify the processes of Erlang calculations and circuit switched bandwidth capacity
requirements for IP transport networks.
Explain the User Plane design process, taking into consideration TDM, ATM, IP and MPLS
transmission technologies.
Describe IP user plane design considerations from an IP Layer 3 protocol management
aspect.
Explain the signaling network design process and identify signaling network architectures and
topologies for TDM, ATM, IP and SIP.

Informa Telecoms and Media

Page 1 of 3

Explain performance requirements related to redundancy and reliability and bandwidth

volume calculations.
Describe the basic concept of Traffic Theory needed for the dimensioning of networks.
Understand and explain Processor Load Definitions, Bandwidth and Voice Quality.
Complete a two stage certification process that includes a comprehensive design and
practical assessment case study.

CONTENTS (Subject to Change)

Core Network Architecture and Protocols
The Circuit Switched and Packet Switched
Domains
Circuit Switched Domain
Core Network Elements and their
Functions
Interfaces and Associated Protocols
Basic Functions of Relevant Protocols
Packet Switched Domain
Core Network Elements and their
Functions
Interfaces and Associated Protocols
Basic Functions of Relevant Protocols
Service Delivery Concept
Service Delivery Architecture
Service Delivery Platforms
Transport Protocols
Transmission in the Core Network

IP in the Core Network

The Requirements
Mobile Networks and IP Evolution
Quality of Service Requirements
QoS Mechanisms - DiffServ, IntServ, and
RSVP
Evolution to MPLS Networks
The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)
Network Planning Processes
Requirements Analysis
Network Planning Inputs
Resulting Planning Outputs

Informa Telecoms and Media

Network Planning Work Packages

Traffic Planning
Security Solutions
Migration and Expansion Planning
Core Network Architecture Solutions
Circuit and Packet Switched Solutions
Signaling Solutions
Interconnection Planning Requirements
Transport and Transmission Solutions
Audits and Verification Processes

Traffic Planning
Overview of the Traffic Planning Process
Traffic Modeling
Traffic Analysis
Network Traffic Modelling
Network Traffic Forecasting
Traffic Distribution / Dispersion
Transport Plane Planning Process
Inputs and Outputs to Planning
Interconnection Planning
Solutions - IP/TDM/ATM and VoIP
Transport Principles
Cross Connections

Control Plane Design (Signaling)

Overview of the Traffic Signaling Design
Signaling Interfaces
SS7 / SIGTRAN / IP Requirements
Signaling Network Architectures
Performance Requirements
Redundancy and Reliability
Signaling Volume Calculations

Page 2 of 3

Network Traffic Theory

Traffic Types - Signaling and Service
Traffic Formulas
Erlang Descriptions
Busy Call Hours Calculations
Traffic Intensity

Bandwidth and Voice Quality

IP Bandwidth Requirements
Bandwidth Codec and Sampling Time
IP Bandwidth Calculations
Certification Case Study

Processor Capacity
Processor Load Definitions
Distributed Traffic Loads
Dimensioning Capacity
Engineering Capacity

Plan Traffic Intensity

Identify Core Network Design
Design Network
Plan Transport Distribution Requirements
Discuss and Evaluate Cost Analysis

Node Dimensioning
Network Design Activities
Service Deliverables
Delivery Process
Design Considerations
Backbone Connectivity
Requirements and Assumptions
Logical Network Design
Physical Network Design

Informa Telecoms and Media

Page 3 of 3