5G Core Essentials: Building Blocks for Beginners
Gain hands-on expertise in 5G core networks through practical exercises exploring core architectures, protocols, network functions, and signaling workflows.
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About The Lab
Prerequisites
Audiences
Lab Architecture
This Lab offers an immersive environment focused on the 5G core network, featuring a fully implemented 5G core with Swagger for API exploration and Wireshark for in-depth signaling analysis. This lab builds upon entry-level proficiency in telecommunications and TCP/IP networking concepts, providing a solid foundation for delving into the intricate workings of the 5G core network ecosystem and fundamental protocols.
Why this Lab ?
This beginner-friendly hands-on Lab offers a comprehensive introduction to 5G core networks. Through step-by-step guided practice, you'll explore key concepts like the 5G core architecture, network functions (AMF, SMF, UPF, AUSF), protocols, and core processes. The Lab provides practical opportunities to analyze 5G signaling and data flows, and inspect protocols and messages to build valuable network analysis skills for 5G. Participants will acquire real-world skills through interactive exercises focused on analyzing Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA) procedures, and inspecting related protocols and messages to cultivate an understanding of ensuring 5G security. Upon completing this Lab, you will have developed a solid grasp of 5G core network fundamentals, empowering you to navigate challenges and opportunities in the evolving 5G ecosystem.
Lab Objectives
- Understand the evolution of mobile core networks from 1G to 5G and their impact on connectivity.
- Master 5G Core objectives, including low latency, high throughput, and massive device connectivity, with real-world applications.
- Develop expertise in 5G Core deployment, comparing NSA and SA architectures, their benefits, and use cases.
- Gain hands-on experience with Wireshark, analyzing 5G Core protocols like NGAP, SCTP, DNS, and HTTP/2 for performance optimization.
- Learn 5G Core authentication, key management, and network identifiers for security, mobility, and seamless user access.
