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Xavier Lagrange

4G is the cutting-edge network technology that links millions of smartphones to the internet. But how does it actually work?

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4G is the cutting-edge network technology that links millions of smartphones to the internet. But how does it actually work?

Ideal for network engineers, sales engineers, application developers, and many other telecoms pros, this course will help you to understand the technology behind the apps and devices we use every day.

You’ll get a solid overview of LTE/EPC (Long Term Evolution / Evolved Packet Core) 4G networks, how they work, how the network architecture is designed, and which protocols are used.

First, you’ll gain exposure to the global architecture of the network, how the radio interface works, and how security is guaranteed. Then you’ll dive into the operational side. What is a bearer? How is it quickly configured and released? How does 4G handle millions of terminals that are on the move all the time?

A certificate of completion is awarded by Coursera to learners who achieve a grade above 50%.

This course has received financial support from the Patrick & Lina Drahi Foundation.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Module 0: Welcome
Module 1: Architecture and General Principles
Module 2: Security Procedures
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Module 3: Radio Interface
Module 4: Management of Data Flows
Module 5: Management of the Sporadic Nature of Data Flows
Module 6: Mobility Management

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops fundamental knowledge in 4G technologies, which is highly relevant in telecommunications
Covers key concepts related to 4G networks, including their architecture, security protocols, and data management
Taught by Xavier Lagrange, an expert in 4G technologies, providing learners with access to industry-leading knowledge
Suitable for a wide audience of telecom professionals, including network engineers, sales engineers, and application developers
Emphasizes the practical aspects of 4G networks, with a focus on operational issues and real-world applications

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in 4G Network Fundamentals with these activities:
Read LTE: The UMTS Long Term Evolution by Stefania Sesia, Issam Toufik, and Matthew Baker
Gaining a deeper understanding of LTE will provide a solid foundation for learning about 4G networks and their evolution.
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters to understand the basics and principles of LTE.
  • Refer to the book for specific topics and concepts covered in the course.
  • Write a short summary highlighting key concepts and ideas.
Read Wireless Communications Principles and Practice by Theodore S. Rappaport
Knowing the foundation of wireless communications technology and principles can help you build a better understanding of 4G networks.
Show steps
  • Read the first five chapters to understand fundamentals and technologies related to wireless communications.
  • Complete the problems in each chapter to reinforce your understanding.
  • Write a short summary highlighting key concepts and ideas.
Create a video tutorial or blog post explaining a specific 4G network concept
Creating content will help you solidify your understanding and demonstrate your knowledge to others.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific 4G network concept to focus on.
  • Research and gather information from reputable sources.
  • Develop an outline for your video tutorial or blog post.
  • Create your content using engaging visuals and clear explanations.
  • Share your content with others and encourage feedback.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Complete practice questions on 4G network design and optimization
Practicing 4G network design and optimization will give you hands-on experience and reinforce key concepts.
Show steps
  • Find practice questions from reputable sources like Coursera or edX.
  • Allocate dedicated time for practice sessions.
  • Review your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Follow tutorials on advanced 4G technologies, such as MIMO and beamforming
Learning advanced 4G technologies will expand your knowledge and keep you up-to-date with the latest industry trends.
Browse courses on MIMO
Show steps
  • Identify reputable sources for tutorials on MIMO and beamforming.
  • Allocate dedicated time for following the tutorials.
  • Take notes or create summaries of the key concepts.
Design a 4G network for a specific scenario
Designing a 4G network will allow you to apply your knowledge and gain practical experience.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific scenario or use case for your network design.
  • Determine the requirements and constraints of your scenario.
  • Select appropriate network technologies and components.
  • Design the network architecture and topology.
  • Write a report documenting your design and justifying your choices.
Participate in hackathons or competitions related to 4G networks
Participating in hackathons or competitions can provide valuable real-world experience and challenge you to think creatively.
Show steps
  • Find relevant hackathons or competitions.
  • Form a team or collaborate with others.
  • Develop a solution or prototype.
  • Present your solution and compete against others.
  • Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete 4G Network Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Network Engineer
A Network Engineer designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is essential in this role, as 4G technology is used in many computer networks to connect to the internet. This course can help Network Engineers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them troubleshoot problems and optimize network performance. Specific topics of study in this course such as how security is guaranteed will help Network Engineers understand how to protect networks from unauthorized access.
Radio Frequency Engineer
A Radio Frequency Engineer designs and builds radio frequency systems. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is essential in this role, as 4G technology is a type of radio frequency system. This course can help Radio Frequency Engineers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them design and build better radio frequency systems. Specific topics of study in this course such as how security is guaranteed will help Radio Frequency Engineers design safe and reliable systems.
Wireless Network Engineer
A Wireless Network Engineer designs, builds, and maintains wireless networks. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is essential in this role, as 4G technology is a type of wireless network. This course can help Wireless Network Engineers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them design and build better wireless networks.
Telecommunications Engineer
A Telecommunications Engineer designs, builds, and maintains telecommunications networks. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is essential in this role, as 4G technology is used in many telecommunications networks. This course can help Telecommunications Engineers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them troubleshoot problems and optimize network performance. Specific topics of study in this course such as how the network architecture is designed will help Telecommunications Engineers get a good idea of how to design and manage their networks.
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator manages and maintains computer networks. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many computer networks. This course can help Network Administrators better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them troubleshoot problems and optimize network performance.
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer helps customers understand and purchase technical products and services. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many products and services that Sales Engineers sell. This course can help Sales Engineers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them explain the benefits of 4G technology to customers and answer their questions. Specific topics of study in this course such as how the radio interface works will help Sales Engineers be able to answer specific questions from customers.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst protects computer networks and systems from unauthorized access. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many computer networks and systems. This course can help Security Analysts better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them identify and mitigate security risks. Specific topics of study in this course such as how security is guaranteed will help Security Analysts do their jobs effectively.
Application Developer
An Application Developer designs and builds software applications. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals is useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many devices that applications are developed for. This course can help Application Developers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them develop applications that are compatible with 4G networks and that can take advantage of the features of 4G networks. Specific topics of study in this course such as how data flows are managed will help Application Developers get a good idea of how their applications will function.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst helps businesses improve their performance by analyzing their operations and recommending changes. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals may be useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many businesses to improve their operations. This course can help Business Analysts better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them make better recommendations for how businesses can use 4G technology to improve their performance.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates technical documentation, such as user manuals and white papers. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals may be useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many products and services. This course can help Technical Writers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them create more accurate and informative technical documentation.
Salesperson
A Salesperson sells products or services to customers. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals may be useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many products and services. This course can help Salespeople better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them explain the benefits of 4G technology to customers and answer their questions.
Consultant
A Consultant provides expert advice to businesses on a variety of topics. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals may be useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many businesses. This course can help Consultants better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them provide better advice to their clients on how to use 4G technology.
Trainer
A Trainer teaches people how to use software, hardware, or other products. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals may be useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many products and services. This course can help Trainers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them teach people how to use 4G technology more effectively.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help businesses make better decisions. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals may be useful in this role, as 4G technology is used to collect and transmit data. This course can help Data Analysts better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them collect and transmit data more efficiently.
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. Understanding 4G Network Fundamentals may be useful in this role, as 4G technology is used in many projects. This course can help Project Managers better understand how 4G networks operate, which can help them plan and execute projects that use 4G technology more effectively.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in 4G Network Fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of mobile broadband technology, from 2G to LTE-Advanced. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the technical details of 4G networks.
Provides a great overview of LTE fundamentals, and is also a useful reference for specific implementation details.
Provides a practical introduction to LTE technology using MATLAB simulations. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to simulate and analyze 4G networks.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of 5G mobile networks. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the technical details of 5G networks.
Although primarily focused on 5G, this book also has a good overview of some of the areas where 4G falls short.

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