We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Xavier Lagrange
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fh13pd/4g
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Module 0: Welcome
Module 1: Architecture and General Principles
Module 2: Security Procedures
Read more
Syllabus
Module 0: Welcome
Module 1: Architecture and General Principles
Module 2: Security Procedures
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause 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
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Foundational overview of 4g network technologies
According to learners, '4G Network Fundamentals' offers a strong foundational understanding of LTE/EPC networks, making it ideal for telecom professionals seeking a solid overview of network architecture, security procedures, and mobility management. Many commend the instructor's clear and concise explanations, which break down complex concepts into digestible modules. However, some students found the content largely theoretical, desiring more practical examples or hands-on activities. While designed as an introduction, a few reviewers noted it assumes some prior networking knowledge, making it potentially challenging for absolute beginners, yet still a valuable starting point for those with a technical background.
Suitable for those needing a high-level conceptual understanding of 4G.
"Solid fundamental course... definitely geared towards professionals who need a conceptual understanding rather than deep technical implementation."
"Good course for a quick understanding of 4G. It's mostly theoretical, which suited my need for high-level understanding as a sales engineer."
"I needed a high-level overview for my role, and this course delivered on that, providing a clear roadmap."
Instructor explains complex topics clearly and the course is well-structured.
"The instructor explains complex concepts in a clear and concise manner."
"Absolutely brilliant! The way the course breaks down the complex 4G architecture into digestible modules is fantastic."
"The instructor was clear, and the content was well-structured."
"I found the explanations easy to follow and the course logically organized, making it easy to learn."
Provides an excellent and comprehensive introduction to 4G LTE/EPC.
"This course provides an excellent foundational understanding of 4G LTE/EPC networks."
"A very good introductory course to 4G. It covers all the essential aspects..."
"Excellent and comprehensive overview for understanding the core principles of 4G networks."
"I gained a solid overview of LTE/EPC networks and how they work, which was exactly what I needed."
Some topics could use deeper exploration; later modules felt rushed.
"Some topics could have been explored a bit deeper, but it's perfect for getting a solid overview."
"An informative course, but some concepts felt a bit rushed, especially in the later modules on mobility."
"I had to supplement with external resources to fully grasp some areas, as some topics felt incomplete."
May be challenging for absolute beginners without a networking background.
"I found some parts difficult to follow, especially without a strong prior background in networking. It assumes some knowledge."
"I think it's good for someone already familiar with networking concepts, but not a complete beginner."
"While introductory, having some basic networking concepts prior to this course helped me understand it much better."
Content is largely theoretical, with a lack of practical examples or labs.
"I found some of the explanations a bit dry and theoretical. While it covers the fundamentals, I was hoping for more practical examples or hands-on simulations..."
"Disappointed. The course is too theoretical and doesn't offer practical insights or hands-on exercises. It's like reading a textbook."
"It's a good theoretical base, but not enough for someone looking for immediate practical application."
"I prefer learning by doing, and this course provided very few practical applications or real-world scenarios."
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
Show steps
Gaining a deeper understanding of LTE will provide a solid foundation for learning about 4G networks and their evolution.
View
LTE, The UMTS Long Term Evolution: From Theory...
on Amazon
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
Show steps
Knowing the foundation of wireless communications technology and principles can help you build a better understanding of 4G networks.
View
Millimeter Wave Wireless Communications
on Amazon
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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.
Read LTE: The UMTS Long Term Evolution by Stefania Sesia, Issam Toufik, and Matthew Baker
Show steps
Gaining a deeper understanding of LTE will provide a solid foundation for learning about 4G networks and their evolution.
View
LTE, The UMTS Long Term Evolution: From Theory...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Knowing the foundation of wireless communications technology and principles can help you build a better understanding of 4G networks.
View
Millimeter Wave Wireless Communications
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Creating content will help you solidify your understanding and demonstrate your knowledge to others.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Practicing 4G network design and optimization will give you hands-on experience and reinforce key concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Designing a 4G network will allow you to apply your knowledge and gain practical experience.
Show steps
Show steps
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
Show steps
Participating in hackathons or competitions can provide valuable real-world experience and challenge you to think creatively.
Show steps
Show steps
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
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.
Telecommunications Engineer
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.
Radio Frequency Engineer
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
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.
Sales Engineer
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.
Network Administrator
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.
Security Analyst
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
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
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.
Project Manager
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.
Consultant
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.
Technical Writer
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.
Trainer
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.
Salesperson
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.
Data Analyst
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fh13pd/4g
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.
Save
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.
Save
Provides a great overview of LTE fundamentals, and is also a useful reference for specific implementation details.
A collection of white papers on various aspects of 4G LTE.
A good overview of the fundamentals of 4G wireless communications and networking.
Another overview of 4G LTE from the perspective of the 3GPP standards body.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of UMTS to LTE-Advanced. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the technical details of 4G networks.
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.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fh13pd/4g
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser