Training Solutions

Exploring HSPA+ (R7 & R8)

This course provides a fundamental understanding of HSPA+ features defined in Release 7 and Release 8. HSPA+ refers to the enhancements of the basic HSPA operation defined for Release 5 HSDPA and Release 6 HSUPA. HSPA+ focuses on the air interface to improve spectral efficiency. The course first gives an overview of the main HSPA+ features and associated benefits. Once the overview is given, details of the features are discussed based on their primary benefits. First, the throughput-enhancing features are discussed. Then, the features that help lower latency and/or UE power consumption are narrated. The overall call setup process is illustrated next with a focus on HSPA+ configuration. Details of the data transfer in the DL and the UL are given. After covering the deployment and interworking considerations, a glimpse of R9 HSPA+ features is given. This course takes a close look at all the major HSPA+ features.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• List main HSPA+ features and the associated benefits
• Identify the impact of HSPA+ on the network and the UE
• Explain how HOM, MIMO, and advanced receiver designs enable high throughput
• Describe how DTX, DRX, enhanced CELL_FACH, and the direct tunnel architecture reduce latency and/or UE power consumption
• Summarize how the UE is configured to operate in HSPA+
• Illustrate the basic steps of DL and UL data transfer
• Discuss upcoming HSPA+ features beyond R8

Intended Audience

This course is designed for those involved in the design, deployment, operation, and optimization of HSPA+ networks. It is suitable for planners and engineers responsible for network planning, design and deployment, integration and network operations.

Suggested Prerequisites

• Mastering HSPA Protocols and Signaling (Instructor Led)
• HSPA+ Overview (R7) (eLearning)

Course Length

2 day Instructor led

Course Outlines / Knowledge Knuggets

1. HSPA+ Overview
1.1. Evolution of UMTS (R99 to R8)
1.2. HSPA+: Promises and challenges
1.3. Summary of key HSPA+ features and associated benefits
1.3.1. Antenna techniques for the DL
1.3.2. High-Order Modulation (DL and UL)
1.3.3. CPC (DTX, DRX, enhanced CELL_FACH, and HS-SCCH-less operation)
1.3.4. Direct tunnel architecture
1.3.5. Advanced receiver designs
1.4. Impact of HSPA+ on UE and network
1.4.1. Network upgrades
1.4.2. UE categories and upgrades

2. Features for Throughput Enhancements
2.1. High-Order Modulation (HOM)
2.1.1. Supporting 64-QAM in DL
2.1.2. Supporting 16-QAM in UL
2.2. Multiple antenna techniques: Concepts and implementation
2.2.1. Open loop and closed loop transmit diversity
2.2.2. (2x2) MIMO
2.3. Layer 2 RLC/MAC enhancements
2.4. Advanced receiver designs
2.5. F-DPCH enhancements

3. Features for Improvements in Latency and Power Consumption
3.1. DTX and DRX
3.2. Enhanced CELL_FACH
3.3. Direct tunnel architecture

4. Call Setup and Mobility Management
4.1. Overall call flow
4.2. HSPA+ configuration
4.3. Mobility management (active and idle)

5. Advanced DL and UL Traffic Operations
5.1. Overall DL data transfer (with and without HS-SCCH)
5.2. CPICH enhancements
5.3. CQI enhancements (CQI Types A and B)
5.4. HS-DPCCH enhancements
5.5. Types of HS-SCCHs
5.6. Retrieval of a DL packet from HS-DSCH
5.7. H-ARQ feedback
5.8. Overall UL data transfer

6. Deployment, Interworking, and Beyond Release 7
6.1. Interworking with non-HSPA
6.2. HSPA+ Release 8 enhancements
6.2.1. CELL_FACH improvements (DRX, E-DCH)
6.2.2. HSDPA enhancements (cell change, dual-cell operation)
6.2.3. UL L2 enhancements
6.2.4. CS speech using HSPA
6.3. HSPA+ enhancements beyond R8

CATALOG

Download our course catalog!

2010 Catalog,
pdf format (7.8 MB)