Training Solutions

LTE SAE Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Overview (e)

A cellular network consists of a radio network, one or more core networks, and a services network. The LTE Evolved Packet Core (EPC) is the next-generation core network that is expected to replace the existing/legacy core networks. A typical 3G core network consists of a Circuit Switched Core Network (CS-CN) and a Packet Switched Core Network (PS-CN). The EPC is an all-IP packet-switched core network that can connect to a variety of radio networks such as the LTE-based E-UTRAN, WCDMA-based UTRAN, GERAN, CDMA2000 1x, 1xEV-DO/HRPD, and WiMAX. The EPC is formally defined by 3GPP as part of the Evolved Packet System (EPS) that uses an LTE-based EUTRAN. This eLearning course provides an overview of the EPC, including the architecture, basic functions, its role in session setup, and its support for inter-technology mobility.

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Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Summarize key benefits and challenges of the EPC
• Specify roles of various EPC components
• Explain the functions (e.g., authentication and security) performed by the EPC
• Describe a high-level session setup using the EPC
• Discuss how EPC supports inter-technology handover

Intended Audience

This course is intended for those seeking a fundamental understanding of how EPC works in the next-generation cellular network. This includes those in a design, test, systems engineering, sales engineering, network engineering, or verification role.

Suggested Prerequisites

• Welcome to IP Networking (eLearning)

Suggested Follow-up Training/Complementary Courses

• LTE Overview (eLearning)

Course Length

3 hours

Course Outlines / Knowledge Knuggets

1. Introduction to LTE EPC
1.1. Overall cellular system architecture
1.2. Motivation for the EPC
1.3. Influence of IP convergence
1.4. EPC as part of EPS
1.5. Role of IMS
1.6. Services (VoIP, Web-browsing, and video streaming) in EPC

2. EPC Architecture
2.1. Core network requirements
2.2. Legacy core networks
2.3. Elements of the EPC (e.g., HSS, MME, S-GW, and P-GW) and interfaces

3. Major Functions of the EPC
3.1. Authentication and security
3.2. Policy charging and control and QoS
3.3. Packet routing
3.4. Mobility management
3.5. IP address allocation

4. Session Setup using EPC
4.1. Overall call flow
4.2. Interaction between the E-UTRAN and EPC

5. Seamless Inter-technology Handover via EPC
5.1. EPC architecture for seamless mobility
5.2. EPC features in support of mobility
5.3. Handover scenarios (LTE-UMTS, LTE-GSM and LTE-1xEV-DO)

6. Summary

Put It All Together
Assess the knowledge of the participant based on the objectives of the course

CATALOG

Download our course catalog!

2010 Catalog,
pdf format (7.8 MB)