• Understand the processes used when planning the core network and list the general inputs and outputs to the sub-processes used within the planning process
• Explain the methodology and processes used within traffic planning
• Identify the processes and techniques associated with traffic and bearer modeling
• Identify the processes of Erlang calculations and circuit switched bandwidth capacity requirements for IP transport networks
• Explain the User Plane design process, taking into consideration TDM, ATM, IP and MPLS transmission technologies
• Describe IP user plane design considerations from an IP Layer 3 protocol management aspect.
• Explain signaling network design processes and identify signaling network architectures and topologies for TDM, ATM and IP
• Explain performance requirements related to redundancy and reliability and bandwidth volume calculations
• Describe the basic concept of Traffic Theory needed for the dimensioning of networks
• Understand and explain Processor Load Definitions, Bandwidth and Voice Quality

The evolution of mobile networks from 3GPP R99 to R4 / R5 introduces many changes to existing core networks, their architecture and operation. It requires operators to understand the changes required to existing R99 networks and the upgardes associated with the migration towards the enhanced layered architecture of 3GPP networks.

This course has been designed to provide delegates with an understanding of the principles associated with core network planning, traffic planning and network dimensioning. It includes layered architecture design of 3GPP networks, associated hardware designs (introducing Softswitch Solutions) and transmission bearer configurations. It conveys the steps involved in planning a generic core network focusing on the high level design of both the Circuit Switched (CS) and Packet Switched (PS) domains. A description of processor capacities and the planning principles MSC Server, GPRS Support Nodes (GSN) and Media Gateways (MGW) are also included.

Each training session is thoroughly reviewed to help delegate understanding, and with the aid of the trainer, delegates will complete various network planning exercises.

This course helps the participants to understand the overall architecture that is used in the modern Core Network and the methodology that is used for planning a core network. After successful completion, dimensioning of the core network as well as optimization, would be easier for the core network engineers.

An understanding of 3GPP Mobile Networks, along with experience in network design would be an advantage but is not essential.

Core Networking Engineers, Managers, IP Engineering, Engineers who are in charge of technical Planning and Operations of 2nd and 3rd Generation Mobile networks and those who need a broad understanding on the planing and dimensioning system for the core network.

• Identify Network Planning Inputs and Resulting Outputs
• Examine Migration, Expansion and Interconnection Planning Requirements
• Overview Core Network Architecture, CS, PS and Signaling Solutions
• Discuss Transport and Transmission Solutions

• Understand the processes involved in Traffic Planning
• Examine Traffic Modeling, Analysis, Network Traffic Modelling and Forecasting
• Overview Traffic Distribution / Dispersion / Intensity
• Understand Network Traffic Types - Signaling and Service
• Discuss Traffic Formulas, Erlang Descriptions and Busy Call Hours Calculations

• Understand the Transport Plane Planning procedure
• Examine Interconnection Planning and
• Cross Connections
• Discuss Solutions - IP, TDM and ATM and associated Transport Principles

• Explain Signaling Network Architectures - including SS7 / SIGTRAN / IP Requirements
• Understand Performance Requirements, Redundancy and Reliability
• Overview Signaling Volume Calculations

• Discuss the importance of Processor Load Definitions
• Understand Distributed Traffic Loads
• Perform Dimensioning and Engineer Capacity calculations
• Explain IP Bandwidth requirements according to Codec and Sampling Time
• Perform IP Bandwidth Calculations

• Understand Network Design Activities associated to Dimensioning
• Explain Backbone Connectivity requirements and capacity
• Perform Logical Network Design and Physical
• Network Design Connectivity

• The course will require delegates to perform various planning exercises