5G Core Network Certification Training Course

Did you know that the 5G Core Network’s Service Based Architecture represents the most fundamental redesign of mobile core infrastructure in the history of cellular networks, with operators worldwide accelerating Standalone 5G deployments to unlock the full potential of network slicing, edge computing, and ultra-low latency services? This compelling shift underscores the critical importance of deep 5G Core expertise for telecommunications professionals in today’s rapidly evolving network environment.

Course Overview

The 5G Core Network Certification Training Course by Alpha Learning Centre is meticulously designed to equip core network engineers, architects, and technical professionals with essential skills in mastering 5G Core architecture, understanding cloud-native Network Function design, and implementing advanced session management, policy, and security frameworks. This course focuses on Service Based Architecture principles, key Network Function roles and interfaces, network slicing, 4G-5G interworking, and cloud-native deployment methodologies to ensure participants can effectively navigate the sophisticated landscape of modern 5G Standalone core network design, deployment, and operation.

Why Select This Training Course?

Selecting this 5G Core Network Certification Training Course offers numerous advantages for professionals involved in core network engineering, cloud infrastructure, and mobile network architecture. Participants will gain advanced knowledge of 5G Network Function roles including AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, and UDM, HTTP/2-based SBA communication frameworks, and network slicing orchestration through NSSF. The course provides in-depth technical grounding in real-world 5G core deployment scenarios, enabling attendees to design, troubleshoot, and optimise cloud-native 5G core environments with confidence.

For organisations, investing in this training reduces dependency on external consultants and accelerates 5G Standalone deployment timelines. By ensuring that core network teams have structured, verifiable expertise in 5G architecture, organisations improve their ability to manage hybrid 4G/5G environments, implement enterprise network slices, and troubleshoot core network issues independently. Research from 3GPP technical documentation and operator deployment experience demonstrates how cloud-native 5G Core deployments integrating AMF/SMF functionality alongside legacy MME/SGW nodes require precise protocol knowledge and interworking expertise competencies that structured training programmes consistently deliver more effectively than on-the-job learning alone.

Individuals who complete this course will benefit from enhanced career prospects as they establish themselves as credible 5G Core specialists. The skills acquired through this training can lead to professional growth and senior technical responsibilities within mobile operators, network equipment vendors, and cloud infrastructure providers. Studies from the GSMA indicate that 5G Core expertise is one of the scarcest and highest-value skill sets in the global telecommunications workforce, with demand from operators, vendors, and hyperscalers consistently outpacing the supply of qualified professionals.

Transform your core network capabilities Register now for this critical advanced training programme.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for:

• Core network engineers and system architects
• NFV and cloud infrastructure engineers
• 4G EPC engineers transitioning to 5G core roles
• Network planning and design specialists
• Protocol and signalling engineers
• Technical leads and solution architects in mobile operator environments
• Systems integrators deploying 5G core solutions
• Telecom consultants and technical advisors working on 5G projects

What are the Training Goals?

This course aims to:

• Explain 5G Core architecture and Service Based Architecture principles and Network Function roles
• Describe 5G core interfaces, reference points, and HTTP/2-based communication frameworks
• Understand the roles of AMF, SMF, UPF, PCF, UDM, AUSF, NRF, and other core NFs
• Analyse 5G registration, session establishment, and mobility management procedures
• Explain 5G policy and charging frameworks including PCF and UDR
• Understand network slicing architecture, NSSF, and slice selection procedures
• Describe 5G security architecture including authentication and key management
• Evaluate 4G-5G interworking mechanisms and EPS fallback procedures
• Apply cloud-native deployment principles including containerisation and orchestration
• Troubleshoot 5G core issues using signalling and protocol analysis techniques

How will this Training Course be Presented?

The 5G Core Network Certification Training Course employs a comprehensive and innovative approach to ensure maximum knowledge retention and skill development. Expert-led instruction from certified 5G core network professionals forms the core of the course, providing up-to-date insights into real-world 5G Standalone architecture and the practical challenges of cloud-native Network Function deployment.

The course utilises a blend of theoretical understanding and practical applications, allowing participants to apply their knowledge to realistic engineering scenarios. Advanced educational methodologies create a personalised and engaging learning journey through:

• Instructor-led sessions by experienced 5G core network architects
• Architecture walkthroughs and protocol deep-dives with annotated signalling diagrams
• Signalling flow analysis and hands-on troubleshooting exercises
• Scenario-based discussions on real operator deployment challenges
• Network slicing design and NSSF configuration exercises
• Peer learning and Q&A sessions to consolidate complex protocol understanding

Join us now and elevate your 5G Core network expertise to new heights!

Course Syllabus

Module 1: 5G System Architecture and Core Network Fundamentals

• Evolution from EPC to 5G Core Network (5GC)
• 5G System (5GS) architecture overview: 5GC and NG-RAN integration
• Standalone (SA) vs. Non-Standalone (NSA) deployment architectures
• IMT-2020 requirements and 3GPP Release 15/16/17/18 specifications
• Service categories: eMBB, URLLC, mMTC, and V2X
• Network architecture principles: cloud-native, microservices, and containerisation
• Control Plane and User Plane Separation (CUPS) fundamentals
• End-to-end 5G protocol stack overview
• Understanding architectural benefits of disaggregated core components in real-time orchestration
• Comparing EPC and 5GC in signalling efficiency, latency, and scalability
• Analysing deployment trade-offs between SA and NSA for operator use cases
• Case study: Transition roadmap from 4G EPC to 5G SA with dual registration

Module 2: Service-Based Architecture (SBA) and Network Functions

• Service-Based Architecture (SBA) model and principles
• Service-Based Interfaces (SBIs) and HTTP/2 protocol stack
• RESTful APIs and service discovery mechanisms
• Network Function (NF) definitions and roles
• Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)
• Session Management Function (SMF)
• User Plane Function (UPF)
• Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
• Unified Data Management (UDM) and Unified Data Repository (UDR)
• Policy Control Function (PCF)
• Network Repository Function (NRF)
• Network Exposure Function (NEF)
• Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)
• Charging Function (CHF)
• Service Communication Proxy (SCP)
• Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF)
• Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF)
• Exploring stateless design principles and network function resiliency
• Mapping service interactions using NRF-based service discovery
• Implementing service authorisation and secure invoke mechanisms via SCP
• Hands-on lab: Simulating SBA service registration and discovery in Kubernetes

Module 3: 5G Core Network Interfaces and Reference Points

• Reference point architecture vs. service-based representation
• N1 interface: UE to AMF signalling
• N2 interface: RAN to AMF control plane
• N3 interface: RAN to UPF user plane
• N4 interface: SMF to UPF using PFCP protocol
• N6 interface: UPF to Data Network
• N7, N10, N11, N12, N13, N14, N15 interfaces
• N32 interface: SEPP to SEPP for roaming
• Service-based interface protocols and procedures
• Interface message flows and signalling analysis
• Understanding inter-node communication patterns in SA and NSA scenarios
• Tracing session binding between SMF and UPF via N4/PFCP
• Analysing N11 and N14 signalling during handover and session continuity
• Workshop: Annotating 5GC interface traffic using Wireshark in a 5G testbed

Module 4: 5G Core Network Protocols

• 5G Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol
• Next Generation Application Protocol (NGAP)
• Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP)
• GTP-U (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol User Plane)
• GTP-C (Control Plane) evolution in 5GC
• HTTP/2 for Service-Based Interfaces
• TLS and security protocols
• Diameter and RADIUS integration
• Protocol stack analysis and troubleshooting
• Understanding PFCP session establishment, modification, and deletion procedures
• Comparing NAS and AS layer responsibilities in mobility and session control
• Decoding HTTP/2 over TLS for SBI message exchange
• Lab: Capturing and analysing NGAP and NAS messages during initial attach

Module 5: Registration and Mobility Management

• 5G Registration Management (RM) states: RM-Registered and RM-Deregistered
• Initial Registration procedures
• Mobility Registration Update
• Periodic Registration Update
• Deregistration procedures (UE-initiated and network-initiated)
• AMF selection and reallocation
• Tracking Area (TA) concepts and management
• Mobility management for inter-AMF handovers
• Location management and paging procedures
• Registration Area (RA) updates
• Understanding 5G-GUTI, GUAMI, and temporary identity management
• Analysing AMF reselection during mobility across TAs
• Tracing paging procedures triggered by incoming session requests
• Simulation: Evaluating registration success rate under high access load

Module 6: Connection and Session Management

• Connection Management (CM) states: CM-IDLE, CM-CONNECTED, and RRC-INACTIVE
• PDU Session establishment, modification, and release procedures
• Service Request procedures
• PDU Session types: IPv4, IPv6, Ethernet, Unstructured
• Multiple PDU Session management
• PDU Session Anchors (PSAs) and multi-anchor sessions
• Session and Service Continuity (SSC) modes 1, 2, and 3
• QoS Flow establishment and management
• User Plane resource allocation and control
• AN Release procedures
• Designing multi-session policies for AR/VR, gaming, and Vo5G
• Implementing SSC Mode 3 for seamless handover during mobility
• Mapping QoS Flows to 5QI with dynamic policy enforcement via PCF
• Case exercise: Optimising UPF anchoring for industrial IoT edge sessions

Module 7: 5G Network Slicing

• Network slicing architecture and principles
• Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI)
• Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI)
• Network Slice Instance (NSI) management
• Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) operations
• Slice-specific authentication and authorisation (NSSAAF)
• Dynamic slice selection and allocation
• Slice lifecycle management and orchestration
• End-to-end network slicing across RAN and Core
• Use cases: eMBB, URLLC, mMTC slice configurations
• Configuring slice-specific SMF and UPF selection based on NSSAI
• Implementing isolated slices for private 5G in manufacturing and utilities
• Applying automated orchestration using OSM or ONAP
• Workshop: Designing a 5G slice for autonomous vehicle communication (URLLC)

Module 8: Quality of Service (QoS) and Policy Control

• 5G QoS model and framework
• QoS Flow Identifier (QFI) and 5G QoS Identifier (5QI)
• Standardised and non-standardised 5QI values
• GBR, Non-GBR, and Delay-Critical GBR QoS Flows
• QoS Flow parameters: GFBR, MFBR, priority, packet delay budget, packet error rate
• Session-AMBR and UE-AMBR enforcement
• Policy Control Function (PCF) architecture
• PCC rules and policy enforcement
• QoS profiles and QoS rules
• Packet detection rules, forwarding action rules, and usage reporting
• Application Function (AF) traffic influence and service exposure
• Dynamic policy updates and real-time QoS adaptation
• Integrating AF session signalling to dynamically influence QoS via NEF
• Enforcing 5QI 80 (Delay-Critical GBR) for mission-critical industrial control
• Implementing network slicing-aware policy rules in multi-tenant environments
• Lab: Simulating QoS degradation and policy-driven recovery actions

Module 9: 5G Core Network Security

• 5G security architecture and trust model
• End-to-end security domains
• Primary Authentication and Key Agreement (AKA)
• 5G-AKA and EAP-AKA’ authentication procedures
• Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) and Subscription Concealed Identifier (SUCI)
• Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI)
• Encryption and integrity protection algorithms
• Key hierarchy and key derivation functions
• Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) functions
• N32 interface security: TLS and PRINS protocols
• Access token-based authentication for SBA
• NRF security and authorisation
• Network exposure security and API protection
• Threat modelling and vulnerability assessment
• Implementing mutual authentication between UE and AUSF/ARPF
• Protecting user privacy using SUCI-to-SUPI decryption in UDM
• Analysing SEPP message protection (MINT and PRINS) in roaming scenarios
• Workshop: Conducting security risk assessment for NEF-exposed APIs

Module 10: 5G Roaming Architecture

• Roaming architecture overview and deployment scenarios
• Home Routed (HR) roaming architecture
• Local Breakout (LBO) roaming architecture
• Visited PLMN (VPLMN) and Home PLMN (HPLMN) interactions
• Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP) for roaming
• N32 interface and inter-PLMN signalling security
• IP User Plane Security (IPUPS) for user plane protection
• V-SMF and H-SMF coordination
• Roaming agreements and interconnect configurations
• Roaming QoS and policy enforcement
• Voice over 5G (Vo5G) roaming considerations
• Comparing end-to-end latency and cost efficiency between HR and LBO
• Configuring PLMN selection and NSSF-based slice routing during roaming
• Implementing roaming user plane security via IPsec and RoHC
• Case study: LBO deployment for global IoT roaming with low-latency routing

Module 11: Virtualisation, NFV, and Cloud-Native Deployment

• Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) architecture
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) integration
• Cloud-native design principles for 5GC
• Microservices architecture and containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) deployment
• Container Network Functions (CNFs) optimisation
• NFV MANO (Management and Orchestration) framework
• Service orchestration and lifecycle management
• Auto-scaling, self-healing, and resilience mechanisms
• Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) integration
• Private cloud vs. public cloud vs. hybrid cloud deployments
• Understanding CNF scalability and resource constraints in Kubernetes
• Designing highly available 5GC functions using k8s operators and helm charts
• Implementing CI/CD pipelines for automated NF deployment and updates
• Lab: Deploying a lightweight AMF and SMF using Helm in a Minikube cluster

Module 12: Interworking with EPC and Legacy Networks

• EPC-5GC interworking architecture
• N26 interface for 4G-5G interworking
• Idle mode mobility between EPC and 5GC
• Connected mode mobility and handover procedures
• Inter-system handovers: E-UTRAN to NG-RAN
• Dual registration and session continuity
• Voice fallback mechanisms: EPS Fallback
• IMS integration for voice services
• Migration strategies from NSA to SA
• Backward compatibility and coexistence
• Understanding EPS Fallback signalling during Vo5G when IMS is unavailable
• Tracing session continuity via N26 interface during inter-system handover
• Evaluating 5G-early-traffic-reroute without N26 for simplified NSA deployment
• Case analysis: Phased migration from NSA to SA with minimal service disruption

Module 13: Advanced 5G Core Features

• Multi-Access PDU Sessions
• ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching, and Splitting)
• Edge computing and User Plane Function (UPF) placement strategies
• Local Data Network (LDN) access
• Application Function (AF) influence on traffic routing
• Charging and billing mechanisms (offline and online charging)
• Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) and AI/ML integration
• SON (Self-Organising Networks) and network automation
• Network exposure capabilities via NEF
• API exposure for third-party applications
• Implementing ATSSS rules for Wi-Fi and 5G dual connectivity in enterprise edge
• Using NWDAF to predict traffic load and pre-emptively scale UPFs
• Designing NEF APIs for smart city applications accessing network conditions
• Simulation: AI-driven QoS optimisation based on NWDAF analytics output

Module 14: 5G Core Signalling and Procedures Analysis

• End-to-end signalling flow analysis
• Initial Registration detailed procedures
• PDU Session establishment call flows
• Handover signalling procedures
• Service Request and AN Release procedures
• Multi-access PDU Session handling
• UPF insertion and PDU Session Anchor addition/removal
• SMS over NAS procedures
• CIoT optimisations and NIDD (Non-IP Data Delivery)
• Trace file analysis and message decoding
• Troubleshooting common signalling issues
• Analysing multi-step registration with slice and DNN selection
• Decoding PDU Session Establishment with SSC mode and QoS rule negotiation
• Detecting call flow failures due to NRF timeouts or policy mismatches
• Hands-on lab: Using 5G trace tools (e.g., Triton, Keysight) for root cause analysis

Module 15: Performance Optimisation and Network Management

• 5G Core KPIs and performance metrics
• Network monitoring and analytics tools
• Capacity planning and dimensioning
• Load balancing and traffic distribution strategies
• Network function scaling and resource optimisation
• Latency optimisation techniques
• Throughput maximisation strategies
• Fault management and alarm handling
• Configuration management best practices
• Zero-touch provisioning and deployment
• Designing KPI dashboards for real-time visibility into SMF, UPF, and AMF
• Optimising control plane load using NRF-based load distribution
• Implementing predictive scaling based on historical traffic patterns
• Workshop: Building a Grafana-based monitoring dashboard for 5GC functions

Module 16: 5G-Advanced and Future Core Evolution

• 3GPP Release 18 and 5G-Advanced features
• Enhanced network slicing capabilities
• Ambient IoT support in 5GC
• AI/ML-native core network functions
• Network as a Service (NaaS) concepts
• Intent-based networking and automation
• 6G vision and core network roadmap
• Open RAN and O-RAN integration with 5GC
• Quantum-safe cryptography for future security
• Sustainability and energy efficiency in 5G core networks
• Exploring IBN for declarative network configuration using AI agents
• Designing intent policies for self-optimising 5G-Advanced networks
• Assessing energy-aware CNF scheduling in NFVI environments
• Capstone project: Proposing a 6G-ready 5GC evolution path with quantum-safe keys

Training Impact

The impact of 5G Core network training is evident through various real-world deployment programmes and technical data, which demonstrate the effectiveness of structured engineering education in accelerating Standalone 5G rollouts and reducing operational complexity.

Research indicates that organisations implementing structured 5G Core training programmes demonstrate measurable benefits in deployment efficiency and technical capability. A case study from Deutsche Telekom’s 5G Standalone deployment in Germany showed that integrating a fully cloud-native 5G Core alongside existing 4G infrastructure required precise knowledge of AMF/SMF and MME/SGW interworking, network slice orchestration for enterprise clients, and containerised NF deployment across distributed data centres an undertaking that validated the direct operational value of the competencies this course develops.

These case studies highlight the tangible benefits of implementing advanced 5G Core engineering expertise:

• Improved deployment efficiency through systematic understanding of 5G architecture, NF roles, and SBA communication frameworks
• Enhanced network slice management through comprehensive knowledge of NSSF, slice selection, and enterprise slice configuration
• Increased interworking success through structured understanding of 4G-5G dual-stack environments and EPS fallback mechanisms
• Strengthened troubleshooting capability through systematic application of signalling analysis and protocol trace interpretation techniques

By investing in this advanced training, organisations can expect to see:

• Significant improvement in 5G Standalone deployment timelines and core network operational performance
• Improved ability to manage complex cloud-native environments with advanced NF orchestration and containerisation frameworks
• Enhanced decision-making capabilities through comprehensive 5G architecture knowledge and network slicing design expertise
• Increased organisational self-sufficiency through advanced 5G Core engineering capability and reduced reliance on external consultancy

Transform your career and organisational performance Enrol now to master the 5G Core Network Certification Training Course!