5G RAN NR Air Interface Overview

This course provides a high-level, professional overview of the 5G New Radio (NR) air interface, focusing on the key principles that underpin modern radio access networks. It introduces the fundamental concepts of NR technology, including radio design, spectrum usage, and flexible deployment options.

Participants will gain an understanding of the NR physical layer framework, including frame structure, numerologies, and the role of advanced features such as beamforming and bandwidth adaptation. The course also outlines essential procedures such as synchronization, initial access, and system information acquisition. Core functionalities of control and data transmission are presented in a clear and structured way, along with the role of reference signals and measurements in enabling efficient communication. In addition, the course highlights key operational aspects such as scheduling, reliability mechanisms, and beam management.

An overview of MIMO and massive MIMO technologies is included, together with their impact on performance and capacity. The course concludes with a brief introduction to NR and LTE interworking, providing a complete picture of how 5G integrates into existing networks.