Cost: $1,699, or NO COST for those eligible via IMAP or TechCred funding.

Module 1: Wireless 101 is designed to familiarize participants with the practical aspects of wireless communication systems and their business and industry applications.

You will learn the basics of radio frequencies (RF) and the underlying principles that apply to today’s cellular systems. You will also learn about current industry practices around cell sites, hardware components at a typical cell site, and the RF measurements necessary for cellular networks.

Module 2: Macro Site Fundamentals introduces foundational theories related to macro tower planning, construction, and troubleshooting.

You will learn about several types of cell site infrastructure and identify the role of key stakeholders in the wireless industry. You will also learn about various parts of a cell site, how to read and interpret Radio Frequency (RF) plumbing diagrams, the role of typical hardware components found at the top and bottom of the tower, and co-siting techniques for multiband and multi-technology cell towers. Other topics covered include understanding of uplink and downlink, new-generation of cell towers including Centralized RAN (C-RAN), and the tower construction process.

Module 3: Get up to Speed with 5G in this interactive module that illustrates what 5G really is and what this new technology will enable.

You’ll learn about the changes in generational technology, the driving forces of 5G, and the practical implications of the new features and timelines for deployment and standardization. You also will gain a greater understanding of the direct and indirect impacts 5G will have on your personal and professional life.

Module 4: Cellular Communication Theories looks at the history and evolution of wireless and cellular communications, the drivers during implementation of current systems, and the evolution path for new and future technologies.

You will learn the answers to questions like: Why do cell sites look the way they do? How do they know a cell site will perform as required before they build it? Additional topics include: Interference, Noise and SINR, RF Wave Characteristics and Principles, and Quality vs Capacity of Radio Signals.

Module 5: Radio Frequency (RF) Safety and Awareness is specifically designed to assist wireless personnel in developing a comprehensive RF Safety Plan that protects themselves as well as the public who may be unaware of the risks associated with RF exposure.

Did you know that Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires business owners to maintain a comprehensive RF program that includes training for all workers who work on or near wireless and broadcast communication sites? Failure to comply can result in personal injury, fines, and lawsuits. Workers who perform tasks on rooftops, towers, and other structures where cellular antennas and other RF generating devices are present may be at risk of exposure to hazardous levels of RF radiation.

Understanding these risks and how to properly mitigate them is crucial to the safety of all wireless personnel.

Cost: $1,699, or NO COST for those eligible via IMAP or TechCred funding.

Module 1: Your Future with 5G covers why we need 5G, the current limitations of 4G technology, and how 5G is being created.

You’ll learn about user applications, new kinds of businesses that have been created, and review current use cases. This knowledge will prepare you for the influx of new jobs being created by this new technology.

Module 2: Spectrum Fundamentals explains how frequency bands and spectrum are at the center of the mobile broadband ecosystem.

“Spectrum Scarcity” is a known issue that is often misunderstood. This module will provide an overview of key aspects of spectrum bands, auctions and allocation, coverage vs capacity, propagation, and future-readiness. Distinct types of spectrum bands (low-band, mid-band, and mmWave) and recent spectrum auctions (CBRS, C-band, mmWave for 5G) are summarized.

This module will also help you understand how the selection of frequency bands affects the design of multiband cell sites (Macro and Indoors). Other topics include overview of unlicensed bands for Wi-Fi and future bands for 6G.

Module 3: 5G Ecosystem Overview was designed to provide an overview of 5G technology, what to expect, and the impact on businesses and consumers. It also explains how the 5G rollout will be instrumental across industries—from retail, healthcare, entertainment, automotive, and manufacturing to tech and real estate. Examples include connected cars and autonomous driving; smart cities with connected planning, transportation, and infrastructure; connected healthcare; the industrial “Internet of Things”; and smart factories.

To reap the benefits of 5G when it is deployed, it is important to understand how to plan for this new wave of automation. You will also: learn about common myths; review current data analytics; and about how today’s technology will achieve performance improvements.

Module 4: Cell Site Design and Planning bridges the fundamentals of macro tower and Radio Frequency (RF) designing concepts. This module will show you the journey of macro cell site evolution.

You will learn how to read engineering data sheets and follow RF Plumbing Diagrams: review hardware components found at a typical macro tower and study their functionality. You also will learn how to read an engineering datasheet for various hardware and how they are connected by analyzing the RF Plumbing diagrams.

Co-siting techniques will be explained through multiple examples and theories associated with Diplexers,Tower Mounted Amplifiers, and Antenna Tilting mechanism. In addition, this module explains the role of Remote Radio Head (RRH) and how the top of the cell tower is evolving to accommodate new advancements in technology.

Cost: $1,799, or NO COST for those eligible via IMAP or TechCred funding.

Module 1: Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Small Cell Basics addresses the number one challenge faced by the cellular industry: how can more capacity be provided and coverage problems be solved when, due to limited radio resources, service from macro towers is not enough?

You’ll learn about several types of DAS and Small Cell architecture, hardware components used in a typical indoor and outdoor DAS systems, their advantages, and limitations. Examples of RF plumbing diagrams are used to explain signal flow for indoor and outdoor applications. The module also introduces Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS) framework and provides an overview of CBRS use cases, including private LTE and 5G networks.

Designed for all audiences, this module is essential to understand how 5G and future generations will have to rely on DAS and small cells for coverage and capacity solutions.

Module 2: Wi-Fi is a radio technology that enables high-speed internet access without being tied by cord or cable to an internet connection. The world’s biggest carriers already recognize Wi-Fi as a business-critical, strategic technology Wireless communication networks rely on Wi-Fi for offloading to relieve the congested mobile data networks with additional capacity from unlicensed Wi-Fi spectrum.

From basic Radio Frequency (RF) theory and regulatory requirements, to implementation of WLAN devices, this module will get you up-to-speed on the latest in 802.11 technologies in a practical way. You’ll also learn about basic 802.11 wireless networking terminology and functionality, as well as engineering concepts and business practices.

Module 3: In-Building Wireless Ecosystem provides information on why wireless initiatives are necessary, how In-Building solutions are expected to deliver communications capabilities to the indoor subscribers, and an understanding of both the history and future of the In-Building wireless solution space.

Designed for those who work in Cellular, Wi-Fi, DAS and Small Cells, this module provides a basic understanding of the technological, business, indoor environmental, and management ecosystem issues and challenges that are part of every initiative.

Module 4: In-Building RF DAS Components and Subsystem builds understanding of RF devices and equipment, which is critical to the successful development of In-building DAS and Small Cell hybrid solutions. This module identifies the properties of key hardware commonly specified for use in an In-building solution and explores differences in how they are characterized.

This module will deepen the students’ understanding of In-building issues and offer various approaches to address them.

Cost: $1,699, or NO COST for those eligible via IMAP or TechCred funding.

Module 1: Edge Computing, CBRS, and Private Networks with 5G evaluates the many benefits of edge computing and how it is driving new connectivity solutions. Ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) is a feature of 5G networks that requires computing and processing of data to be completed near the end user.

Cellular networks’ presence near the users through cell towers, on macro sites to DAS hubs, makes a compelling case for connecting edge infrastructure with cellular infrastructure. You’ll learn about the key benefits of integrating edge computing with 5G networks, along with current developments in the traditional tower business to accommodate edge deployments.

The curriculum covers the impacts of edge computing, private LTE and 5G networks on the existing cellular infrastructure, and the need for fiber backhaul.

Module 2: Fiber for Wireless Infrastructure demonstrates how 5G wireless networks and fiber optic networks complement each other— together offering a more cohesive broadband experience for both fixed and mobile applications. You’ll learn about the role of fiber at existing macro towers (backhaul and fronthaul to remote radio head) and basics of capacity planning. You’ll also define fiber optic, 5G wireless networks, and the role of fiber in small cell densification to explain how they complement each other. This module also reviews Fiber-to-the-Antenna (FTTA) concept and the role of fiber in the future cell site with massive MIMO and active antenna.

Module 3*: Line Sweeping and PIM Testing (THIS MODULE IS DELIVERED IN PERSON) provides a technical understanding of various line sweeping measurements; step-by-step procedures for efficient cell site troubleshooting; and an introduction to measurement units and required hardware for cell site technicians and tower climbers.

Module 4: Fundamentals of RF Engineering introduces technical concepts that are required to plan, design, and optimize the cellular wireless networks. Topics such as fading, hand-off, and propagation characteristics are explained in detail. Different types of propagation modes that are essential for RF engineering are covered at length. This module supplements the theory portion with practical examples from the industry and explains how 1G to 5G technologies have evolved from the RF engineering point of view.