5G Core Network Certification Training Course

Did you know that the global 5G core network market is projected to exceed 5 billion USD in 2025, growing over 30% year‑on‑year as more than 70 mobile operators worldwide launch standalone 5G networks powered by cloud‑native architectures and AI‑driven automation?

Course Overview

The 5G Core Network Certification Training Course by Rcademy is meticulously designed to equip telecommunications engineers and network architects with comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills needed for 5G core network design, implementation, and optimization. This comprehensive program delves into cutting-edge 5G core methodologies, providing participants with a robust understanding of how to implement service-based architecture, deploy cloud-native network functions, and manage virtualized core environments while ensuring security, scalability, and end-to-end service delivery across standalone and non-standalone 5G networks.

Without specialized 5G core training, network professionals may struggle to implement cloud-native architectures, manage network function virtualization, or configure end-to-end network slicing, which are essential for modern telecom infrastructure. The program’s structured curriculum ensures professionals gain mastery of 5GC architecture, protocols, and operations, preparing them for real-world deployment challenges in virtualized, distributed core environments.

The 5G Core Network Certification Training Course provides a comprehensive framework covering 5G core architecture, service-based interfaces, network functions, virtualization, security, and end-to-end network operations. Participants will master 5GC architecture, Service-Based Architecture (SBA), and control/user plane separation principles, develop expertise in designing, deploying, and managing cloud-native 5GC functions, implement network slicing and session management, apply 5GC protocols and signaling procedures, design roaming architectures, architect QoS policies, implement security mechanisms, lead virtualization and SDN strategies, and optimize network performance through advanced monitoring and analytics.

Research shows organizations who implement 5G core training gain significant advantages through cloud-native 5GC deployments, as Verizon’s integration with AWS Wavelength edge computing delivers ultra-low latency under 10 milliseconds for real-time applications, while Vodafone and Telefónica’s adoption of NFV and SDN principles achieved 35% reduction in operational costs and improved scalability through dynamic resource scaling and AI-assisted automation.

Studies show individuals who complete 5G core training benefit from mastery of cloud-native and virtualized core operations, as participants develop advanced skillsets in deploying distributed, service-based 5G core environments, with expertise in enterprise private 5G network design based on HFR Networks’ real deployments for smart manufacturing and maritime operations, and leadership in virtualization, NFV, and automation through case studies from global operators managing 5GC with AI-assisted orchestration and network function management.

Take charge of your 5G core expertise. Enroll now in the Rcademy 5G Core Network Certification Training Course to master the competencies that drive next-generation network innovation and accelerate your professional advancement.

Who Should Attend?

The 5G Core Network Certification Training Course by Rcademy is ideal for:

• Senior core network architects and 5G system designers
• Principal engineers specializing in mobile core networks and packet core technologies
• Network function virtualization (NFV) and cloud-native infrastructure specialists
• Technical leads managing 5G standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) deployments
• Core network operations engineers and performance optimization experts
• Security architects responsible for 5G core network protection and compliance
• System integration professionals working on end-to-end 5G solutions
• R&D engineers and consultants focused on next-generation mobile core evolution
• Telecom operations managers overseeing core network transformation
• Cloud infrastructure engineers working with telco-grade systems
• Network automation specialists
• 5G test and validation engineers
• Solution architects in telecom equipment vendors
• Government telecom advisors
• Academic researchers in mobile communications

What are the Training Goals?

The main objectives of The 5G Core Network Certification Training Course by Rcademy are to enable professionals to:

• Master the 5G Core Network (5GC) architecture, Service-Based Architecture (SBA), and control/user plane separation principles
• Develop advanced expertise in designing, deploying, and managing cloud-native 5G core network functions
• Implement and optimize network slicing, session management, and mobility procedures
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of 5GC protocols, interfaces, and signaling procedures
• Design and secure roaming architectures including Local Breakout (LBO) and Home Routed (HR) scenarios
• Architect Quality of Service (QoS) policies, traffic steering, and policy control frameworks
• Implement advanced security mechanisms including SEPP, authentication, authorization, and encryption
• Lead virtualization, NFV, SDN, and cloud-native deployment strategies for 5G cores
• Optimize network performance through advanced monitoring, troubleshooting, and analytics
• Analyze end-to-end signaling flows and troubleshoot common network issues
• Plan capacity and dimensioning for 5GC deployments
• Implement multi-access PDU sessions and ATSSS capabilities
• Design edge computing and UPF placement strategies
• Utilize Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF) with AI/ML integration
• Manage SON and network automation functions
• Evaluate 5G-Advanced and future core evolution trends

How Will This Training Course Be Presented?

At Rcademy, the extensive focus is laid on the relevance of the training content to the audience. Thus, content is reviewed and customised as per the professional backgrounds of the audience.

The training framework includes:

• Expert-led lectures delivered by experienced 5G core network professionals using audio-visual presentations
• Interactive practical training ensured through sample assignments or projects and 5G core network simulations
• Trainee participation encouraged through hands-on activities that reinforce theoretical concepts
• Case studies featuring real-world 5G core deployment challenges from various international contexts
• Best practice sharing sessions where participants discuss network virtualization experiences

The theoretical part of training is delivered by an experienced professional from the relevant domain, using audio-visual presentations. This immersive approach fosters practical skill development and real-world application of 5G core principles through comprehensive coverage of service-based architecture, network function virtualization, and cloud-native deployment.

This theoretical-cum-practical model ensures participants gain both foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for effective 5G core network engineering and optimization excellence.

Register now to experience a truly engaging, participant-focused learning journey designed to equip you for success in next-generation core network transformation.

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 containerization
• 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 signaling efficiency, latency, and scalability
• Analyzing 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 authorization 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 signaling
• 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 signaling analysis
• Understanding inter-node communication patterns in SA and NSA scenarios
• Tracing session binding between SMF and UPF via N4/PFCP
• Analyzing N11 and N14 signaling 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 Tunneling 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 analyzing 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
• Analyzing 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: Optimizing 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 authorization (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)
• Standardized and non-standardized 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 signaling 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 authorization
• Network exposure security and API protection
• Threat modeling and vulnerability assessment
• Implementing mutual authentication between UE and AUSF/ARPF
• Protecting user privacy using SUCI-to-SUPI decryption in UDM
• Analyzing 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 signaling 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: Virtualization, NFV, and Cloud-Native Deployment

• Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architecture
• Software-Defined Networking (SDN) integration
• Cloud-native design principles for 5GC
• Microservices architecture and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes)
• Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) deployment
• Container Network Functions (CNFs) optimization
• 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 signaling 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-Organizing 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 preemptively scale UPFs
• Designing NEF APIs for smart city applications accessing network conditions
• Simulation: AI-driven QoS optimization based on NWDAF analytics output

Module 14: 5G Core Signaling and Procedures Analysis

• End-to-end signaling flow analysis
• Initial Registration detailed procedures
• PDU Session establishment call flows
• Handover signaling 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 optimizations and NIDD (Non-IP Data Delivery)
• Trace file analysis and message decoding
• Troubleshooting common signaling issues
• Analyzing 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 Optimization 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 optimization
• Latency optimization techniques
• Throughput maximization 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
• Optimizing 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-optimizing 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 Certification Training is evident across diverse telecommunications contexts:

Verizon and AWS – Nationwide 5G Core with Edge Integration Excellence

Implementation: Verizon implemented a 5G core network integrated with AWS Wavelength edge computing to deliver ultra-low latency connectivity at distributed edge sites. The systematic approach involved deploying 5GC user-plane functions (UPF) at AWS micro data facilities, creating a cloud-native platform for real-time applications across industries.

Results: The integration reduced end-to-end latency to under 10 milliseconds, enabling real-time analytics, AR/VR, and autonomous applications for over 1,000 enterprises across the U.S. The comprehensive implementation demonstrated how edge-enabled 5GC supports latency-critical services at national scale, establishing a new benchmark for commercial 5G core deployments.

HFR Networks – Private 5G Core for Industrial IoT Excellence

Implementation: HFR Networks established South Korea’s leading private 5G core network systems for enterprises, implementing isolated 5GC instances with local UPF placement and advanced network slicing for smart factories and port logistics. The systematic approach delivered localized, secure connectivity for manufacturing clusters and maritime operations.

Results: The private core deployments confirmed 5G core scalability and service separation for vertical industry use cases, with ultra-reliable network provisioning for factory automation and predictive maintenance. The structured implementation demonstrated how standalone 5GC models can be customized for enterprise-grade IoT, setting new standards for industrial private networks.

Vodafone and Telefónica – NFV-Enabled 5GC Transformation Excellence

Implementation: Vodafone and Telefónica adopted NFV and SDN principles within their 5GC deployments, transitioning from hardware-dependent EPC to fully containerized 5GC with AI and ML automating network orchestration. The systematic approach involved virtualizing core components across edge and central data centers.

Results: The transformation achieved 35% reduction in operational costs and improved scalability through dynamic resource scaling, while AI-assisted automation optimized capacity allocation by up to 40%. The comprehensive implementation demonstrated how NFV-based 5GC accelerates service rollout and enhances network resiliency, setting new benchmarks for next-generation mobile core transformation.

Be inspired by Verizon, HFR Networks, and Vodafone-Telefónica’s excellence. Secure your spot in the Rcademy 5G Core Network Certification Training Course and unlock your next-generation network leadership potential today.