5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) Certification

Did you know that the global 5G Radio Access Network market is forecasted to surpass 42 billion USD in 2025, driven by massive deployments of Cloud RAN and Open RAN technologies as operators modernize infrastructure to meet growing demands for IoT, smart cities, and ultra‑reliable connectivity?

Course Overview

The 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) Certification by Rcademy is meticulously designed to equip telecommunications engineers and radio network architects with comprehensive knowledge and advanced skills needed for 5G RAN design, implementation, and optimization. This comprehensive program delves into cutting-edge RAN methodologies, providing participants with a robust understanding of how to implement cloud-native RAN architectures, deploy Open RAN solutions, and optimize massive MIMO systems while ensuring flexibility, vendor diversity, and enhanced spectral efficiency across standalone and non-standalone 5G networks.

Without specialized 5G RAN training, network professionals may struggle to implement cloud-native RAN architectures, manage Open RAN interoperability, or configure advanced beamforming systems, which are essential for modern mobile broadband services. The program’s structured curriculum ensures professionals gain mastery of 5G NR, protocols, and operations, preparing them for real-world deployment challenges in virtualized, distributed RAN environments.

The 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) Certification provides a comprehensive framework covering 5G RAN architecture, New Radio fundamentals, massive MIMO, Open RAN, carrier aggregation, and network optimization. Participants will master 5G RAN architecture including gNB and CU-DU split, develop expertise in 5G NR physical layer design, implement massive MIMO and beamforming techniques, design and optimize 5G RAN networks for eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC use cases, apply 5G protocols and signaling procedures, architect Open RAN solutions, optimize network performance through KPI analysis, execute carrier aggregation and dynamic spectrum sharing, and plan and dimension 5G RAN networks using link budget analysis and traffic engineering principles.

Research shows organizations who implement 5G RAN training gain significant advantages through cloud-native and Open RAN deployments, as Ericsson and Turkcell’s 5G Cloud RAN trial demonstrated that virtualized RAN technology streamlines operations, reduces latency, and improves flexibility in upgrades, while Nokia and Deutsche Telekom’s multi-vendor Open RAN deployment proved that standardized interfaces can deliver energy efficiency, reduced vendor lock-in, and multi-supplier agility for future hybrid networks.

Studies show individuals who complete 5G RAN training benefit from expertise in Open RAN and Cloud RAN architectures, as participants gain firsthand understanding of multi-vendor system integration and RAN virtualization, with practical knowledge of massive MIMO and beam management from Verizon’s beamforming implementations, and proficiency in cloud-native network operations and automation through Ericsson-Turkcell’s cloud RAN use case that provides deployment-ready expertise in managing CU-DU splits and virtualized RAN orchestration.

Take charge of your 5G RAN expertise. Enroll now in the Rcademy 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) Certification to master the competencies that drive next-generation wireless innovation and accelerate your professional advancement.

Who Should Attend?

The 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) Certification by Rcademy is ideal for:

• Senior RAN engineers and radio network architects
• Principal RF design and optimization specialists
• Network planning professionals managing 5G deployments
• Technical leads responsible for RAN performance and KPI management
• System integration engineers working on multi-vendor RAN solutions
• O-RAN implementation specialists and cloud RAN architects
• RAN operations managers and field engineers
• R&D professionals focused on advanced wireless technologies
• Telecom operations managers overseeing RAN transformation
• 5G test and validation engineers
• Solution architects in telecom equipment vendors
• Government telecom advisors
• Academic researchers in wireless communications
• Network deployment project managers
• Telecommunications consultants

What are the Training Goals?

The main objectives of The 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) Certification by Rcademy are to enable professionals to:

• Master advanced 5G RAN architecture including gNB, CU-DU split, and distributed/centralized RAN configurations
• Develop expertise in 5G New Radio (NR) physical layer design, waveforms, numerologies, and resource allocation mechanisms
• Implement massive MIMO, beamforming, and advanced antenna techniques for optimized network performance
• Design and optimize 5G RAN networks for eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC use cases across macro, micro, and indoor deployments
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of 5G protocols, signaling procedures, and call flows for registration, mobility, and session management
• Architect and deploy Open RAN (O-RAN) solutions with intelligent controllers, open interfaces, and multi-vendor ecosystems
• Optimize network performance through advanced KPI analysis, drive testing, parameter tuning, and troubleshooting methodologies
• Execute carrier aggregation, dual connectivity, and dynamic spectrum sharing strategies for enhanced capacity and coverage
• Plan and dimension 5G RAN networks using link budget analysis, propagation models, and traffic engineering principles
• Analyze end-to-end signaling flows and troubleshoot common RAN issues
• Implement network slicing in RAN with RAN Intelligent Controllers
• Integrate Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) and Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB)
• Design energy-efficient RAN solutions
• Evaluate 5G-Advanced and future RAN 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 RAN professionals using audio-visual presentations
• Interactive practical training ensured through sample assignments or projects and 5G RAN simulations
• Trainee participation encouraged through hands-on activities that reinforce theoretical concepts
• Case studies featuring real-world 5G RAN 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 RAN principles through comprehensive coverage of massive MIMO, Open RAN architecture, and network optimization.

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

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

Course Syllabus

Module 1: 5G RAN Architecture and Evolution

• Evolution from 4G eNB to 5G gNB architecture
• NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Network) fundamentals
• Standalone (SA) vs. Non-Standalone (NSA) deployment architectures
• gNB functional architecture: CU, DU, and RU components
• Control Plane and User Plane separation (CUPS)
• Centralized RAN (C-RAN) and Distributed RAN (D-RAN) architectures
• Functional split options and CU-DU split implementations
• Fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul interfaces
• Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) architecture​

Module 2: 5G New Radio (NR) Fundamentals

• 5G spectrum: FR1 (sub-6 GHz) and FR2 (mmWave) frequency ranges
• Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) configurations
• OFDM waveform and cyclic prefix fundamentals
• Flexible numerology and subcarrier spacing (15, 30, 60, 120, 240 kHz)
• Slot structure, mini-slots, and self-contained slots
• Resource grid, resource blocks, and resource elements
• Bandwidth parts (BWP) and bandwidth adaptation
• UE categories and capability classes​

Module 3: 5G NR Physical Layer

• Physical channel architecture: PDSCH, PUSCH, PDCCH, PUCCH, PBCH, PRACH
• Physical signals: reference signals (DMRS, CSI-RS, SRS, PT-RS), synchronization signals (PSS, SSS)
• SS/PBCH block structure and transmission
• Channel coding: LDPC for data channels and Polar codes for control channels
• Modulation schemes: QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM
• Transport block processing and segmentation
• HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) procedures
• Scheduling and resource allocation mechanisms
• DCI (Downlink Control Information) and UCI (Uplink Control Information) formats​

Module 4: Massive MIMO and Beamforming Technologies

• MIMO fundamentals: SU-MIMO and MU-MIMO
• Massive MIMO antenna systems and array architectures
• Analog, digital, and hybrid beamforming techniques
• Beam management procedures and beam sweeping
• CSI (Channel State Information) acquisition and feedback
• Codebook-based and non-codebook-based transmission
• Antenna ports and virtualization
• Precoding and spatial multiplexing
• Active Antenna Units (AAU) and TRP (Transmit-Receive Point) concepts
• Beam correspondence and reciprocity​​

Module 5: 5G RAN Protocols and Procedures

• NR protocol stack: RRC, PDCP, RLC, MAC, and Physical Layer
• RRC states: RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, and RRC_CONNECTED
• Initial access and cell selection procedures
• Registration procedures and mobility management
• Connection establishment and PDU session setup
• Paging and notification procedures
• Handover procedures: intra-gNB, inter-gNB, and inter-RAT
• Dual connectivity procedures and bearer management
• RAN slicing and slice selection​

Module 6: Open RAN (O-RAN) Architecture

• Open RAN principles and O-RAN Alliance specifications
• O-RAN architecture: O-CU, O-DU, O-RU, and O-Cloud
• Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework
• RAN Intelligent Controllers: Near-RT RIC and Non-RT RIC
• xApps and rApps development and deployment
• Open fronthaul interface and CPRI evolution
• E2, A1, O1, and O2 interface specifications
• AI/ML integration in O-RAN
• Multi-vendor interoperability and testing​​

Module 7: Carrier Aggregation and Dual Connectivity

• Intra-band and inter-band carrier aggregation
• Contiguous and non-contiguous carrier aggregation
• Component carrier configuration and activation
• Primary cell (PCell) and secondary cell (SCell) management
• EN-DC (E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity) architecture
• NR-DC, NE-DC, and NGEN-DC configurations
• Master node and secondary node coordination
• Traffic splitting: PDCP-level and MAC-level aggregation
• SCG bearer and split bearer configurations​​

Module 8: Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS)

• DSS fundamentals and deployment scenarios
• LTE-NR spectrum coexistence mechanisms
• MBSFN-based and non-MBSFN-based DSS
• Rate matching and resource allocation in DSS
• Control channel coordination between LTE and NR
• DSS scheduler operation and prioritization
• Performance optimization in DSS deployments
• Spectrum refarming strategies​

Module 9: 5G RAN Network Planning and Design

• Coverage and capacity planning fundamentals
• Link budget calculation for 5G NR
• Propagation models and path loss estimation
• MAPL (Maximum Allowable Path Loss) calculation
• Site selection and cell planning strategies
• Indoor and outdoor deployment scenarios
• Small cell and HetNet planning
• Network dimensioning and traffic modeling
• Interference analysis and mitigation​

Module 10: 5G RAN Optimization and Performance Management

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): accessibility, retainability, mobility, throughput
• Drive testing and network benchmarking
• RF optimization: PCI planning, RACH optimization, power control
• Neighbor relation management and ANR (Automatic Neighbor Relations)
• Handover optimization and mobility parameter tuning
• Coverage hole identification and resolution
• Capacity optimization and load balancing
• Inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC)
• SON (Self-Organizing Networks) features​​

Module 11: Advanced 5G RAN Features

• Network slicing in RAN: slice-specific configurations
• RAN slicing and RAN Intelligent Controllers (RIC)
• Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) integration
• Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB)
• Sidelink and V2X communications
• Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and satellite integration
• RedCap (Reduced Capability) devices
• Positioning and location services in 5G
• Energy efficiency and power saving mechanisms​

Module 12: 5G RAN Signaling and Call Flows

• Initial access and beam acquisition procedures
• Registration and authentication call flows
• PDU session establishment signaling
• RRC connection establishment and release
• Handover signaling analysis
• Dual connectivity setup and modification procedures
• Paging and service request flows
• Network slicing signaling
• Log file analysis and trace decoding​

Module 13: 5G RAN Security

• 5G security architecture overview
• Authentication and key agreement (AKA) procedures
• Encryption and integrity protection in RAN
• Security context management
• Handover security procedures
• User plane security
• Network domain security
• Security in Open RAN environments​

Module 14: 5G RAN Testing and Troubleshooting

• RAN performance testing methodologies
• Drive test procedures and tools
• Scanner measurements and spectrum analysis
• Protocol analysis and signaling troubleshooting
• Common RAN issues: coverage problems, handover failures, throughput degradation
• Root cause analysis techniques
• Counter analysis and alarm management
• Inter-vendor integration testing​​

Module 15: 5G-Advanced and Future RAN Evolution

• 3GPP Release 18 and 5G-Advanced features
• Enhanced MIMO and beamforming capabilities
• AI/ML-native RAN operations
• XR (Extended Reality) optimization
• Ambient IoT support
• Network energy efficiency enhancements
• 6G vision and RAN evolution roadmap
• Future spectrum and technology trends

Training Impact

The impact of 5G RAN Certification is evident across diverse telecommunications contexts:

Ericsson and Turkcell – 5G Cloud RAN Trial Excellence

Implementation: Ericsson and Turkcell completed a 5G Cloud RAN trial using virtualized infrastructure, AI-driven testing, and open interface orchestration, marking one of the industry’s first deployments combining cloud-native RAN with SMO frameworks. The systematic approach decoupled hardware from software through virtualization for streamlined operations and enhanced spectrum utilization.

Results: The trial demonstrated substantial improvements in flexibility, automation, and future Open RAN capabilities, positioning Turkcell as an early adopter in integrating O-RAN for nationwide 5G expansion. The comprehensive implementation proved that virtualized RAN technology reduces latency and improves upgrade flexibility, setting new standards for cloud-native radio access networks.

Nokia, Deutsche Telekom, and Fujitsu – Multi-Vendor Open RAN Excellence

Implementation: Nokia, Deutsche Telekom, and Fujitsu launched a multi-vendor Open RAN network deployment integrating Nokia’s anyRAN software with Fujitsu radio units into a live commercial 5G network. The systematic approach enabled commercial 2G, 4G, and 5G operations using standardized O-RAN interfaces with open fronthaul and cloud RAN architecture.

Results: The deployment achieved feature parity with traditional RAN systems while delivering energy efficiency, reduced vendor lock-in, and multi-supplier agility. The structured implementation demonstrated how interoperability fosters innovation in hybrid networks, establishing Deutsche Telekom as a leader in multi-vendor 5G networks.

Verizon and Samsung – Beamforming Implementation Excellence

Implementation: Verizon implemented Samsung’s FCC-approved beamforming technology across its 5G Home broadband and mobility network, using adaptive array control and high-gain phased arrays to dynamically adjust transmission signals. The systematic approach leveraged millimeter-wave frequencies and adaptive beam-steering algorithms for urban and rural coverage.

Results: The system achieved up to 25% better coverage compared to traditional sectorized cell towers, enhancing broadband reach over 2,000 feet while minimizing packet loss. The comprehensive deployment became a benchmark for mass-market mmWave 5G service, demonstrating how advanced beam management transforms network performance.

Be inspired by Ericsson, Nokia, and Verizon’s excellence. Secure your spot in the Rcademy 5G Radio Access Network (5G RAN) Certification and unlock your next-generation wireless leadership potential today.