This module covers why we need 5G, the current limitations of 4G technology, how and who is creating 5G and identifies avenues for professional and personal involvement. Learners will review user applications, new kinds of business created, and current use cases. This training offers an understanding of what’s next for jobs and training and how our workforce will be impacted by the 4-5 million new jobs created by the new technology and how these advancements could influence the learner personally.

Wireless 101 is designed to familiarize participants with the practical aspects of wireless communication systems and their business and industry applications. This course introduces the basics of radio frequencies and the underlying principles that apply to today’s cellular systems. This course discusses current industry practices around cell sites, hardware components at a typical cell site, and the RF measurements necessary for cellular networks. Wireless 101 eLearning is offered online in Spanish as Aspectos Básicos 101.

The 5G rollout has been and will continue to be instrumental across numerous industries including retail, healthcare, entertainment, automotive, manufacturing, tech, and real estate. These advancements will enable connected cars and autonomous driving; smart cities with connected planning, transportation, and infrastructure; enhancement in connected healthcare, industrial internet of things and smart factories. This course was designed to provide an overview of 5G technology, what to expect, and the impact on businesses and consumers. To reap the benefits of 5G when it is deployed, it is important to understand how to plan for this new wave of automation. This course addresses common myths, reviews current data analytics, and helps you prepare for technology today to achieve the performance improvements the technology will offer.

Macro Site Fundamentals introduces foundational theories related to macro tower planning, construction, and troubleshooting. The course introduces several types of cell site infrastructure and identifies the role of key stakeholders of the wireless industry. This course teaches various parts of a cell site, how to read and interpret RF plumbing diagrams, 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. Key topics also include the understanding of uplink and downlink, new-generation of cell towers including Centralized RAN (C-RAN), and the tower construction process.

Distributed antenna systems (DAS) and small cells are addressing the number one challenge faced by the cellular industry – how to provide more capacity and solve coverage problems where service from macro towers is not enough due to limited radio resources.

This course provides a system level understanding of several types of DAS and Small Cell architecture.

It also introduces hardware components used in typical indoor and outdoor systems and explains their advantages and limitations.

Examples of RF plumbing diagrams are used to explain signal flow for indoor and outdoor applications.

It also introduces hardware components used in typical indoor and outdoor systems and explains their advantages and limitations. Designed for all audiences, this course is essential to understand how 5G and future generations will have to rely on DAS and small cells for coverage and capacity solutions.

Personal safety is extremely important when working in an RF environment. OSHA requires business owners to maintain a comprehensive RF program which 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. The RF Awareness & Safety training course 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.

This course is recommended for RF technicians, RF engineers, installers, system analysts, site acquisition personnel, and subcontractors. Developed in partnership with Waterford Consultants, this course is compliant with the guidelines required by the following agencies — ANSI, IEEE, NCRP, FCC, FDA, OSHA, and US EPA.

Frequency bands and spectrum are at the center of the mobile broadband ecosystem. “Spectrum scarcity” is a known issue and yet it is often misunderstood.

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