📡 Where do you start with 5G?

5G has a lot of moving parts: architecture, procedures, interfaces, O-RAN and logs. If you jump in randomly, it gets confusing fast. Here is the order that makes sense to me.

🗺️ A simple learning path

1. Basics of 5G SA and NSA

Understand the two architectures and how the end-to-end procedures work.

2. Signalling and sessions

RRC, NAS, PDU session, QoS and mobility. This is where most real-world issues show up.

3. Interfaces

Learn what each one connects: F1AP (CU and DU), NGAP (gNB and core) and E1AP (CU-CP and CU-UP).

4. O-RAN basics

RU, DU and CU architecture, the 7.2x split, M-Plane, RIC, SMO, PTP and SyncE.

5. Log analysis

Read real QXDM and QCAT logs. This is where the theory finally clicks.

💡 One tip

Don't just read the specs. Match each procedure with a real log. You will remember it far longer.

📚 Want to go deeper?

I put the same topics together in one place, along with details of a live online session for anyone who prefers learning with guidance. Sharing the links in case they help:

More 5G, LTE and O-RAN notes on Techlteworld.

What topic in 5G was hardest for you to learn? Tell me in the comments 👇