- About the Author
- Chapter 1: Spectrum Use and Assignment in 5G-NR
- 1.1 Understanding the Radio Frequency Spectrum
- 1.2 The Importance of Spectrum Assignment
- 1.3 Spectrum Assignment Methodologies
- 1.4 Regulatory Framework
- 1.5 Challenges in Spectrum Management for 5G
- Chapter 2: 5G-NR RF
- 2.1 5G-NR mm-waves
- 2.2 5G-NR Small Cells
- 2.3 5G-NR Massive MIMO
- 2.4 5G-NR Beam Forming
- 2.5 5G-NR Full Duplex
- Chapter 3: Service-based RAN
- 3.1 Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and its Role in 5G Technology
- 3.2 Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications
- 3.3 Massive Machine-Type Communications
- Chapter 4: Open RAN Types
- 4.1 RAN Types
- 4.2 Traditional Distributed RAN (D-RAN)
- 4.3 Centralised RAN (C-RAN)
- 4.4 Virtual RAN (V-RAN)
- 4.5 Comparison of RAN Types
- 4.6 Open-RAN
- Chapter 5: 5G-NR Architecture
- 5.1 Basic Node in 5G-NR
- 5.2 Logical Separation of Control and User Plane
- 5.3 Transport Functions
- 5.4 Control Plane Protocol Stack
- 5.5 Standalone and Non-Standalone 5G Architectures
- 5.6 xHauls
- Chapter 6: 5G-NR Protocol Stacks
- 6.1 Introduction to the 5G-NR Protocol Stack
- 6.2 Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP)
- 6.3 Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP)
- 6.4 Radio Link Control (RLC)
- 6.5 Medium Access Control (MAC)
- 6.6 Physical Layer (PHY)
- 6.7 The Control Plane (CP) Protocol Stack
- 6.8 Contrasting with the OSI Model
- 6.9 A Note on RF
- 6.10 Conclusion
- Chapter 7: eCPRI
- 7.1 Why eCPRI for 5G?
- 7.2 eCPRI Architecture
- 7.3 How eCPRI Works in 5G Front haul
- 7.4 Key Benefits of eCPRI in 5G Networks
- 7.5 eCPRI Deployment Considerations
- 7.6 Future of eCPRI in 5G and Beyond
- Chapter 8: Functional Splitting Options
- 8.1 The Evolution from Monolithic to Split RAN Architectures
- 8.2 Types of Function Splits
- 8.3 Key Considerations for Selecting a Split Option
- 8.4 Practical Deployment Drivers
- Chapter 9: 5G-NR Health Concerns
- 9.1 Understanding 5G: What Makes It Different?
- 9.2 Key Health Concerns and Research Findings
- Chapter 10: 5GC Architecture
- 10.1 What is the 5G Core?
- 10.2 Key Components of the 5G Core
- 10.3 Key Features of the 5G Core Architecture
- 10.4 Benefits of the 5G Core
- 10.5 Challenges in Implementing the 5G Core
- 10.6 The Future of 5G Core and Beyond
- 10.7 Traffic, PDU Sessions and Quality of Service
- Chapter 11: 5G Core Applications
- 11.1 SBAs and Reference Points
- 11.2 Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)
- 11.3 The Session Management Function (SMF)
- 11.4 The User Plane Function (UPF)
- 11.5 The Unified Data Management (UDM)
- 11.6 The Policy Control Function (PCF)
- 11.7 The Authentication Server Function (AUSF)
- 11.8 The Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF)
- 11.9 The Network Exposure Function (NEF)
- 11.10 The Network Repository Function (NRF)
- 11.11 The Application Function (AF)
- Chapter 12: 5GC Network Slicing
- 12.1 Understanding Network Slicing in 5G
- 12.2 Mechanisms of Network Slicing: Soft Slicing vs. Hard Slicing
- 12.3 Key Features of Network Slicing in 5G
- 12.4 Use Cases for Network Slicing
- 12.5 Challenges and Future Outlook of Network Slicing in 5G
- 12.6 Examples of Network Slicing
- Chapter 13: Network Security
- 13.1 Key Security Challenges in 5G Networks
- Chapter 14: Interworking with 4G
- 14.1 RAN-Level Interworking
- 14.2 Core Network (CN) Level Interworking
- 14.3 Benefits of RAN and Core Network Level Interworking
- 14.4 4G/5G Methods of Interworking
- Chapter 15: 5G Voice
- 15.1 Handover Scenario UE -> 4G-LTE -> 5GC -> IMS
- 15.2 Scenario 2: UE -> 4G-LTE -> EPC -> IMS
- Chapter 16: Regulation
- 16.1 Key Regulatory Priorities for 5G Networks
- 16.2 Spectrum Allocation Strategies and Considerations
- 16.3 Spectrum Sharing and Vertical Market Access
- 16.4 National and Regional Regulatory Adaptations
- 16.5 Security and Privacy in 5G Networks
- 16.6 Collaborative Standardisation and Industry Involvement
- 16.7 Recommendations for Regulators and Stakeholders
- 16.8 Summary
- Chapter 17: Lawful Intercept
- 17.1 Evolving Network Architecture in 5G
- 17.2 Redefining Targets in 5G
- 17.3 High-Speed Traffic and Network Slicing Requirements
- 17.4 Enhanced Service Layer and Protocol Support in 5G LI
- 17.5 Introduction of the HI4 Interface for Advanced Metadata
- 17.6 Challenges of Encryption and Virtualisation
- 17.7 Operational Requirements and Cost Considerations
- 17.8 Summary
- Chapter 18: Converged Charging System
- 18.1 The Shift from Traditional Charging Systems to CCS
- 18.2 Converged Charging System (CCS) Overview
- 18.3 Components of the Converged Charging System
- 18.4 CDR and the Shift to CCS
- 18.5 The Role of Network Slicing in Charging
- 18.6 Revenue Assurance and the Importance of CCS
- 18.7 Future Trends and Challenges for CCS in 5G
- 18.8 Rating Function (RF)
- 18.9 Account Balance Management Function (ABMF)
- 18.10 Charging Gateway Function (CGF)
- 18.11 Service-Based Architecture
- 18.12 Handling of Prepaid and Postpaid Services
- 18.13 Revenue Assurance and Reliability
- 18.14 Performance and Scalability
- 18.15 Deployment in Private or Public Cloud
- Chapter 19: 5G Commerce
- 19.1 5G Investment and Economic Impact
- 19.2 Moving Beyond the 4G Consumer Approach
- 19.3 Key Value Drivers of 5G for Enterprises
- 19.4 5G's Initial Focus on Industry-Specific Deployments
- Chapter 20: Infrastructure Sharing
- 20.1 5G vs. 4G CAPEX Requirements
- 20.2 Infrastructure Sharing as a Cost-Reduction Strategy
- Chapter 21: 5G Business Readiness
- 21.1 Marketing for 5G Rollout
- 21.2 Infrastructure Readiness for Integration
- 21.3 Training for Non-Technical Telco Professionals
- Chapter 22: Conclusion: The 5G Journey is Perspective
- 22.1 5G is a System, not a collection of features
- 22.2 The data beneath the network determines everything
- 22.3 NSA is not a transition state - it is an operational reality
- 22.4 Vendors are not neutral advisor
- 22.5 The helicopter view has a purpose
5G Fast Lane to the Future
A Practitioner's Guide to 5G Networks
This book is 100% completeLast updated on 2026-07-05
5G isn't just faster 4G — it's a full redesign of how mobile networks work. Written by a telecom CEO with 35+ years' global experience, this book connects the entire 5G stack — spectrum, RAN, core, security, charging, regulation — into one narrative. The helicopter view every 5G professional needs.
Minimum price
$19.00
$29.00
You pay
Author earns
EPUB
About
About the Book
Everyone in telecom knows something about 5G. Engineers understand their domain. Marketers understand the services. Regulators understand the spectrum. Executives understand the business case. Almost no one holds the whole picture.
Written by Henry Dijkstra — a telecommunications CEO and CTO with over 35 years of hands-on experience spanning the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean — this book closes that gap.
Fast Lane to the Future takes you through the entire 5G technology stack in one connected narrative: spectrum assignment and radio frequency fundamentals, mm-waves and Massive MIMO, Open RAN and functional splitting, 5G-NR protocol stacks, 5G Core architecture and network functions, network slicing, security, lawful intercept, converged charging, voice services, regulation, infrastructure sharing, and business readiness for enterprise 5G.
This isn't a specialist reference and it isn't a dry technical manual. It's a helicopter view — written so that engineers, marketers, regulators, consultants, and executives can each see where their own expertise fits into the larger system, and why 5G only delivers its promised value when every layer works together.
Drawing on decades of real deployments — and the costly mistakes that happen when departments work in isolation — Dijkstra offers a rare end-to-end perspective on the technology reshaping global connectivity.
If you work in or around 5G and have ever wished someone would connect the dots for you, this is that book.
Author
About the Author
Henry Dijkstra
Henry Dijkstra is a seasoned telecommunications CEO and CTO with over 35 years of international experience in 5G, project management, consulting, and training. He is co-founder of PulstraClear, an end-to-end network solutions company specialising in network data auditing and AI-powered network management. Originally from New Zealand and the Netherlands, Henry has worked with operators, vendors, regulators, and consultancies across the Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean — from the early Step-by-Step and Crossbar switching era through to today's 5G, XGPON, and LEO networks. He now lives in Australia with his wife, when not on-site with international telecom clients.
Contents
Table of Contents
The Leanpub 60 Day 100% Happiness Guarantee
Within 60 days of purchase you can get a 100% refund on any Leanpub purchase, in two clicks.
See full terms...
Earn $8 on a $10 Purchase, and $16 on a $20 Purchase
We pay 80% royalties on purchases of $7.99 or more, and 80% royalties minus a 50 cent flat fee on purchases between $0.99 and $7.98. You earn $8 on a $10 sale, and $16 on a $20 sale. So, if we sell 5000 non-refunded copies of your book for $20, you'll earn $80,000.
(Yes, some authors have already earned much more than that on Leanpub.)
In fact, authors have earned over $15 million writing, publishing and selling on Leanpub.
Learn more about writing on Leanpub
Free Updates. DRM Free.
If you buy a Leanpub book, you get free updates for as long as the author updates the book! Many authors use Leanpub to publish their books in-progress, while they are writing them. All readers get free updates, regardless of when they bought the book or how much they paid (including free).
Most Leanpub books are available in PDF (for computers) and EPUB (for phones, tablets and Kindle). The formats that a book includes are shown at the top right corner of this page.
Finally, Leanpub books don't have any DRM copy-protection nonsense, so you can easily read them on any supported device.
Learn more about Leanpub's ebook formats and where to read them
Write and Publish on Leanpub
You can use Leanpub to easily write, publish and sell in-progress and completed ebooks and online courses!
Leanpub is a powerful platform for serious authors, combining a simple, elegant writing and publishing workflow with a store focused on selling in-progress ebooks.
Leanpub is a magical typewriter for authors: just write in plain text, and to publish your ebook, just click a button. (Or, if you are producing your ebook your own way, you can even upload your own PDF and/or EPUB files and then publish with one click!) It really is that easy.