5G Development Using C and Linux: Complete Course Curriculum & Training Guide 2026
The development of modern 5G networks requires a combination of telecom knowledge, programming skills, Linux expertise, protocol understanding, debugging capabilities, and practical development experience.
The 5G Development Using C & Linux course is designed around these technical requirements. It focuses on 5G development using C and Linux while covering important RAN protocol layers, 5G architecture, interfaces, call flows, PHY/MAC/RLC development, PDCP/SDAP/RRC protocol development, open-source platforms such as OAI, srsRAN and Free5GC, and selected 6G and AI/ML topics.
According to the course curriculum, the program is designed for 4 months, is delivered online, and follows a weekend schedule of Saturday and Sunday, 3 hours per day. The listed course fee is ₹80,000 INR.
The program is intended for engineers, developers, telecom professionals, researchers and final-year students who want to develop advanced skills related to 5G RAN technologies.
Table of Contents
Introduction to 5G Development Using C & Linux
Module 1: Introduction to 5G Development Using C & Linux
Module 3: 5G Technology Protocols Deep Dive
Module 4: PHY/MAC/RLC Development Using C
Module 5: PDCP/SDAP/RRC Protocol Development Using C
Module 6: Integration with OAI / srsRAN / Free5GC
Module 7: Introduction to 6G Research Topics and AI in RAN
Capstone Project
Course Deliverables
Who Should Take This Course?
Prerequisites
Conclusion
Introduction to 5G Development Using C & Linux
5G technology is not limited to radio communication alone. Behind a 5G network is a combination of protocols, software components, development tools, operating systems, debugging techniques and network procedures.
For professionals interested in 5G RAN development, understanding how software and telecom technologies work together is important.
This is where C programming and Linux become relevant.
The 5G Development Using C & Linux course focuses on developing practical skills around 5G technologies using C and Linux. The curriculum includes 5G protocol layers, RAN development, debugging, log analysis, call-flow tracing, performance optimization and integration with open-source telecom platforms.
The course also introduces O-RAN, CU-DU split concepts, 6G research areas and AI/ML applications in RAN.
Rather than focusing on a single technology, the curriculum follows a progression from programming and Linux fundamentals toward 5G protocols, protocol development, platform integration and advanced research topics.
Module 1: Introduction to 5G Development Using C & Linux
The first module establishes the foundation for the complete program.
According to the curriculum, Module 1 covers:
Introduction to 5G Development Using C & Linux
C Programming Fundamentals for 5G Development
Linux Environment, Tools & Command-Line Basics
5G Troubleshooting, Log Analysis & Development Workflow
Introduction to 5G Development Using C & Linux
The first topic introduces the overall concept of developing 5G technologies using C and Linux.
The focus is on understanding the relationship between software development and 5G technologies. This foundation becomes useful for the later modules where learners work with protocol layers, development concepts and open-source platforms.
C Programming Fundamentals for 5G Development
C programming forms an important part of this curriculum.
Instead of learning C only as a general-purpose programming language, the course places it in the context of 5G development.
This provides the foundation for later topics such as:
PHY simulation
MAC scheduler implementation
RLC buffer management
PDU formation
Timer management
State machines
Debugging
Logging
Unit testing
These development-oriented topics are covered later in the PHY/MAC/RLC module.
Linux Environment, Tools & Command-Line Basics
Linux is another foundation of the program.
The curriculum includes the Linux environment, tools and command-line basics. This provides learners with exposure to the working environment used during development activities.
Linux knowledge also supports later activities involving open-source platforms and development workflows.
5G Troubleshooting, Log Analysis & Development Workflow
The first module also introduces troubleshooting, log analysis and development workflow.
Understanding logs and troubleshooting processes is important when working with telecom software because developers need to analyze system behavior and identify problems during development.
The curriculum specifically includes 5G Troubleshooting, Log Analysis & Development Workflow as part of Module 1.
Module 3: 5G Technology Protocols Deep Dive
Module 3 provides a detailed exploration of 5G technology and protocol concepts.
The curriculum includes:
5G Introduction
Specification for 5G
5G Architecture
5G Interfaces
5G Deployment Scenario
5G Protocol Stack
5G Channel and their Mapping
5G Frame Structure
5G Numerology
5G CORESET
5G Band Width Part
5G Slicing
5G Initial Access Procedure and SS Block
5G NR System Information
5G RACH Procedure
5G NAS and RRC Layer
5G SDAP Layer
5G PDCP RLC and MAC Layer
5G Cell Selection
5G Handover
5G Call Flow
This is one of the broadest sections of the course because it covers multiple areas of 5G architecture, radio concepts and protocol procedures.
5G Introduction and Specification
The module starts with an introduction to 5G and its specifications.
This establishes the basic foundation required to understand the remaining topics in the module.
5G Architecture
Understanding 5G architecture is essential for anyone working with RAN development.
The curriculum specifically includes 5G Architecture and 5G Interfaces, followed by deployment scenarios.
This helps learners understand the architecture-related concepts before moving deeper into protocol layers and procedures.
5G Interfaces and Deployment Scenarios
The curriculum also includes 5G interfaces and deployment scenarios.
These topics form part of the broader architecture discussion and help learners understand how different components and network elements are connected within 5G systems.
5G Protocol Stack
The 5G protocol stack is another central topic.
The curriculum covers several layers, including:
NAS
RRC
SDAP
PDCP
RLC
MAC
Understanding these layers is important because later modules move from protocol knowledge toward actual protocol development using C.
5G Channels and Their Mapping
The course also covers 5G channels and their mapping.
This topic is included alongside frame structure, numerology, CORESET and bandwidth parts, connecting protocol concepts with radio-related concepts.
5G Frame Structure
5G frame structure is included as part of the radio technology deep dive.
It is studied together with numerology, CORESET and bandwidth parts in the curriculum.
5G Numerology
Numerology is another important 5G topic included in the course.
It forms part of the radio-related concepts covered before moving toward procedures such as initial access and RACH.
5G CORESET
The curriculum includes 5G CORESET as a dedicated topic.
This allows learners to study another important part of the 5G radio and control-channel concepts covered in the program.
5G Bandwidth Part
Bandwidth Part is also included in the curriculum.
The topic is covered together with frame structure, numerology and CORESET as part of the 5G technology deep dive.
5G Slicing
The course also includes 5G Slicing.
This introduces learners to another important concept associated with 5G network architecture and deployment.
5G Initial Access Procedure and SS Block
The curriculum then moves into the initial access procedure and SS Block.
These topics are followed by NR system information and the RACH procedure.
5G NR System Information
NR System Information is included as part of the access and system-information topics.
It forms part of the sequence covering initial access, SS Block and RACH.
5G RACH Procedure
The 5G RACH Procedure is another key topic in the protocol deep-dive module.
RACH is covered before the curriculum moves into NAS, RRC, SDAP, PDCP, RLC and MAC.
5G NAS and RRC Layer
The curriculum includes both NAS and RRC layers.
These are important protocol layers within the broader 5G protocol stack covered by the course.
5G SDAP Layer
SDAP is included as another dedicated protocol-layer topic.
It is followed by PDCP, RLC and MAC in the curriculum sequence.
5G PDCP, RLC and MAC Layer
The curriculum also covers PDCP, RLC and MAC.
These layers become particularly important in the next development-focused module, where learners work with PHY, MAC and RLC development using C.
5G Cell Selection
Cell selection is included as a dedicated topic.
It follows the protocol-layer discussions and leads into mobility-related topics.
5G Handover
The course also covers 5G Handover.
Handover is followed by 5G call flow in the curriculum.
5G Call Flow
Call flow is the final topic listed in Module 3.
This becomes particularly relevant later when learners perform call-flow tracing using Wireshark during integration activities.
Module 4: PHY/MAC/RLC Development Using C
After studying 5G technology and protocols, the curriculum moves into development using C.
Module 4 is titled PHY/MAC/RLC Development Using C.
It includes:
Creating PHY Simulation Blocks in C
Basic MAC Scheduler Implementation
Round Robin
PF
RLC Buffer Management
PDU Formation
Timer Management
State Machines in C
Debugging
Logging
Unit Testing
Creating PHY Simulation Blocks in C
The course introduces the creation of PHY simulation blocks using C.
This connects programming concepts from Module 1 with the 5G PHY layer.
Basic MAC Scheduler Implementation
The curriculum includes basic MAC scheduler implementation.
Two scheduling approaches specifically mentioned are:
Round Robin
PF
This gives learners exposure to scheduler development within the context of 5G RAN development.
RLC Buffer Management and PDU Formation
The module also covers RLC buffer management and PDU formation.
These topics provide practical development exposure to RLC-related functionality.
Timer Management and State Machines in C
Timer management and state machines are included as C development topics.
These concepts form part of the programming and protocol-development activities covered by the module.
Debugging, Logging and Unit Testing
The final topics in Module 4 are debugging, logging and unit testing.
Together, these topics extend the development workflow introduced in Module 1 into the practical RAN development environment.
Module 5: PDCP/SDAP/RRC Protocol Development Using C
Module 5 moves into protocol development at higher layers.
The curriculum includes:
SDAP Flow Mapping
PDCP Header Compression Script
RRC Messages and Flow and Scripts
NAS Connection Management Scripts
SDAP Flow Mapping
The first topic is SDAP flow mapping.
This provides practical exposure to SDAP-related development activities.
PDCP Header Compression Script
The course also covers a PDCP header compression script.
This brings scripting and protocol concepts together within the PDCP layer.
RRC Messages and Flow and Scripts
RRC messages, flow and scripts are included as another development topic.
This builds on the RRC concepts introduced earlier in the 5G protocol deep-dive module.
NAS Connection Management Scripts
The module concludes with NAS connection management scripts.
This extends the protocol-development learning path into NAS-related activities.
Module 6: Integration with OAI / srsRAN / Free5GC
Module 6 focuses on integration with open-source telecom platforms.
The curriculum includes:
Setting up OpenAirInterface
Setting up srsRAN
Integration of Custom MAC/RLC Modules
Call Flow Tracing using Wireshark
Simulation of a PDU Session and Traffic Flow
Setting Up OpenAirInterface and srsRAN
The course includes setup activities involving OpenAirInterface and srsRAN.
This gives learners exposure to open-source RAN platforms as part of the practical development workflow.
Integration of Custom MAC/RLC Modules
The curriculum then moves toward integrating custom MAC/RLC modules.
This connects the development work from Module 4 with the open-source platforms introduced in Module 6.
Call Flow Tracing Using Wireshark
Wireshark is included for call-flow tracing.
This builds a connection between protocol understanding, software development and practical analysis.
Simulation of a PDU Session and Traffic Flow
The module also includes simulation of a PDU session and traffic flow.
This provides another practical component within the integration section.
Module 7: Introduction to 6G Research Topics and AI in RAN
The final technical module moves beyond 5G into selected 6G research topics and AI applications in RAN.
The curriculum includes:
THz Communication
RIS
Cell-Free MIMO
AI/ML for Scheduling and Resource Allocation
Data Collection and Dataset Preparation
Simple ML Model for Traffic Prediction
THz Communication
THz communication is included as one of the 6G research topics.
It provides learners with exposure to an area being considered in future wireless communication research.
RIS
The course also introduces RIS as another 6G research topic.
Cell-Free MIMO
Cell-Free MIMO is included alongside THz communication and RIS.
These topics provide an introduction to selected research areas beyond conventional 5G development.
AI/ML for Scheduling and Resource Allocation
The curriculum introduces AI/ML applications for scheduling and resource allocation.
This connects machine learning with RAN-related use cases.
Data Collection and Dataset Preparation
Before applying machine learning, data needs to be collected and prepared.
The course therefore includes data collection and dataset preparation.
Simple ML Model for Traffic Prediction
The final topic listed in Module 7 is a simple ML model for traffic prediction.
This provides an introductory application of machine learning to a telecom-related problem.
Capstone Project
The program concludes its technical curriculum with a capstone project.
The curriculum lists four project areas:
1. Develop a Custom 5G MAC Scheduler
Learners work on the development of a custom 5G MAC scheduler.
2. Design an F1AP Simulator
The curriculum includes designing an F1AP-based simulator.
3. Implement a Simple PHY Layer Simulation
Another project area is the implementation of a simple PHY layer simulation.
4. AI-Powered Resource Allocation Model
The final listed capstone area is an AI-powered resource allocation model.
These projects bring together concepts from C programming, 5G protocols, RAN development and AI/ML covered throughout the curriculum.
Course Deliverables
The course curriculum specifies the following deliverables:
100+ Hours of Live Instruction
15+ Coding Assignments
5+ Mini Projects
1 Capstone Project
Weekly Quizzes and Reviews
These deliverables provide a combination of instruction, coding practice, project work and regular assessment.
Who Should Take the 5G Development Using C & Linux Course?
The course curriculum identifies several categories of learners for this program.
These include:
Telecom Engineers
RAN Developers
Researchers
System Integrators
Network Programmers
Students
Professionals transitioning into 5G development
Engineers exploring AI/ML applications in telecom
The program therefore brings together telecom professionals and software-oriented learners who want to work with 5G development concepts.
Prerequisites for the Course
The curriculum recommends some foundational knowledge before starting the program.
These prerequisites include:
Basic knowledge of C
Basic telecom concepts
Familiarity with Linux commands
Familiarity with Git
Motivation to gain advanced development skills in RAN technologies
Having these fundamentals can help learners follow the development-oriented sections of the curriculum more effectively.
Course Duration, Schedule and Mode
According to the curriculum, the program has a duration of 4 months.
The classes are conducted online, with the listed schedule being:
Saturday and Sunday – 3 hours per day
The course fee mentioned in the curriculum is:
₹80,000 INR
The course is intended for engineers, developers, telecom professionals, researchers and final-year students.
What You Will Learn in the 5G Development Using C & Linux Course
The overall learning objectives of the program include:
Hands-on expertise in 5G development using C and Linux
Understanding PHY, MAC, RLC, PDCP and SDAP layers
Exploring O-RAN and CU-DU split concepts
Exploring research topics with AI/ML integration
Practical debugging
Call-flow tracing
Performance optimization
Building and integrating custom modules
Working with OAI, srsRAN and Free5GC
These objectives are explicitly stated in the course curriculum.
The curriculum therefore combines programming, protocol knowledge, practical development and emerging telecom technologies within one structured program.
Why Learn 5G Development Using C and Linux?
The structure of the curriculum brings together multiple technical areas rather than treating them separately.
The learning path starts with:
C Programming + Linux
and progresses toward:
5G Protocols → RAN Development → Protocol Development → Open-Source Platform Integration → 6G & AI/ML → Capstone Projects
This progression allows learners to move from foundational programming and Linux knowledge toward practical 5G development activities.
The curriculum specifically includes coding assignments, mini projects and a capstone project in addition to live instruction and weekly reviews.
Final Conclusion
The 5G Development Using C & Linux program is structured around the combination of software development and 5G RAN technology.
The curriculum begins with C programming, Linux, troubleshooting and log analysis, then moves into an extensive 5G technology and protocol deep dive covering architecture, interfaces, protocol stack, channels, frame structure, numerology, CORESET, bandwidth parts, slicing, initial access, RACH, NAS, RRC, SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, cell selection, handover and call flow.
The program then moves into PHY/MAC/RLC development using C, followed by PDCP/SDAP/RRC protocol development, integration with OAI, srsRAN and Free5GC, and practical activities involving Wireshark, PDU sessions and traffic flow.
The final technical module introduces selected 6G research topics and AI in RAN, including THz communication, RIS, Cell-Free MIMO, AI/ML for scheduling and resource allocation, dataset preparation and traffic prediction.
The curriculum concludes with capstone project areas covering a custom 5G MAC scheduler, F1AP simulator, PHY simulation and an AI-powered resource allocation model.
With 100+ hours of live instruction, 15+ coding assignments, 5+ mini projects, 1 capstone project and weekly quizzes and reviews, the program is structured around both technical learning and practical project work.
For telecom engineers, RAN developers, network programmers, researchers, students and professionals moving toward 5G development, the curriculum provides a structured path from C and Linux fundamentals to 5G protocol development, RAN integration and emerging AI/6G topics.
Internal Link Suggestions (Telecom Gurukul)
Link "5G Development Using C & Linux" section → https://www.telecomgurukul.com/
Link "5G Protocol Stack" section → 5G NR Protocol Training
Link "O-RAN and CU-DU Split" section → O-RAN Training
Link "PHY/MAC/RLC Development Using C" section → PHY Layer Development
Link "5G Protocol Development" section → 5G Protocol Training
Link "5G Career Opportunities" section → Telecom Career Guidance
Link "6G Research Topics and AI in RAN" section → Telecom Gurukul 6G & AI Resources
Footer CTA → Telecom Gurukul
External Authority Links
3GPP — 5G specifications and standards → 3GPP Technical Specifications
O-RAN Alliance — Open RAN specifications and ecosystem → O-RAN Alliance
Ericsson — 5G RAN technology resources → Ericsson RAN Technology
GSMA — 5G industry resources → GSMA 5G Resources
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