Modern mobile networks span decades of evolving standards, architecture shifts, and complex protocols - making hands-on expertise essential for engineers and architects working in telecom. In this course, we will trace mobile network evolution from 2G to 5G, with a focus on 5G's cloud-native service-based architecture (SBA). Lab modules give the chance to explore key 5G Core functions - including AMF, SMF, UPF, NRF, and UDM, running in a network. Along the way, learn how to analyze live call flows and examine security protocols like HTTP/2 and mutual TLS. By the end of this course, you’ll also be prepared to leverage network slicing, container technologies like Docker and Kubernetes, and Voice over New Radio (VoNR).