Module: Wireless/Mobile Communications

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Wireless/Mobile Communications
Module Code	EE452 (ITS) / EEN1043 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Electronic Engineering
Module Co-ordinator	Sobia Jangsher
Module Teachers	Jennifer McManis, Muhammad Intizar Ali
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the design of wireless networks and in particular to illustrate the differences between fixed and mobile voice and data networks. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the underlying architectures of wireless communication systems and standards, physical layer, MAC, and network layer. The design and planning of a wireless network considering its critical limitations and performance issues. The design of cellular networks will be motivated in terms of the properties of wireless signal transmission and the evolution of cellular network technologies. Additionally, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of various wireless network standards, including LTE, 5G, and Wi-Fi.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain various wireless communication networks, identify critical limitations and issues, and compare various wireless communication networks.
2. Calculate and compare the signal loss models, performance of various signal modulation techniques, spread spectrum techniques and codes.
3. Explain the evolution of cellular networks, data transmission, and handover techniques. Calculate signal loss, network traffic congestion and grade of service of a cellular network.
4. Explain and compare various wireless network standards and plan a suitable wireless network for a given application. Troubleshoot network problems and performance monitoring.
5. Describe Quality of Service support for various wireless networks and assess basic performance parameters.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	12 x 3-hours lectures
Assignment Completion	50	2 Assignments and 2 Loop Quizzes
Independent Study	101	Independent study/learning
Total Workload: 187

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Introduction
Introduction to the wireless communication networks, the difference between wired and wireless techniques. Limitation and network issues. Applications of wireless networks.

Wireless Networks
History of the wireless networks, radio transmission, antennas and propagation, loss models, signal encoding.

Cellular Networks
Introduction to cellular networks, history and evolution of cellular networks 1G to 5G, design of cellular networks, channel reuse, signal interference, and network traffic engineering and monitoring. Mobility and handover techniques and their comparison.

Wireless Networks Standards
Explain various wireless network techniques and architectures with emphasis in MAC layer issues. LTE, 5G and Wi-Fi Standards will be discussed.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	25%	Examination Weight	75%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Assignment	Assignment 1: Calculate various numerical problems related to bandwidth calculation, loss of signals, encoding techniques, error detection/correction, and channel access. Design and implement a small-scale wireless network.	10%	n/a
Assignment	Plan a wireless network and network technology for a given application or environment. Conduct a case study for wireless communication networks using wireless communication, cellular network and low-power wireless LAN. Demonstrate a network and test its suitability for the given scenario using simulation software.	15%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Cory Beard (Author) William Stallings (Author): 2015, Wireless Communication Networks and Systems, Global Edition, 2, Pearson,
Theodore S. Rappaport (Author): 2001, Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice, 2, Prentice Hall,

Other Resources

0, 0, LTE overview, https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/connectivity/4g-lte-long-term-evolution/what-is-lte-basics-tutorial-overview.php, 0, 0, 4G LTE, https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/connectivity/4g-lte-long-term-evolution/what-is-lte-advanced.php, 0, 0, 5G Core, https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/connectivity/5g-mobile-wireless-cellular/5g-ng-nextgen-core-network.php, 0, 0, Wi-Fi, https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/connectivity/wifi-ieee-802-11/what-is-wifi.php, 65269, 0, The Nuts and Bolts of WiMAX, http://www.embedded.com/columns/technicalinsights/201802589?cid=RSSfeed_embedded_news, 65270, IEC, 0, OFDM for mobile and data communications, http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/ofdm/,