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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title Wireless/Mobile Communications
Module Code EE452
School School of Electronic Engineering

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorDr Jennifer McManisOffice NumberS330
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

INACTIVE - The aim of the module is to introduce the students to the design of wireless networks and in particular to illustrate the differences between fixed and mobile voice and data networks. The design of cellular networks will be motivated in terms of the properties of wireless signal transmission. GSM, GPRS, and UMTS cellular networks will be used as examples of cellular network technology. Medium access control for packet oriented wireless networks will be discussed with examples from data-oriented network technologies such as WiFi (IEEE 802.11 family), WiMax (IEEE 802.16 family) and Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15). Quality of Service support for these policies will be presented.

Learning Outcomes

1. Calculate loss for radio signals using various loss models.
2. calculate and compare the performance of various signal modulation techniques, describe spread spectrum techniques, and calculate spreading codes using different methods.
3. derive a cellular coverage system using a basic loss model.
4. Describe the principles of mobility and handover, and compare the performance of various handover techniques.
5. Describe the protocols and architectures of various cellular and wireless networks including GSM, GPRS, UMTS, WiFi, WiMax, and Bluetooth.
6. Describe Quality of Service support for various wireless networks and assess basic performance parameters.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36No Description
Assignment Completion40simulation assignment
Directed learning3No Description
Independent Study109No Description
Total Workload: 188

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
review of basic networking principles such as layered architecture and connection-oriented vs. connectionless service. Summary of major issues differentiating wireless and wired networks: radio transmission, mobility and handover, connectivity.

radio transmission
antennas and propagation, loss models, signal encoding.

cellular systems
design of cellular systems based on a simple loss model. Concepts of channel reuse, signal interference ratio, system capacity.

traffic engineering
Erlang's formula and its application to cellular systems.

cellular networks
basic properties of cellular networks, mobility and handover. Evolution of cellular networks from voice to data oriented traffic. Generations of cellular networks from 1G to 4G illustrated using GSM, GPRS, and UMTS.

data-oriented wireless networks
WiFi, WiMaX, and Bluetooth. Emphasis on MAC layer issues. QoS and Mobility support.

simulation of wireless networks
Introduction to NS-2 and modelling of wireless networks.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment25% Examination Weight75%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • William Stallings: 2005, Wireless Communications, 2, Pearson/Prentice Hall,
  • William Stallings: 2008, Data and Computer Communications, 8, Prentice Hall,
Other Resources

109, 0, GPRS overview, http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/gprs/gprs_tutorial.php, 110, 0, UMTS overview, http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umts_wcdma_tutorial.php, 111, 0, WCDMA, http://privateline.com/, 112, 0, Bluetooth Tutorial, http://www.palowireless.com/infotooth/tutorial.asp, 113, 0, The Nuts and Bolts of WiMAX, http://www.embedded.com/columns/technicalinsights/201802589?cid=RSSfeed_embedded_news, 114, IEC, 0, OFDM for mobile and data communications, http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/ofdm/,
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