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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title	Wireless/Mobile Communications
Module Code	EE452
School	School of Electronic Engineering
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Dr Jennifer McManis	Office Number	S330
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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. Understanding of various wireless networks standard including LAN, MAN, short and long-range networks, and a combination of networks. Introduction of wireless sensor networks and their application for the Internet of Things.

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. Design wireless sensor networks for IoT applications using a variety of low-power, short-range and long-range wireless networks.

*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. Plan, design, deploy, and simulate wireless networks including LAN and MAN considering constraints and performance issues including quality of services and network traffic analysis.

Wireless Sensor Networks
Introduction to wireless sensor networks, long and short-range wireless communication protocols, ad hoc networks, and their applications for the Internet of Things.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

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

55226, 0, GPRS overview, http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/gprs/gprs_tutorial.php, 55227, 0, UMTS overview, http://www.radio-electronics.com/info/cellulartelecomms/umts/umts_wcdma_tutorial.php, 55228, 0, WCDMA, http://privateline.com/, 55229, 0, Bluetooth Tutorial, http://www.palowireless.com/infotooth/tutorial.asp, 55230, 0, The Nuts and Bolts of WiMAX, http://www.embedded.com/columns/technicalinsights/201802589?cid=RSSfeed_embedded_news, 55231, IEC, 0, OFDM for mobile and data communications, http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/ofdm/,

Programme or List of Programmes

DME	B.Eng. in Digital Media Engineering
ECE	BEng Electronic & Computer Engineering
ECEI	BEng Electronic & Computer Engineering
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECT	BSc in Electronic & Comp.Technology
GCECE	Grad Cert. in Electronic & Computer Eng
ICE	BEng Info and Communications Engineering
MCTY	MSc Electronic and Computer Technology
MECE	MEng Electronic & Computer Engineering
MECEW	MEng In Electronic & Comp Eng. (Wuhan)
MEQ	Masters Engineering Qualifier Course
MQTY	Qualifier Prog MSc Electronic & Computer
MTC	MEng in Telecommunications Engineering
SMPEC	Single Module Programme (Eng & Comp)

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