Wireless Communications (DAT610)

Content

The subject provides an overview of the history, the main principles and system architectures of wireless and mobile communications and the development towards the todays' systems. Different techniques and technologies for physical layer (e.g., wireless channel and modulation) and the data link layer (e.g., media access control and error control) are described. Network and transport layers are briefly treated with a particular focus on the further challenges and constrains given by the wireless communications. Different wireless short- and medium-range network architectures, such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth and ZigBee), are presented. The evolution of the mobile architectures (i.e., GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G) is introduced. Low-power long-range network architectures (i.e., LoRa/LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, and LTE-M) are also presented. The security threats and available security tools and techniques in wireless networks will be also discussed. In addition, certain wireless and mobile applications and services can be also discussed, such as Internet of Things (IoT), Multi-access Edge Computing, Industry 4.0 and Smart City.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

• Fundamentals of wireless communications
• Wireless networking challenges and protocols
• Design principles for mobile and wireless networks
• International standards for wireless networks

Skills:

• Identify the performance, reliability and security challenges in a wireless communication environment
• Evaluate and select the appropriate wireless network technology for a given application and environment
• Design of simple wireless networking protocols

General competence:

• Understanding the fundamental technologies of the wireless networks
• Understanding the theoretical and practical abilities and issues of the various wireless communication technologies

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Coursework requirements

Assignments

Completion of mandatory individual assignments are to be made at the times that are assigned. Absence due to illness or for other reasons must be communicated as soon as possible to the laboratory personnel. One cannot expect that provisions for completion of the lab assignments at other times are made unless prior arrangements with the laboratory personnel have been agreed upon.

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Gianfranco Nencioni

Course coordinator:

Gianfranco Nencioni

Head of Department:

Tom Ryen

Method of work

4 hours lectures per week, in addition to assignments and project.

Open for

Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course coordinator, the student representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature