Wireless Communications and Networking

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. describe the principles underlying wireless data communications; 2. design and implement wireless network environment for any application using the latest wireless protocols and standards; 3. develop skills in diagnosing and troubleshooting PCs and wireless devices’ problems; 4. develop hands-on experience installing, configuring, and upgrading wireless communications components and software; 5. describe the concepts of Packet switching cellular systems; and 6. describe the concept of mobility management and WPAN.

Fundamental principles underlying wireless data communications. Wireless transmission basics. Radio propagation issues, antennas, digital modulation. Spread spectrum techniques, and their applications, and popular standards. Wi-Fi, WiMAX, and Bluetooth. Practical knowledge in the design, testing, deployment, debugging, and commissioning of Wi-Fi, WiMAX networks, and point-to-point microwave systems. Cellular Concept and Spatial Reuse (Interference‐Limited and Coverage‐Limited Systems). Frequency Reuse (Cellular vs. WIFI - GSM: Architecture). Voice Support, UMTS: Basics of CDMA, Architecture and Key Channels. Introduction to LTE: History, Architecture. Uplink and Downlink Communication in LTE. Mobility in Cellular Systems: The Gateway Concept. Measurement Reports. Mobility Procedures. Mobile IP: Basic Components, Tunnelling, Enhancements for Mobile Ipv6 - Wireless Personal Area Networks (PANS). Discussions on emerging cellular network technologies. Lab Work: Basics on wireless transmission. Design of simple Wi-Fi and Wi-Max networks. Demonstration of GSM networks. Deployment and testing of wireless networks. Working with LTE. Demonstration of IPv6. Illustration of Wireless Personal Area Networks (PANS) IFT 497 Final Year Project I (3 Units C: PH 135) Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the project, students should be able to: 1. identify researchable project topics in information technology; 2. search and review literature pertinent to identified problem statements; 3. acknowledge and reference sources of information used in this research report; 4. conceptualise and design a research methodology to address an identified problem; 5. determine tools for analysing data collected based on research objectives; 6. write a coherent report on research conducted; and 7. work independently to accomplish a research project with the guidance of the research supervisor. Course Contents An independent or group investigation development of an information technology related problem under the supervision of a lecturer. Before registering, the student must submit a written proposal to the supervisor to review. The proposal should give a brief outline of the project, estimated schedule of completion, and computer resources needed. A formal written report is essential and an oral presentation may also be required. At the end of the semester, the introduction, literature review and methodology employed should be submitted for grading. IFT 498 Final Year Project II (3 Units C: PH 135) Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the project, students should be able to: 1. demonstrate technical skills in Information Technology; 2. demonstrate generic transferable skills such as communication and team work. 3. produce a technical report in the chosen project; 4. defend the written project report; and 5. appreciate the art of carrying out full-fledged research. Course Contents This is a continuation of IFT 497. This contains the implementation and the evaluation of the project. A formal written report, chapters 4 - 5 has to be approved by the supervisor. A final report comprising chapters 1 - 5 will be submitted to the department for final grading. An oral presentation is required.