Module overview
The module consists of the following 8 components:
1. Introduction;
2. Data link layer;
3. Medium access control sublayer;
4. Network layer;
5. Queueing theory and queueing models;
6. Cellular wireless networks;
7. Wireless local area networks;
8. Resource allocation in OFDMA systems.
Linked modules
Prerequisites: ELEC3203 or ELEC3204
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Be aware of some routing algorithms, delay modelling, multiple-access principles, basic queueing theory, etc.
- Possess knowledge of flow control, congestion control, error control, etc. in wireless networks
- Be aware of the techniques and basic principles of wireless LANs, wireless ad-hoc networks, wireless sensor networks, etc.
- Possess knowledge of cellular wireless communications systems
- Possess knowledge and techniques of resource allocation in wireless communications systems
- Be familiar with the architecture and protocols of typical communications networks
Syllabus
- Introduction to data networks: layered architectures, TCP/IP protocol architecture, OSI model, main functions of different layers, relationship between layers, etc.
- Structure of wireless and mobile networks, including cellular networks, wireless local area networks, ad-hoc networks, and wireless sensor networks
- Wireless multiple-access techniques, including randomised medium access (ALOHA and CSMA), FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, SDMA;
- Wireless routing: routing optimisation and routing protocols.
- Queueing theory, delay modelling, queuing models and their analysis, etc.
- Error-control with the emphasis on the various Automatic Repeat-reQuest (ARQ) protocols
- Cellular wireless networks: architecture, frequency reuse, multiplexing, multiple-access, broadcast, power-control, handover, interference, examples of TDMA-, CDMA- and LTE-based cellular networks, traffic engineering, etc.
- Wireless resource-allocation: general principle, power-allocation algorithms, subcarrier allocation algorithms.
- Wireless LANs: techniques, IEEE 802.11/IEEE 802.16 physical layer, MAC sublayer protocol and frame structure, etc.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Classroom lectures, reference and note reading, question solving, discussion, etc.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 12 |
| Completion of assessment task | 2 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | 54 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
D. Bertsekas and R. Gallager (1992). Data Networks. New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.
W. Stallings (2005). Wireless Communications and Networks. New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.
A. S. Tanenbaum (2003). Computer Networks. New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.
T. S. Rappaport (1992). Wireless Communications. New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.
W. Stallings (2007). Data and Computer Communications. New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River.
A. Goldsmith (2005). Wireless Communications. Cambridge University Press.
W.C.Y. Lee (2006). Wireless and Cellular Telecommunications. USA: McGRAW-HILL.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External