The first goal of the course is to provide an introduction to wireless networks and their applications. Furthermore, the course discusses the fundamental principles of wireless transmission in order to illustrate the need for specialized networking protocols and technologies.
A wide range of wireless networks, extending from wireless local area networks to cellular systems, are presented and analyzed in order to:
provide theoretical as well as practical information on of state of-the-art wireless technologies.
analyze the differences compared to traditional wired networking.
explain the challenges in building a wireless network.
General Skills:
The general skills that are acquired upon completion of the course are:
Work Autonomously
Work in Teams
Work in an International Context
Work in a Multidisciplinary Context
Course Contents:
Introduction to wireless networking. Overview of the history, evolution, and compatibility of wireless standards. The special problems of wireless and mobile computing. Wireless transmission: Free space path loss, Path loss models, Noise, Interference, Antennae (antenna types, antenna gain), Multipath fading, Diversity techniques. Modulation: Analog and Digital Modulation techniques. Spread Spectrum Techniques: Direct Sequence SS, Frequency Hopping SS. Cellular Networks: Architecture, Frequency allocation, Handover, GSM-based networks, Evolution of Cellular networks. Satellite Networks. Wireless Local Area Networks: Application scenarios, Network types (infrared, microwave, spread spectrum), Standardization (Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, HIPERLAN). IEEE802.11 Networks: Physical layer, Infrastructure and ad-hoc networks, Medium Access Control (DCF and PCF), Mobility management, Security, IEEE 802.11e. Mobile Internet protocol.
