Curricular Unit:			Code:
Mobile Networks and Services I			834RSC1
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
1	Master	Computer Systems Engineering (Mobile Computation)	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
		Portuguese/English	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
This course aims to study the particularities of data transmission in wireless networks and the most relevant wireless communication protocols. Upon successful completion of this course unit students should be able to: 1. Describe the evolution and usage trends of wireless network protocols. 2. Identify the limitations and countermeasures used in wireless communication networks. 3. Describe the mechanisms of multiplexing and media access. 4. Describe the architecture of personal, local, and wide area wireless networks. 5. Propose, design, implement, test and manage a wireless network running a protocol suitable for a specific application scenario.
Syllabus:
1. Wireless Networks - Facts, Statistics, and Trends. 2. Modulation, coding and signal propagation. 3. Multiplexing and media access. 4. WLANs - IEEE 802.11 5. WPANs - Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy. IEEE 802.15.4 and 6loWPAN 6. LPWANs - LoRa and Sigfox 7. WWANs - Evolution of 2G - 4G cellular networks. 5G networks.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
This course is dedicated to the study of data transmission in wireless communication networks and the most relevant network protocols in different usage scenarios. The first chapter contextualizes the theme. The fundamental concepts of wireless transmission are presented in the second and third chapters. The remaining chapters are devoted to the study of network protocols suited to different usage scenarios highlighting WLANs, IoT support protocols (WPANs and LPWANs), and cellular networks (WWANs). Learning objectives are achieved by complementing theoretical concepts with concrete examples executed in a laboratory environment using simulators and physical devices.
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The learning process in this course will be done using theoretical and practical classes. Theoretical classes present the fundamental concepts for understanding the subject. In practical classes students are faced with real problems that have to be solved using simulators and appropriate hardware devices. The assessment will be calculated according to the following formula: Practical Grade = Average grade of the proposed practical projects. Theoretical Grade = Assessment Test Final Grade = (Theoretical Grade + Practical Grade) / 2 Both the Practical and Theoretical grades must be positive (> = 9.5) to be considered for the final grade. If any of the components is not positive, the course will not be completed and the positive component will be preserved during the period indicated in the regulations.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
The learning focus of this course is on the understanding of data transmission in wireless networks and on the characteristics, architecture and applications of wireless communication protocols. Solving worksheets and hands-on projects for implementing and testing wireless communication protocols allow students to acquire the skills they need.
Reading:
[1] Cox, Christopher - An introduction to LTE, LTE-ADVANCED, SAE and 4G mobile communications – Wiley 2012 [2] Schiller, J. – Mobile Communications 2nd ed. – Addison Wesley 2003. [3] A.S. Tanenbaum – Computer networks 5th ed. – Prentice Hall 2012. [4] Andrea Goldsmith – Wireless Communications – Cambridge University Press, 2005