Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course a successful student will be able to:

  • Recognize the difference between mobile and wireless communication systems and know the role that international organizations (such as ITU, 3GPP, IEEE) have in their development.
  • Be aware of the (licensed/unlicensed) frequency bands in which most of contemporary wireless communications take place and understand the relation that exist between communication bandwidth (data rate) and coverage in each frequency band.
  • Know the principles of physics that govern the propagation of radio signals, understand how to model them statistically, and use them to compute simple link budgets in radio systems.
  • Recognize the difference between the different multiplexing, multiple-access and duplexing methods that guarantee the connectivity in contemporary wireless communication systems.
  • Be aware of the target, technology components, spectrum and use cases of 5G standards, as well as most popular WPAN (Bluetooth), WLAN (Wi-Fi) and LPWAN (MTC/NB-IoT) standards.
  • Skill how to do simple practical measurements and scientific research on wireless communication systems (5G), and develop team-work and multi-cultural communication skills.

Credits: 5

Schedule: 05.09.2022 - 17.10.2022

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Mehmet Ilter, Alexis Dowhuszko

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

At the end of the course a successful student will be able to:

  • Recognize the difference between mobile and wireless communication systems and know the role that international organizations (such as ITU, 3GPP, IEEE) have in their development.
  • Be aware of the (licensed/unlicensed) frequency bands in which most of contemporary wireless communications take place and understand the relation that exist between communication bandwidth (data rate) and coverage in each frequency band.
  • Know the principles of physics that govern the propagation of radio signals, understand how to model them statistically, and use them to compute simple link budgets in radio systems.
  • Recognize the difference between the different multiplexing, multiple-access and duplexing methods that guarantee the connectivity in contemporary wireless communication systems.
  • Be aware of the target, technology components, spectrum and use cases of 5G standards, as well as most popular WPAN (Bluetooth), WLAN (Wi-Fi) and LPWAN (MTC/NB-IoT) standards.
  • Skill how to do simple practical measurements and scientific research on wireless communication systems (5G), and develop team-work and multi-cultural communication skills.

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    This introductory course on Wireless Systems provides a comprehensive understanding of radio communications in general, starting from an overview of regulations and standardization activities, and including details of the wireless channel modeling, link-level connectivity aspects, as well as the key features that differentiate cellular systems (e.g., 4G/5G) from wireless systems (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.)

    The content of this course is divided into five different units, whose contents are expanded as follows:

    • Unit 1: Introduction. Wireless (WLAN) vs. Cellular (Mobile): Similarities and differences. Evolution path from 2G (GSM) to 5G (NR). 4G/5G targets and standardization. Cellular concept and network architecture (mobility). IMT Vision (ITU) and 3GPP/IEEE standardization. Licensed vs. Unlicensed spectrum.
    • Unit 2: Wireless channel. Low- and mid-band spectrum (FR1). Millimeter-wave spectrum (FR2). Physical modeling of wireless channel. Stochastically modeling of wireless channel (mean path loss, shadowing, multipath fading). Frequency- and time-selectivity. Effect of frequency on channel bandwidth and range. Link-budget computations for different wireless systems.
    • Unit 3: Wireless link. Functional blocks of a wireless link (Modulation and Coding). Link-level figures of merit (Shannon Capacity, Throughput, Bit Error Rate). Multiple Access Methods (TDMA, CDMA, OFDMA). Duplexing methods (FDD and TDD). Comparisons and challenges.
    • Unit 4: Cellular systems. Interference in cellular networks. 5G verticals. Overview of 5G Radio Access Network and Core Network. 5G technology components (Massive MIMO, Carrier Aggregation, millimeter wave). Machine-type communications and Narrowband-IoT.
    • Unit 5: Wireless systems. WLAN (Wi-Fi) and WPAN (Bluetooth). Optical Wireless Communications (Free Space Optics and Visible Light Communications). Non-terrestrial networks (GEO/LEO satellites, high-altitude platforms/drones). Passive network elements (backscatter communications, intelligent reflective surfaces).

  • applies in this implementation

    This introductory course on Wireless Systems provides a comprehensive understanding of radio communications in general, starting from an overview of regulations and standardization activities, and including details of the wireless channel modeling, link-level connectivity aspects, as well as the key features that differentiate cellular systems (e.g., 4G/5G) from wireless systems (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.)

    The content of this course is divided into five different units, whose contents are expanded as follows:

    • Unit 1: Introduction. Wireless (WLAN) vs. Cellular (Mobile): Similarities and differences. Evolution path from 2G (GSM) to 5G (NR). 4G/5G targets and standardization. Cellular concept and network architecture (mobility). IMT Vision (ITU) and 3GPP/IEEE standardization. Licensed vs. Unlicensed spectrum.
    • Unit 2: Wireless channel. Low- and mid-band spectrum (FR1). Millimeter-wave spectrum (FR2). Physical modeling of wireless channel. Stochastically modeling of wireless channel (mean path loss, shadowing, multipath fading). Frequency- and time-selectivity. Effect of frequency on channel bandwidth and range. Link-budget computations for different wireless systems.
    • Unit 3: Wireless link. Functional blocks of a wireless link (Modulation and Coding). Link-level figures of merit (Shannon Capacity, Throughput, Bit Error Rate). Multiple Access Methods (TDMA, CDMA, OFDMA). Duplexing methods (FDD and TDD). Comparisons and challenges.
    • Unit 4: Cellular systems. Interference in cellular networks. 5G verticals. Overview of 5G Radio Access Network and Core Network. 5G technology components (Massive MIMO, Carrier Aggregation, millimeter wave). Machine-type communications and Narrowband-IoT.
    • Unit 5: Wireless systems. WLAN (Wi-Fi) and WPAN (Bluetooth). Optical Wireless Communications (Free Space Optics and Visible Light Communications). Non-terrestrial networks (GEO/LEO satellites, high-altitude platforms/drones). Passive network elements (backscatter communications, intelligent reflective surfaces)

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Examination, Quizzes, Pre-Lecture Activities, Group project and Homeworks.

  • applies in this implementation

    Mandatory requirements: Pass the exam by achieving at least 50% of its total points, participate actively in the course project and the presentations. Exam registration is mandatory

    Final grade for the course is defined according to the following weighting formula:
    1. Exam: 40%
    2. Homework (Fridays): 20%
    3. Group Project (Workshop): 30%
    4. In-class interactive quizzes: 20% (Pre-lecture 10%, Post-Lecture 10%)

    Note: The sum is 110%, from which 10% is given as bonus


Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Contact-teaching hours: 36 hours.

    Group project (team work): 30 hours.

    Independent study: 66 hours.

  • applies in this implementation

    Estimated workload for the course (average student):
    • 12 lectures x 2 h = 24 h
    • 5(+1) homework sessions x 2 h = 12 h
    • 5 homework preparations x 4.5 h = 22.5 h
    • 4 pre-lecture activities x 3 h = 12 h
    • Project assignment = 35 h
    • Preparation for the exam = 25 h
    • Exam = 3 h

    Total hours = 133.5 hours (4.94 credits)


DETAILS

Study Material
  • applies in this implementation

    No unique reference book will be used. Recommended readings will be informed during the contact sessions of the course by the teachers.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Teaching Language : English

    Teaching Period : 2022-2023 Autumn I
    2023-2024 Autumn I

    Enrollment :

    Registration for Courses on Sisu (sisu.aalto.fi).