Wireless Communications

Overview

Lectures:
Wireless communication systems are a primary enabling technology in the realisation of a smarter connected society. This course provides a fundamental understanding of the concepts and techniques used in the design of modern wireless communication systems. In particular it covers the following topics:
• Cellular systems
• Propagation modelling
• Spectrum management
• Multiuser systems (multiple access, multiuser diversity techniques)
• Multiple antennas (e.g., maximal ratio combining, MIMO techniques)
• Multicarrier communications
• Multiuser scheduling techniques (e.g., greedy access, proportional fair)
• Cognitive radio techniques

Coursework:
The coursework will assess the following topics:
1. Wireless channel modelling
2. Modulation.
3. Performance analysis of wireless communication systems.
.

Learning Objectives

General:
Students should acquire an understanding of mobile and cellular systems [SM1m]; demonstrate a knowledge of the wireless channel propagation characteristics; be able to examine the advanced concepts and techniques which allow modern wireless communication systems to be designed and assessed against a given operational specification [SM2m, SM3m, EA2m]; understand the future development of wireless systems and their limitations (including social and economic implications) [SM4m, EA5m, ET2m].

Coursework [SM6m, D6m, EA3m, EP11m]:
The coursework will develop a practical understanding of the different types of wireless channels encountered in wireless communication systems [SM6m, EA3m]. It will also familiarise the student with simple digital modulation and demodulation techniques and the performance analysis of wireless communication systems [EA3m]. It will further develop team-work and presentation skills through group-based project work and project presentation [D6m, EP11m].

Students will also have gained experience of Matlab functions useful for the wireless channel modelling, wireless system simulation, performance debug and test [EA3m, EA5m].

Skills

General:
Assimilation of lecture material, Matlab skills, system model and problem-solving skills as well as basic probability and random theories [SM2m].

Assessment

None