49099 GSM, GPRS and EDGE Technologies

6cp; 3hpw; availability: all courses
Postgraduate
Subject coordinator: Dr Kumbesan Sandrasegaran

This subject aims to use fundamental knowledge of GSM, GPRS and EDGE cellular radio telecommunications networks to develop a detailed understanding of how certain functions and networking engineering techniques are realised in current commercial networks. Participants study the evolution, architecture, functionality and operation of cellular technologies existing in the market and those soon to be released. These include GSM (Global System for Mobile), HSCSD (High Speed Circuit Switched Data), GPRS (General Packet Radio Service), EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution), and for inter-working GSM with UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System). Key aspects of GSM radio engineering, design, expansion and enhancement are explored, including services, coverage, capacity, quality, optimisation and commercial effectiveness. Key themes are designing for spectral efficiency maximisation and achieving Quality of Service KPIs. The design of a complete Radio Sub-system is progressively outlined during the tutorial exercises. A case study applies the process of dimensioning each of the radio network elements, in order to achieve targets of economy, QoS and spectral efficiency.

Assessment: Project (30 per cent), mid-semester exam (10 per cent), final exam (60 per cent).

Texts and references

Halonen, T, Romero, J & Melero, J, GSM, GPRS and EDGE Performance: Evolution Towards 3G/UMTS, 2nd edn, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2003

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus

Fee information

2006 contribution for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students: $872.38
2006 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,400.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.125
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2006 for 2005/06 commencing Commonwealth-supported and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported undergraduate students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Other students (such as postgraduate students and international students) should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.