49048 Wireless Access Network Technologies

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2018 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Electrical and Data Engineering
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (48740 Communications Networks AND (120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10061 Bachelor of Engineering Diploma Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10066 Bachelor of Engineering Science OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10067 Bachelor of Engineering OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09067 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma Professional Engineering Practice OR 120 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09066 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.

Description

This subject aims to use knowledge about networks and protocols to develop a detailed understanding of how wireless network functions such as radio resource management, mobility management, and traffic management are realised in wireless networks representative of current wireless technologies used by industry. Students study the evolution, architecture, functionality, and operation of wireless networking technologies that exist in the market today. These technologies include GSM (Global System Mobile), GPRS (General Packet Radio System), 3G UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), 4G, 5G and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN). As part of the practical work, students set up and perform measurements on wireless networks and model the behaviour of the network and wireless propagation. Students work in groups and undertake a review of an emerging wireless technology and deliver a presentation and a report on it.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

1.	Apply system thinking to understand the wireless network evolution, requirements, standardisation, architecture, air-interface, protocols, procedures, performance and security.
2.	Perform problem solving and numerical computation to evaluate the theoretical performance and planning of wireless networks
3.	Measure and analyse the practical performance of infrastructure WLAN and ad-hoc WLAN networks
4.	Develop life long learning and research skills by undertaking a comprehensive study of a research topic in wireless networks and presenting it effectively to the class.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following faculty Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 competencies:

• Apply systems thinking to understand complex system behaviour including interactions between components and with other systems (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.) (A.5)
• Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies (B.1)
• Design components, systems and/ or processes to meet required specification (B.2)
• Demonstrate research skills (B.6)
• Develop models using appropriate tools such as computer software, laboratory equipment and other devices (C.2)
• Reflect on personal and professional experiences to engage in independent development beyond formal education for lifelong learning (D.2)
• Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose. (E.1)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies
Students enrolled in the Master of Professional Engineering Practice should note that this subject contributes to the assurance of Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies: 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject delivery consists of tutorials, quizzes, presentations and practical work. It is the responsibility of the student to read UTSOnline regularly, view lecture videos, study the subject resources, and answer review questions. Past experience has shown that students who miss key learning activities have a high chance of failure. We expect that you play an active part in your learning in the subject and adhere to the principles of good academic practice as outlined in the Guide to good academic practice from the academic board. This means that you should come to all of the class sessions well prepared. Go through the lecture videos and subject resources BEFORE coming to class. Take an active part in the class and engage with the learning activities – do not simply be a passive observer!
The exams and quizzes assume that you have completed the readings and lecture videos along with the lecture notes. UTSOnline will be used in this subject for subject resources and announcements. It is the responsibility of the student to read UTSOnline regularly. The teaching strategy consists of fortnightly classes made up of a one hour tutorial in which students are invited to clear doubts regarding the lecture material covered to date and material explored outside class. Design tasks are then undertaken to apply concepts. This will be followed by a 1 hour quiz that will test the knowledge covered in the previous week. After the quiz, a feedback session will be held in which answers to quiz questions and some detailed solutions for numerical questions will be provided to the class.
The practical tasks require students to work together in groups to set up and measure the performance of a wireless network.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Term Exams

Intent:	To allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of the concepts learnt in the subject, apply their skills to solve problems and self-assess their progress in the subject.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.5, B.1, B.2 and E.1
Type:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	20%
Criteria:	Please note that the weightings are approximate and they may vary from year to year and from one term exam to another.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Correctness of application of system thinking 33 1 A.5, E.1 Correctness of calculations 33 1, 2 B.1, E.1 Correctness of solutions 34 1, 2 A.5, B.1, B.2, E.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Labs

Intent:	It is designed to provide students with an overview of Wi-Fi operation and performance measurements. Students will use Excel and Matlab to analyse the measurements recorded from a live Wi-Fi network.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.5, B.1, B.6 and C.2
Type:	Quiz/test
Groupwork:	Group, individually assessed
Weight:	20%
Criteria:	Please note that the weightings are approximate, and may vary from year to year.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Correct application of theoretical concepts. 33 3 A.5 Correctness of calculations. 33 2, 3 B.1 Correctness of understanding of systems models. 34 2, 3 A.5, B.6, C.2 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Final Exam

Intent:	The intent of the final exam is to allow students to demonstrate their knowledge of wireless networks operation, standards and problem solving which they have learnt in the subject.
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1 and 2 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.5 and B.1
Type:	Examination
Groupwork:	Individual
Weight:	40%
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Correctness of understanding of 3G systems 50 1 A.5 Correctness of calculations 50 2 B.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 4: Assessment Report

Intent:	Develop life-long learning and research skills by undertaking a comprehensive study of a research topic in wireless networks and presenting it to the class
Objective(s):	This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): B.6, D.2 and E.1
Type:	Presentation
Groupwork:	Group, group assessed
Weight:	20%
Criteria:	Please note that the weightings are approximate and they may vary from year to year.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Depth and complexity of research 13 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 Accurate acknowledgement of sources 13 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 Consistency of referencing style 13 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 Credibility and relevance of the source 13 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 Ability to express key ideas 12 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 Completeness of information; and quality & clarity of expression 12 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 Quality of visual graphic communication 12 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 Successful delivery of ideas and audience engagement 12 4 B.6, D.2, E.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Recommended texts

Jochen Schiller, “Mobile Communications”, 2nd Edition, Addison Wesley.

References

“Wireless Communication and Networks” by William Stallings.
“Principles of Wireless Networks” by Pahlavan and Krishnamurthy.
Rappoport, “Wireless Communication: Principles and Practice”, Prentice Hall.