The Mobile Communication Systems provides an insight into how mobile phones and the underpinning network technology has evolved over the generations of standards. Important cellular network design principles and core technologies are covered, including: traffic models and quality of service; wireless propagation and large scale channel models; cellular planning; practical deployments; multiple access techniques and interference management; capacity calculations; CDMA fundamentals; 2G, 3G and 4G standards.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Spring Term 2022-23
Module aims
Subject content aims:
To give insight into the history of cellular communications and the first, second, third and fourth generation standards
To introduce methods of traffic modelling for typical mobile applications including the specification of important quality of service requirements
To review wireless propagation mechanisms and understand a range of large-scale channel models and their use in dimensioning mobile communication systems
To describe methods for cellular network planning and introduce constraints and issues surrounding practical deployments
To introduce multiple access techniques and interference mitigation techniques
To introduce methods for dimensioning and evaluating the capacity of mobile communication networks
Graduate skills aims:
To develop skills in the selection and application of appropriate numeric and algebraic techniques
To develop skills in system level design based on operational parameters and constraints.
Module learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will:
Be able to describe key characteristics of the different mobile communication standards and the motivation behind the development of each generation of standards
Be able to compare alternative approaches to traffic modelling and specify suitable models for mobile applications including quality of service requirements
Be able to use large-scale channel models or propagation measurement data to appropriately dimension cells
Be able to determine an appropriate frequency-reuse strategy for a mobile communication system and propose methods for enhancing the capacity of deployed networks
Be able to explain how fundamental multiple access techniques work and how a range of techniques can be used to mitigate against interference
Be able to appropriately dimension and calculate the capacity of simple FDMA, TDMA and CDMA terrestrial scenarios
Understand the principle features and technologies employed in the GSM, WCDMA, 3GPP-LTE standards
Graduate skills learning outcomes
After successful completion of this module, students will:
Be able to explain and evaluate advanced technical concepts concisely and accurately
Be able to select, adapt and apply a range of mathematical techniques to solve advanced problems
Have developed skills in problem solving, critical analysis and applied mathematics
Indicative assessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) Mobile Communication Systems for MSc Exam
1.5 hours
100
Special assessment rules
Pass/fail
Indicative reassessment
Task
Length
% of module mark
Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) Mobile Communication Systems for MSc Exam
1.5 hours
100
Module feedback
'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.
The Department of Electronic Engineering aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 20 working days of the end of any given examination period. The Department will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 20 working days of the submission deadline. The Department would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The Department will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each term provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.
Indicative reading
Molisch, “Wireless Communications”, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd Edition (2011)
Saunders, “Antennas and Propagation for Wireless Communication Systems”, Wiley, 2nd Edition (2007)