Modern wireless communication consists of millions of geographically distributed transceivers, i.e. individual communication links between a transmitter and receiver. The module’s content focuses on the principles required in establishing a modern wireless communication systems out of these millions of individual communication links.  The module starts by looking at the budget of a single communication link and builds to discuss the principles of establishing multiple simultaneous communication links in close proximity. GSM is used as an example for discussions around cellular networks with key differences that were introduced in 3G and 4G systems being added into the discussion.  The module concludes summarizing key approaches that are under development to overcome the trade-offs that must be made when designing communications systems.  

LO1: Perform budget link analysis for wireless communication systems.  

LO2: Understand and explain the concept of cellular networks.  

LO3: Provide an overview of the GSM system including the management layer that ensures global mobility within a wireless communication system.  

LO4: Understand the underlying trade-off between high data-rate and energy efficiency.  

LO5: Describe all key on-going developments to establish high data-rate while raising energy efficiencies.  

The module will be delivered through a blend of on-campus face-to-face teaching, online learning material, and guided study.  

You will practise your independent and critical thinking skills by: 

• Identifying complex communication systems and analysing them using the budget link method. 

• Investigate new problems and reason solutions while reflecting on advantages and disadvantages of current communication system examples. 

You will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively by: 

• Communicating complex ideas within a small group learning environment 

• Accept and act on feedback. 

• Contribute to group discussions. 

• Listen take account the views of others. 

You will also articulate your own knowledge and skills, and demonstrate your resilience, adaptability and creativity in dealing with challenges presented in class. 

Students are assessed via four Class Tests worth 25% of the module which conclude each of the key topics (MLO1(p), MLO2, MLO3, MLO4), and by a formal two-hour examination at the end of the Autumn semester worth 75% of the module (MLO1(p) - MLO5).  

Feedback for class tests will normally be delivered through a discussion of the test within the lecture following the submission deadline. A marked response, where you can review your test and answers, is posted after the in-class discussion.   

The minimum pass mark of 40% must be achieved overall. 

Note (p) denotes partial coverage of LO. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

The resit opportunity for this module will be at the component level where each component would be capped at 40%.   
The 80% exam component will be reassessed in the Resit Examination period, before the start of the following academic session and will follow the same format as the original assessment. 

Opportunities for re-assessment is only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. 

• Basics of cellular networks to understand the principles of scaling a single-transmitter link capable of establishing a 2-point communication to a network consisting of a large number of transmitter-receiver links that span vast areas and enable the simultaneous communication between millions of users. Key trade-offs between the market requirement for low costs, large number of users and quality of the communications are discussed. 

• Modern Communication Systems to systems complexity that is necessary for mobile communication networks to establish and manage a large number of mobile customers across the globe. The 2G GSM system is used here as a starting point with later development in 3G and 4 G systems being added during the discussion. 

• Spectral vs. power efficiency trade-off in wireless communication systems. A key issue in all modern and presumably all future modern wireless communication systems as any increase in data-rate leads to an increase in power that is necessary to transmit it. 

• Solutions for increasing energy efficiency wireless systems