Wireless Networks | ELEC6245 | University of Southampton

Module overview

This course is intended to give students an outline of how wireless communication and computer networks work "above the physical layer". This includes the interoperability of wireless networks such as WiMax/GPRS and WiFi to provide WiFi on trains etc. How wireless sensor networks gather and report physical parameters including body sensor networks. We also look at the evolution of cell phone networks from 2G to 5G and beyond.

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: MATH2047 AND ELEC1201

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

Protocols that allow the through routing of data out of a network of sensors
Radio propogation - how it is helped and hindered by the environment
How wireless resources can be allocated

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Evaluate the operation of existing and next generation wireless networks.
Design network simulators using Matlab or OMNeT++ software.

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

Read and understand a technical specification and understand why things are done as they are
Present work orally and as a written report

Syllabus

To locate source material, read specifications and present material.
An introduction to existing and next generation networks.
Bluetooth/ Bluetooth Low Energy/ Profiles/ security/ Service discovery.
Wireless sensor networks, Zigbee, time synchronised networks.
Wireless Resource Allocation.
Protocols.
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) system.

Learning and Teaching

Study time
Type	Hours
Tutorial	12
Preparation for scheduled sessions	12
Completion of assessment task	62
Wider reading or practice	28
Lecture	24
Follow-up work	12
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Sources will be given on the notes page of the course and as specific directed reading. There is no set text..

Assessment

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Continuous Assessment	100%

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Breakdown
Method	Percentage contribution
Set Task	100%

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External