MSIT 413: Wireless Technologies General Information

1. MSIT 413: Wireless TechnologiesGeneral Information Michael L. Honig Department of EECS Northwestern University January 2014

2. This course is: • A course which focuses on wireless access • This course is not: • A course on core networking

3. This course is: • A course which focuses on wireless access • A course on fundamental principles • This course is not: • A course on core networking • A course on technical standards and systems

4. This course is: • A course which focuses on wireless access • A course on fundamental principles • A technical course • This course is not: • A course on core networking • A course on technical standards and systems • An engineering or business course

5. Topics this course covers: • Overview of wireless systems and standards • Cellular, WLAN, PAN, emerging systems • Limitations on the performance of wireless systems • Interference, propagation, mobility • Digital modulation techniques (QAM, OFDM) • Multiple access techniques (CDMA, OFDMA) • Diversity, error control • Cellular data and wireless LANs • Mobility management • New and emerging technologies (small-cell networks, cognitive radio, spectrum markets)

6. Topics this course covers: • Overview of wireless systems and standards • Cellular, WLAN, PAN, emerging systems • Limitations on the performance of wireless systems • Interference, propagation, mobility • Digital modulation techniques (QAM, OFDM) • Multiple access techniques (CDMA, OFDMA) • Diversity, error control • Cellular data and wireless LANs • Mobility management • New and emerging technologies (MIMO, cognitive radio) • Topics which are not covered: • Security (left for another course) • Particular applications such as RF ID’s (part of special topics class) • Antenna design • Source coding methods for voice, images, video • Multimedia protocols (SIP) • Wireless browsers, mobile apps • Business case analyses of specific technologies

7. Text • There are many books on wireless communications and networks: • Almost all are for engineering students • Some are for network technicians or operators • Some emphasize core networking • As a compromise, I have chosen the engineering text by Rappaport, a reference text (Pahlavan & Levesque) and supplemental handouts. • Homeworks and the quiz will pertain only to material covered in class. Reading assignments are meant to reinforce this material.

8. Grading • 60% project, 25% homework, 15% quiz (8th week) • Homeworks: • There will be 4 to 5 homeworks meant to review concepts covered in class. • I encourage working in groups; however, assignments should be written up individually.(Please, no copying – grades are assigned individually.) • Quiz: • 1 hour, multiple choice • Meant to review homeworks, main concepts. • Small part of grade: motivates questions about material,gives useful feedback

9. Project • The project is a written report and presentation assigned to a team preferably consisting of 3 or 4 students. • Can be technical or business-related (e.g., case study with cost-benefit forecasts). • Grade is based on written report (20-30 pages depending on group size). Group presentations are meant for sharing results with the rest of the class. • Since grades are based on individual efforts, each student in the group must specify their individual contribution to the project. All group members are not guaranteed to receive the same grade. • See “project guidelines” (on class website) for more details about grading, and “project suggestions” for suggested topics.

10. Project Schedule • February 1 (week 4): • One- to two-page proposals are due specifying team members, project objectives, and specific contributions from team members. • February 22 (week 7): One- to two-page progress reports are due. • March 8, 15 (weeks 9, 10):project presentations; reports are due March 15.