MSIT 413: Wireless Technologies General Information

1. MSIT 413: Wireless TechnologiesGeneral Information Michael L. Honig Department of EECS Northwestern University January 2016

2. Course Structure • First 5 weeks taught by Michael Honig • Focus on technology • Last 5 weeks taught by Peggy Matson • Focus on applications • This introduction pertains primarily to the first 5 weeks.

3. Schedule Change • Jan 16 (next week): Both the morning and afternoon sessions will be Wireless Technologies (full day…) • Feb 6 (5th week): Both the morning and afternoon sessions will be Marketing (full day…)

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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) • Cellular data and wireless LANs • Mobility management • New and emerging technologies (5G, small-cell networks, cognitive radio)

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Grading • 50% project, 25% homework, 20% test (6thweek), 5% class participation • Homeworks: • There will be 3 homeworksmeant 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.) • Test: • 1 hour, mostly multiple choice • Meant to review homeworks, main concepts • Motivates questions about material, gives useful feedback

11. Project • Assigned to a team preferably consisting of 3 or 4 students. • Should emphasize an application of wireless technology;(e.g., impact of 5G, case study/analysis, new/emerging applications, etc.) • Project grade is based on both a presentation (about 20%) and a written report (about 80%). The written report should be about 20 pages (more or less depending on group size). • The project grade will apply to all group members with the following modification: each team member will be asked to evaluate the contributions of the other team members. That evaluation can potentially raise or lower the grade. • See “project guidelines” (on class website) for more details about grading, and “project suggestions” for suggested topics.

12. Project Schedule • January 30 (week 4): • One- to two-page proposals are due specifying team members, project objectives, and specific contributions from team members. • Additional progress reports will be assigned as homework. • March 12 (week 10):project presentations; reports are due.