ECE3141 · Information and networks

Overview

This unit provides an introduction to underlying technologies, major components and system-wide architectures of modern telecommunication systems. After introducing concepts of block and stream delivery, requirements of a telecommunications network and representation of analogue signals (e.g. voice and video) in digital form, the unit will cover all the major functions in layered architectures. Topics to be covered include multiplexing, basic line transmission and modulation, error protection and correction, packet switching, LAN protocols and the TCP/IP protocols on which the Internet is built. Particular emphasis is given to the major functions that combine to allow communication across key modern digital telecommunication systems such as the Internet, mobile telephony, digital TV and Digital Audio Broadcasting.

Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Electrical and computer systems engineering E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Electrical engineering S2010 Bachelor of Applied Data Science - Applied studies: Computer systems engineering S3003 Bachelor of Applied Data Science Advanced (Honours) - Applied studies: Computer systems engineering Minor: Networks for connectivity Minor: Smart manufacturing Minor: Telecommunications infrastructure Minor: Internet of Things (IoT)

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 40% Final assessment: 60% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify major elements of telecommunication systems, including functions in layered architectures such as TCP/IP.
2. Appraise alternative medium sharing protocols used in networks such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
3. Analyse the error detection and correction capabilities of error control codes.
4. Evaluate the impact of channel bandwidth and the channel noise on the performance of telecommunication systems.
5. Analyse impairments experienced by a modulated signal transmitted through a communication channel.
6. Evaluate addressing and routing algorithms, and strategies used in the transport of data packets in the Internet.
7. Execute research on an assigned advanced telecommunications topic in a team for making a formal presentation.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.