ECE4024 · Wireless communications

Overview

This unit introduces the fundamentals of wireless communications and networking. You will learn about the characteristics of wireless channels, modulation techniques, methods of combating fading including space, time and frequency diversity, multiple access techniques and cellular networks. A selection of more advanced topics will also be covered including MIMO systems, heterogeneous networks, 5G and next-generation communications. A final project will give you the opportunity to construct and test a wireless system through the use of software-defined radios (SDRs).

Areas of study: Minor: Telecommunications infrastructure

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50%. 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

Learning outcomes

1. Construct theoretical models of wireless channels to predict the error performance of communication systems using typical distortions such as noise, fading and interference.
2. Describe the capacity of wireless communication systems with reference to real world data using spatial and temporal diversity techniques.
3. Integrate a range of signal processing features for wireless communication systems to appraise performance using a software-defined radio hardware platform.
4. Evaluate the distinct capacity advantages and the channel limitations of multi-antenna systems.
5. Construct an extension to an existing wireless communication system and quantify its capabilities.

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.