Mobile and Wireless Networks


Course Description

ECE 3656 Mobile and Wireless Networks: The purpose of this course is to introduce graduate students to the fundamental techniques and protocols in first and second generation, and emerging third generation wireless systems. This course examines how mobility affects networks, systems and applications. Mobility of devices and end-users has behavioral implications at all layers of the Internet protocol stack, from the MAC layer up through the application layer. Handling mobility efficiently requires more information sharing between network layers than is typically considered. Topics will include cellular system, medium-access-control protocols for wireless systems, mobility management and signalling withing mobile networks, common air interfaces (AMPS, IS-136, IS-95, GSM), wireless data networking (CDPD), ad-hoc networks, Bluetooth, Mobile IP and PCS Systems. Finally, the course will introduce students to the problems and current research in the provision of quality-of-service (QoS) in wireless networks. Methodology: lecture, text-book and emphasis on readings from relevant literature. Prerequisite: ECE 3511 or equivalent.


Top Engineering Schools Offering Equivalent Courses

Many of the top Engineering programs are currently offering courses that are roughly equivalent to this one. A sample of top 25 Engineering schools offering similar courses follows:

  • Carnegie-Mellon (ECE 18-824)
  • Georgie Tech (ECE 6604)
  • Berkley (CS 294-7)
  • Stanford (ECE 392Q)
  • Cornell (ECE 566)
  • Rutgers (ECE 553)
  • UCLA (ECE 233C)


    Sample Week-by-Week Syllabus

    This is a rough example of a possible syllabus organized according to the week of the semester. I think we should specify a minimum set of core requirements/objectives, but leave enough flexibility to allow each instructor to emphasize their areas of interest and the most current advances in the field. Because the technology changes so rapidly the technology components must be flexible.

    1. Overview
    2. Radio Propagation
    3. Wireless Media Access
    4. Wireless Media Access
    5. Wireless Telecommunications Systems/
    6. Wireless Telecommunications Systems/Mobile Handoff
    7. Midterm Exam
    8. Packet Radio Networks/Ad-Hoc Networks
    9. Packet Radio Networks/Ad-Hoc Networks
    10. Wireless LANs
    11. Wireless LANs
    12. Mobile IP
    13. Mobile IP
    14. Wireless Transport-Control and Applications
    15. Quality-of-Service in Wireless Networks
    16. Final Exam