Wireless Communications and Mobility

• Introduction to the Communication Systems;
• Electromagnetism;
• Antennas and Propagation.

Teaching methods: Presential

Theoretical classes are essentially expository, in which the teacher presents the fundamental concepts associated with current radio communication systems and wireless networks.

In laboratory classes, direct contact with real scenarios and existing technologies is privileged. Students have to carry out in group, three practical assignments and a micro project of medium complexity.

Objectives: To acquire knowledge in the area of ​​radio technologies: mobile communications systems; wireless networks; IoT and satellite radio navigation systems.

Generic skills: Ability to analyze and synthesize; ability to develop autonomous and / or team work; ability to apply technical knowledge to develop innovative wireless communication and IoT solutions radio localization applications; ability to speak and write in Portuguese.

Specific skills: Know the basics of mobile communication systems and wireless networks; know the principles underlying the propagation of electromagnetic waves; understand and apply the main radio propagation models to determine the coverage of radio systems; know, design and develop communication applications on mobile networks and / or wireless networks using transceivers and micro-controllers; develop radio location applications using GPS receivers.

Introduction

• Radio systems: classification; frequency bands; services
• Wireless communications history
• Radio access technologies
• The future of wireless communications systems: 5G and beyond

Radio Wave Propagation Introduction

• Electromagnetic wave propagation fundamentals
• Interference; reflection; refraction; diffraction; scattering; absorption; etc.
• Free-space propagation model; ground reflection (two-ray) model
• Fading and multipath
• Okumura-Hata and COST 252 propagation model

Mobile Cellular Systems

• Cellular and pre-cellular systems
• Frequency reuse concept
• Interference and system capacity
• Cell split; sectorization; frequency hopping; dynamic power control; DTX and antennas tilting;
  Channel assignment strategies
• Mobility and handover

Current Cellular Communication Systems

• Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) 
• GSM phase 2+: HSCSD, GPRS e EDGE
• UMTS system topics
• LTE system

Trunking Theory

• GoS (Grade of Service) and QoS (Quality of Service) metrics
• Traffic intensity, Erlang definition
• Arrival calls distribution and service distributions:
• Trunking systems: Erlang B and Erlang C formulas

Wireless Data Networks

• WLANs based on the IEEE 802.11.x. family protocol
• WPANs Bluetooth and ZigBee based on IEEE 802.15.x

Proprietary radio solutions and applications

• RFID topics
• Internet of Things (IoT) topics
• Topics of fleet management, virtual toll road, security and access control
• Topics of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)

NAO

Recommended bibliography:

• Molisch, A. F. (2023). Wireless communications: from fundamentals to beyond 5G. Wiley-IEEE Press. [1-8-86 (ISEC) – 19384]
• Saunders, S. R., & A-Zavala, A. (2007). Antennas and propagation for wireless communication systems. John Wiley & Sons. [1-8-53 (ISEC) – 14079]
• Kaaranen, H., Ahtiainen, A., Laitinen,  & Niemi, V. (2005). UMTS networks: architecture, mobility and services. John Wiley & Sons. [1-8-42 (ISEC) – 11908]
• Balanis, C. A. (2016). Antenna theory: analysis and design. John wiley & sons. [1-8-72 (ISEC) – 14986]
• Redl, S. M., Weber, M. K., & Oliphant, M. W. (1998). GSM and personal communications handbook. Artech House. [1-8-14 (ISEC) – 09552]

Complementary bibliography: 

• Goldsmith, A. (2005). Wireless communications. Cambridge university press.
• Harte, L. (2000). The comprehensive guide to wireless technologies: Cellular, PCS, paging, SMR and satellite. APDG Pub.
• Rappaport, T. S. (2002). Wireless communications: principles and practice (Vol. 2). New Jersey: prentice hall PTR.
• Kaplan, E., & Hegarty, C. (2005). Understanding GPS: principles and applications. Artech house.
• Victor Santos (2018), Diapositivos de Comunicação sem Fios e Mobilidade.