ELE-230 - Wireless Networks

2 credits

This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of wireless networks typically used for data transmission applications in an industrial, clinical, or home setting and also those networks used to implement cyber-physical system applications (i.e applications of the Internet of Things or IoT). Starting with an introduction to the concepts of wireless networking, the student is quickly introduced to the ideas of radio frequency (RF) signals, the frequency bands used for networking, and fundamentals of digital modulation techniques. The function of the wireless networking physical layer components (i.e. system hardware: transmitter, receiver, transmission lines, and antennas and the basics of electromagnetic (EM) propagation) are presented and related to the particular wireless system application and associated frequency band of operation. Present day wireless cellular technology (i.e 4G and soon to be implemented 5G) are introduced first and then most prevalent IEEE wireless networking standards (IEEE 802.11.X, IEEE 802.15.X and IEEE 802.16.X are covered. Emphasis is placed on the Wi-Fi networking standard (IEEE 802.11.X) and personal area networking standard (IEEE 802.15.X) for home, industrial, and cyber-physical applications. In lab, students are introduced to basic test and measurement equipment used in this field and the fundamentals of wireless system operation. Additional lab work will include setting up, deployment, and testing of various wireless networks.

Corequisite(s): ELE-230L