28653 - Telecommunications T-1

Learning outcomes

Provide the basic elements to understand the issues related to information transmission over a communication network and the management of a communication network

Course contents

The Telecommunications course aims to provide Management Engineering students with the theoretical and practical foundations necessary to understand the functioning of information transmission systems and networks, with particular reference to the Internet of Things. The teaching approach involves the gradual introduction of fundamental concepts, supported by guided exercises and group activities to reinforce learning and encourage the autonomous application of acquired knowledge.

The course is divided into three modules, whose topics are detailed below.

Module 1

After an introduction to telecommunications and Industry 4.0 applications, the course will cover the fundamentals of communication theory, providing basic elements on signal and system theory and information sources. The module will then focus on characterizing the physical layer, which deals with signal generation and its performance.

Topics covered in more detail include:

• Introduction to telecommunications and Industry 4.0

• Fundamentals of signals: energy and power signals

• Fundamentals of systems: LTI systems, distortion and filters, gain

• Information sources: audio and video signals, A/D and D/A conversion, and digital signals

• Physical Layer: modulation, thermal noise, performance in the presence of thermal noise

Module 2

The course will start by providing the basics of networks, protocols, protocol architectures, and the Internet. Beginning with the description of transmission media—covering electrical, radio, and fiber media—the course will analyze the different layers of the protocol stack. It will begin with the link layer (channel coding, FEC, ARQ, MAC protocols) and the network layer (topologies, routing protocols), up to the transport layer. The module will conclude with an overview of wired communication technologies for Industry 4.0.

Topics covered in more detail include:

• Introduction to the course and network fundamentals: protocols and protocol architectures, Internet

• Link Layer: channel coding, multiple access protocols, performance in the presence of interference

• Network Layer: network topologies and protocols, transport protocols (TCP, UDP)

• Wired communication networks: Ethernet, EtherCAT

Module 3

The course will begin with an overview of Internet of Things (IoT) network applications, with a particular focus on industrial use cases. This will be followed by a review of IoT technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN) and example IoT network designs related to applications such as smart cities, smart warehouses, and connected vehicles. The course will then focus on mobile radio networks (2G, 4G, and 5G) and an example project related to a smart industry application. Group activities will be included to design a specific application, and the course will conclude with a student pitch to present the designed application.

Topics covered in more detail include:

• Introduction to IoT: applications and available technologies (WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN)

• Introduction to mobile radio networks: architectures, 2G, 2.5G, 4G, NB-IoT, 5G

• Laboratory: design of use cases such as smart city, smart warehouse, connected vehicle, and smart industry

Readings/Bibliography

Books:

Book 1: "Fondamenti di Telecomunicazioni per l'Ingegneria gestionale: Messaggi, segnali, sistemi", Marco Chiani, Roberto Verdone, Pitagora Editrice Bologna.

Book 2: "Fondamenti di Telecomunicazioni per l'Ingegneria gestionale: Codifica di sorgente, mezzi di trasmissione, collegamenti", Appunti tratti dalle lezioni del Prof. Roberto Verdone, Pitagora Editrice Bologna.

Book 3: "Internet e le Reti", James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross, McGraw-Hill.

Teaching methods

Module 1:
Classroom lectures – approximately 20 hours
In-class exercises – approximately 10 hours

Module 2:
Classroom lectures – approximately 20 hours
In-class exercises – approximately 10 hours

Module 3:
Classroom lectures – approximately 20 hours
Group laboratory work and seminars – approximately 10 hours

Assessment methods

The exam is divided into three parts, one for each of the three modules. All three parts will be taken during the same exam session. The exam is considered passed only if all three parts are passed simultaneously; the final grade is the average of the three individual grades.

For Module 1, the test consists of a multiple-choice quiz to be completed within a maximum time limit (approximately half an hour). There are about fifteen questions; each question has one correct answer worth one to three points, and three incorrect answers which carry negative scores. There is also the option to skip a question (worth 0 points). The total score is the sum of the points from all the answers. The maximum score is thirty-three. If the score is below eighteen, the test is not passed. Students are not allowed to consult course notes during the exam. Questions will include both theoretical content (definitions, theorems, etc.) and numerical problems (computing a value). The result of the test is known a few minutes after completion.

For Module 2, the exam is oral and lasts about 15 minutes. The student starts the oral exam with a provisional score of thirty; in case of errors or failure to answer, the score is reduced. The maximum attainable score is thirty-three for particularly excellent responses. If the score is below eighteen, the test is not passed. The result of the exam is known at the end of the oral.

For Module 3, the student will give a 5-minute presentation with PowerPoint slides on a chosen technology from those covered in the module, along with a related application project carried out individually or in a group. A 5-minute discussion may follow. The evaluation takes into account communication skills (one third), the accuracy of technical considerations (one third), and the originality and relevance of the proposed application (one third). The maximum score is thirty-three. If the score is below eighteen, the test is not passed. The result of the test is known at the end of the discussion.

Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or temporary/permanent disabilities: it is recommended to contact the University Office in charge in due time (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). This office will suggest any necessary accommodations to the students concerned, which must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Books, slides, notes.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Buratti

See the website of

See the website of Roberto Verdone