81924 - Telecommunications

Learning outcomes

The module aims to provide the tools needed to understand the infrastructure of telecommunications systems, which constitutes the backbone on which vertical services dedicated to all human and artificial activities are built, in order to enable the integrated design of services and environments.
At the end of the module, the student is able to:

• define the characteristics of next-generation telecommunications infrastructure;

• recognize the critical aspects and opportunities provided by the pervasive interconnection of human and artificial entities;

• identify the fundamental characteristics of services and devices based on ICT technologies.

Course contents

• Introduction to the course; Smart Cities and ICT infrastructure
• Introduction to the Internet of Things
• Telecommunications and the Internet
• Sensors and Actuators
• IoT network requirements
• Network technologies for IoT systems
• Data and Big Data
• GIS (Geographic Information Systems)
• Concepts of Cloud and Fog Computing
• Blockchain technology
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• IoT verticals

Readings/Bibliography

Reference text:
Ammar Rayes, Samer Salam, Internet of Things: From Hype to Reality – The Road to Digitization, 2nd Edition, Springer, 2019

Recommended / supplementary readings:
J. F. Kurose, K. W. Ross, Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach, 7th Edition, Pearson, 2017
Andrew S. Tanenbaum, David J. Wetherall, Computer Networks, 5th Edition, Pearson, 2011

Teaching methods

Lectures delivered with the support of PowerPoint slides, educational videos, and practical exercises carried out with groups of students.

Assessment methods

The examination of the integrated laboratory consists of an assessment of the acquired knowledge through an oral examination, as well as the presentation and discussion of the work carried out.

The course also includes intermediate assessments on the progress of the project, both within individual working groups and in plenary sessions, encouraging cultural exchange and discussion of the different design approaches.

The final assessment of each student, expressed on a 30-point scale, takes into account the results achieved in the three teaching modules, the quality of the project presented, as well as the proactiveness and participation demonstrated during the course.

Breakdown of the final grade (30/30)

• 2 points (max) – Short oral examination on the contents of Electrical Power Systems

• 2 points (max) – Short oral examination on the contents of Telecommunications

• 26 points (max) – Integrated Technological Design and Laboratory Exercise (final project)

Assessment of the final project of the LABORATORY EXERCISE (maximum 26 points)

The final project will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria, each assigned up to a maximum of 6.5 points:

• Graphic and design quality of the deliverables

• Quality of the service concept

• Effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed solutions

• Communication of the project results

The assessment also takes into account, transversally, the student’s proactiveness and participation during classroom activities and reviews (both intermediate and final), in coherence with the educational objectives of the modules and the laboratory exercise.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the relevant University office in due time at the following address: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it . The office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must in any case be submitted for approval to the course instructor at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability also in relation to the educational objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

The laboratory normally requires students’ in-person attendance in the classroom for the progressive development of the project.

All phases of the work are supervised and supported by the teaching staff.

The laboratory makes use of the equipment available at the Department, as well as the technological support for teaching activities provided by the University (screens and interactive whiteboards, video projectors, remote connection technologies, IT tools, etc.).

Office hours

See the website of Daniela Mazza