87203 - Mobile Radio Networks M

Learning outcomes

The student will be aware of the fundamentals of radio networks, covering aspects of the physical, data link and network layers, with specific reference to the evolution of mobile radio systems from GSM to 5G.

Course contents

INT - Introduction - 3 hours

INT.1 The Course

INT.2 Radio Networks

INT.3 Mobile Radio Networks

FDC - Fundamentals of Digital Communications - 7 hours

FDC.1 Fundamentals of Digital Communication

FDC.2 System Model

FDC.3 Radio Resources

FDC.4 Assignment of Radio Resources

FDC.5 Exercises and Discussion

CNA - Cellular Network Architectures - 8 hours

CNA.1 Fundamentals of Cellular Networks

CNA.2 Reuse

CNA.3 Trunking Efficiency

CNA.4 Network Spectrum Efficiency

CNA.5 Exercises and Discussion

CNA.6 Network Architectures: From GSM to LTE

CNA.7 Mobility Management and Localisation

CNA.8 Network Architectures: Evolution Towards 5G

MRC - Mobile Radio Channel - 4 hours

MRC.1 Fundamentals of Radio Propagation

MRC.2 Large And Small Scale Phenomena

MRC.3 Narrowband Mobile Radio Channel

MRC.4 Area Coverage Probability

MRC.5 Exercises and Discussion

DCN - Digital Communications in Noise Limited Conditions - 8 hours

DCN.1 Fundamentals of Noise Limited Conditions

DCN.2 Signal Based Power Control

DCN.3 Link Performance of M-QASK & OFDM

DCN.4 Link Performance in the Presence of Fading

DCN.5 FEC, ARQ, HARQ

DCN.6 Link Adaptation

DCN.7 Diversity and MIMO

DCN.8 Exercises and Discussion

DCI - Digital Communications in Interference Limited Conditions - 5 hours

DCI.1 Fundamentals of Interference Limited Conditions

DCI.2 Interference Based Power Control

DCI.3 Link Performance of M-QASK & OFDM with Interference

DCI.4 Capture Effect

DCI.5 Link Performance in the Presence of Fading and Interference

DCI.6 Interference Based Power Control from a Network Level Viewpoint

DCI.7 Exercises and Discussion

RRM - Radio Resource Management - 8 hours

RRM.1 RRM techniques

RRM.2 Scheduling

RRM.3 Handover

RRM.4 KPIs

RRM.5 Exercises and Discussion

MRN - Mobile Radio Networks - 14 hours

MRN.1 Steps from 2G to 4G

MRN.2 2G (GSM): Numerology

MRN.3 2G (GSM): Logical Channels

MRN.4 2G (GSM): Measurement Reports

MRN.5 2.5G (GPRS and EDGE)

MRN.6 4G: Overview

MRN.7 5G: Overview

MRN.8 4G: KPIs

MRN.9 4G: MDT

MRN.10 Seminars

Q&A: 3 hours

Readings/Bibliography

There is no book following the syllabus of this course.

The student will be provided through the personal website of the instructor (www.robertoverdone.org) self-comprehensive slide sets covering all lecture blocks and items.

Teaching methods

The teaching method is based on the flipped class paradigm: the most conceptual parts of the course are left for individual study at home, while more time is dedicated in the class to numerical exercises, and discussions.

Every lecture block will start with a set of offline lectures (pre-registered videos provided to the students via virtuale). Then, the closure of the lecture block will happen in the class, in presence, where numerical exercises, inquiry based sessions and interactive discussions will follow.

Overall, 10-15 hours of classes will be offered offline.

Assessment methods

The exam is oral.  

The student will be judged based on its comprehension of concepts, on the detailed technical considerations regarding the techniques, algorithms and protocols discussed, and the ability to formalise concepts through diagrams, conceptual maps, mathematical models.

The minimum requirement to pass the exam is that all definitions and basic mathematical / graphical formulations are known and understood by the student.

More information, and tips, on www.robertoverdone.org.

Teaching tools

Slidesets made available through website www.robertoverdone.org.

Self-assessment questionnaires made available.

Links to further information

http://www.robertoverdone.org/teaching/mobile-radio-networks/

Office hours

See the website of Roberto Verdone