Unit Outline

This unit covers the fundamental concepts and techniques used when planning a mobile communication network. Cellular concepts used in modern communication systems and standards will be explored to provide a deeper understanding in wireless communication propagation effects. These include small-scale and large-scale fading channel effects and how to properly plan and manage performance of communication links. The student will design a communication network to specification while considering future data requirements and growth.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Plan a communication network compliant with regulatorily standards and requirements
2	Design a communication link with consideration of data requirements and both small- and large-scale fading effects on signal propagation.
3	Explain technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences to justify design decisions.
4	Design a multi-user communication network, satisfying conflicting technical requirements and applying engineering project management principles.

Requisites


REQUISITE TYPE	REQUISITES
Pre-requisite	ENG750 Signals and Linear Systems

Alterations as a result of student feedback

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	Communications literature review	Week 6	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 2:	Fading communication channels	Week 10	40 %	LO2, LO3
Assessment Task 3:	Network planning	Week 14	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Communications literature review

Task Description:

The student will conduct an in-depth literature review on modern communication systems. Comparisons will be drawn among the different types of potential users. Emphasis will be on physical communication medium and the type of technologies used to ensure reliable communication. The student will be interviewed to discuss review.

Task Length:

Maximum 10 pages (appendices excluded) and 15 minute interview.

Due Date:

Week 6

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Explain cellular concepts needed to design a reliable communication link.	LO1
2	Discuss how fading effects are considered in modern communication standards.	LO2
3	Report findings in a clear and concise report.	LO3

Assessment Task 2: Fading communication channels

Task Description:

The student will conduct several computer simulations to explore the effects of small-scale fading in mobile wireless communication channels. Performance metrics will be derived and simulated.

Task Length:

Maximum 10 pages (appendices excluded) and 15 minute interview.

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Discuss and evaluate the effects small scale fading has on communication links.	LO2
2	Explain with simulations how these fading effects occur.	LO3

Assessment Task 3: Network planning

Task Description:

The student will design a multi-user network to meet a set of communication requirements. The student will apply several propagation models using computer simulations to explore the effects of large-scale fading in wireless communication channels. The student will need to consider frequency re-use patterns, sectorised base stations, adjacent channel interference, co-channel interference in their design.

Task Length:

Maximum 10 pages (appendices excluded) and 15 minute interview.

Due Date:

Week 14

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Design a multi-user network that complies with project requirements.	LO1, LO4
2	Explain how fading effects have been incorporated into design.	LO2
3	Justify all design decisions with supporting evidence.	LO3

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes, achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater, and pass any hurdle tasks.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.