Units
Mobile Network Engineering
Unit code: ENN524
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
Mobile networks have been widely deployed in various industries whilst navigation systems have been increasingly integrated into various mobile platforms for value-added services. Relying on a solid overview of wireless communications and mobile networks, this unit introduces students to the fundamental knowledge of mobile networks and navigation systems and integrated solutions. The unit highlights the recent advances in wireless local area and wide area networks as well as sensor networks. The unit also provides a systematic overview for satellite navigation systems and terrestrial wireless positioning technologies. Integration of mobile networks and navigation systems through specific standards will be also discussed through two case studies.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 2 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
This unit builds on your good knowledge of computer networking, wireless communications, and mathematical skills. It provides more advanced in-depth coverage of selected wireless local area and wide area data communication technologies as well as navigation technologies. Technological advances make wireless devices and location-based data services more affordable and powerful and introduce new challenges and opportunities. Many industry and government sectors depend on wireless networks and location information for effective business operation and services as well as decision making. Skilled professionals possessing the knowledge in both wireless communications and navigation systems will be in high demand.
Aims
This unit provides you with the advanced knowledge of some new wireless technologies and mobile networks, including dedicated short-range communications for vehicular networks and 4G mobile systems and sensor networks. Relevant commutation standards and protocols will be also introduced to understand how they are used, deployed and managed. You will also gain in-depth knowledge of satellite navigation systems, coordinate systems, GNSS receivers, position estimation principles and terrestrial wireless positioning. You will also develop skills in how to combine wireless communications and navigation for particular services, such as location-based information services and intelligent vehicle systems.
Objectives
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
1. Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of specific mobile communications and networks and comprehensive understanding of satellite navigation systems and principles of position estimation
2. Exercise your computing and critical thinking skills for processing and analysis of GNSS data
3. Understand various GNSS specific and communications specific standards and protocols and how to use these standard to develop mobile applications and services
4. Demonstrate effective written communication skills by producing a technical report suitable for an audience of peers
Content
Module 1: Mobile Networks (4 weeks)
- Vehicular networks and DSRC standards
- 3G and 4G mobile technologies
- Wireless sensor networks
Module 2: Navigation Systems (5 weeks)
- Satellite navigation systems
- Coordinate systems and time references
- GNSS signals and receivers
- Positioning, velocity and time estimation
Module 3: Location-based mobile systems and services (3 weeks)
- Case study 1: Location-based services
- Case study 2: Intelligent Vehicle Systems
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching Mode:
Hours per week: 3 h
Lecture: 2 h
Lab/Tutorials/Mentoring, Self-paced study sessions: 1 h
Learning Approaches:
There is a total of 39 hours of contact devoted to this unit comprising 26 hours of lectures, 13 hours of tutorials and labs, and general instruction including self-paced reading, formal presentations and other student-centred discussion.
This unit offers a combination of theory and practical case studies with emphasis placed on the solution of technical problems and the knowledge required to solve these problems. The lectures will be based on industry practice and experience, research knowledge and these will be underpinned by tutorials, demonstrations, reading and the application of knowledge to solving problems. Tutorial sessions will involve individual questioning as well as group work and peer interaction rather than guided problem solving, with feedback coming from the whole group.
Assessment
Assessment includes two short reports based on a small technical task and a final research project. The final research project will have its foundation in the assignments.
You will also undertake some formative (unmarked) problem solving tasks and peer/group discussion to develop and challenge your thinking and learning skills in tutorial sessions throughout the semester.Formative feedback will occur through verbal tutor and peer group interactions throughout the semester. Written and verbal feedback will be provided for assessment results and completed CRA sheets will be available for each assessment item.
Assessment name:
Report
Description:
You will individually research topics related to but not covered directly in the main content of the unit. You will prepare a written and illustrated report answering questions provided to you in the Assignment 1 handout.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 4
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group with Individual Component
Due date:
Wk 5, Wk 10 & Wk13
Assessment name:
Quiz/Test
Description:
You will individually master the relevant concepts and apply discipline knowledge to solve specific problems covered in the main content of the unit.
Relates to objectives:
1, 3
Weight:
20%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Wk 4 & Wk 9
Assessment name:
Examination (written)
Description:
You will individually apply discipline knowledge to solve specific problems covered in the main content of the unit.
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3, 4
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Prescribed and recommended books
Various references will be advised during lectures. Additional material will be made available through the Blackboard website: http://blackboard.qut.edu.au
Reference book: Dharma Prakash Agrawal, Qing-An Zeng, Introduction to Wireless and Mobile Systems, 3rd Edition, 2011
Textbook: Pratap Misra and Per Enge, Global Positioning System: signals, measurements and performance, Second Edition (2006)
Risk assessment statement
You will undertake lectures in the classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit. The unit will require you to work in the software laboratories at QUT and to perform the safety inductions for these laboratories. You are also required to follow the Health and Safety protocols associated with software laboratory work.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 13-Sep-2012
