18-750-RW   Wireless Networks and Applications

Course description

This course introduces fundamental concepts of wireless networks. The design of wireless networks is influenced heavily by how signals travel through space, so the course starts with an introduction to the wireless physical layer, presented in a way that is accessible to a broad range of students. The focus of the course is on wireless MAC concepts including CSMA, TDMA/FDMA, and CDMA. It also covers a broad range of wireless networking standards, and reviews important wireless network application areas (e.g., sensor networks, vehicular) and other applications of wireless technologies (e.g., GPS, RFID, sensing, etc.). Finally, we will touch on public policy issues, e.g., as related to spectrum use.

Learning objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to explain the core challenges of wireless networking and how the physical layer shapes network design, understand and compare key wireless MAC techniques, and identify major standards such as WiFi, Bluetooth, and LTE. They will be able to analyze how wireless networks support mobility, security, and Internet performance, evaluate advanced applications like sensor, mesh, and vehicular networks, and discuss basic public policy considerations related to spectrum use.

Content details

The course will specifically cover:

• Wireless networking challenges
• Wireless communication overview
• Wireless MAC concepts
• Overview of cellular standards and LTE
• Overview of wireless MAC protocols WiFi, bluetooth and personal area networks, etc.
• Wireless in today's Internet: TCP over wireless, mobility, security, etc.
• Advanced topics, e.g., mesh and vehicular networks, sensor networks, DTNs, localization, sensing, etc.

Prerequisite

Basic background in computer systems and computer systems architecture. C and/or Java programming skills are needed for the project.