Introduction to Telecommunication: Course Information

Description

Telecommunication networks connect billions of people and devices, carrying everything from phone calls to the internet. This introductory module gives students a broad first look at how these systems work. It begins with the history of telecommunications and current trends. Students then learn the elementary concepts: analog and digital signals, communication channels, bandwidth and filtering, the effects of noise, the radio spectrum, wave propagation and modulation. Next the module covers how information is transmitted over guided and unguided media and how multiplexing hierarchies support high-speed networks. Students are introduced to access networks such as the PSTN, DSL, wireless local loop and mobile systems, and to the basics of switching, signalling and teletraffic. The networking part of the module covers topologies, network types, layered architectures, internetworking and security, including public-key encryption. The module closes with the everyday devices people use to communicate, such as telephones, radio and TV receivers, modems and cellular phones, and how they operate. On completion, students will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of communication systems, distinguish analog from digital principles, and describe the structure and operation of modern telecommunication and computer networks.

The main goal of the course is to give students a clear, broad foundation in how telecommunication systems and networks work, from signals and transmission to the networks and devices we use every day.

Intended Audience

BSc students in areas of communication and networking

Course Textbook

(Pearson Education)

• B. P. Lathi, Modern Digital and Analog Communication Systems, Oxford University Press. (Latest Edition)

• Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet, James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross, 3rd Edition, Addison Wesley (Pearson Education)

Lectures

2 hours/week, 14 to 15 weeks

Grading

• Standard university grading applies
  

• The course evaluation consists of

  • Assignments, Project 40%

  • Fnal examination: 60%

Course Learning Outcomes

After finishing the course, the student should be able to

• Explain basic concepts related to communication systems.

• Differentiate between analog and digital communications principles.

• Describe basic aspects of a computer network.

• Differentiate between network topologies and types of networks.

• Discuss the operation of end user equipment in communications.

Working load

3h per Week 14 to 15 weeks

Credits

This is a 2 credit course.

Teaching and learning methodology

The lectures will be mainly based on blackboard and slides.

Prerequisites

• None