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MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
MSIT 413: Wireless Technologies
General Information
Michael L. Honig
Department of EECS
Northwestern University
January 2016
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
Course Structure
•  First 5 weeks taught by Michael Honig
–  Focus on technology
•  Last 5 weeks taught by Peggy Matson
–  Focus on applications
•  This introduction pertains primarily to the first 5 weeks.
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
Schedule Change
•  Jan 16 (next week): Both the morning and afternoon
sessions will be Wireless Technologies (full day…)
•  Feb 6 (5th week): Both the morning and afternoon
sessions will be Marketing (full day…)
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
•  This course is:
–  A course which focuses on wireless access
•  This course is not:
–  A course on core networking
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
•  This course is:
–  A course which focuses on wireless access
–  A course on fundamental principles
•  This course is not:
–  A course on core networking
–  A course on technical standards and systems
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
•  This course is:
–  A course which focuses on wireless access
–  A course on fundamental principles
–  A technical course
•  This course is not:
–  A course on core networking
–  A course on technical standards and systems
–  An engineering or business course
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
•  Topics this course covers:
–  Overview of wireless systems and standards
•  Cellular, WLAN, PAN, emerging systems
–  Limitations on the performance of wireless systems
•  Interference, propagation, mobility
–  Digital modulation techniques (QAM, OFDM)
–  Multiple access techniques (CDMA, OFDMA)
–  Cellular data and wireless LANs
–  Mobility management
–  New and emerging technologies
(5G, small-cell networks, cognitive radio)
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
•  Topics which are not covered:
–  Security (left for another course)
–  Particular applications such as RF ID’s
(part of special topics class)
–  Antenna design
–  Source coding methods for voice, images, video
–  Multimedia protocols (SIP)
–  Wireless browsers, mobile apps
–  Business case analyses of specific technologies
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
Text
•  There are many books on wireless communications
and networks:
–  Almost all are for engineering students
–  Some are for network technicians or operators
–  Some emphasize core networking
•  As a compromise, I have chosen the engineering text
by Rappaport, a reference text (Pahlavan & Levesque)
and supplemental handouts.
•  Homeworks and the quiz will pertain only to material
covered in class. Reading assignments are meant to
reinforce this material.
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
Grading
•  50% project, 25% homework, 20% test (6th week),
5% class participation
•  Homeworks:
–  There will be 3 homeworks meant to review concepts covered
in class.
–  I encourage working in groups; however, assignments should
be written up individually.
(Please, no copying – grades are assigned individually.)
•  Test:
–  1 hour, mostly multiple choice
–  Meant to review homeworks, main concepts
–  Motivates questions about material, gives useful feedback
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
Project
•
Assigned to a team preferably consisting of 3 or 4 students.
•
Should emphasize an application of wireless technology;
(e.g., impact of 5G, case study/analysis, new/emerging
applications, etc.)
•
Project grade is based on both a presentation (about 20%) and a
written report (about 80%). The written report should be about
20 pages (more or less depending on group size).
•
The project grade will apply to all group members with the
following modification: each team member will be asked to
evaluate the contributions of the other team members. That
evaluation can potentially raise or lower the grade.
•
See “project guidelines” (on class website) for more details
about grading, and “project suggestions” for suggested topics.
N O R T HWE S T E R N
U N I V E R S I T Y
MSIT | Master of Science in Information Technology
Project Schedule
•
January 30 (week 4):
–  One- to two-page proposals are due specifying team
members, project objectives, and specific contributions from
team members.
•
Additional progress reports will be assigned as homework.
•
March 12 (week 10):
project presentations; reports are due.