NETW 125
Introduction to Wireless
January 5, 2004
Michael Qaissaunee
NETW 1XX: Introduction to Wireless
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course introduces wireless networking over a range of applications, from cell
phones to wireless local area networks to broadband wide area network links to
satellite. Students will be able to describe the advantages and disadvantages of
wireless communication in general, and understand the difference between radio and
infrared. The course will cover WLANs, and in particular 802.11b, 802.11a, and
802.11g - configuration and security problems. It will present cell phone technology,
including 2, 2.5, and 3 G, and examine WAP and SMS. Finally, it will examine fixed
broadband wireless and satellite communications. (Prerequisites: ENGL 095 OR
PASSING SCORE ON BASIC SKILLS)
PREREQUISITES ENGL 095 OR PASSING SCORE ON BASIC SKILLS
REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS
Ciampa, Mark, Guide to Wireless Communications, Course Technology, 2002, ISBN 0619-12000-2 and CWNA – Certified Wireless Network Administrator; McGraw
Hill/Osborne; ISBN: 0-07-222902-0
STUDENT PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Students are expected to be present and punctual for all scheduled classes and labs.
Students will be evaluated according to performance in the following categories:
 Two tests
 Quizzes at the instructor’s discretion
 Lab activities and hands-on performance tests
 In-class assignments, homework, and class participation
 A research paper and oral presentation
 A final exam
If you have a documented disability and would like to request an
accommodation and/or academic adjustment, contact the Disability Services
Office at (732) 224 2730 or TTY (732) 842 4211.
FINAL GRADE
The final grade will be determined by the following:
30%
Exams, quizzes, research paper and presentation
30%
Homework, labs and hand-on performance tests
20%
Final
20%
Participation and in-class assignments
100% Grade for the Course
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NETW 1XX: Introduction to Wireless
The following scale will be used to determine satisfactory progress on each unit
examination and for the final as follows:
Final Grade
Range
A
90 to 100
B
80 to 89
C
70 to 79
D
65 to 69
F
Below 65
CORE COMPETENCIES
Communication
The student will communicate information and ideas clearly and effectively in the written
and spoken form, and will demonstrate effective listening and reading skills.
Critical Thinking
The student will think clearly, critically and creatively to analyze information, identify
solutions, make logical decisions and solve problems.
Information Literacy
The student will identify a need for information and collect, analyze, organize and
evaluate information from a variety of sources. The student will synthesize, document
and present information.
Technological Literacy
The student will use computer systems and other appropriate forms of technology to
achieve professional, educational, and personal objectives.
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NETW 1XX: Introduction to Wireless
INCOMPLETE
It is the student's responsibility to submit all classwork on a timely basis, and it is
expected that all course requirements be completed by the last class meeting. In cases
of hardship or emergency, your instructor may grant a grade of INC. In order to be
considered for the grade INC, the student must have satisfactorily completed 80% of the
course, have a passing test average, and must meet with the instructor prior to the
last class meeting to discuss this option. Your instructor is under no obligation to grant
an INC. In the event that you are granted an INC, it must be completed by the first week
of the following semester or an earlier date specified by the instructor. You will be
required to withdraw from the next course in a sequence if you have not successfully
completed an INC with a C or better before the first meeting.
WITHDRAWING FROM CLASS
Last day to withdraw from a class with a grade W is the 10th week. While a W does not
affect your GPA, it may have impact if you are receiving Financial Aid. Before
withdrawing from any class, you should consult with your counselor, or a Financial Aid
representative.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity is submitting one's own work, and properly acknowledging the work
of others. Any violation of this principle constitutes academic dishonesty. Forms of
academic dishonesty include:
Plagiarism
Submitting another's work, in whole or part, as one's own. This includes an
examination, a computer program, a laboratory report, or a written assignment.
Facilitating Academic Dishonesty
Helping another commit an act of dishonesty, such as substituting for an
examination or completing an assignment for someone else.
Cheating
Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials on an examination or assignment,
such as using unauthorized texts or notes or improperly obtaining, or attempting to
obtain, copies of an examination or answers to an examination.
Illegal System Access
Altering, transmitting, or permitting unauthorized individuals to access your account,
or an attempt to alter or destroy system files on any server or computer. This also
includes altering, transmitting, or attempting to alter or transmit academic information
or records by unauthorized individuals.
Students that participate in dishonest activities:
 will receive a 0 for that project, examination, or assignment
 may be given a grade of F for the course
 will be reported to the Dean for disciplinary action
For additional information, refer to the current Brookdale Community College Student
Handbook.
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NETW 1XX: Introduction to Wireless
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless Communications
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Explain how the major wireless technologies are used today
 Describe the applications used in wireless technology
 List and explain the advantages of wireless technology
 List and explain the disadvantages of wireless technology
Chapter 2: How Wireless Works
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Explain how network data is represented using binary notation
 List and explain the two types of wireless transmission
 Describe the different ways in which data can be transmitted by radio waves
Chapter 3: Understanding Radio Frequency Communications
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 List the components of a radio system
 Describe how different factors affect the design of a radio system
 Tell why standards are beneficial and list the major telecommunications
standards organizations
 Explain the radio frequency spectrum
Chapter 4: Infrared
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Explain the differences between the OSI communications model and the IEEE
802 communications standards
 Tell how an infrared WLAN transmits data
 Describe the features of IrDA
Chapter 5: Bluetooth
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Explain how Bluetooth is used
 Tell how Bluetooth works
 Describe several issues that Bluetooth faces
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NETW 1XX: Introduction to Wireless
Chapter 6: Low-Speed Wireless Local Area Networks
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Give examples of how WLANs are used today
 List the components and modes of a WLAN
 Tell the advantages and disadvantages of HomeRF
 Explain the background of IEEE 802.11 WLANs
 Describe how an 802.11b network functions
Chapter 7: High-Speed WLANs and WLAN Security
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Tell how IEEE 802.11a networks function and how they differ from IEEE 802.11b
networks
 List the advantages and disadvantages of an IEEE 802.11g network
 Describe HiperLAN/2 networks
 Compare low-speed and high-speed WLANs
 Explain basic and enhanced WLAN security facilities
Chapter 8: Digital Cellular Telephony
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Describe the applications that can be used on a digital cellular telephone
 Explain how cellular telephony functions
 List and describe the features of the generations of cellular telephony
 List and describe the four types of client software used on a digital cellular
telephone
 Discuss the issues surrounding 3G implementation
Chapter 9: Fixed Wireless
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 Define fixed wireless
 Explain the features of a remote wireless bridge
 List and describe three types of land-based fixed broadband wireless devices
 Tell how satellite transmissions work
Chapter 10: Wireless Communications in Business
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, students will be able to:
 List the advantages of wireless communications
 Discuss the challenges of wireless communications
 Explain the steps needed to build a wireless infrastructure
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NETW 1XX: Introduction to Wireless
RESEARCH PROJECT
Communication skills, both oral and written, are a widely recognized issue in the field of
information technology. Many people who are technically proficient have limited skills in
communicating with coworkers and end users. To address this issue each student will
provide a written research paper, and an oral presentation in class.
SUGGESTED RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS
1. Infrared networking
2. Bluetooth PAN devices
3. Home RF/SWAP
4. 802.11g networks
5. Security for 802.11a and 802.11b networks
6. Implementing an 802 network with at least 10 access points
7. 802.11community networks and hot spots
8. Enhancement of PDAs with 802.11 technologies
9. Programming for the cell phone
10. Email and text messaging on the cell phone
11. Integration of PDAs, pagers, and cellular telephony
12. Wireless options for connecting offices and warehouses within a company
13. Last-mile wireless connections
14. Career options in wireless in the local area
15. A project plan for a wireless roll-out
16. Elective topic
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