EE 543 Telecommunications Switching and Transmission Systems
Fall, 2003
Projects: Each student will define and carry out a project involving a communication
system problem. The project report will be written and completed at the end of the
semester. The project will include:
 definition of the problem,
 analysis of requirements,
 selection of system architecture including relationships within and between
network functions, and
 design, including selection of technologies, equipment and protocols.
The project should address performance, scalability, extensibility and cost. Before
conducting the project, each student will prepare a one page project description and
outline for discussion with the instructor and approval. Final project reports are expected
to be 10 to 20 pages in length and include discussion of the state of the art, alternative
approaches, trade offs and references.
A project might include
 developing a model and carrying out a simulation (OPNET Modeler is available
for class use)
 analysis
 literature survey (library and/or web)
 experimental work
Project ideas
•Video system for robotic probes
•Ad hoc wireless networks for autonomous vehicles
•Information system for highway condition surveillance
•Networking digital cameras: the electronic postcard
•An IP-based wireless voice network for student residence halls
•Using high altitude balloons for temporary cell sites
•An all-optical fiber network architecture for MSU
•A reliable communications network for the power grid
•Using free-space optical beams for high-speed Internet access
•Voice over IP: ready for widespread use yet?
•Designing distributed control systems with unreliable communications networks
•Providing Internet services for air travelers
•Personal video-on-demand services over the Internet
•The prospects for providing Internet access by satellite
•Peer-peer ad hoc networks: where do they fit in?
Deliverables:
1. Project description and outline: November 3
2. Written report (10-20 pages): December 15
3. Oral presentation (optional): to be scheduled in December
Project Example
Title: Using Free Space Optical Beams for High-Speed Internet Access
Project Description: This project will explore the feasibility of using free-space optical
beams to provide High-Speed Internet access. The project will first describe an
application scenario: providing two-way high-speed communications between a fixed end
user location and a network access point. The project will examine the currently available
optical technologies to determine the general parameters that define their use: range,
bandwidth, atmospheric conditions, reliability, safety and cost. This information will be
acquired through a search of the literature and use of data available from vendor web
sites. This assessment of the state-of-the-art will be used to establish a set of system
requirements including coverage, down-stream and up-stream bandwidth, availability,
service quality and customer equipment cost. A plausible network architecture will be
proposed and specific technology choices, such as wavelengths, optical power, antenna
types, lasers and receivers, etc., will be discussed. This discussion will include
considerations of cost versus performance for various technology choices, as well as
limitations in services that can be provided and applications that can be supported.
The project will describe a deployment scenario, including a system definition,
architecture and topology, typical customer installation, and inter-working with the
commercial Internet and other networks. The project will conclude with an assessment of
the feasibility of using free-space optical technology in an area such as Bozeman.
Outline
1. Internet access requirements
2. Free-space optical beam systems
a. System architecture
b. Typical performance and applications
i. Range
ii. Bandwidth/throughput/capacity
iii. Wavelengths used
iv. Limitations
1. atmospheric attenuation
2. safety
c. Components
i. Laser transmitters
ii. Receivers
d. Availability of technology
i. Products available
ii. Costs and performance
3. Internet access application scenario
a. System requirements
b. Architecture
c. Topology
d. Design
e. Customer equipment
f. Interworking with other networks