Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• Major performance measures in communication systems
• Major factors that influence the performance of a communication system
• Techniques for increasing the resilience towards errors in the considered type of communication system
• At least one of the following aspects:
  • Digital communication of analog or digital data over a stochastic fading channel. A basic wireless communication system and identify the individual blocks and their interaction. Thus, comprising the ends of the communication links, the transmission technique, the access technology as well as the fading channel. The interaction of multiple communication links which are jointly considered to optimize system performance. Performance enhancing properties of multi antenna system or other technology, in a wireless communication system, with focus on the lower layers of the communication chain. Channel characterization and processing algorithms to exploit multi link radio propagation mechanisms of multiple antenna systems.
• or
  • System design methodologies within distributed systems in general. How choices of architecture, topology and technology influence the performance, robustness and security aspects of a distributed system. Methods and tools to achieve fault tolerant, secure and efficient operation of a distributed system. Protocol design to support distributed mode of operation in a communication network. Data access and data delivery in a scalable manner. Data management issues in complex networks

Skills

• conduct synthesis of theories, methods and techniques used for at least one of the following:
  • robust communication
  • distribution, storage and processing of data in a distributed system
  • secure communication
  • Capacity, energy optimizations etc   
• apply relevant theories, methods and techniques to the chosen system to ensure that at least one of the following requirements are satisfied:
• performance, robustness, reliability or security requirements, timing requirements and/ or reliability requirements in connection with distribution, storage or processing of data
• deal with at least one of the following:
  • Compare and evaluate the stochastically varying links, apply and assess stabilization methods to compensate for these variations.
  • Evaluate the space and frequency dispersive behavior of the channel.
  • Must be able to evaluate and select among different multi antenna techniques for channel stabilization and capacity enhancement.
  • Evaluate the impact on system performance, by joint treatment of links in a multi-user/multi- network scenario – or other interaction mechanisms
  • Design protocols and algorithms that are able to support e.g. disruption tolerant networking, multi-hop communication in sensor networks, embedded systems, real-time and multimedia systems, content distribution networks, peer-to-peer systems, large scale distributed systems, storage and file systems, autonomic computing, network security.

Competences

• undertake the construction of a well-functioning robust communication system yielding high performance and efficiency.
• Communicate the project work in sound scientific and academic form
• Contribute successfully to team work within the problem area and make a common presentation of the project work

Type of instruction

Types of instruction are listed at the start of §17; Structure and contents of the programme.

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• An approved PBL competency profile is a prerequisite for participation in the project exam

Exams