Course content

This course provides a comprehensive overview of mobile wireless networks. It will cover the fundamentals of mobile wireless communication with special emphasis on cellular communications and signalling, briefly presenting multiple access techniques. Access and core networks (from GSM to 5G) are examined as well as their main functional network elements. Mobility and session management are covered, together with standard communication protocols and frameworks over IP.

Learning outcome

A. Knowledge: To be able to remember, understand and analyse:

1. the design and the trade-off between capacity and coverage in a cellular-based mobile wireless system;
2. the fundamental functions of mobility;
3. signalling in IP networks;
4. concepts and principles of mobility and mobile communications;

B. Skills: To be able to:

1. communicate, reason and creatively think about mobility and mobile communications;
2. design, implement and use mobile communication systems;
3. communicate, reason and creatively think about IP network signalling;

C. General competence: To be able to use the acquired knowledge and skills for:

1. responsibly applying mobile communication and mobile networking principles in a societal context;
2. collaborating to the development of wireless mobile networks, both independently and in teams.

The course teaches how to responsibly apply mobile communication and mobile networking principles in a societal context. Therefore, it can contribute to all UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) where digital solutions can benefit from global and affordable mobile network connectivity.

Learning methods and activities

The course uses team-based learning. Lectures and exercises are combined. The intention is to facilitate learning and to provide feedback to students throughout the semester, and enable learning in the context of realistic scenarios through projects.

Throughout the semester, students receive feedback on their level of preparation through Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs), which are multiple-choice tests that are done during class time. Each test introduces the students to a new subset of concepts.

To develop skills and knowledge on higher cognitive levels, students also conduct up to 3 practical assignments and compulsory oral presentations in teams throughout the semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Oral presentations

Further on evaluation

Three assessments provide the basis for the final grade in the course, Readiness Assurance Tests (RATs), a portfolio and a digital final exam that count for 30, 40 and 30% of the final grade, respectively. All three parts must be passed in order to pass the course. The results for each of the parts are given with a letter grade.

The portfolio includes practical assignments that students conduct throughout the semester in teams. The teams hand in reports on their proposed solutions and answers, and present them orally and receive feedback throughout the semester in various ways, including feedback by peers, teaching assistants and the teacher. The exact details of the deliveries and requirements are carefully explained at the beginning of the term.

The RATs, the practical assignments and the exam are given in English only. The exam can be answered in English or in Norwegian.

If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from digital exam to oral exam.

If a student also after the re-sit exam has the final grade F/failed, the student must repeat the entire course. Also in the case a student wants to try to improve their grade, they must repeat all three assessments.

Recommended previous knowledge

TTM4200 Computer Networks and TTM4105 Access and transport networks or equivalent.

Course materials

To be announced at the beginning of the term.

Credit reductions