CS 410 Top: Wireless Networking Concepts

Credit Hours: 4
Course Coordinator: N/A
Course Description: Students will be introduced to emerging wireless networks with particular emphasis on protocol analysis. Using probabilistic and simulation techniques, the performance of protocols such as ALOHA, CSMA, and 802.11 will be studied. In addition, challenges related to multi-hop wireless networks will also be studied in some detail. The impact of wireless channels on higher layer protocols such as TCP will be described and proposed solutions discussed. Issues relating to the use of adaptive antenna arrays and directional antennas in wireless networks will be studied in some depth.
Prerequisites: Introductory courses in statistics and calculus.
Goals: Develop protocol analysis skills including Markov chain models, approximation, and modeling. Learn emerging wireless network standards such as 802.11xyz, CDMA. Understand impact of wireless channel models on higher layer performance. Learn challenges and solutions in multi-hop wireless networks.

Upon the successful completion of this course students will be able to:

  1. Analyze performance of medium access control protocols using probability and modeling techniques developed in class.
  2. Create new wireless protocols for specific environments.
  3. Analyze the impact of different types of antennas on protocol performance.
  4. Explain the impact of the wireless propagation environment on the behavior of higher layer protocols such as TCP and UDP.
  5. Apply existing MAC solutions by combining them appropriately to new problems.
  6. Explain how current standards such as 802.11x work.
  7. Explain the major challenges in mobile wireless networks.
Textbooks: None. Instructor provides handouts for each topic covered.
References: None.
Major Topics: Protocol analysis; MAC protocols including ALOHA, CSMA, 802.11, CDMA; Adaptive antenna arrays; Directional antennas; Routing protocols for multi-hop wireless networks; TCP over wireless.
Laboratory Exercises: None.

CAC Category Credits Core Advanced
Data Structures none none
Algorithms none none
Software Design none none
Computer Architecture none none
Programming Languages none none

Oral and Written Communications: None.
Social and Ethical Issues: None.
Theoretical Content: Markov chain (4 hours); Performance analysis using standard probability (12 hours).
Problem Analysis: There are two primary analysis experiences: First, performance analysis of protocols using probabilistic techniques. Second, protocol correctness via intuitive proofs.
Solution Design: Design of new protocols for specific applications which involves simple modifications to protocols studied in class.