Introduction to wireless systems and networks. Evolution of wireless mobile communication systems. Propagation and path-loss in wireless communication. Analytical and empirical propagation path-loss models. Types of fading and channel characterization. Radio planning principles for cellular systems. Types of interference. Mobility management and handover process. Techniques for efficient allocation and management of radio resources. Digital modulation techniques for mobile communication systems and channel capacity. Medium access control protocols and multiple access techniques FDMA, TDMA, CDMA and OFDMA as well as how they are implemented in the respective wireless cellular systems GSM, GPRS/EDGE, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A. Introduction to the technological features of future 5G systems.

The course offers an introduction to mobile communication networks, i.e. GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE and LTE-A. The operating principles and main features of these systems are studied, and the course concludes with a short introduction to the features of future wireless networks (5G).

The lab part of the course includes a set of carefully selected exercises to accelerate the learning process. Through simulation, the students study basic processes of a mobile telephony system, such as Call Admission Control, Management of radio channel quality in Line Of Sight (LOS) and NLOS scenarios, as well as transmission rate management using Adaptive Modulation and Coding (AMC).

Upon completion of the course the student:

• will have understood the concepts of cellular radio coverage, cellular planning and radio resource management (Call Admission Control, Wireless Channel Capacity and Quality, Dedicated and Shared Channel Management, Service based QoS differentiation etc.) at advanced mobile communications systems.
• will be able to utilise basic RRM techniques to calculate the network resources that are required to achieve a QoS (Quality of Service) target.
• will be able to calculate and analyse the key performance indicators of a mobile communication system.

Not required.

1. A. Kanatas, P. Constantinou, G. Pantos «Mobile Communications Systems», Papasotiriou, 2013.
2. M.E. Theologou, «Mobile and Personal Communications Networks», 2nd edition, Tziola, 2010.
3. S Louvros, «The LTE Network», New Tech Pub, 2014.
4. S. R. Saunders, A. Aragon-Zavala, "Antennas and Propagation for Wireless Communication Systems", 2nd Edition., 2016

1. LTE Self-Organising Networks (SON) : network management automation for operational efficiency, Seppo Hamalainen, Henning Sanneck, Siznia Sartori, Wiley, 2012
2. LTE for UMTS : evolution to LTE-Advanced, Harri Holma and Antti Toskala, Wiley, 2011
3. LTE for 4G Mobile Broadband: Air Interface Technologies And Performance, Farooq Khan 1st ed. Repr, Cambridge University Press, 2010, c2009
4. WCDMA for UMTS : HSPA evolution and LTE, Harri Holma and Antti Toskala, 4th ed., Wiley, c2007

• Written exams (70%), consisting of comprehension/reasoning questions and problem solving.
• Laboratory exercises: 30%

Face-to-face.