1. Mobile &Wireless Computing
IT 351
Mobile &Wireless Computing
Semester 2,
Dr. Hala Mokhtar
Room 79- 2nd floor 1

2. Module Overview Objectives:
To provide an introductory overview of the module and discuss the involved concepts.

3. Course overview
This course will examine the area of mobile and wireless networking, looking at the unique network protocol challenges and opportunities presented by wireless communication and host or router mobility. Although this course will touch on some of the important physical layer properties of radio and infrared communications, it will focus on network protocols above the physical layer, with an emphasis on the media access control, network and transport protocol layers.
Aims:
To develop an understanding of the theory and practice of building wireless and mobile networks.
To provide an in-depth study of the requirements of wireless / mobile communications, including the development of standards for wireless networks.
To examine current developments associated with wireless communications and mobile networks.

4. Learning Outcomes After completing the module you should be able to:
Explain the main issues and challenges associated with wireless radio communications – Physical layer
Describe the architecture of GSM cellular system and understand its operation
Differentiate between the different satellite systems and describe their advantages and disadvantages
Describe the architecture, protocols and major issues of wireless LANs
Describe the architecture and operation of Bluetooth networks 4

5. Learning Outcomes (cont.)
Explain the main concept of Mobile-IP and its main problems
Describe and analyze the different internetworking challenges and solutions in wireless mobile networks-Network and Transport Layers.
Appreciate the quick changes of the mobile and wireless standards and technologies
Search for information relevant to networking concepts.

6. Assessment Details (to be discussed)
Minimum pass mark 60%.
30% Two Mid Exams
10% Lecture Quiz
20% Homework & Assignments
40% Final exam
Date: Sunday 3 June 2012

7. Recommended reading Text books: Course Notes
Schiller, J. (2003) 'Mobile Communications', 2nd Edition, Addison-Wesley (Pearson), [Primary]
Stallings, W. (2005) 'Wireless Communications and Networks', 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall (Pearson),
Course Notes
Copies of lecture slides along with other relevant material will be available via wordpress blog:
Electronic resources
A large number of resources exist on the Internet. These include book chapters, academic papers, FAQs, online workshops, programs and other relevant material from academic institutes around the world.

8. Outline Syllabus Introduction & History
Physical Layer: Wireless Radio Communications
MAC Layer & Architectures Overview
Wireless LAN
AdHoc – Bluetooth, and Wireless Applications
Telecommunication Systems (GSM,UMTS)
Satellite Systems
Mobile Network Layer: IP and Addressing Issues
Mobile Transport Layer: TCP and Transport Issues
Application Layer

9. Module Overview - Terminology
Mobile (On the Move, Anywhere, Anytime)
Mobile computers do not have to be wirelessly connected, e.g. a Laptop being plugged in to the university Ethernet network.
Mobile computers must be able to change their point of attachment.
Wireless (Connecting without Wires)
Wireless computers don’t have to be mobile, e.g. a wall mounted sensor (CCTV Camera). Wireless computers are not connected to the network physically.

10. Module Overview - Terminology
Two aspects of mobility:
user mobility: users communicate (wireless) “anytime, anywhere, with anyone”
device portability: devices can be connected anytime, anywhere to the network
Wireless vs. mobile Examples   stationary computer   notebook in a hotel   wireless LANs in historic buildings   Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
The demand for mobile communication creates the need for integration of wireless networks into existing fixed networks:
local area networks: standardization of IEEE
Internet: Mobile IP extension of the internet protocol IP
wide area networks: e.g., internetworking of GSM and ISDN, VoIP over WLAN and POTS

11. Module Overview - Terminology
Wireless Applications
Networked applications based on nodes that use wireless communications to share information with other wireless nodes or with a wireless network infrastructure.
Wireless Architecture
The components of a network system that together make up an infrastructure to support wireless nodes, including the software and hardware of nodes, access points, routers, etc.

12. Module Overview –Wireless & Mobility Challenges
Low & variable bandwidth
Severe power restrictions
Storage and interface constraints
Security and data risks
Address migration
Location dependant information
Heterogeneity .
And many others…

13. Module Overview - Issues
Communications
OSI Layers 1 and 2 (Physical & Data Link)
The ‘enabler’ of wireless to provide networking
Features include:
Managing the ‘air’ interface
Low level access controls
Power and energy control
Spectrum management
Medium access protocols

14. Module Overview - Architectures
Fixed-Wireless
Main component is Fixed network
Wireless ‘at the edge’
E.g. Wireless LAN
Cellular
Special case of Fixed-Wireless
Large scale WAN, network is partitioned into cells
E.g. GSM
Ad-Hoc
No infrastructure or central control unit
Bluetooth networks, sensor networks

15. Module Overview - Issues
Internetworking
OSI Layers 3 and 4 (Network & Transport)
The ‘glue’ binding wireless links to apps.
Features include:
Global Addressing scheme
End-to-End routing scheme
Congestion and Flow control
Security
Quality of Service (QoS)
Ad Hoc network control

16. Module Overview - Applications
Applications of Wireless
Same as fixed networks
Web browsing, file sharing, etc.
Outdoors and on-the-move computing
Laptop on the train, WAP on mobile phone etc.
Location-based services
City guides, context shopping, GPS etc.
Pervasive and Ubiquitous Computing
Networked Appliances, Sensor Networks, Smart Spaces