CC5901 - Low-Power and Wide-Area loT Communications Network

The world of communications is adapting to the Internet of Things (IoT), with new types of wireless networks (such as low-power wide-area (LPWA) networks), protocols and infrastructure being developed to match the specific challenges and demands of this rapidly growing technology. This subject will address these challenges and provide participants with the in-depth knowledge needed to understand and work with IoT wireless networks. The subject will cover a wide range of new wireless network technologies and standards relating to all aspects of IoT, including 3GPP networks, NB-IoT, LoRa, SIGFOX and others, and a look at how these networks will evolve into 5G.

Learning Outcomes

• define major standard groups and alliances;
• describe IoT spectrum allocation;
• explain massive machine-type communications (MTC);
• compare low-power and wide-area (LPWA) communications;
• construct a LPWA communications network, including the analysis of its power consumption and transmission range;
• design a LPWA user terminal based upon NB-IoT and/or LoRa;
• simulate the performance of a LPWA network.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (50%) - Individual
• Written > Test/Quiz 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Research report - (20%) - Individual
• Performance/Practice/Product > Practical assessment/practical skills demonstration - (20%) - Individual.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.