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NCC 314 Lecture Note

The document provides an overview of wireless communication systems, detailing their components, types, and principles, including mobile communication and WLANs. It discusses the evolution of mobile communication through various generations, from 1G to 5G, highlighting advancements in technology and standards. Additionally, it covers radio wave propagation, factors affecting it, and the significance of WLANs in modern connectivity.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
64 views17 pages

NCC 314 Lecture Note

The document provides an overview of wireless communication systems, detailing their components, types, and principles, including mobile communication and WLANs. It discusses the evolution of mobile communication through various generations, from 1G to 5G, highlighting advancements in technology and standards. Additionally, it covers radio wave propagation, factors affecting it, and the significance of WLANs in modern connectivity.

Uploaded by

nsikanekpefiong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

Introduction to Wireless Communication Systems

Definition and Importance: Wireless communication allows the transmission of


information without the use of wires or cables. Its importance lies in facilitating mobile
connectivity in various applications, including telecommunication, internet access,
broadcasting, and remote monitoring.

2. Components of Wireless Communication are

Transmitter: Converts messages into signals and sends them through the air.

Receiver: Captures the wireless signals and converts them back into usable information.

Antennas: Serve as the interface between the transmitter/receiver and the wireless
medium; they can be designed for various frequencies and polarization.

Modulation Techniques: Methods used to encode information into the carrier wave,
including AM, FM, QAM, and PSK.

channels and Bandwidth: The medium of transmission (e.g., radio waves), and the range
of frequencies used.

3. Types of Wireless Communication Systems

Cellular Networks: Offer mobile communication using a network of cells, enabling


phones to connect to various network towers.

WLAN (Wi-Fi): Wireless local area networks for internet access in homes and offices.

Bluetooth: Short-range communication for connecting devices like headphones,


smartwatches, and peripherals

Satellite Communication: Global communication via satellite links, crucial for remote
areas.

RFID: Used for tracking and identification through radio waves.

IoT Communication: Connects devices and sensors for data transmission in automation
and smart technology.

Basic Principles of Wireless Communication

Radio Wave Propagation: Understanding how radio waves travel through different
mediums.

Frequency Allocation: Management of available frequency bands by regulatory bodies


(e.g., FCC).
Signal Path Loss: Factors affecting signal strength over distance.

Multipath Fading: Phenomenon where signals arrive at the receiver via multiple paths,
causing distortion.

Doppler Effect: The change in frequency of a signal when the source or receiver is moving

Wireless Communication Standards

Key Standards: - IEEE 802.11: Wi-Fi protocols governing wireless local area network
communications. - LTE/5G: Standards for mobile communication providing higher data
rates and lower latency. - Zigbee: Standard for low-power, low-data-rate wireless personal
area networks. - Bluetooth: Short-range technology for personal devices.

Mobile Communication

Definition:

Mobile communication refers to the ability to send and receive messages, voice calls, and
data while on the move, utilizing wireless technology. It relies on the transmission of signals
through radio waves, enabling devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and other portable
electronics to connect to a communication network without the need for physical
connections

Key Components of Mobile Communication:

1. Mobile Devices:

These include smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other portable devices equipped with
cellular technology.

2. Base Stations:

Base stations, also known as cell towers, transmit and receive signals to and from mobile
devices. Each base station covers a specific geographical area, known as a cell.

3. Core Network

the core network connects various base stations, providing services such as call routing,
data transfer, and access to the internet.
4. Radio Frequency Spectrum:

Mobile communication uses specific frequency bands allocated for wireless


transmission. These frequency bands are managed by regulatory bodies to avoid
interference and ensure efficient communication.

5. Protocols and Standards:

Mobile communication relies on various protocols and standards such as GSM (Global
System for Mobile Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long-
Term Evolution), and 5G, which define how information is transmitted and received.

How Mobile Communication Works:

1. Signal Transmission:

When a mobile device tries to communicate (e.g., making a call or sending a message), it
sends a signal to the nearest base station.

2. Cellular Architecture: The base station acts as a relay, receiving the signal and
forwarding it through the core network to the intended recipient, which may be another
mobile device or a landline.

3. Handoff: As the user moves, the connection may switch from one base station to
another. This process, known as handoff or handover, allows for continuous
communication without dropping the call or connection.

Types of Mobile Communication:

1. Voice Communication: Traditional phone calls facilitated by cellular networks.

2. Ext Messaging:

Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) allow users to send
text and multimedia messages.

3. Mobile Data:

Access to the internet and online services through mobile data networks, enabling
applications such as social media, streaming, and browsing.

4. Push-to-Talk: Instant communication similar to walkie-talkies, often used in specific


industries.
5. Mobile Apps:

A wide array of applications that can be downloaded onto mobile devices, providing
services such as navigation, gaming, and shopping.

Advantages of Mobile Communication:

Mobility: Allows users to communicate and access information from virtually anywhere.

Convenience: Instant communication via calls, texts, and apps.

Accessibility: Broad coverage allows for communication in remote areas.

Integration: Devices often incorporate various communication services (e.g., voice, video,
data).

Challenges of Mobile Communication:

Signal Limitations: Areas with poor reception or network congestion can affect
connectivity.

Security Risks: Mobile communications are susceptible to eavesdropping, hacking, and


phishing attacks.

Battery Life: Continuous use of mobile communication can drain device batteries quickly.

Interference and Noise: Signals can be affected by physical obstacles (buildings, trees) and
other electronic devices.

Mobile communication has revolutionized how people connect and communicate,


contributing significantly to the global economy and individual lifestyles. With the ongoing
advancements in technology, such as 5G and beyond, mobile communication continues to
evolve, enhancing speed, reliability, and user experience.

Mobile communication has evolved through several generations, each marked by


significant technological advancements that have enhanced speed, capacity, and the
types of services available to users. Here’s a breakdown of the different generations of
mobile communication:

1. First Generation (1G)

Timeline: Late 1970s to early 1990s

Technology: Analog transmission


Key Features:

Voice-only communication with no data services.

Basic features with limited capacity and security.

Provided poor voice quality and was susceptible to interference.

Protocols: AMPS (Advanced Mobile Phone System) in the U.S. and TACS (Total Access
Communication System) in the UK.

Limitations:

Minimal capacity (limited number of concurrent calls).

Inability to support data services (text messaging, internet).

2. Second Generation (2G)

Timeline: Early 1990s to early 2000s

Technology: Digital transmission

Key Features:

Introduced digital signal processing to improve voice quality and capacity.

Enabled short text messaging (SMS) and basic data services (GPRS).

Better security features compared to 1G.

Protocols: GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), IS-95 (CDMA), and TDMA
(Time Division Multiple Access).

Limitations:

Data rates were relatively low (up to 40 kbps).

Limited multimedia capabilities; focus mainly on voice and text.

3. Third Generation (3G)

Timeline: Early 2000s

Technology: Widespread use of packet-switched data

Key Features:

Significant increase in data rates (up to 2 Mbps in practice).


Enabled mobile internet browsing, video calls, and multimedia streaming.

Improved capacity and connectivity with a broader range of services.

Protocols: UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), HSPA (High-Speed


Packet Access), and CDMA2000.

Limitations:

Higher infrastructure costs.

Some regions faced challenges with coverage and service availability.

4. Fourth Generation (4G)

Timeline: Late 2000s to present

Technology: All-IP (Internet Protocol) based networks

Key Features:

Ultra-broadband speeds (up to 100 Mbps for mobile and 1 Gbps for stationary users).

Enhanced smartphone capabilities, such as HD video streaming, online gaming, and


interactive applications.

Introduction of technologies such as LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and WiMAX.

Protocols: LTE, LTE-Advanced.

Limitations:

Continued reliance on backhaul infrastructure improvements.

Higher operational costs due to increased data demand.

5. Fifth Generation (5G)

Timeline: 2019 and ongoing

Technology: The latest generation focused on higher capacity and lower latency

Key Features:
Ultra-fast speeds (10 Gbps or higher) and low latency (as low as 1 ms).

Supports massive machine-type communications (e.g., IoT devices), enhanced mobile


broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC).

- Increased capacity for simultaneous users and devices, enabling new applications like
autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and augmented reality.

Protocols: NR (New Radio), which encompasses the advanced standards for 5G.

Limitations: Initial rollout challenges, including infrastructure development and regulatory


issues. Potential health concerns related to higher frequencies, although studies are
ongoing.

Future Prospects:

With ongoing research and development, the future beyond 5G, sometimes referred to as
6G, is expected to offer even greater speeds, enhanced connectivity, and support for a fully
interconnected society, enabling technologies such as holographic communication,
advanced AI applications, and pervasive sensing.

Each generation of mobile communication has brought significant advancements,


improving the way we connect and communicate. The evolution from 1G's basic voice
services to 5G's high-speed data transmission signifies the rapid technological progress
and the continual growing demand for better mobile services in our increasingly connected
world.

concept of Radio Wave Propagation

Definition: Radio wave propagation refers to the behavior of radio waves as they travel
through the environment from a transmitter to a receiver. Understanding how radio waves
propagate is crucial in wireless communication, as it affects signal strength, coverage area,
and overall communication quality.

Key Aspects of Radio Wave Propagation

1.Travel Mechanisms:

Radio waves can propagate through different mechanisms depending on the frequency,
environment, and distance between the transmitter and receiver. The main mechanisms
include:
Line-of-Sight Propagation: Occurs when the transmitter and receiver are directly visible
to each other. Typically used for high-frequency signals (such as microwave and millimeter-
wave frequencies).Example: Satellite communications and some point-to-point microwave
links.

Ground Wave Propagation: Radio waves travel along the surface of the Earth. More
effective at lower frequencies (below 2 MHz).Ground waves can bend slightly around
obstacles, allowing for some level of communication over hills and buildings Example:
Medium-wave AM radio broadcasts.

Skywave Propagation: Radio waves reflect off the ionosphere, allowing signals to be
transmitted over long distances beyond the horizon. Effective for certain frequencies
(typically HF bands, 3 to 30 MHz). Example: Long-distance amateur radio communications
and some international broadcasting.

2. Factors Affecting Propagation:

Various environmental and atmospheric conditions influence how radio waves behave,
including:

Frequency: Lower frequency waves (e.g., AM radio) can diffract around obstacles and
follow the earth’s curvature.

Higher frequency waves (e.g., microwave) require line-of-sight and do not penetrate
obstacles well.

Introduction to Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs)

Definition:

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a network that allows devices to connect and
communicate wirelessly within a limited geographical area, typically ranging from a few
meters up to a few hundred meters. WLANs use radio waves to transmit data between
devices, providing flexibility and mobility and enabling users to access the network without
the need for physical cabling.

Key Characteristics of WLANs


1. Wireless Connectivity:

WLANs eliminate the need for wired connections, allowing devices such as laptops,
smartphones, tablets, and printers to connect to the network wirelessly.

2. Dynamic Mobility: Users can move freely within the coverage area while remaining
connected to the network, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

3. Flexibility and Scalability: WLANs can easily scale as new devices are added, and they
can be deployed in various environments without the constraints of cabling.

4. Standards Compliance: WLANs adhere to specific standards set by the IEEE, primarily
the IEEE 802.11 family (commonly referred to as Wi-Fi), which defines the protocols and
technologies used for wireless networking.

Significance of WLANs

1. Increased Productivity:

WLANs facilitate easy and quick access to resources such as the internet, printers, and
shared drives, enabling workers to be more productive and collaborative within offices,
schools, and homes.

2. Ease of Deployment:

Compared to traditional wired networks, setting up a WLAN is generally quicker and more
cost-effective, as it avoids the installation of extensive cabling.

3. Cost-Effective Networking:

With reduced infrastructure costs associated with wiring and the ability to utilize existing
broadband connections, WLANs provide a cost-effective solution for many organizations.

4. Support for Mobile Devices:

WLANs enable seamless connectivity for a wide range of mobile devices, including
laptops, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, promoting a flexible work environment and
enhancing user experience.

5. Enhanced Communication:

WLANs support various types of communication, including voice over IP (VoIP), video
conferencing, and real-time collaboration, making them essential for modern workplaces
and educational institutions.

6. Accessibility and Convenience:


WLANs enhance accessibility to network resources, allowing users to connect from
different locations, such as coffee shops, airports, and home offices, thereby supporting
remote work and online learning.

7. Guest Access:

WLANs can provide a separate guest network for visitors, allowing them to access the
internet without compromising the security of the main network.

8. Location-Based Services:

WLANs enable the implementation of location-based services, such as proximity


marketing and asset tracking, which can enhance user engagement and operational
efficiency.

Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) play a crucial role in today's digital landscape,
facilitating seamless communication and connectivity in various environments. Their
flexibility, ease of deployment, and cost-effectiveness make WLANs indispensable for
modern businesses, educational institutions, and households. As technology continues to
evolve, WLANs are expected to further enhance user experiences, support emerging
applications, and provide robust solutions for an increasingly connected world.

Terrain and Obstacles:

Buildings, trees, hills, and any physical barriers can cause reflections, diffraction, and
scattering of radio waves.

Atmospheric Conditions:

Weather, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure can affect signal strength and
propagation patterns. For example, temperature inversions can enhance certain types of
propagation.

Ionospheric Conditions: The ionosphere can reflect certain radio frequencies back to
Earth, which varies with solar activity and time of day, impacting long-distance
communications.

3. Propagation Models:

To predict how radio waves will behave in various environments, several models have
been developed:
Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) Model :Assumes no obstacles and computes loss based
solely on distance and frequency.

Hata Model: Empirical model for urban, suburban, and rural environments, used
extensively for cellular communication design.

COST 231 Model: An extension of the Hata Model that accounts for varying environments,
useful in European urban settings.

Rayleigh Fading Model:

Simulates multipath effects in environments where signals arrive at the receiver from
multiple paths due to reflections, diffractions, and scattering.

4. Multipath Propagation:

In real environments, radio waves often reflect off multiple surfaces before they reach the
receiver. This causes multipath propagation, which can lead to:

Interference: When multiple copies of the same signal arrive at different times, they can
either enhance or degrade the overall signal quality.

Fading: Fluctuations in signal strength due to constructive and destructive interference


caused by the overlapping of multiple paths.

5.Doppler Effect:

The Doppler effect refers to the change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer
moving relative to the source of the wave. In mobile communication, this effect can
influence the received frequency based on the speed and direction of the mobile unit
concerning the base station.

Radio wave propagation is a fundamental concept in understanding wireless


communication systems. By analyzing how radio waves propagate through various
environments and under different conditions, engineers can design more effective
communication systems, ensuring adequate coverage and minimizing interference. Proper
knowledge of propagation principles leads to improved network performance, user
experience, and overall system reliability.
Wi-Fi standards, governed by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers),
have evolved significantly since their inception. Here’s a timeline that outlines the major
Wi-Fi standards, their enhancements, and the corresponding advancements in technology.

Timeline of Wi-Fi Standards

1. IEEE 802.11 (1997)Frequency: 2.4 GHz Maximum Data Rate:2 Mbps

Modulation Techniques: DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)

Significance: The original Wi-Fi standard, allowing wireless communication but with
limited speed and range. Introduced basic wireless functionality.

2. **IEEE 802.11b (1999)**

Frequency:** 2.4 GHz

Maximum Data Rate: 11 Mbps

Modulation Techniques: DSSS

Enhancements: Improved data rates over the original 802.11 standard. Became widely
adopted in home, office, and public spaces due to enhanced speed.

3. IEEE 802.11a (1999)

Frequency: 5 GHz

Maximum Data Rate: 54 Mbps

Modulation Techniques: OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)

Significance: Offered faster speeds but limited range compared to 802.11b. Due to the
higher frequency, it experienced more interference from obstacles.

4. IEEE 802.11g (2003)

Frequency: 2.4 GHz

Maximum Data Rate: 54 Mbps


Modulation Techniques: OFDM (and DSSS for backward compatibility)

Enhancements: Combined the best features of 802.11a and 802.11b, providing high
speeds and maintaining compatibility with older devices (802.11b).

5. IEEE 802.11n (2009)

Frequency: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Maximum Data Rate: Up to 600 Mbps (with MIMO - Multiple Input Multiple Output)

Modulation Techniques: OFDM

Significance: Introduced MIMO technology, allowing multiple antennas at both access


points and clients, significantly improving range and speed. Broader channel widths (up to
40 MHz) enhanced data transmission.

6.IEEE 802.11ac (2013)

Frequency: 5 GHz

Maximum Data Rate: Up to 1.3 Gbps (theoretical max with 3x3 MIMO)

Modulation Techniques: 256-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) and wider channel


widths (80 MHz and 160 MHz)

Enhancements: Focused on higher throughput and efficiency in the 5 GHz band,


supporting more users and devices effectively, reducing congestion, and improving overall
performance.

7. IEEE 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) (2019)

Frequency:2.4 GHz and 5 GHz

Maximum Data Rate: Up to 9.6 Gbps (theoretical max)

Modulation Techniques:1024-QAM, OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple


Access), target wake time (TWT)

Enhancements: Designed for high-density environments with many simultaneous users.


Introduces features that optimize performance, reduce latency, and improve battery life for
devices. It efficiently utilizes the available spectrum.
8. IEEE 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7) (Expected ~2024) Frequency: 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz
maximum Data Rate: Expected to exceed 30 Gbps Modulation Techniques: 4096-QAM,
Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and improved OFDMA

Anticipated Enhancements: Aims to support ultra-reliable low latency communication


(URLLC) and enhance performance in environments with a large number of devices, such
as smart homes and factories. Will improve overall efficiency and capacity, enabling high-
bandwidth applications such as augmented and virtual reality.

Since the inception of the first Wi-Fi standard in 1997, Wi-Fi technology has significantly
evolved, continuously improving throughput, range, capacity, and user experience. These
enhancements have facilitated the widespread adoption of wireless technologies across
various applications, including home networking, enterprise solutions, and public access,
making Wi-Fi an integral part of modern connectivity. Future standards, like Wi-Fi 7,
promise to further enhance these capabilities, supporting the growing demand for
connectivity in an increasingly digital world.

Wi-Fi technology operates across various frequency bands, primarily 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz,
with the newer 6 GHz band introduced in Wi-Fi 6E. Each frequency has distinct
characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. Below is a detailed
differentiation between these frequencies:

1. 2.4 GHz Frequency

Characteristics:

Range: Longer range compared to 5 GHz due to better propagation capabilities.Data Rates:
Lower maximum data rates (up to 600 Mbps with 802.11n).

Penetration: Better penetration through walls and obstacles.Channels: Generally has 11-14
channels, depending on the country, but only 3 non-overlapping channels (channels 1, 6,
and 11) in the U.S.

Advantages: Greater coverage area.

Better performance in areas with physical obstructions.

Disadvantages:

More susceptible to interference, as many devices (e.g., microwaves, Bluetooth devices)


operate in this band.

Congestion due to many devices competing for limited channels.


Applications:

Home networks where longer range and penetration are needed, e.g., connecting smart
home devices, internet browsing.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots in cafes and restaurants.

IoT (Internet of Things) devices that require low power and extended range. 2. 5 GHz
Frequency

Characteristics

Range: Shorter range compared to 2.4 GHz, but better suited for high-density
environments.

Data Rates: Offers higher maximum data rates (up to 1.3 Gbps or more with 802.11ac/ax).

Penetration: Less effective at penetrating walls and obstacles due to higher frequency.

Channels: More non-overlapping channels (up to 23) available, resulting in less


interference and congestion.

**Advantages:**

- Higher speed and increased capacity for multiple devices.

- Less interference due to fewer competing devices using this band.

**Disadvantages:**

- Limited range; higher frequencies do not travel as far or penetrate as effectively through
obstacles.

- May require additional access points for full coverage in larger spaces.

**Applications:**

- Multimedia streaming (HD video and online gaming) where higher speeds are essential.

- Enterprise environments with many users needing access to high-bandwidth


applications. Environments with fewer obstacles (e.g., open spaces or offices).
3. 6 GHz Frequency (Wi-Fi 6E)

Characteristics:

Range: Similar to 5 GHz in terms of coverage.

Data Rates: Expected to provide extremely high data rates, surpassing those of 5 GHz.

Penetration: Similar penetration properties as 5 GHz.

Channels: Significantly more channels (up to 59 available channels) to reduce congestion.

Advantages: Lower interference due to the availability of more channels and reduced
traffic. Capable of supporting more simultaneous connections with high throughput.

Disadvantages:

Like 5 GHz, it has reduced range compared to 2.4 GHz.

Newer technology; requires compatible devices to take full advantage of its capabilities.

Applications:

High-performance environments where low latency and high-speed connections are


necessary (e.g., gaming, VR/AR applications).

Large venues (stadiums, concert halls) with dense user deployments needing reliable
multi-user access.

Smart homes with a high number of connected devices, enhancing overall performance

The choice of Wi-Fi frequency band significantly affects network performance, range, and
the types of applications that can be effectively supported.

2.4 GHz is suitable for general use, can penetrate obstacles well, making it ideal for basic
internet browsing and smart home devices.

5 GHz caters to high-definition streaming and gaming, providing superior speeds in less
congested, open environments.

6 GHz is the latest advancement in Wi-Fi technology, designed for high-performance


applications in environments with high device density and demand for low latency.
Understanding these differences allows users and network planners to design wireless
networks that best meet their needs while optimizing performance and coverage.

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