Telecommunications (TCOM)

School of Information Technology and Engineering

500/ECE 540 Modern Telecommunications (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. A comprehensive overview of telecommunications, including current status and future directions. Topics include a review of the evolution of telecommunications; voice and data services; basics of signals and noise, digital transmission, network architecture and protocols; local area, metropolitan and wide area networks and narrow band ISDN, asynchronous transfer mode and broadband ISDN; and satellite systems, optical communications, cellular radio, personal communication systems, and multimedia services. Examples of real-life networks are provided to illustrate the basic concepts and gain further insight.

501 Data Communications and Local Area Networks (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Network concepts; Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model and layering; data coding; analog/digital communications review; Physical layer and data link control; switching and multiplexing; commercial digital link standards; Data Link Layer Control (DLC) functions. DLC protocols; flow control; error control; link management; common link protocols. Local Area Networks (LANs); basics, definitions, media access control; LAN performance; LAN standards, rings and buses; bridging and frame relay.

502 Wide Area Networks and Internet (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. OSI reference model review; packet network layer functions; connection-oriented and connectionless packet switching; X.25 and X.75 standards; SONET and Packet-over SONET; circuit-switched networks and control signaling; congestion control and traffic management; virtual private networks; introduction to network management; routing methods; internetworking; introduction to Internet Protocol concepts; OSI transport layer client-server model; domain name systems; and telnet.

503 Fiber Optic Communications (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Introduction and overview of optical fiber communications systems. Course covers basic elements of fiber optic networks: semiconductor light sources (light emitting diodes and laser diodes), fiber optic waveguides, network system design issues, link budget analysis, and component requirements. Additional topics may include wavelength-division multiplexed and Time-Division Multiplexed networks and optical switching systems.

504 Asynchronous Transfer Mode Networks (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 500, 501, 502, or equivalent. Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) concept, protocols, services, and applications. The emphasis is on the standards and technology of ATM for local and wide area networks. Relation to broadband ISDN; ATM switching, multiplexing and transport; user-network and network-network interface aspects; ATM Adaptation layer; Access switching; ATM Wide Area Network switches; design and practice of networks based on ATM technology.

505 Networked Multicomputer Systems (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 500, 501, or equivalent. Introduction to the systems engineering of a networked multicomputer system. Study of distributed multicomputer architectures, architecture of a network operating system, and key system components. The focus of this course is on the development of a thin-client/server system, requirements analysis of a client/server web computing, system planning and implementation. The course includes a study of example multicomputer systems and a discussion of future directions.

506 Personal Communication Systems (PCS) (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 500, 501, 551, and 552 or equivalent. An introduction to Personal Communication Systems (PCS). The course guides the students through several topics of this emerging area, describing the multiple technical layers of the PCS systems. It begins with data-link level and network layer protocols, including their implementation. This is followed by mobile station operation and base station operation, and description of how voice and data services work. In the final part, the vital issues of user authentication, privacy and data or voice encryption are discussed.

509 Internet Protocols (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 501 and 502. The Internet Protocol (IP) Suite: principles, protocols, and architecture; Internetworking; Internet addressing; IP; routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP); Internet Control Message Protocol; Internet Group Management Protocol; User Datagram Protocol; Transmission Control Protocol; Client-Server Model; Domain Name System; Socket Interface; Internet applications (TELNET, FTP, SNMP, HTTP, etc.); Internet security; Internet multicasting; quality-of-service in the Internet (RSVP, DiffServ, MPLS); Mobile IP; Next Generation Internet (IPv6).

510 Client-Server Architectures and Applications (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Fundamentals of application engineering for Client/Server (C/S) Internet environments. Review of C/S application architectures and system perspective on C/S middleware. Study of web-based middleware, distributed data managers and SQL middleware, distributed transaction processing middleware, and C/S object technology.

513 Optical Communications Networks (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 503. Introduction and overview of current developments in Optical Communication Networks. Course emphasis will be on the underlying technologies that make the all-optical networks possible. Specific topics include components needed for Wavelength Division Multiplexed Systems and Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed Systems; tunable wavelength lasers, wavelength add/drop multiplexers, space division switching, and wavelength-routing networks; optical LAN, MAN, and WAN concepts; passive and active wavelength filters, switches and routers; free-space optical networks.

514 Basic Switching: lecture and laboratory course (3:1.5:1.5). Prerequisites: TCOM 501 and TCOM 502. Basic switching techniques and protocols for low and high speed digital packet networks (e.g. Ethernet, Frame Relay, ATM, X.25) are taught within a half semester lecture series, which is followed by a hands-on laboratory for the remainder of the semester. Real life scenarios are taught in the laboratory element through exercises that involve configuring switches and routers.

516 Global Positioning System (GPS) (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 551. Background in long range navigation developments; early global systems; space based systems; GPS and GLONASS systems; system architecture; spacecraft and earth station characteristics; design concepts of the CA and P GPS signal modes; frequencies, modulation, and other design aspects; clock issues; range and accuracy calculations and limitations; advanced concepts.

517 Introduction to Propagation Effects (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Introduction to radiowave propagation effects in wireless communications systems. Propagation effects on terrestrial point-to-point (line of sight), satellite (fixed service, mobile, and direct broadcast), and cellular services are evaluated. Clear air, multipath (atmospheric and terrestrial), diffraction, refraction, tropospheric and ionospheric scintillation, rain attenuation, ice crystal and rain depolarization, and low angle fading effects are covered. The impact of climate and path geometries on fade margin is assessed, and mechanisms for reducing the potentially adverse effect of propagation conditions are discussed.

518 Third Generation Cellular Telephony (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 506, 551, and 552. Introduction to post-second generation cellular systems; benefits and features of third generation (3G) systems; review of air interface standards currently approved for 3G; review of 3G technologies; analysis of competing multiple access methods; transition plans and backward compatibility between 2G, 2¹/2G, and 3G systems; possible fallback plans.

519 Voice over IP (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 501, 502, and 509. Concept of transporting Voice over a Packet Switched Network; typical VoIP network scenarios (campus, multi-site private network, calling nationwide and international; communications protocols for VoIP (RTP, RTCP, RFC 1889, H.323, etc.); conferencing and security issues; quality issues (delay, mean opinion scores); VoIP network design.

520 Economics of Telecommunications (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing; TCOM 500. Management of telecommunications networks; economic concepts in a changing climate of telecommunications ownership, deregulation, and privatization; resource allocation fundamentals based on internal rate-of-return, net present value, opportunity costs, etc.; valuation of potential acquisitions in a broad telecommunications market; financial modeling techniques.

521 Systems Engineering for Telecommunications Management (3:3:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Advanced software principles, techniques and processes for designing and implementing complex telecommunication systems. The planning and implementation of telecommunications systems from strategic planning through requirements, the initial analysis, the general feasibility study, structured analysis, detailed analysis, logical design, and implementation. Current system documentation through use of classical and structured tools and techniques for describing flows, data flows, data structures, file designs, input and output designs, and program specifications. The student gains practical experience through a project.

540 Telecommunications Network Optimization: Routing, Flow Management, and Capacity Modeling (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Provides the student with state-of-the-art knowledge and techniques so s/he is able to apply operations research knowledge to optimal dimensioning, design and use of telecommunication networks. This subject includes review of traffic models in telecommunication networks including models for particular streams and multiplexing, as well as multi-rate and multi-hour models. Theory, algorithms and computational aspects of linear, network, and integer programming; formulation of telecommunication problems as optimization models, and review of solution strategies. Topics include maximum flow, shortest paths, minimum cost flows; data structure for trees and graphs; applications, modeling, theory and algorithms for optimal location of service facilities (concentrators, multiplexers, etc.) in telecommunication networks.

541 Network Design and Pricing (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Capacity planning, capital budgeting and reliability modeling for determining optimal design. Economic models of pricing alternative telecommunications systems, project selection evaluation, and mechanisms for determining the reliability of complex networks. This course concentrates on the modeling and evaluation. Software tools are provided and tested throughout the course.

542 Stochastic Models in Telecommunications. (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Review of teletraffic theory: Erlang's loss formula, equivalent random method, delay and delay-loss systems, etc.; complex simulation modeling and statistical analysis of outputs. Parameter estimation, evaluation of quality, etc.

545 Reliability and Maintainability of Networks (3:3:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Stochastic modeling of network reliability, simulation modeling, modeling replacement strategies. An introduction to concepts of quality control, sampling for acceptance, and economic design of quality control systems are discussed, as is system reliability. Faulty tree analysis, life testing, repairable systems and the role of reliability, quality, and maintainability in life-cycle costing.

546 Financial Models of Telecommunications Systems (3:3:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Telecommunication properties and systems. Broadcast, cable, and common carrier capitalization. Pricing, acquisition criteria, and forecasting techniques. Economic analysis of regulations and policies affecting telecommunications. Compares policy objectives with the actual effects of policies, emphasizing economic principles. Determining appropriate discount and hurdle rates, life cycle costing, evaluating technology horizons, and depreciation concerns will be discussed. Studies the economic analysis of regulations and policies affecting the mass media. Compares policy objectives with the actual effects of policies, emphasizing economic principles. Uses economic and sociological theories to analyze the impacts of information technologies on economic organizations, markets, competitive strategies, and communication policy design.

547 Project Management in Telecommunications (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Develops an integrated approach to the management of a major telecommunications project; evaluates and uses tools and software for project management, with specific goals of containing costs and time overruns; introduces elements for resolving conflict resolution and applying motivation within the project team, and gaining the ability to monitor and control projects in a changing environment; develops an understanding of the unique attributes of major telecommunications systems such as interoperability requirements and international technical standards.

548 Security and Privacy Issues in Telecommunications. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An introduction to secure data and voice communications. Topics include cryptography, cipher systems, practical security schemes, confidentiality, authentication, integrity, access control, non-repudiation, and their integration across a telecommunications network. The course reviews threats and vulnerabilities in distributed systems.

551 Digital Communication Systems (3:3:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Digital transmission of data, voice, and video. The course covers the following topics: signal digitization; modulation and demodulation; error correction coding; multiple access methods; multiplexing; synchronization; channel equalization; frequency spreading; encryption; transmission codes; digital transmission using bandwidth compression techniques; elements of information theory; development of link budget evaluation (system noise temperature, Nyquist filter concepts, antenna gain, filter bandwidth, etc.).

552 Introduction to Mobile Communications Systems (3:3:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 500 and 551. An introduction to mobile communication system design and analysis. Topics include the mobile communication channel, access and mobility control, mobile network architectures, connection to the fixed network, and signaling protocols for mobile communication systems. Examples of mobile communication systems including the panEuropean GSM system, the North American DAMPS system, and Personal Communication Systems.

553 Carrier Telecommunications (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 500. Sampled signals; delta modulation; adaptive delta modulation; pulse amplitude modulation; pulse code modulation. Sampling theorem; quantization; quantization noise; aliasing; time division mutliplexing; North America/Japan T carriers; European Ecarriers. Introduction to digital communications: data codes; baseband line codes; noise and its effects; modulation and demodulation methods Amplitude shift keying; frequency shift keying; phase shift keying; differential phase shift keying; multilevel signaling; hybrid signaling; comparative performance.

555 Network Management Foundations and Applications (3.0:3.0:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 500, TCOM 501, and TCOM 502. Techniques that network managers utilize to maintain and improve the performance of a telecommunications network; a network management system is defined and explained; the five tasks traditionally involved with network management (fault management, configuration management, performance management, security management, and accounting management) are emphasized; the theoretical background in transmission systems sufficient to understand network parameters such as capacity and response times are reviewed; specific network management products are discussed and explained. This course explores how network performance data should be used for management and when considering upgrades in the network architecture.

556 Applied Cryptography (1.5:1.5:0). Prerequisites: TCOM 500 and 548. A broad overview of cryptographic algorithms and mechanisms and their application in today's communication networks. Discussion of modern cryptographic techniques such as public key cryptography, digital signatures, secret sharing, key management, key escrow, public key certificates, and public key infrastructure. Use of cryptography on the Internet including secure electronic mail, secure WWW, and electronic commerce. Comparison and analysis of software implementations of cryptographic algorithms.

590 Selected Topics in Telecommunications (1.5,3.0: 1.5,3.0:0). Prerequisite: permission of instructor; specific prerequisites vary with the subject of the topic. Selected topics from recent developments and applications in various engineering disciplines within specialty modules 1, 2, and 3 of the TCOM program. The course is designed to help the professional engineering community keep abreast of current developments. The 1.5 credit course lasts for one-half semester (approximately seven weeks) while the 3.0 credit course lasts for the full semester.

591 Selected Topics in Telecommunications (1.5,3.0: 1.5,3.0:0). Prerequisite: permission of instructor; specific prerequisites vary with the subject of the topic. Selected topics from recent developments and applications in various engineering disciplines within specialty modules 4 and 5 of the TCOM program. The course is designed to help the professional engineering community keep abreast of current developments. The 1.5 credit course lasts for one-half semester (approximately seven weeks) while the 3.0 credit course lasts for the full semester.

598 Independent Study in Telecommunications (1.5,3.0: 1.5,3.0:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing; approval of program director. Directed self-study of special topics in telecommunications that relate to specialty modules 1, 2, and 3. Topics must be arranged with an instructor and approved by the program director before registering. The course may be taken for either 1.5 credits or 3.0 credits in the fall and spring semesters. NOTE: No more than a total of 6 credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

599 Independent Study in Telecommunications (1.5,3.0: 1.5,3.0:0). Prerequisites: Graduate standing; approval of program director. Directed self-study of special topics in telecommunications that relate to specialty modules 4 and 5. Topics must be arranged with an instructor and approved by the program director before registering. The course may be taken for either 1.5 credits or 3.0 credits in the fall and spring semesters. NOTE: No more than a total of 6 credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

607 Satellite Communications (3.0:3.0:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 551. Topics include: Introduction to satellite communications systems; historical aspects; orbital mechanics and launchers; satellite components (payload, orbital maneuvering systems, cooling systems, antennas, payload, etc.); look angle predictions; link budget; overall link design; multiple access (TDMA, CDMA, ALOHA, TDMA, MF-TDMA), etc., error control for digital satellite links, propagation effects on satellite links, elements of VSAT systems, nongeostationary satellite systems, and direct broadcast satellite services.

690 Advanced Topics in Telecommunications (3:3:0). Prerequisite: permission from instructor; specific prerequisites vary with the subject of the topic. Advanced topics from recent developments and applications in various engineering disciplines within specialty modules 1, 2, and 3 of the TCOM program. The advanced topics are chosen in such a way that they do not duplicate existing TCOM courses. Active participation of the students is encouraged in the form of writing and presenting papers in various research areas of the advanced topic. The course is designed to enhance the professional engineering community's understanding of breakthrough developments in specific areas.

691 Advanced Topics in Telecommunications (3:3:0). Prerequisite: permission from instructor; specific prerequisites vary with the subject of the topic. Advanced topics from recent developments and applications in various engineering disciplines within specialty modules 4 and 5 of the TCOM program. The advanced topics are chosen in such a way that they do not duplicate existing TCOM courses. Active participation of the students is encouraged in the form of writing and presenting papers in various research areas of the advanced topic. The course is designed to enhance the professional engineering community's understanding of breakthrough developments in specific areas.

696 Independent Reading and Research (1.5,3.0: 1.5,3.0:0). Prerequisites: Graduate standing; approval of program director. Study of a selected area within specialty modules 1, 2, or 3 under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report is required. NOTE: No more than a total of 6 credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

697 Independent Reading and Research (1.5,3.0: 1.5,3.0:0). Prerequisites: Graduate standing; approval of program director. Study of a selected area within specialty modules 4 or 5 under the supervision of a faculty member. A written report is required. NOTE: No more than a total of 6 credits may be taken from a combination of TCOM 598, TCOM 599, TCOM 696, and TCOM 697 courses for credit within the TCOM program.

698 Telecommunications Projects Course (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course is intended to be taken towards the end of the degree program within any of the modules 1, 2, or 3. The primary activity in the course is completing a major applied project, preferably within a group of two to three people. A secondary goal is consolidating students' training before graduation so that, in some cases, it may act as a capstone course. Students and outside telecommunication industry managers will be asked to present ideas for projects and, through the grouping of the students, new skills and approaches may be learned from others within the group. Some class time will be used for discussion of the projects, either to monitor their progress, or as a way of exploring alternative approaches. The class will also have a series of readings and class-time discussion of current trends, difficulties, and new opportunities for the particular industry most relevant to the module the project is in. The course concludes with presentations of the projects results to the department faculty.

699 Telecommunications Project Course (3:3:0). Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Designed to be the capstone of the degree program under the specialty modules 4 or 5. It is intended that it be taken toward the end of the degree program. The primary activity in the course is the completion of a major applied project, preferably as a two- to three-person group. A secondary goal is the consolidation of student's training before graduation. Students as well as outside telecommunication industry managers are asked to present ideas for projects. From these ideas, group projects are selected. Some of the classroom time is used for discussion of the projects, either to monitor their progress, or as a way of exploring alternative approaches. The class has a series of readings and class-time discussion of current trends, difficulties, and new opportunities for the industry. At the end of the semester, the course presents the results of the projects to the department faculty.

707 Advanced Link Design (3:3:0). Prerequisite: TCOM 551. Topics include: advanced satellite link design (VSAT optimization, intersatellite systems, propagation mitigation trade-offs), radar link design (primary and secondary radars, range ambiguities, false alarms, Doppler radar, FM radar, radar tracking, radar transmitters and receivers, phased array radars); terrestrial wireless link design (line of sight, LMDS, non-line of sight); optical link design (laser options, diffraction limits, lidar and communications links, tracking limitations, GEO and LEO intersatellite link design); Wi-Fi link design; directed energy systems.