Checking date: 03/05/2019


Course: 2023/2024

Access network technologies
(13857)
Bachelor in Communication System Engineering (Plan: 254 - Estudio: 217)


Coordinating teacher: GONZALEZ SERRANO, FRANCISCO JAVIER

Department assigned to the subject: Signal and Communications Theory Department

Type: Compulsory
ECTS Credits: 6.0 ECTS

Course:
Semester:




Requirements (Subjects that are assumed to be known)
1. Access Networks and Shared Media. 2. Digital Communications.
Objectives
The main goal of this course is providing the student with a global view of the different broadband access technologies used in modern communications networks (i.e. broadband access networks). More specifically, the course emphasizes those aspects more closely related to digital communications: the physical and data link (logical link and medium access control) layers. In order to achieve this goal, the student must acquire the following set of ABET program outcomes: a, b, c, d, e, g, i, j, k. Regarding the competences, the student must acquire the following competences: 1. General competences: 1.1. Analysis, synthesis and communication. (PO: a, b, e, g, k) 1.2. Organization, planning and design. (PO: a, b, c, e, g, k) 1.3. Information search and interpretation. (PO: a, b, i, j, k) 1.4. Problem solving. (PO: a, e, j, k) 1.5. Collaborative work. (PO: d, g) 1.6. Capacity to apply theoretical concepts. (PO: a, b, c, e, k) 2. Specific competences: 2.1. Cognitive (PO: a, b, c, e, j, k) 2.1.1. Global knowledge of broadband access networks and services. 2.1.2. Knowledge of the physical media and digital communications techniques used in broadband access networks. 2.1.3. Specific knowledge of the most important wired and wireless broadband access networks and technologies. 2.2. Instrumental (PO: a, b, c, d, e, i, j, k) 2.2.1. Comparison of broadband access networks according to several criteria. 2.2.2. Choice of appropriate access network technology to meet specific needs. 2.2.3. Analysis of known and new access network technologies. 2.2.4. Simulation of broadband access networks and technologies. 3. Attitude competences: (PO: d, e, g, i, j) 3.1. Creativity. 3.2. Responsibility. 3.3. Motivation. 3.4. Critical vision of broadband access networks and technologies.
Description of contents: programme
The programme is divided in 8 topics grouped together in 3 large blocks: Block 1: Introduction. 1. Introduction to broadband networks and access technologies. 2. Broadband services and applications. Block 2: Wired Broadband Access Technologies. 3. Telephone network: from vocal band modems to digital subscriber loops (xDSL). 4. Hybrid optical fiber and cable networks (HFC). 5. Passive and active optical fiber networks (PON and AON). Block 3: Wireless Broadband Access Technologies. 6. Wireless Local Access Networks 7. Broadband Mobile Communication Networks: LTE, 5G 8. Satellite Communications
Learning activities and methodology
1. Theory: lectures and exercises. 3.0 ECTS. (PO: a, d, e, g, j) 1.1. Exposition of the main theoretical and practical aspects related to broadband access networks and technologies. 1.2. Analysis and synthesis problems related to different broadband access networks and technologies with special emphasis on their critical comparison. 1.3. Collective resolution of general doubts in class and individual resolution of specific doubts in the office. 1.4. Group solution of proposed exercises with occasional collection and evaluation is used to enhance collaborative and communication skills. 1.5. After each major block a short theoretical exam will be performed. 2. Laboratory experiments. 1.5 ECTS. (PO: a, b, c, d, e, g, i, j, k) 2.1. Global simulation of a standardized broadband access technology specified at the beginning of the course. Several groups of students will be established and each group will be responsible for the simulation of a specific block of the technology. At the end all the blocks will be integrated in order to achieve a global simulator. 2.2. Learning to work in a multidisciplinary team is emphasized by assigning each member of the group a specific role and responsibility: team leader, test engineer, person in charge of integration, hardware engineer, etc. 2.3. Collaborative work inside each group (the whole group is responsible for the success or failure of their block) and with other groups (so that consecutive blocks can be integrated properly) is emphasized. 2.4. The experiments involve system design (standards only define the transmitter, not the receiver), as well as designing a test plan to guarantee that each block works properly, analyzing the results obtained and correcting possible errors. 2.5. Communication skills are emphasized by asking each group to write a short technical report about their design and experiments and perform a brief exposition. 3. Project. 1.5 ECTS. (PO: a, d, g, i, j, k) 3.1. Each group has to write a theoretical technical report about a different broadband access technology. Two options are possible: 3.1.1. Describing more in depth some aspect of one or more technologies already seen in the course. 3.1.2. Providing a general analysis of a new technology not seen in the course. 3.2. The ability of the students to look for information, analyze it and synthesize it is evaluated through a written technical report.
Assessment System
  • % end-of-term-examination 25
  • % of continuous assessment (assigments, laboratory, practicals...) 75

The course syllabus may change due academic events or other reasons.