Module Information

Module Identifier
PHM2220
Module Title
Advanced Wireless Networks - 5G and Beyond
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Reading List

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Technical Report 1  15%
Semester Assessment Worksheet 1  10%
Semester Assessment Technical Report 2  15%
Semester Assessment Worksheet 2  10%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Exam  50%
Supplementary Assessment Resit Assessment  Resit failed component(s)  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Resit Exam  50%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the core elements of the wireless communication architecture, modelling techniques, basic technical standards related to 2G/3G/4G wireless systems and prospects of 5G and future upgrades.

Critically analyze simple models developed for spectrum resources and aspects involved in efficient utilisation of allocated spectrum.

Critically evaluate the scope of using high-frequency spectrum for future wireless networks, design challenges, limitations, and mitigation.

Show mastery in application of computer-aided package for signal processing/filtering.

Present and discuss computational results from signal analysis in formal technical report(s).

Brief description

The module provides a foundation of the fundamental principles of wireless spectrum and communication networks. The topics related to radio communication such as fading, interference, resource allocation of RF spectrum, spectrum monitoring and licensing are included to develop a good understanding of the radio spectrum engineering. Advanced network design techniques, scope of millimetre-wave communication and optimal network architecture are introduced to the students. The basics of signals and system are incorporated as an introduction to analog and digital signal processing. Application of the theory is supported through a series of practical/theoretical individual and group exercises in workshops.

Content

The module will cover topics related to advanced wireless networks in lectures and practical workshop sessions:
Wireless Communication
• Introduction of modern communication systems and limitations associated with fading and interference.
• Channel-modelling, spectrum monitoring and sensing,
• Radio link budget analysis and transmission techniques
• Radio applications (radar, mobile comms, sensors, navigation, telemetry)
• Spectrum regulation/allocation/licensing and sharing
• Challenges involved in transition towards millimetre-wave communication.
• Network design; macro-, micro, nano and pico-cell architecture
• Health and safety risk assessment
• Mobile networks and physical layer protocols
Principles of Signals and Systems
• Fundamentals of signals: Continuous-time/Discrete-time signals, Unit Impulse, Unit step functions.
• Basic system properties: Continuous-time/ Discrete-time systems, LTI systems.
• Signal processing techniques.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Adaptability and resilience Adaptability and resilience are required to lead the problem solving in the right direction.
Co-ordinating with others This will be helpful in group discussions during workshops.
Creative Problem Solving Problem solving is a key skill in engineering.
Critical and analytical thinking Critical and analytical thinking is required for the exercises using software.
Digital capability Digital capability is essential in the use of software packages.
Professional communication Written communication is developed in formal technical reports.
Real world sense The module develops skills that may be applied in industry.
Reflection The students will need to reflect on their practices when carrying out workshop exercises.
Subject Specific Skills The module develops technical skills related to antenna design.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7