Module Specification

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Mobile Communications and Security
Code ELEC463
Coordinator Dr J Zhang
Electrical Engineering and Electronics
Junqing.Zhang@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

- To introduce the principles of mobile communications and their security mechanisms
- To provide students with tools and techniques to analyse and configure mobile networks, including cellular networks, wireless local area networks (WiFi), wireless personal area networks, and low power wide area networks.


Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Co-requisite modules:

 

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge and Understanding:
On the successful completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understandings of:
- The structure of communications networks.
- The common physical layer techniques used in wireless communications.
- The common media access techniques used in wireless communications.
- The main security mechanisms used to protect wireless networks.
- The commercial wireless standards

(LO2) Intellectual abilities:
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge of the above topics to:
- Design and analyse communications networks.
- Analyse the behaviour, and predict the performance of the communication protocols they have learned.
- Analyse the security performance of the wireless networks.

(S1) On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills:
Independent learning, problem solving and design skills

(S2) Practical skills
On successful completion of the module, students should be able to show experience and enhancement of the following key skills:
- The ability to analyse and configure network protocols.


Syllabus

 

- Module Overview: OSI model, cellular networks, wireless networks, network security

- Network Security: symmetric encryption, asymmetric encryption, public key cryptography, RSA, key exchange, digital signature, secure sockets layer

- Wireless local area networks: standard history, protocol stock, authentication and association, MAC layer, PHY layer, security

- Wireless personal area network: IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee, PHY layer, MAC layer, mesh protocol, security

- Low power wide area networks: LoRa/LoRaWAN, PHY layer, MAC layer, network topology and structure, security, device activation.

- LTE and LTE-Advanced: network architecture and interface, the core network, the radio access network, air interface and radio network, security

- 5G: Network architecture, PHY layer, massive MIMO, millimetre wave, random access, network slicing, security


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Due to Covid-19, one or more of the following delivery methods will be implemented based on the current local conditions and the situation of registered students. It is anticipated that both a) & b) will be in operation.
(a) Hybrid delivery, with social distancing on Campus
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Synchronous face to face tutorials
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(b) Fully online delivery and assessment
Teaching Method 1 - On-line asynchronous lectures
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - On-line synchronous tutorials
Descripti on: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight

(c) Standard on-campus delivery with minimal social distancing
Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures to explain the material
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per week

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Tutorials on the Assignments and Problem Sheets
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: On average one per fortnight


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 18

  6

    21

45
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 30
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
(463) Final exam. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 2 Exam period    100       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             

Reading List

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.