Course Title: Wireless Communication and
Communication and Mobile Computing
Computing (Code: CoSc3034)
Prerequisite: CoSc 2032-Computer Network and Data communication
Credit Hrs.: 3 ECTS: 5 Lecture Hrs.: 2 Lab Hrs.: 3 Tutorial Hrs. 1
Chapter -1
1.1 Introduction to Wireless
▪ Wireless communication is a type of data communication
Communication
performed and delivered without physical cables.
▪ It encompasses all procedures and forms of connecting and
communicating between two or more devices using wireless
signals through various technologies and devices.
▪ This method of communication has evolved from ancient
techniques like smoke signals and flags to modern radio waves
and electromagnetic transmissions.
▪ The field of wireless communication has seen rapid
advancements since Guglielmo Marconi's successful
demonstration of wireless telegraphy in 1897.
▪ Today, it offers numerous benefits including mobility, flexibility,
and ease of use, making it increasingly popular in our
interconnected world.
Fundamentals of Communication Systems
Delivery Accuracy Timeliness
The system must deliver data to the The system must deliver data The system must deliver data in a
correct or intended destination. accurately without errors. timely manner without significant
delays.
▪ A communication system is a collection of hardware and software that facilitates the exchange of information between
different devices.
▪ It can be local or remote, involving the sharing of data over distances. For effective data communication, these three
fundamental characteristics must be considered to ensure reliable and efficient information transfer.
Components of Data Communication
Message Sender Receiver Medium
The information to be The device that sends the The device that receives the The physical path for
communicated. message. message. message transmission.
▪ In addition to these components, protocols play a crucial role in data communication.
▪ Protocols are sets of rules that coordinate the exchange of information, ensuring that both sender and receiver can understand
each other.
▪ Without a common protocol, communication would be impossible, much like two people speaking different languages.
▪ Example: just as a person speaking English cannot be understood by a person who speaks only Afaan Oromo.
Data Transmission Modes
1 Simplex
Unidirectional flow of information, like television transmission.
2 Half-duplex
Bidirectional but not simultaneous, like wireless handsets.
3 Full-duplex
Simultaneous bidirectional communication, like telephone
networks.
▪ Data transmission modes refer to the direction of signal flow between linked
devices.
▪ Each mode has its unique characteristics and applications, influencing the
efficiency and capabilities of communication systems.
Transmission Media: Guided vs Unguided
Guided Media Unguided Media
▪ Uses a cabling system to guide data signals along a ▪ Data signals flow through the air without being
specific path. bound to a fixed channel.
▪ Examples include co-axial cables, twisted pair ▪ Examples include radio frequency propagation,
cables, and optical fiber links. microwave, and satellite communication.
▪ The choice between guided and unguided media depends on factors such as distance, environment, and
required data transmission speed.
▪ Each type has its advantages and limitations, making them suitable for different applications in wireless
communication.
The Role of Antennas in Wireless Communication
▪ Antennas are crucial components in wireless communication systems.
▪ They are electrical devices that transform electrical signals into radio signals in the form of Electromagnetic (EM) Waves and vice versa.
▪ These EM Waves, typically radio waves, propagate through space, enabling communication without physical cables.
▪ Both transmitters and receivers in wireless systems incorporate antennas to send and receive signals.
▪ The design and configuration of antennas significantly impact the range, quality, and efficiency of wireless communication.
Antenna Types EM Wave Propagation
Different antenna designs for various wireless applications. Representation of how antennas transmit and receive electromagnetic waves.
Evolution of Wireless Communication
1 Prehistoric Era
Use of smoke signals, flags, and flashing mirrors for communication.
2 1897
Guglielmo Marconi demonstrates wireless telegraphy over 100 meters.
3 Early 1900s
Establishment of trans-Atlantic radio transmission using Morse code.
4 Modern Era
Rapid advancement in technology enabling long-distance transmissions at
low cost.
▪ The history of wireless communication showcases a continuous evolution from
primitive methods to sophisticated technologies, revolutionizing how we
connect and share information across distances.
Advantages of Wireless Communication
1 Cost
The cost of installing wires, cables and other infrastructure. Installing a wired network in a
building, digging up the Earth to lay the cables and running those wires across the streets is
an extremely difficult, costly and time-consuming job.
2 Mobility
Allows users to communicate from anywhere, anytime, enhancing flexibility and
accessibility.
3 Ease of Installation
Requires less infrastructure compared to wired systems, making it faster and more cost-
effective to set up.
4 Flexibility
Adapts easily to changing communication needs and environments.
5 Disaster Recovery
Provides vital communication links in remote locations or during disasters when wired
systems may fail.
▪ These advantages have contributed to the increasing popularity and widespread
adoption of wireless communication technologies in various sectors and applications.
Disadvantages of Wireless Communication
▪ Even though wireless communication has a number of advantages over wired
communication, there are a few disadvantages as well. The most concerning
disadvantages are Interference, Security and Health.
▪ Interference:
o Wireless Communication systems use open space as the medium for
transmitting signals. As a result, there is a huge chance that radio signals
from one wireless communication system or network might interfere with
other signals.
o The best example is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (WLAN). Both these
technologies use the 2.4GHz frequency for communication and when
both of these devices are active at the same time, there is a chance of
interference.
▪ Security
o One of the main concerns of wireless communication is the security of the
data. Since the signals are transmitted in open space, it is possible that an
intruder can intercept the signals and copy sensitive information.
▪ Health Concerns
o Continuous exposure to any type of radiation can be hazardous. Even
though the levels of RF energy that can cause the damage are not
accurately established, it is advised to avoid RF radiation to the maximum.
The Future of Wireless Communication
▪ As technology continues to advance, the future of wireless communication looks promising. We can expect to see further
improvements in speed, capacity, and reliability.
▪ Emerging technologies like 5G and beyond are set to revolutionize connectivity, enabling new applications in areas such as
Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.
▪ However, challenges remain, including spectrum management, security concerns, and the need for sustainable energy
solutions.
▪ As wireless communication becomes increasingly integral to our daily lives, addressing these challenges will be crucial for
realizing its full potential.
Enhanced Speed Increased Capacity Improved Reliability New Applications
Faster data transmission Supporting more devices Ensuring consistent Enabling innovative
rates enabling real-time and data-intensive connectivity in diverse technologies and services
applications. applications. environments. across industries.
Basic Elements of a Wireless Communication System
▪ A typical Wireless Communication System can be divided into three elements: Transmitter, Channel and Receiver.
▪ The following image shows the block diagram of the wireless communication system.
Transmission Path
• Consists of Encoder, Encryption, Modulation and
Multiplexing.
• The signal from the source is passed through a Source
Encoder, which converts the signal in to a suitable form
for applying signal processing techniques.
Channel
• Indicates the medium of transmission of the signal i.e.,
open space.
• A wireless channel is unpredictable and also highly
variable and random in nature.
• May be subject to interference, distortion, noise,
scattering etc. and the result is that the received signal
may be filled with errors.
The Reception Path
• The job of the Receiver is to collect the signal from the
channel and reproduce it as the source signal.
• Comprises of Demultiplexing, Demodulation, Channel Decoding, Decryption and Source Decoding.
• The task of the receiver is just the inverse to that of the transmitter.
1.2 Types of Services in Wireless
Communication Systems
▪ Wireless communication enables mobile transfer of voice, data,
and multimedia.
▪ It offers various services like video conferencing, cellular phones,
and broadcasting.
▪ Due to the need for a variety of communication services, different
types of Wireless Communication Systems are developed
Types of Wireless Systems
1 Broadcasting
Television and radio for one-way mass communication.
2 Mobile
Cellular networks for voice and data on the go.
3 Satellite
Global coverage for telecommunications and navigation.
4 Short-range
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared for local connectivity.
5 Paging
Provides information in the form of messages and it is a simplex
system i.e. the user can only receive the messages.
6 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
WLAN (Wi-Fi) is an internet-related wireless service. Different
devices like laptops and mobile phones can connect to an access
point (like a Wi-Fi Router) and access the internet.
Television and Radio Broadcasting
Radio was the first wireless broadcast service. It's a simplex system, transmitting
information one-way. All users receive the same data simultaneously.
Radio
First wireless broadcast service.
Broadcast
One-way information transmission.
Reception
All users receive same data.
Satellite Communication
▪ Satellites provide global coverage for telecommunications, positioning,
and broadcasting.
▪ They support other wireless services like mobile networks and television.
1 Telecommunication
Satellite phones enable global connectivity.
2 Positioning
GPS offers precise location and navigation services.
3 Broadcasting
Satellites transmit television and radio signals worldwide.
4 Internet
Satellite internet reaches remote areas.
Mobile Telephone Systems
Mobile phones revolutionized communication. Modern devices integrate multiple
features like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. 5G networks promise higher speeds and IoT
applications.
2G
Digital voice and basic data.
3G
Improved data speeds and video calls.
4G
High-speed internet and HD streaming.
5G
Ultra-fast data and IoT support.
Short-Range Wireless
Technologies
Technology Range Primary Use
Bluetooth 10m Device
connectivity
Wi-Fi 50m Internet access
Infrared 1m Remote controls
NFC 10cm Contactless
payments
1.3 Mobile Computing & Wireless
Networking
▪ Mobile computing and wireless networking are distinct yet interconnected
concepts in modern technology.
Defining Mobile and Wireless
Mobile Wireless
▪ Portable devices with internal ▪ Devices that access networks
batteries, designed for use without physical connections.
anywhere. ▪ Can include non-portable
▪ They connect to mobile networks devices using Wi-Fi or other
for data transfer. wireless technologies.
Key Differences
1 Mobility
Mobile devices can go anywhere. Wireless devices may be
stationary but use wireless connections.
2 Network Access
Mobile devices use cellular networks. Wireless devices can
use various types of wireless networks.
3 Power Source
Mobile devices rely on batteries. Wireless devices may be
plugged in or battery-powered.
1.4 Wireless Communication Applications
Vehicles
GPS, traffic updates, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication enhance safety and efficiency on roads.
Emergency Services
Real-time video, push-to-talk, and text messaging improve emergency response coordination.
Business
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enable mobile offices and efficient data access for traveling salespeople.
Transportation and Logistics
1 GPS Tracking
Efficient route planning and real-time vehicle tracking
improve logistics operations.
2 Wireless Sensors
Remote sensors provide data for weather forecasts
and environmental monitoring.
3 Dynamic Infrastructure
Wireless networks offer flexibility for temporary setups
like trade shows.
Location-Dependent Services
Service Discovery
Find nearby amenities like printers, fax machines, or servers.
Privacy Settings
Control who can access your location information.
Local Information
Receive updates on special offers or find nearby hotels and
restaurants.
Infotainment and Education
Outdoor Internet
Access information and entertainment anywhere.
Interactive Services
Book seats, make payments, and access services on-
the-go.
Ad-Hoc Networks
Enable multiplayer games and social entertainment.
1.5 Mobile and Wireless Devices
▪ There is no precise classification of such devices, by size, shape, weight, or computing
power.
▪ The following list of given examples of mobile and wireless devices graded by
increasing performance (CPU, memory, display, input devices, etc.)
o Sensor: example could be a switch, sensing the office door. If the door is closed,
the switch transmits this information to the mobile phone inside the office
which will not accept incoming calls without user interaction;
o Embedded Controller: Keyboards, mouse, headsets, washing machines, coffee
machines, hair dryers and TV sets are just some examples.
o Pager: As a very simple receiver, a pager can only display short text messages,
has a tiny display, and cannot send any messages.
o Personal Digital Assistant: PDAs typically accompany a user and offer simplified
versions of office software (calendar, notepad, mail). The typically input device is
a pen, with built-in character recognition translating handwriting into
characters.
o Pocket computer: offering tiny keyboards, colour displays, and simple versions
of programs found on desktop computers (text processing, spreadsheets etc.)
o Notebook/laptop: If operated mainly via a sensitive display (touch-sensitive or
electromagnetic), the device is also known as notepads or tablet PCs.
Future of Mobile and Wireless
Wearable Tech Smart Cities Advanced Networks
Advanced wearables will integrate Wireless technology will power more Faster, more reliable wireless
seamlessly into daily life. efficient urban environments. networks will enable new
applications.
Impact on Society
1 Connectivity
Mobile and wireless technologies keep people connected globally.
2 Productivity
Remote work and instant access to information boost efficiency.
3 Innovation
New applications and services emerge, transforming industries.
4 Challenges
Privacy concerns and digital divides need addressing.