Jimma University

Jimma Institute of Technology (JiT)

Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering
MSc program in Computer Engineering

Instructor: Henock Mulugeta (Ph.D)

Course name: Mobile Computing and Wireless Networking
Course code: ECEG-7617
Course overview:
This course first covers a background on networking concepts and then explains the
set of topics in wireless communication and mobile computing at all layers of
networking protocol stack. It gives an idea for anyone interested in doing research in
wireless communication and mobile computing. The course also examines the current
and emerging research topics in computer networking. The focus of this course is on
principles, architectures, and protocols used in modern networked systems, such as
network protocols for wireless communication, wireless sensor networks, mobile ad
hoc networks, and high performance networks. The course also covers but not limited
to different protocols for wireless and mobile networks including Wireless LAN (IEEE
802.11, Wi-Fi), WiMax (IEEE 802.16), cellular networks, MAC, Routing, and Transport
protocols for mobile ad hoc and sensor networks.

Course objective:
The objectives for this course are to:
• Understand the limitations of the current Internet and its service model in
wireless and mobile networks
• Become familiar with networking research topics: network architecture,
protocols and systems for wireless communication and mobile computing
• Analyze some of the most advanced MAC, routing and congestion control
algorithms for mobile and wireless networks
• Identify and assess possible research opportunities and difficulties within the
course scope.
• Gain experience with network programming and simulation using state-of-the-
art research platforms.
• Understand basics and principles of new generation of computer networks
(wireless networks, mobile networks …).
• Analyze security issues of mobile and wireless computing systems.
Course description
1. Introduction
1.1 Networking fundamentals
- Classic Internet architecture
- Internet and protocol layers
1.2 Introduction to Wireless, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Computing
- Trends in computing technology
- Mobile computing
- Ubiquitous computing
2. Wireless Communication and Mobile computing
2.1 Wireless communication technologies (IRDA,P2P wireless, RFID, Bluetooth, IEEE
802.11 (Wi-Fi), 802.16 (Wi-Max), Cellular Networks, Cellular network generations
2.2 Multiplexing (TDMA,FDMA,CDMA)

3. Analysis of Medium Access Control (MAC) Protocols

- Channel partitioning, random access and taking turns
- Aloha, slotted aloha, CSMA/CD, CSMA/CA
- Analysis of IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol for Wireless LANs
- Hidden and exposed terminal problems
- Energy management in MAC protocols

4. Routing Algorithms and protocols for mobile and wireless networks

- Traditional IP Routing algorithms
- Routing algorithms for mobile ad-hoc, wireless LAN and sensor networks
- Link state and distance vector algorithms
- Proactive, reactive and hybrid routing protocols
- DSR, AODV routing protocol descriptions
- Challenges and issues of routing protocols for mobile and wireless
networks

5. Congestion control protocols for wireless and mobile networks

- Congestion control in wired networks
- Congestion control in wireless and mobile networks
- High speed network and congestion control in wireless and mobile
networks (MANET, sensor networks,…)

6. Mobile and Wireless Sensor networks

6.1 Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANET)
- Architecture, Applications
- Variations, challenges and issues
6.2 Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN)
- Architecture, protocols of WSN
- Applications of WSN
- Deployment of WSN
6.3 Wireless and mobile Networks: Challenges and issues

7. Introduction to Network Simulators

EVALUATION
- Quiz, Mid and Final exam
- Seminar presentation, and project