Wireless Communications for Everybody

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/wireless-communications

Introduction

**Course Review: Wireless Communications for Everybody** In today's technology-driven world, understanding the fundamentals of wireless communication is not just for engineers and tech enthusiasts; it is essential for everyone. "Wireless Communications for Everybody," offered on Coursera, does just that—providing an accessible introduction to the principles and history of cellular communication systems that have revolutionized our lives over the past four decades. ### Course Overview The course opens with a **historical perspective on cellular communication systems** that illustrates their development and the impact they have had on society. Providing context, it dives into a foundational understanding of what a cellular communication system entails, beginning with practical examples using cell phones, and then exploring the trajectory of cellular technologies leading into the future. One of the highlights of the course is the emphasis on **simplifying complex concepts**. Designed primarily for non-major learners, the course breaks down intricate theories into easily digestible lessons. With engaging lectures and relatable examples, anyone with a basic interest in technology can grasp the underlying principles of wireless communication without feeling overwhelmed. ### Course Syllabus Analyzed 1. **Introduction and History of Cellular Communication Systems** - Here, learners gain insight into the evolution of cellular systems and their indispensable role in daily communication. This module effectively sets the stage for the more technical portions of the course. 2. **Principles of Wireless Communication Theory** - This segment addresses five fundamental questions about wireless communication. Delving into topics like binary information representation and the workings of wireless digital modems, this part ensures that participants attain a comprehensive understanding of the theory behind wireless communication. 3. **Principles of Wireless Resource Management** - Resource management is crucial in wireless communication, and this module clearly articulates how interference affects network capacity. By posing pertinent questions, the course encourages active engagement, providing practical insights into how the current cellular systems operate and how they can be enhanced. 4. **Multiple Antenna Technologies** - Multiple antennas play a pivotal role in enhancing communication. By breaking down complex concepts into basic strategies for improving signal quality and transmission, this section is particularly beneficial for understanding the technical aspects of modern communication systems. 5. **Physical Layer Design of LTE Systems** - The transition from theory to practice is seamless in this module, where learners discover how the principles learned earlier are manifested in LTE systems. This real-world application helps cement understanding and showcases the course’s practical relevance. 6. **LTE Cellular Networks and Services** - The final module wraps up the course by exploring the features and services provided by LTE networks. This insight is crucial for anyone looking to understand the modern communication landscape. ### Recommendations **Who Should Enroll?** This course is designed for everyone—from students and parents to professionals looking to upskill. If you have an interest in technology, communication, or simply wish to understand more about how your devices connect to the world, this course serves as an excellent starting point. **Why You Should Take It?** - **Straightforward Learning**: The course eschews jargon and technical complexity, making it accessible to beginners. - **Comprehensive Coverage**: It spans the essential principles of wireless communication, enhancing your understanding of both theoretical and practical applications. - **Flexible Learning Format**: As an online course, you can learn at your own pace, allowing for a personalized educational experience. **Conclusion** "Wireless Communications for Everybody" is an engaging and enlightening course that demystifies the world of cellular communication. It not only educates but also empowers learners with the knowledge to appreciate the vast connectivity that shapes our daily lives. I highly recommend this course to anyone keen on broadening their understanding of the digital world we inhabit. Join and discover the fascinating world of wireless communication today!

Syllabus

Introduction and History of Cellular Communication Systems

In this part of the course, we will learn the introduction and history of cellular communication system. First, we will take a example of cellular communication system with cell phone. And then, learn about the what a cellular system is and how it has been developed so far. Lastly, we will briefly look into the concepts of future cellular systems.

In this part of the course, we will learn the fundamental principles of wireless communication theory. I will raise five fundamental questions in the first lecture as follows: i) 'how can we represent information into a binary format?', ii) 'how can information be transferred?', iii) 'how does wireless digital MODEM work?', iv) 'how can high-rate data be delivered reliably?', and v) 'how can many users access simultaneously?'. During the following 5 lectures, you will have the answers.

In this part of the course, we will discuss the basic concept of wireless resource management. I will raise six interesting questions as follows: i) 'how does the interference affect the capacity of wireless networks?', ii) 'why does the cellular system look like as of today?', iii) 'Increasing the number of cells increases the capacity?', iv) 'how is 5G cellular being shaped?', v) 'how does the interference management increase the capacity?' and Ⅵ) 'how does scheduling increase the average capacity?'.

In this part of the course, we will learn how multiple antennas can be efficiently used in different strategies for communication system enhancement. First, we look in to the basics of antenna, and then learn about the three main gains that are achievable by multiple antennas: array, diversity, and spatial multiplexing. Lastly, we briefly look in to the concepts of single-user MIMO and multi-user MIMO.

In this part of the course, we will learn how the fundamental principles of wireless communication theory, resource management, and multiple antenna technology are implemented in the LTE system.

In this course, we will discuss LTE cellular networks.