Mobile and Wireless Computing (CITS7219)

Computer Science & Software Engineering
Mobile and Wireless Computing (CITS7219)

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Unit information for 2008:

Wireless computing technologies are increasingly used to provide internet connectivity for portable handheld devices and laptop computers, to permit ad-hoc communication between these same devices, and to enable the monitoring and control of our environment from remote locations. The current growth in affordable wireless computing devices presents many exciting opportunities and challenges. This unit introduces a number topics fundamental to the study of mobile and wireless computing. In different years, different topics will be covered including: the physical nature of wireless communication, wireless sensor networks, mobile IP, voice over IP telephony (VOIP), global position satellite (GPS) navigation and location-aware computing, infrastructure-based and ad-hoc routing protocols, power-aware routing, the security of wireless networks, and radio frequency identification (RFID) and privacy.

Note: Students must be enrolled in Honours or a higher degree by coursework in Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Unit coordination:

Coordinators:

Dr. Chris McDonald, chris@csse.uwa.edu.au, Rm 2.20
Assoc. Prof. Rachel Cardell-Oliver, rachel@csse.uwa.edu.au, Rm 1.20

Discussion list:

help7219

Schedule:

Schedule including links to labsheets.

Guide to in-class presentations.

Resources:

Resources

Lecture time:

9-11am Wednesdays, in CSSE Rm 1.24

Assessment:

20%	in-class presentation
10%	in-class participation
30%	practical project - due 12noon, Monday 20th October
40%	final exam, 2 hours in November

Laboratories:

Practical work is a very important component of this unit, both in weekly laboratory sessions that will reinforce lecture material and in project material that requires you to increase the depth of your knowledge.

Advisable prior study:

CITS3230 Computer Networks, or equivalent

Contact hours:

60hrs (lectures: 20hrs; labs: 40hrs)

Outcomes:

Students have a sound understanding of the scientific and engineering fundamentals of wireless communication and the opportunities that wireless networking provides for a diverse range of computing applications. Students appreciate the professional and ethical responsibilities they hold in deploying and using wireless networks, and are aware of the growing role that wireless networks have in a global and societal context. The goal of the unit is to provide students with an opportunity to undertake problem identification, analysis and solution and to apply these skills to the field of mobile and wireless computing. The unit provides the foundation for development of in-depth competence in this field, and encourages lifelong learning as wireless computing becomes more pervasive.

Assessment:

This comprises an in-class presentation, large research project, and a final examination. The project develops the ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution, the ability to apply fundamental knowledge and in-depth technical competence. The project is undertaken in small teams and requires the work to be clearly documented. It develops and enhances teamwork and communication skills. The examination also require students to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution by requiring short answers to problems drawing on both related and contrasting issues presented in the unit.

Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit.

Before undertaking this unit, students are strongly encouraged to read:

UWA's Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities,
Section 6.11 of Guidelines on Assessment At The University Of Western Australia,
UWA's Ethical Scholarship, Academic Literacy and Academic Misconduct,
the Faculty Policy for Assessment Practices and Procedures, and
the School's Policy on Late Submissions.
the School's assessment deadlines.

While undertaking this unit, students should also keep abreast of issues discussed in the popular Australian IT media, for example, The Australian's IT section (appearing each Tuesday), PC Week Australia, and Australian Personal Computer (monthly).


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