Description

In this subject the efficiency and reliability of data transmission using discrete memoryless channels will be analyzed, and the next issues will be introduced:
* lossless data compression methods,
* linear error control codes,
* data link layer protocols, and
* multiple access channels protocols and technologies.

Requirements

Subjects recommended to have taken before

• Mathematics: Linear Algebra (V05G301V01102)
• Mathematics: Calculus 1 (V05G301V01101)
• Mathematics: Probability and Statistics (V05G301V01107)

Instructors

• López García, Cándido Antonio
• Suárez González, Andrés

Contents

Unit 1. Fundamentals of Discrete Information Theory

1.1 A basic model of data communication systems

• 1.1.1 Discrete sources: discrete memoryless sources
• 1.1.2 Discrete channels: discrete memoryless channels
• 1.1.3 Source coding and channel coding

1.2 Information measures

• 1.2.1 Entropy. Joint entropy
• 1.2.2 Conditional entropy
• 1.2.3 Mutual information

1.3 Shannon's source coding theorem

• 1.3.1 Uniquely decodable codes: instantaneous codes
• 1.3.2 Kraft's theorem. McMillan's theorem
• 1.3.3 Optimal codes. Code redundancy
• 1.3.4 Shannon's source coding theorem
• 1.3.5 Compact codes. Huffman’s algorithm

1.4 Shannon's noisy channels coding theorem

• 1.4.1 Channel capacity
• 1.4.2 Symmetric channels
• 1.4.3 Shannon's noisy channels coding theorem

Unit 2. Data Transmission Error Control

2.1 Linear codes

• 2.1.1 Definition and matrix description
• 2.1.2 Syndrome decoding
• 2.1.3 Error detection and correction properties
• 2.1.4 Hamming codes
• 2.1.5 Cyclic codes

2.2 ARQ protocols

• 2.2.1 Stop and wait
• 2.2.2 Go-back-n
• 2.2.3 Selective repeat

Unit 3. Multiple Access Channels and Local Area Networks

3.1 Multiple access channels

• 3.1.1 Definition and types
• 3.1.2 MAC protocols: Aloha, CSMA and variants
• 3.1.3 Performance of MAC protocols

3.2 Local area networks

• 3.2.1 Wi-Fi networks
• 3.2.2 Ethernet networks
• 3.2.3 Switching Ethernet
• 3.2.4 Virtual local networks (VLANs)

Practical sessions (B)

• Sessions focused on solving problems related to course content

Learning Outcomes

B3

• CG3: Knowledge of basic subjects and technologies that enables the student to:
  • Learn new methods and technologies
  • Adapt to new situations with versatility

B4

• CG4: Ability to:
  • Solve problems with initiative
  • Make creative decisions
  • Communicate and transmit knowledge and skills
  • Understand ethical and professional responsibility in Telecommunication Engineering

C11

• CE11 / T6: Ability to:
  • Conceive, deploy, organize, and manage:
    • Networks
    • Systems
    • Services
    • Telecommunication infrastructures
  • Work in environments such as:
    • Residential (home, city, digital communities)
    • Business
    • Institutional
  • Manage project deployment and continuous improvement
  • Understand social and economic impact

C17

• CE17 / T12: Knowledge and usage of:
  • Communication network architecture
  • Protocols
  • Interfaces

C18

• CE18 / T13: Ability to differentiate between:
  • Access vs transport networks
  • Packet-switched vs circuit-switched networks
  • Mobile vs fixed networks
  • Distributed network applications and systems
  • Services: voice, data, video, audio, interactive, multimedia

C20

• CE20 / T15: Knowledge of:
  • National telecommunication regulations
  • European regulations
  • International laws

D2

• CT2: Understanding Engineering within a framework of sustainable development

D3

• CT3: Awareness of:
  • Lifelong learning and continuous improvement
  • Flexible, open, and ethical attitude
  • Respect for diversity and non-discrimination (sex, race, religion)
  • Respect for fundamental rights and accessibility

Planned Activities

Lecturing

• Systematic exposition of the theoretical contents of the subject
• Focus on:
  • Aims of the subject
  • Fundamental concepts
  • Relationships between different units
• Competencies developed:
  • C11, C17, C18, C20, B3, D2

Previous studies

• Students independently study theoretical contents using:
  • Textbooks
  • Additional materials
• Competencies developed:
  • C11, C17, C18, C20, B3, D2

Problem solving

• Detailed resolution of selected problems and exercises
• Focus on:
  • Understanding theoretical concepts
  • Learning solution methodologies
• Competencies developed:
  • C11, C17, C18, C20, B4, D3

Autonomous problem solving

• Students solve problems and exercises independently from a proposed set
• Focus on:
  • Developing autonomy
  • Applying knowledge without guidance
• Competencies developed:
  • C11, C17, C18, C20, B4, D3

Assessment Methods and Criteria

Evaluation Activities

Essay questions exam

• Description:
  Two partial examinations. In each one, all competencies corresponding to the contents covered up to the exam date are evaluated
• Qualification: 80
• Training and Learning Results:
  • B3
  • B4
  • C11
  • C17
  • C18
  • C20
  • D2
  • D3

Problem and/or exercise solving

• Description:
  Two short exams, with dates published at the beginning of the term
• Qualification: 20
• Training and Learning Results:
  • B3
  • C17
  • C18
  • D3

Other Comments on the Evaluation

• Continuous assessment of learning will be applied
• It consists of:
  • Two short tests
  • Two partial exams:
    • One midterm
    • One at the end of the class period
• All tests:
  • Are not repeatable
  • Count only for the ordinary call of the current course
• Schedule of exams:
  • Approved by the Academic Committee (CAG)
  • Available at the beginning of the semester

Continuous Assessment Grade

• Calculated as:
  • 20% → short tests (equally weighted)
  • 40% → first partial exam
  • 40% → second partial exam
• Condition:
  • Average of partial exams must be ≥ 3.5
  • Otherwise → final grade = average of partial exams only

Global (Final Exam) Assessment

• All students may take a final exam
• Covers all contents of the subject
• Held during the official exam period
• Final grade:
  • Equal to exam grade

General Rules

• Students following continuous assessment or taking the final exam will be graded
• Attending the second partial exam implies:
  • Student is following continuous assessment
• Once continuous assessment is chosen:
  • Student cannot be marked as “no presentado”

Extraordinary Exam

• For students who do not pass the ordinary exam
• Consists of:
  • A new final exam

End-of-Program Exam

• Assessment consists of:
  • A written exam covering all contents

Plagiarism Policy

• Considered serious misconduct
• If detected:
  • Final grade = FAIL (0)
  • Incident reported to academic authorities