WLAN/WPAN: Architecture, Protocols and cross-layer approaches

Wireless Local and Personal Area Networks (WLAN/WPAN) are wireless networks with a coverage area of around 300 downto 10 meters for WPANs. Ranging from high end applications to low end short range services (e.g. for sensing), these networks can be employed in the home, in small to medium enterprises, in industrial and medical environments, etc.
This course will first introduce the architecture of WLAN/WPAN networks (from the physical layer up to the application layer) and address the challenges linked to the wireless environment (unreliable channel, limited resources, mobility, …). These challenges not only motivate the WLAN/WPAN architecture, but call for innovative solutions and a better interaction between the different OSI layers involved.
The course will hence show current solution at the transport and network layer, as well as the benefits of cross-layer approaches and introduce a framework enabling these approaches.

Teachers

  • Prof. Deneire
  • Prof. Lopez Pacheco

Resources

  • Book: Principles of Wireless Networks, Kaveh Pahlavan, Prashant Krishnamurthy, Prentice Hall, 2002, ISBN: 0130930032.
  • Lecture on 06/10/2010 here
  • Lecture on 13/10/2010 here
  • Lecture on 20/10/2010 ZigBee
  • Lecture on 17/11/2010 TCP crosslayer

Old Exams Info (2010)

Only during first period. Implementation of communication protocol software using ZigBee modules, and oral presentation of a paper.

Unclear, need to ask the teachers, since most is obviously derived works.