Aerial Networks and Services
Objectives
The objectives of this curricular unit focus on the knowledge of the architecture and operation of satellite networks and high-altitude platforms. The interconnection of high-altitude networks (e.g. satellites) to terrestrial networks, namely cellular networks, will also be addressed, as well as the functions performed by the different functional blocks that constitute this type of networks. Several mobile protocols as well as the interconnection between the network and the available services are addressed, focusing on cellular networks, satellite networks, high-altitude platform networks, and their orchestration to provide services. Students acquire skills in configuring communications networks, studying the performance of these systems for different types of services powered by high-altitude platforms and satellites, as well as the algorithms needed to its orchestration and secure access. The unit also includes laboratory learning in the development of services for aerospace networks.
General characterization
Code
13162
Credits
6.0
Responsible teacher
Paulo da Costa Luís da Fonseca Pinto, Pedro Miguel Figueiredo Amaral
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - 56
Teaching language
Português
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of communication networks.
Bibliography
- Gérad Maral, Michel Bousquet, Zhili Sun, “SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS”, Sixth Edition, Wiley, 2020.
- Erik Dahlman Stefan Parkvall Johan Skold, “5G NR: The Next Generation Wireless Access Technology”, Elsevier, 2018.
Teaching method
The theoretical lectures introduce the theoretical concepts described in the unit syllabus, and 3 classes are dedicated to introducing and explore different solutions for a set of didactical practical problems.
The laboratory classes are dedicated to practical works and two of them are assessed for the final mark of the course. The work is done in groups of two students. In these works, the students have the opportunity of applying the concepts taught in theoretical classes.
The students’ assessment is performed through:
- two written tests (70%);
- a technical report related with the first laboratorial work (15%);
- an oral discussion to evaluate the second laboratorial work (15%).
Evaluation method
The students’ assessment is performed through:
- two written tests (70%);
- a technical report related with the first laboratorial work (15%);
- an oral discussion to evaluate the second laboratorial work (15%).
Subject matter
- Introduction to wireless networks; - Link performance: Uplink, Downlink and inter-satellite link; - Multiple access techniques; - Cellular communication systems: 5G reference architecture and integration with high-altitude/satellite platforms; - Satellite Networks; - Basics of Network Security - Orchestration of Cloud-Enabled High Altitude Platform Systems. - Services architecture.