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CS 244E is an introduction to low-power wireless communication. It assumes
a basic background in packet communication and standard network
protocols. The class focuses on open (e.g., Bluetooth),
rather than closed and proprietary networks (e.g., mobile phone telephony).
While the core material of the class is on low-power personal area
networks (PANs), it also covers higher-power technologies such as 802.11
in order to explore the differences how both differ from traditional
Internet models.
The course is paper-centric and has no textbook. Class readings start
at the physical layer and work upwards, considering data-link layers,
media access control, network protocols, and transport level issues
such as reliability and rate control. The papers mostly draw from
the wireless sensornet community, due to its focus on short-range,
low-power wireless, but also other communities (such as SIGCOMM)
when appropriate.
Coursework for the class involves implementing and evaluating PAN
protocols on low-power wireless sensors running the TinyOS operating
system. These assignments assume you are comfortable with C programming.
The course completes with a final group project, which can either
be an extension of the prior assignments or a novel research problem
of your choice.
In addition to the programming assignments, students
are expected to write brief summaries on the papers for each class in
order to stimulate discussion. Course grades are based on the following
breakdown:
- 20%: Assignment 1 (6lowpan)
- 20%: Assignment 2 (6lowpan-mesh)
- 40%: Project
- 10%: Class participation
- 10%: Paper writeups
The beginning of the quarter will have lab sessions to
help you get up to speed with TinyOS and nesC programming.
We'll settle on the the exact dates and times based on
student schedules.
While not officially listed as an equivalent EE 300-level
class, its research component means I'll be willing to sign
petitions to that effect.
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