Digital and Wireless Communications



Overview

This three-day course gives a broad, but rigorous overview of digital and, in particular, wireless communication theory and techniques, covering everything from basic point-to-point communication to methods of modelling and analysing networks.

The course begins with a brief introduction to basic digital communication theory and methods, and subsequently moves quickly to an in-depth discussion of wireless channels and the problems (and opportunities) that they present. 

The second day starts with a treatment of diversity in the frequency and spatial domains; advanced techniques, such as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) are covered in detail, and emphasis is placed on practical considerations. 

The final day is devoted to multi-user communication and finishes by looking at many of the concepts explored in the course in the context of several popular standardised systems.

Throughout the three-day course, software-based demonstrations and mini-projects will help you to consolidate your understanding of the theory whilst learning about more advanced concepts in a hands-on manner.

Benefits

  • A comprehensive, rigorous treatment of modern digital and wireless communication techniques with an emphasis on practical use is given.

  • Delegates will gain the required knowledge to be able to critically appraise different techniques and systems.

  • Three software-based mini-projects will be used to consolidate knowledge and explore more advanced methods and theory.

  • Limited numbers of delegates ensures each attendee is able to take full advantage of the discussion and project exercises.

Programme details

Day 1

Introduction to Digital Communications:

  • basic information theory
  • fixed and variable-length source coding
  • simple communication channels
  • signal-to-noise ratio
  • linear block codes for forward error correction
  • trellis codes
  • nonlinear codes

Modulation and Demodulation:

  • basic digital modulation schemes and signal spectra
  • correlation and matched filter demodulation
  • optimal detection
  • error probability in additive white Gaussian noise channels

Wireless Channels and Equalisation:

  • propagation
  • path loss
  • shadowing
  • link budget analysis
  • small-scale fading and multipath
  • intersymbol interference
  • optimal detection
  • equalisation

Day 2

Frequency Diversity and Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing

  • theory, implementation, power and rate allocation
  • single-carrier counterpart

Spatial Diversity and MIMO:

  • diversity reception
  • diversity transmission
  • space-time coding
  • MIMO capacity and beamforming
  • spatial multiplexing
  • optimum and linear detection

System Impairments:

  • carrier phase estimation
  • timing recovery
  • channel estimation
  • training sequence design for single/multi-antenna use

Day 3

Multiple Access:

  • TDMA, (O)FDMA, CDMA
  • frequency hopping
  • successive interference cancellation
  • superposition coding
  • random access
  • capacity
  • non-orthogonal multiple access
  • multi-user MIMO

Network Models:

  • hexagonal basestation model for cellular networks
  • point process models
  • ad hoc network models
  • coverage
  • area spectral efficiency

Standards:

  • aspects of digital video broadcasting (DVB)
  • wireless local area networks and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)
  • cellular communication systems (GSM, UMTS, LTE, 5G)

Certification

Participants who attend the full course will receive a University of Oxford certificate of attendance. This will be presented to you prior to the end of the course wherever possible.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended.

Fees

Description Costs
Course fee £1295.00

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the “book now” button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or personal records, please complete an online application form. The Course Administrator will then email you an invoice. Payment is accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer. Please do not send card or bank details via email.

Tutor

Prof Justin Coon

Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Science, Oxford University

Tutorial Fellow of Oriel College

Dr Coon has worked in the field of communications and networks for over 15 years. He spent a decade in industrial research labs (HP Labs and Toshiba Research Europe Ltd) before moving back to academia full time.

He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Science at Oxford University and a Tutorial Fellow of Oriel College where he teaches various courses and tutorials on mathematics, electricity and electronics, control, semiconductor physics, and communication theory and system design.

Dr Coon's research interests include communication techniques and analysis, network theory, random graphs, quantum networks and sensing, and error correction for storage and communication channels. His (reasonably) up-to-date CV can be found here.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click Contact Us at the top of this page.

Level and demands

If you're uncertain whether this course is suitable for your requirements, please email us with any questions you may have.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website. 

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support