EMERGING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES

Communications 484 (Fall, 2019)

Instructor: Professor Rob Frieden 102 Carnegie Building 863-7996; E-mail: rmf5@psu.edu Class Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 12:05– 1:20 p.m. 370 Willard Office Hours: Monday and Wednesday 9:15-11:15 a.m. and by appointment

GENERAL PERSPECTIVE AND COURSE OBJECTIVES

Convergence in information, communications and entertainment (“ICE”) technologies and markets has become a reality. Successfully managing an ICE career requires interdisciplinary skills including the ability to understand how technologies make businesses profitable and how technological innovations can promote, or ruin business plans. You can enhance your employment prospects by mastering the ICE vocabulary and understanding how companies use existing and new technologies to deliver products and services.

While you do not need a degree in information technology, law, economics, business, or computer science, you must have the ability to:

*         use the Internet for applied research;

*         understand block diagrams;

*         master a new vocabulary of words and acronyms;

*  accept complexity, uncertainty, change and the need for self-direction; and

* have a command of the written and spoken word.         This course explores the technologies in telecommunications and information processing so that you can understand how old, “legacy” and new technologies work and serve consumers. We will investigate old and emerging ICE technologies primarily through an interactive classroom analysis, focusing on products and services of incumbent and emerging companies. Conscientious students will enhance their digital literacy.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS        

This upper level, elective course will challenge you, because of its breadth and complexity. You have no obligation to take this course whatsoever. Therefore, I assume you have a keen interest in the subject matter and will perform the homework.  By enrolling in this course, you agree to participate actively by attending all classes and by complying with all University rules and regulations.  Additionally, you agree to: take notes,

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refrain from using electronic devices in class for non-academic purposes, ask and answer questions and use the Internet for applied research and study. 

You must attend every class, pay attention, refrain from multi-tasking and make this course a priority. We will flesh out the assigned materials in class and few if any students already have expertise in how all ICE technologies work.  You CANNOT rely solely on the lecture notes and review materials I provide you.

Approximately 20 percent of test questions will address topical issues discussed in class and nowhere else. You can successfully answer these questions if and only if you attend class and pay attention to the discussion.

To put it bluntly, you should avoid this course if you have no real interest in the subject, have a goal of putting in the least amount of work enough to scrape by with a C, or you enrolled simply because of the class meeting time. Additionally, this course does not work well for students addicted to their smartphones and unable to ignore incoming content, lacking a command of the spoken and written word, gunning to blame the instructor for a poor grade, keen on playing the victim of some insult, or unable to stay on task throughout class time.

Required readings are collected in an online syllabus and are available via Web sites.  I also will post slides and other notes. Please understand that these materials only provide a starting point for understanding the various technologies we will assess.  You should take responsibility to work with me to master what can be difficult, acronym-laden material. I do not recommend just adding a few lines of notes on the margins of the slides. Also, please understand that I cannot generate slides that will cover every concept we will examine. Instead, I seek to generate an interactive conversation.

       You should make it a point to stay up to date on technology and marketplace developments by reading such publications as BusinessWeek, The Economist, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and USA Today, etc.

Advance Notification and Apology

I respectfully request your tolerance in the likely event I utter something that comes across as rude, insensitive, mean, bizarre, or coarse. I mean no harm and have no personal vendettas, or toxic agenda. While I organize and rehearse my lectures, I do not recite from a script and on occasion something I say may appear inappropriate, or distracting. Please understand that when I seek to engage an individual student, I am trying to stimulate his or her understanding and participation in the course, or simply to establish a rapport.

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To be clear: my sole intent throughout the course is to make it lively, career enhancing and worthwhile. I have no interest in causing discomfort to anyone and apologize in advance.

GRADING

Please note: while we may have some flexibility in material covered on any class session, the four pre-test and tests dates are locked in. Therefore, you have advance notice of the “mission critical” test dates for the course.

Penn State attracts students with a large range of capability and commitment. Every test I have administered generates a wide range of performance. Some of you may fail a test, or even this course, not because you lack basic skills to learn and thrive, but because you did not appreciate the breadth and scope of what the course requires.

On the other hand, I understand that you can have a bad day, or temporarily fail to manage your time and priorities adequately. To compensate for this scenario, the course will have four tests. The combined assessments total 400 points meaning that each assessment represents the same available points. At the beginning of a few classes, I will pose an “extra credit” question worth up to 5 points to your final grade! Additionally, I will determine whether to apply a “curve” and how many points to add.

Please note that Penn State’s online course management system does not readily facilitate grade revisions, e.g., to apply a curve. You still can calculate your approximate grade by keeping track of your scores on each test and adding the curve as well as extra credit points.

The following standard grading scale shall apply:

365-400 points = A; 350-364= A-; 335-363=B+; 315-334=B; 300-314=B-; 285-299=C+;250-284=C; 200-283=D; 199 or less=F.

Missing a Scheduled Test

There are very, very few legitimate reasons for you to miss a scheduled test. Generally, you should schedule known activities—including job interviews and other appointments—around test times. In the rare instance where something truly unexpected has occurred, you must notify me before the test if possible. If you cannot take the test on its scheduled date, you should work with me to take the test before the scheduled test date. If you cannot take the test before the test date, you must work with me to take the test within three days of its scheduled date.

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First Test Performance

Your first test performance provides a good prediction of your final test grade. Put another way, if you score well and maintain a good work ethic, you will excel. Likewise, if you do not recalibrate your efforts after a poor performance, you will end up with similar grades on subsequent tests. I am always glad to discuss strategies for improving performance and other issues with you during office hours. However, I will not provide tutorials, or summaries of what we discussed in your absence.

If you visit with me to discuss test performance, I will ask to see your class notes. Not having such notes, or having a haphazard collection contributes to poor performance. As I make a point to cover every issue several times from different perspectives, you should have ample opportunity to take notes without losing track of the class discussion.

Test Question Disputes

On occasion, I may create a confusing question, or one that arguably supports two correct answers. I will pull such questions, so they do not affect your grade. If you believe you have identified a flawed question, I am glad to discuss the matter during office hours.

Disabilities 

Please contact me if you have a documented disability that requires any special consideration or arrangement.

Academic Integrity

Pennsylvania State University does not tolerate any form of academic dishonesty under any circumstances.  Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly and creative activity in an open, honest and responsible manner, free from fraud and deception and is an educational objective of the Bellisario College of Communications and the University. Cheating, including plagiarism, falsification of research data, using the same assignment for more than one class, turning in someone else’s work, or passively allowing others to copy your work, will result in academic penalties at the discretion of the instructor, and may result in the grade of “XF’ (failed for academic dishonesty) being put on your permanent transcript. In serious cases, it could also result in suspension or dismissal from the University.  

The rules and policies regarding academic integrity should be reviewed by every student and can be found online at: http://senate.psu.edu/policies-and-rules-for-undergraduate-students/47-00-48-00-and-49-00-grades/#49-2 and in the Bellisario College of Communications document “Academic Integrity Policy and Procedures.” Any student with a question about academic integrity or plagiarism is strongly encouraged to discuss it with his or her instructor. Students should be familiar with Senate Policy 49-20 of the Pennsylvania State Policies and

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Rules Handbook.

Reporting Bias

Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, harassment, and/or incivility due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity at the Report Bias website: http://equity.psu.edu/reportbias/statement.

Confidential Services

Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional wellbeing. The university offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings.  These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients’ cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity and sexual orientation.

Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS): 814-863-0395 Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week): 877-229-6400 Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week): Text LIONS to 741741.

Course Philosophy and Deliverables

This course will provide you with skills essential for success in many careers with emphasis in telecommunications. You can enhance your command of the written and spoken word, as well as build your vocabulary. You can get the most out of this course by taking advantage of what live interaction with a senior professor can achieve. I have created this course with the expectation that you are eager to show up ready, willing and able to participate.

You cannot come anywhere close to achieving maximum return on your college investment by failing to attend, multitasking in class, refraining from taking notes and declining to stay on task. In exchange for your commitment to be a conscientious student, I will deliver to you my best and most enthusiastic efforts at helping you develop skills and competency that employers expect you to have.

You can maximize the classroom experience by turning off your cellphones, and by using a computer to take notes and nothing else. Too many students fail to appreciate the toxicity of texting and other distractions to your professor and fellow students.

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Class Attendance

Remarkably, some students do not fully appreciate the need to attend every class, as well as the absolute obligation for you to generate your own notes. Reviewing my powerpoint slides and lecture notes provide no substitute for your active conversion of what you see and hear in class into your own notes. While I will present the course material in the same sequence as linear slides and notes, the class will address the complex interplay of concepts and issues which most certainly do not follow a straight line. Simply put, if you do not attend class you will miss out on what the course and live instruction can offer, a foolish blunder, particularly considering the financial sacrifices you and others may have to make for you to attend Penn State.

Recommendation Letters and Reference Calls

You may not yet know the importance in having at least one professor agree to prepare a recommendation letter for you. Prospective employers and graduate schools expect to receive such letters. Additionally, should you apply for a government job—particularly one that requires a security clearance—an investigating agent will call several of your professors. You can ruin your employment prospects through lackluster performance and a cavalier attitude about attending and participating in class.

I gladly write recommendation letters and respond to telephone queries from prospective employers. However, I agree to write such letters only for students who deserve them. I have prepared strong recommendations even for students who have struggled in class. I cannot write a positive letter for someone who, regardless of grade, did not make a positive and frequent contribution to the class.

Office Visits and E-Mail

I have an “open door” policy during office hours and can meet with you at other times by appointment. I will announce or send via email any necessary changes to office hours on a given date. Because of state/federal privacy laws and University policies, I cannot discuss your grades, or test results during class sessions.

You can reach me by telephone (814) 863-7996, email (rmf5@psu.edu), or Canvas. Please note that I will communicate with you in class, or via the Penn State web mail system. Failure to check your email and Canvas provides no excuse for a lack of knowledge about new assignments, and changes in course requirements.

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Aug. 27 Introduction and Syllabus Rundown

Establishing a Foundation for Understanding: Spectrum Ether and Internet Clouds (Aug. 29, Sep. 3, 5)

        In this unit, we will identify the major market segments now existing in telecommunications and information processing with special emphasis on radio spectrum, the Internet cloud and the technological and market aspects of convergence.

This exercise requires you to begin mastering a new list of buzzwords and acronyms. We will consider how the technologies addressed in class use radio spectrum and closed-circuit media to make up the Internet cloud. Also, we will get reacquainted with basic economics concepts and see how they apply to ICE markets.

Assignments:

What's inside COOL TECH of CES 2019?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytiaVCiB6A

Jeremy Kaplan, CES 2019: Tech trends to watch for at the consumer electronics show:https://www.digitaltrends.com/news/tech-trends-ces-2019/

New America Foundation, The Citizen’s Guide to the Airwaves: https://newamerica.org/documents/1713/graphic_depiction.pdf

Alex Barnett blog, So what do we mean by the ‘Internet Cloud’?: http://alexbarnett.net/blog/archive/2007/04/04/what-is-the-internet-cloud_3F00_.aspx; see also http://internet-map.net/

Dale N. Hatfield, Broadband Technologies and Applications: A Tutorial: http://cobweb.ecn.purdue.edu/~mikedz/ee301/DigitalComm.ppt

Dr. Hibbits, Circuit Switching and Packet Switching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq1zpiDN9k4

Ben Mendelsohn, Bundled, Buried & Behind Closed Doors: http://vimeo.com/30642376

Keith Cambron, The Network of Networks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV63XR61Gx8&list=PLcVsnizexp8mi9V1ES6_LGWTYhoD3-o87

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How YouTube Works – Computerphile: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqQk7kLuaK4

CSPAN Communicators interview with Professor Dale Hatfield: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/DaleH

Concepts You Need to Master

SPECTRUM BASICS

bandwidth—measurement of spectrum available for use, measured in Hertz; speed of what flows through the available channel of bandwidth is measured digitally in bits per second

channel—the amount of bandwidth allotted for a specific use, e.g., 10 kiloHertz for a broadcast AM radio station

throughput--measurement of output, which can be measured digitally in bytes

frequency band—the range of radio spectrum allocated for a particular service, e.g., 88.1-107.9 MHz for FM radio

kilo/mega/giga Hertz thousand, million and billion cycles per second

propagation—nature of signal transmission; typically, the higher up in spectrum, the more the signal operates like light, i.e., thin beams. Also, the higher the frequency, the more likely foliage, buildings and terrain will attenuate or block the signal. Line of sight refers to the need for a transmitter/receiver (transceiver) antenna to have a direct, unobscured invisible link to the antenna that transmits and receives content used by the consumer

frequency reuse—the ability to operate two or more transmitters on the same frequency if the transmissions are geographically separated; the higher the frequency the faster a signal attenuates (weakens) making it possible to reuse it at a nearby locale

co-channel and adjacent channel interference—two transmissions on the same frequency, or on a nearby channel

causes for spectrum scarcity/glut; spectrum value—high demand translates into high cost, e.g., auctions for cellphone spectrum vs. zero cost for some spectrum. Note that some unlicensed spectrum may trigger high demand leading to congestion and “the tragedy of the commons”

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analog vs. digital—two primary transmission formats; humans are analog creatures (with eyes, ears, larynxes, fingers) thereby requiring analog devices to reproduce sound and pictures (speakers, visible lines of video)

multiplexing function—channel multiplication as occurs with FM stereo creation of right and left sound channels

spectrum conservation strategies, e.g., frequency division; frequency reuse; sharing spectrum (including White Spaces) using low power and “smart” radios with digital signal processing

INTERNET TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS BASICS

the mantra of “Faster, Better, Smarter, Cheaper and More Convenient”

Internet as a “Network of Networks” as visually outlined in two of the assignments, as well as trace route reports

ICE: convergence of Information Communications and Entertainment

the culture and folkways of Netheads, Bellheads and Cableheads—3 different tribes having different characteristics, strengths and weaknesses

technological convergence—merger of previously discrete technologies that now can provide multiple functions

market convergence—merger of previously separate markets; an IP-centric Internet can offer access to previously separate markets; what are the opportunities and risks in such “one stop shopping” available as a “Triple Play”?

distance insensitivity—technologies whose costs don’t vary with distance from sender and receiver; may also be a price averaging strategy

stickiness—length of time spent at a single web site

Metcalfe’s Law—positive network externalities

Moore’s Law—doubling of capacity every 18 months

point-to-point vs. point-to-multipoint

TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol—the Internet traffic management standard; Internet Protocol—Internet addressing system

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packet switching vs. circuit switching impact on quality of service and efficiency

trace route function

burstiness in data (Internet) transmissions—variability in throughput demandtechnology push/demand pull—top down, supply-side view of the market versus bottom up demand-side view

multimedia; multi-casting; multi-tasking; multi-plexing

simplex/duplex—one way versus two-way transmission

latency—delay in receiving content

scalability—ability to add capacity on an incremental basis as demand grows

streaming—real time delivery, processing and display of content

routers and “best efforts” routing

hierarchical structure of the Internet

cacheing/buffering

proxy servers/mirror sites; how to anonymize, or establish a virtual presence in another country

asymmetrical traffic volume—unequal throughout requirements for downloading and uploading traffic

how the Internet appears on a chart as a cloud

equipment inside the cloud: broadband telecommunications links, servers and routers

Internet 2.0 emphasis on social networking, interactivity, collaboration, and new sources of content, e.g., through podcasts, wikis, online communities and social networks

proliferation of sensors, and a growing “Internet of Things;” machine-to-machine links

ECONOMIC/BUSINESS PRINCIPLES

economies of scale; economies of scope

natural monopoly

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vertical integration; horizontal integration

externalities; positive networking externalities/Metcalfe’s LawAll You Can Eat pricing; metering and other pricing strategies

early adopters

critical mass/critical inflection point

disintermediation

data mining

Big Data

bricks and clicks vs. bricks and mortar

monetization/commodification

Internet platform intermediaries

2-sided markets

Unicorn Internet ventures

Extra Credit Opportunity: Before the start of the Sep. 4th class: Find out what a trace route does and execute one. Print out the results of your trace route for my collection.

Basic Telephony/Circuit Switching (Sep. 10)

In this unit, we briefly will get acquainted with our analog, human existence and how all information, communications and entertainment technologies must accommodate these characteristics. We will use “old school” analog telephony as a case study.

Understanding how the conventional telecommunication infrastructure provides transport and switching functions will enable us to explore whether and how other enterprises can compete in markets heretofore considered a natural monopoly and “bottleneck.” By understanding how the telephone company provides services, we can begin to see how cable television, wireless local loop and Internet carriers can provide a competing service, or complete replacement.  Also, we will contrast circuit switching from packet switching technology.

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Assignments:

Dale Hatfield, Trends in Technological Development: http://siliconflatirons.com/documents/conferences/2008.05.17-203/Hatfield.pdf;(slides 1-27).Telephone Tutorial: http://www.slideshare.net/elastixorg/introduction-to-telephony

Concepts You Need to Master

circuit switching—strengths and weaknesses as compared to packet switching

Public Switched Telecommunications (or Telephone) Network

creation of a weak electronic signal when audio signals cross a membrane coupled with a copper wound iron or magnetic core; how analog human creatures speak and listen

basic elements of a telephone, microphone and speaker

the concept of modulating a signal onto a carrier; surfer on wave analogy

modulator/demodulator function as in an analog modem

multiplexing/traffic aggregation

local loop bottleneck

why wireline telephone companies use direct current instead of alternating current

duplexing—the installation and use of two lines for simultaneous transmission and reception

bandwidth of a voice telephone and what bit rate it can support

how voice telephone networks are ill-suited to provide Internet access; the role of dedicated vs. best efforts routing and Internet users’ bursty and asymmetric traffic requirements

SWOT analysis of PSTN Retirement

Sep. 12 First Pretest

Sep. 17 First Test

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Analog, and Digital Television (Sep. 19, 24)

        In this unit, we will examine the completed migration from a 525-line, analog (“NTSC”) broadcast television system to a high definition resolution digital system, as well the numerous enhancements in so-called smart televisions. While our examination will concentrate on digital television, we will acquire an understanding of how analog, standard definition television works. We also will consider next generation television that offers three-dimensional display and even more pixels, lines and columns of resolution.

Assignments:

Cnet, How to buy a TV Summer 2019 Update: https://www.cnet.com/news/tv-buying-guide-2019/

Cnet, What is 4K UHD? Next-generation resolution explained: http://www.cnet.com/news/what-is-4k-uhd-next-generation-resolution-explained/

Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, What Is 8K? Should You Buy a New TV or Wait?: https://www.pcmag.com/article/358604/what-is-8k-should-you-buy-a-new-tv-or-wait

Robert Silva, Lifewire, What Is a Quantum Dot (aka QLED) TV?What you need to know about Quantum Dot and QLED TVs:https://www.lifewire.com/quantum-dots-enhance-lcd-tv-performance-1847342

Concepts You Need to Master

television as a content access platform; the “first screen” of four or more now available

location of television sets and computer monitors; impact of convergence on each set’s function and location

second, third and fourth screen access

analog television components: cathode ray tube for exciting and shooting electrons at 20,000 volts onto a phosphorescent screen

rasterization-scanning lines of resolution

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interlaced scanning vs. progressive scanning

broadcast television frequency bands: VHF Ch. 2 – 6, 59 - 88 MHz; VHF Ch. 7 – 13, 175 - 216 MHz; UHF Ch.14-82, 470-884 MHz now reduced to channels 14-51

all the terms used to describe various television sets in a Best Buy advertising circular

aspect ratio: 16 x 9 length and width replicates movie theater screens

plasma—super electron acceleration in a narrow space filled with xenon or neon gas

rear projection, especially Digital Light Processing—fast switching mirrors

liquid crystal display

light emitting diode display

organic LEDs—carbon film eliminates the need for side, or back lighting and therefore sets draw less power and weigh less

Quantum Dot LED—nanometer sized particles

3D television: stereoscopic viewing; polarization, passive and active glasses; side-by-side vs. sequential frames; lenticular display

ultra-high definition television; 4x television: 3840 x 2160 resolution;

the tradeoffs in quality/location/specifications of computer monitors and television sets

compression: fitting a 19 Mbps signal into a 6 MHz channel; MPEG-2,4

quality of picture vs. price of set

pixels/dot pitch; number of pixels in a television display and comparison of columns and rows in computer monitors vs. television sets; a computer monitor with 1080 rows can have 1920 vertical columns—also the number of pixels per row

refresh rate; 60 Hz standard vs. latest 240 Hz+ rate; note that Hz refers to Hertz or cycles per second

televisions have a refresh rate of 30 frames a second; with 60 Hz there can be duplication or interlacing of half frames; movies use 24 full frames a second

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cutting edge technical developments, e.g., high dynamic range color contrast

Cable Television/Broadband (Sep 26, Oct. 1)

We will examine the three phases of cable television development: 1) community antenna television that imported broadcast television signals; 2) cable television that added non-broadcast, satellite-delivered programming and began to develop narrowband upstream signal processing; and 3) two-way interactive, broadband telecommunications. Additionally, we will learn how telephone companies retrofit the local loop to provide limited broadband service (Digital Subscriber Line) and cable companies diplex/partition available broadband capacity for cable modem service.

Technological innovations have caused previously discrete and stand-alone markets to become integrated and competitive. Telephony used to provide only a narrowband, voice-dominated two-way, circuit-switched service while cable television used to provide only a wideband, video-dominated one-way service. Now, innovations in compression, digitization, computerization, switching, etc. make it possible for the narrowband telephone network to become a broadband medium and for the broadband cable television plant to become two-way and switched.

Assignments:

Dr. Walter Ciciora, An Introduction to Basic CATV: http://people.seas.harvard.edu/~jones/cscie129/nu_lectures/lecture13/CATV/CATV.html

Rolf V. Ostergaard, Cable Modem Tutorial: www.todoprogramas.com/manuales/ficheros/2008/7.8200.6431.pdf

Broadbandnow, Fiber-Optic Internet in the United States :https://broadbandnow.com/Fiber

David P. Reed, Prospects for Gigabit Broadband (June, 2018): https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/190415/1/G1_2_Reed.pdf

Concepts You Need to Master

the three generations of cable-delivered television:

1G: community antenna television–master antenna delivery of broadcast signals to valley and other remote locations; tree and branch topology using mountain top antenna, coaxial cable with

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one-way amplifiers. Amplifier and other splices create exposure to corrosive weather conditions and also can result in signal ingress and egress 2G: cable television–satellites offer cable only video programming, plus national delivery of urban independent broadcast television stations; Ted Turner’s “Superstation” business plan

3G: cable as a platform for triple play video, telephony and Internet access via fiber optic media using photon (laser) transmission; cable as a metropolitan area network

“bundled” “one-stop shopping” for a variety of services raising monthly bills to 3 digits

legacy cable television topology: one-way, unswitched tree and branch architecture with cascading amplifiers

comparative strengths and weaknesses of the legacy CATV topology, already broadband, but lacking in an upstream link, etc.

what must CATV operators do to become players in the telecommunications and information revolution? where and how to install switching and fiber optic facilities

Fiber to the Curb; Hybrid fiber/coax architectures

simplex vs. duplex capabilities

understand diplexing as dividing available bandwidth into two or more segments used for different purposes, e.g., separate upstream and downstream Internet service

also understand the concept of asymmetric traffic streams–far heavier downstream vs. upstream traffic flows

CATV operators’ current and future strategies–clustering, M&A, telephony, Internet access,business/marketing/economic consequences of clustering; use of clustering to develop wide regional presence and scale economies; create a single regional Super Headend with former Headends serving as Nodes; for telephony install small switches at the Nodes

what did cable television operators do to retrofit a first-generation system to provide 2G and 3G services? expand bandwidth, install two-way amplifiers, diplex the bandwidth to create an upstream traffic flow; replace copper wire starting at the headend

cable modem functions: understand what a modulator/demodulator does; additional functions include tuning the Internet bandwidth and working in an Ethernet environment

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set to box functions and why cable operators do not want to provide service to “cable ready” televisions and new interfaces like Roku streaming players

cable bonding—merging 3 or more 6 MHz cable channels to provide more data throughput

cable operators’ responses to cord cutting, churn and cord nevers; Television Everywhere digital subscriber line service—expanding the copper-based local loop carrier to provide about 1500 kHz of bandwidth for medium speed service to locations typically within 3 miles of an end office

Oct. 3 Second Pre-Test

Oct. 8 Secord Test

Satellite Technology (Oct. 10, 15)

        Terrestrial, wireline telecommunications like fiber optic cables serve as the preferred media for transmitting content in view of their scalable, broadband capacity. However, satellites excel in point-to-multipoint applications and can provide a “gap filling” service in areas where a business case does not support ubiquitous wireline service. We will examine the basic components in satellite telecommunications (both the “birds” and “earth stations”) used to provide video programming, voice and data services. We also will learn how satellites can provide precise information about one’s location.

Assignments:

Intelsat, A Practical Introductory Guide on Using Satellite Technologyfor Communications:https://www.intelsatgeneral.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/5941-SatellitePrimer-2017.pdf.

Eutelsat, How Satellites Work:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxYzjHBKNcA

SES, How Satellites Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4gGalZV8TM

Bruce A. Henoch, Satellite Technology Basics: http://www.sia.org/Stratos-Henoch-SatelliteBasicsIWCE2007.pdf

Trimble, Trimble GPS Tutorial - How GPS works?: http://www.trimble.com/gps_tutorial/howgps.aspx

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Spirent Communications, How GPS Works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3Pm3HHUyzk&noredirect=1

Concepts You Need to Master

Arthur C. Clarke’s science fiction scenario: satellites as a "bent pipe" relay

parabolic antenna signal concentration into a feed horn; like the optic nerve function in the brain and eye and solar energy concentration provided by a magnifying lens; concept of natural gain from the antenna and electronic “gain” from a low noise amplifier

geostationary orbit/ geosynchronous orbit

other orbit types: elliptical; low earth; middle earth; apogee; perigee

transponder as a relay and as a unit of capacity, typically 36 MHz boresight

signal attenuation

look angle; line of sight; azimuth; station keeping

location of communication satellites

uplink; downlink; footprint; beam sizes: global, hemispheric, zone, spot

comparative strengths and weaknesses of satellites vis a vis terrestrial options point-to-multipoint services have low incremental costs to serve an additional point of communication: positive network externalities/Metcalfe's law

bandwidth limitations

bandwidth conservation tactics: frequency reuse; geographical discrimination of beams, both vertical and horizontal polarization

role of satellites in video program delivery: cable television, direct broadcast satellite service “superstations”

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very small aperture antennas

major elements of satellites: two types spin-stabilized; 3 axis-stabilized; controlling yawl, pitch and roll through interior gyroscopes, or by “wings”; station keeping thrusters; batteries/solar panels; antennas; heat sinks; frequency converters, metal bus

major elements of satellite earth station: dish; feedhorn, block converter, low noise amplifier; receiver/deencryption; tracking telemetry and network control/station keeping

satellite operational frequencies: C (6-8 GHz uplink/4-6 GHz downlink), Ku (13-14 GHz uplink/11-12 GHz downlink), Ka (20-30 GHz)

how Global Positioning Satellites work—the basics of triangulation

The Internet of Smallsats

Basic Terrestrial Wireless Technologies (Oct. 17, 22)

        Mobile wireless technologies have penetrated telecommunications markets with unprecedented success. Cellular radio ramped up from 0 subscribers in the early 1980s to over 240 million now in the U.S. Well-financed players have bid billions of dollars for the privilege of using spectrum for so-called Fourth Generation wireless services and the carriers are testing how to provide 5G services. We will examine cellular radio, personal communication services, specialized mobile radio and other wireless technologies.

Assignments:

Tom Farley & Mark van der Hoek, Cellular Telephone Basics: http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/futrelle/teaching/com1204sp2001/Farley/Cellbasics.html

Rohde & Schwarz, Radio Fundamentals for Cellular Networks, White Paper, pp. 1-16: https://www.mobilewirelesstesting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Radio_fundamentals_for_cellular_networks_wp_en_5216-0467-52_v0200_120dpi....pdf

How Cell Towers Work: Hands-On!:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ct0wFde9XcI

The concept of frequency reuse: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2NcUQW4qEY

Concepts You Need to Master

tetherlessness benefits–efficiency, productivity

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five generations of cellular radio; 1) analog at 800-900 MHz; 2) digital and more channel capacity including Personal Communication Networks operating at 1900 MHz (lower power required, but more tower sites); 3) slow speed data service commingled with voice telephony; 4) dedicated data bandwidth capable of providing high speed wireless Internet access as fast as some wired conduits; 5) currently a collection of technological developments promising to offer higher speed, more capacity and less latency (signal delay)

how to accommodate more simultaneous users? more bandwidth + frequency reuse + spectrum conservation techniques (TDMA, CDMA)

frequency reuse; frequency agility in transceivers

SIM card function

how to provide service to mobile users? Mobile Telephone Switching Office (“MTSO”) managed signal strength measurements + handoffs + handsets with frequency agility + digital signal processing; note that the MTSO can direct handsets to increase or reduce transmission power

how to secure payment and serve roamers? Fast data base/call registry interrogation + constant control channel polling of user population

different frequencies in use; 800-900 MHz; 1900 MHz; paired (duplex) phone/tower frequencies

different signal contours: near field, femto, micro, macro and satellite cells;

blue tooth vs. home networks, vs. wi-fi vs. cellular vs. PCS vs. LEO vs. MEO vs. ICO vs. GEO

cell splitting

MTSO serves as a wireless tandem switch

Frequency Division Multiplexing; sometimes referred to as Frequency Division Multiple Access—divides bandwidth into discrete, individual channels

Time Division Multiple Access transmission format—shared channels among several users whose access is slotted by time

Code Division Multiple Access transmission format; spread spectrum transmission format—multiple code sequences at very low power spread over a large bandwidth

role of standards: lack of uniformity vs. competitive advantage in having a single standard; US has 3 + standards while Europe started with 1: GSM

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Wireless Local Loop: fixed wireless; point-to-point microwave, or omni-directional

Local Multipoint Distribution System; omni-directional wireless for voice, Internet, video; largely unsuccessful in the marketplace—why?

Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity); an IEEE standard for short distance data transmission 802.11; operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequency bands; consider it “access to access;” hot spots

Wi-Fi equipment: Wi-Fi card; hub/access point; Internet access

comparative advantages: cellular vs. Wi-Fi; QOS, security; reliability; availability; throughput

Wireless Network NeutralityWalled Gardens

Advanced Wireless Networks (Oct. 24, 29)

In this unit, we will examine several “next generation” wireless network plans that have the potential to make wireless devices the functional equivalent of wired broadband conduits. We need to understand both how these technologies work and whether a market can develop for services that can exploit much more bandwidth and provide far greater data throughput at extremely high GigaHertz frequencies.

Assignments:

Intel, Ultra-Wideband (UWB Technology)Enabling high-speed wireless personal area networks: http://ecee.colorado.edu/~ecen4242/marko/UWB/UWB/Intel'%20UWB.pdf

Glenn Fleishman, Wireless mesh networks: Everything you need to know, PC World: https://www.pcworld.com/article/3212444/wi-fi/mesh-network-explained.html

Harold Feld, Vice President Public Knowledge, Tales from the Sausage Factory Blog Site, So What The Heck Does 5G Actually Do? And Is It Worth What The Carriers Are Demanding? (JUNE 28, 2018): http://www.wetmachine.com/tales-of-the-sausage-factory/so-what-the-heck-does-5g-actually-do-and-is-it-worth-what-the-carriers-are-demanding/

IEEE Spectrum, 5G Bytes: Small Cells Explained: https://spectrum.ieee.org/video/telecom/wireless/5g-bytes-small-cells-explained (audio and slides)

James Francis, 5G: Why is this a game changer?:

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https://www.itweb.co.za/content/GxwQDq1AJx5qlPVo

Fred Goldstein, Is 5G a Spectrum-eating Monster that Destroys Competition?,Techzone 360 (June 15, 2018):http://www.techzone360.com/topics/techzone/articles/2018/06/15/438482-5g-spectrum-eating-monster-that-destroys-competition.htm#

Amy Nordrum, Kristen Clark & IEEE Spectrum Staff, IEEE Spectrum, Everything You Need to Know About 5G (May 6, 2017:https://spectrum.ieee.org/video/telecom/wireless/everything-you-need-to-know-about-5g (audio and slides)

Amy Nordrum, Kristen Clark & IEEE Spectrum Staff, IEEE Spectrum, 5G Bytes: Millimeter Waves Explained, IEEE Spectrum (May 6, 2017):https://spectrum.ieee.org/video/telecom/wireless/5g-bytes-millimeter-waves-explained (audio and slides)

TIA, Network Slicing: 5G Networks:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CEjxiYfmhY

Alan Carlton, What is the difference between network slicing and Quality of Service?, Insider Pro (Oct. 6, 2017):https://www.computerworld.com/article/3231244/mobile-wireless/what-is-the-difference-between-network-slicing-and-quality-of-service.html

Erik G. Larsson & Liesbet Van der Perre, Massive MIMO for 5G, IEEE 5G Tech Focus: Volume 1, Number 1, (March 2017):https://futurenetworks.ieee.org/tech-focus/march-2017/massive-mimo-for-5g

Emil Björnson, Adaptive Beamforming and Antenna Arrays, Massive MIMO (November 29, 2018):http://ma-mimo.ellintech.se/2018/11/29/adaptive-beamforming-and-antenna-arrays/ (text and video)

Concepts You Need to Master

ultra wideband (“UWB”) wireless spectrum and services

5G characteristics: higher speeds, up to 10 Gbps, lower latency (needed for management of autonomous cars, etc.) ability to handle more simultaneous users per tower site, able to operate above 6 GHz

23

MIMO—multiple input/multiple output

millimeter wave—size of carriernetwork slicing—proliferation of antennas and channels to expand capacity and speed

spread spectrum radio: frequency hopping and direct-sequence

adaptive beam switching

grid and mesh networks: gateways, nodes, access points

Oct. 31 Third Pretest

Nov. 5 Third Test

Voice Over the Internet Protocol and Internet Protocol Television (Nov. 7 12)

       In this unit, we will learn how the Internet can serve as a cheap or “free” medium for telephone calling worldwide. We will see how the increasingly versatile nature of the Internet financially threatens incumbent service providers and the current pricing regime. We also will extend our examination of Internet-delivered video content.

Assignments:

Kent Löfgren, Disruptive technology example: Voice over Internet Protocol, VoIP, business phone service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3946hD2vXD4

Telecom Consulting, What is VoIP?:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvngy80paWY

Vonage, The Beginners Guide to VoIP: https://www.vonage.co.uk/useful-info/beginners-guide/

Roku, How Roku Streaming Works: https://www.roku.com/how-it-works

F1 Tech for Luddites, Streaming Media: Frequently Asked Questions (Oct. 9, 2018): https://techforluddites.com/streaming-media-frequently-asked-questions/

Concepts You Need to Master

Voice over the Internet Protocol

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VoIP uses real time “streaming” of voice packets, i.e., immediate, “just in time” delivery. Any lost packets will result in “drop outs” in the conversationone way to think about VoIP is to determine where its component parts fit within the OSI 7 layer protocol stack; we can we reduce the 7 components to 3 layers: content, software applications, SIP/TCP/IP, physical connections via DSL, cable modems

types: low QOS voice over the Internet; higher QOS voice over IP using dedicated or virtual private lines

PC-to-PC; PC-to-telephone; telephone-to-telephone; VoIP: using high speed broadband connections; uses TCP/IP for real time streaming of voice packets

know the equipment requirements: DSL or cable modem “access to access” terminal adapter for VoIP (may not even need a computer); more basis PC-to-PC: computer equipped with sound card, microphone, speaker, software

packet switching; packet loss

sound card functions and codec (coder/decoder) functions: analog to digital conversion and vice versa

packet assembly and disassembly

gateway function-- converts packets back into analog voice traffic for routing through the PSTNanalog terminal adapter function

commercial impact of Internet telephony: incumbents face lower margins in having to “cannibalize” higher margin services; new competitors, e.g., Net-to-Phone, Vonage

Internet telephony as an arbitrage technology—exploits financial margins and regulatory loopholes

limitations of Internet telephony: QOS, no automatic number identification; no E-911 access

likelihood of echo and latency; non-ubiquitous access to all phones on the PSTN; no directory listing; national security concerns

impact of Internet telephony on incumbent service providers and manufacturers—cannibalization

commercial VoIP must be able to receive calls from the conventional PSTN and have calls delivered via the PSTN to call recipients

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Internet Protocol Television (“IPTV”)

IPTV uses broadband streaming of “mission critical” bits

How Roku and other streaming devices work

IPTV provides access to video content “over the top” broadband links

full motion video streaming requires a minimum 1 Mbps bitrate and requires high monthly throughput allowances (“data plans”)consider IPTV content delivered to four or more screens

IPTV offers a competitive alternative to paid content; will incumbents, such as cable television operators must cannibalize their revenue streams with skinny bundles, lower rates?

note that wireless IPTV is an alternative to broadcast television tuner installation

is IPTV a killer application, offering a true platform for anytime, anywhere content, or will incumbent create “walled gardens” of Television Everywhere available only to paying subscribers?

IPTV offers real time delivery of video packets in a multi-cast, point to multipoint environment

IPTV will succeed if the content available rivals first screen offerings

users must be willing to trade off screen size and clarity (line resolution) for accessibility in a mobile environment to wireless handsets and laptops

content suppliers need to manage QOS; one way to enhance reliability and expand the number of simultaneous viewers is use of widely distributed proxy servers

Cloud Computing, E-Commerce and the Internet of Things—Risks and Rewards (Nov. 14, 19)

This unit will offer an overview of technologies that either enhance or reduce privacy when using the Internet. Vendors need to build confidence and trust by refraining from predatory and harmful behavior. We will examine how online technologies collect information about your Web browsing, ostensibly to provide you with suggestions about purchases and the “data miner” with information that could improve efficiency and profitability. When ventures can “sniff” out packets, the outcome has both positive and negative consequences.

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Assignments:

Internet Society, The Internet of Things: An Overview: https://www.internetsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ISOC-IoT-Overview-20151221-en.pdf

Lorna Goulden: The Internet of Things: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQGsubJNbQw

The Internet of Things: Dr. John Barrett at TEDxCIT:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaTIt1C5R-MDavid Rose, Enchanted Objects: Design, Human Desire, and the Internet of Things, TEDxBeaconStreet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_AhhhcceXk

Aida Joaquin Acosta, 5 Technological Factors Regulators and PolicymakersNeed to Know (July, 2018):http://cyber.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/2018-07/2018-07_AVs01_1.pdf

Concepts You Need to Master

“Faster, Better, Smarter, Cheaper and More Convenient”—frictionless commercial transactions

disintermediation–eliminating the “middleman”

B2B business-to-business e-commerce; generates 80%+ of the revenues

data mining

Deep Packet Inspection; “flag” processing

cannibalization—new product or service eats into an existing revenue stream possibly generating lower margins and less profit

price discrimination (dynamic pricing/surge pricing) in Internet-mediated transactions—different prices for the same good or service based on consumer characteristics, e.g., Dell for us and Dell for PSU and perceived intensity of preference

the role of advertising in e-commerce: subsidized access to content, like broadcast television

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an Internet of Things; sensors; Radio Frequency Identification Devices (“RFIDs”)—how they work (active/passive); what they do; business applications

Big Datadecision making by algorithm and the risk of discrimination

GIGO

Gigabytes to Terabytes to Exabytes

Data to Information to Knowledge to Wisdom

sensor function

IOT applications, e.g., smart roads, cites, cars, e-health

augmented reality, virtual reality

robotics autonomous vehicles

Technologies of the Surveillance Society (Nov. 21, Dec. 5)

Assignments:

Robinson Meyer, How the Government Surveils Cellphones: A Primer, THE ATLANTIC (Sep. 2015): https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/09/how-the-government-surveils-cell-phones-a-primer/404818/

Lawrence C. Miller, Cybersecurity for Dummies: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/assets/pdf/education/cybersecurity-for-dummies.pdf (read chapters 1 and 3)

American Civil Liberties Union, Community Control Over Police Surveillance: Technology 101:https://www.aclu.org/report/community-control-over-police-surveillance-technology-101

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 6 Things to Know about Cybersecurity & Public Policy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=89&v=C_asue70Xl8

Concepts You Need to Master

28

pan-opticon technology—360 degree, 24/7 surveillance first appearing in 1890s jails

DDOS

malware

phishing

identity theft

bots/zombie computers

encryption

firewalls

authentication

drones

stingray—international mobile subscriber identity catchers

automated license plate readers

predictive policing software

utopia or dystopia?

Dec. 10 Fourth Pretest

Dec. 12 Fourth Test