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Bertram Shi and Shenghui Song

Have you ever wondered how information is transmitted using your mobile phone or a WiFi hotspot? This introductory course seeks to enable you to understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs encountered in the design of these communication systems.

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Have you ever wondered how information is transmitted using your mobile phone or a WiFi hotspot? This introductory course seeks to enable you to understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs encountered in the design of these communication systems.

This course is divided into three parts. In Part 1, we examine the point-to-point link, which communicates information from a single transmitter to a single receiver. Part 2 examines how multiple transmitters can share the same physical channel. Part 3 discusses how information can be transmitted reliably from one station to another over a network that connects multiple stations. Online interactive exercises are included to help build your intuition.

This course was inspired by and built upon the course 6.02 Digital Communication Systems developed at MIT, which Prof Bertram Shi worked on during his sabbatical in 2009.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn how multiple transmitters can share the same physical channel.
  • Gain a basic understanding of the engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems.
  • Discuss effective solutions to overcome these challenges and develop intuitive, useful systems.
  • At the end of the course, you will:

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Expands on concepts in MIT course 6.02 Digital Communication Systems
Builds a foundation for digital communications systems design
Covers multiple transmitters, enabling learners to explore resource sharing
Develops solutions for challenges in communication systems design
Taught by instructors with expertise in designing communication systems
Provides online interactive exercises to enhance understanding

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Reviews summary

A comprehensive overview of communication systems

Learners say this second part is just as insightful and comprehensive as the first, diving into the fundamentals of communication systems with a focus on signals and packets.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in A System View of Communications: From Signals to Packets (Part 2) with these activities:
Organize and review course notes and resources
Organizing and reviewing course notes strengthens memory and improves recall, aiding in long-term knowledge retention.
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  • Gather all course notes, handouts, and other materials.
  • Create a structured system for organizing the materials, such as binders or digital folders.
  • Regularly review the materials to reinforce understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Review probability and linear algebra concepts
Refreshing probability and linear algebra concepts provides a solid foundation for understanding digital communication principles.
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  • Review textbooks or online resources on probability and linear algebra.
  • Solve practice problems to test your understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Form study groups for course concepts
Engaging in study groups can enhance understanding through peer discussions and knowledge sharing.
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  • Identify interested classmates with complementary skills.
  • Establish regular meeting times and create a study schedule.
  • Actively participate in group discussions and contribute to learning.
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Explore OFDM modulation techniques
Examining OFDM modulation techniques will familiarize you with a key aspect of digital communication systems.
Show steps
  • Read a beginner's guide to OFDM modulation.
  • Find and watch video tutorials on OFDM implementation.
  • Experiment with different OFDM parameters in a software simulator.
Create a presentation on emerging trends in digital communication
Researching and presenting on emerging trends keeps you updated on the latest advancements and broadens your perspective on the field.
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  • Identify recent research papers or industry articles on emerging trends.
  • Summarize the key findings and implications of these trends.
  • Create a visually appealing presentation that effectively communicates your research.
  • Practice delivering the presentation to gain confidence and clarity.
Solve practice problems on channel coding
Solving practice problems on channel coding strengthens problem-solving skills and deepens understanding of error correction techniques.
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  • Collect practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or previous exams.
  • Set aside dedicated time for solving problems.
  • Work through problems step-by-step, carefully applying formulas and concepts.
Attend industry conferences and meetups
Participating in industry conferences and meetups offers opportunities to connect with professionals, learn about new developments, and expand your knowledge.
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Show steps
  • Identify relevant industry conferences and meetups.
  • Register and attend the events.
  • Actively engage in discussions, ask questions, and exchange ideas with other attendees.
  • Follow up with new connections and explore potential collaborations.
Design and simulate a digital communication system
Undertaking a project to design and simulate a digital communication system provides practical experience and reinforces course concepts.
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Show steps
  • Identify a specific communication system to design, such as a cellular network or satellite link.
  • Research and select appropriate modulation, coding, and synchronization techniques.
  • Use simulation software to model the system and evaluate its performance.
  • Document the design process and present the simulation results.

Career center

Learners who complete A System View of Communications: From Signals to Packets (Part 2) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Mobile Network Engineer
Mobile Network Engineers design, build, and maintain mobile networks. This course will help build a foundation in mobile network engineering, particularly the aspects related to sharing physical channels.
Wireless Network Engineer
Wireless Network Engineers design and maintain wireless networks. They ensure that networks function properly and efficiently. This course will help build a foundation in wireless network engineering, particularly the aspects related to sharing physical channels.
Communications Engineer
Communications Engineers work with telecommunications equipment, systems, and the broadcast and cable industries. This course helps build a foundation in engineering tools used in designing digital communications systems, which is useful for Communications Engineers who need to work with others in designing or managing digital communication systems.
Network Engineer
Network Engineers maintain computer networks, monitor network performance and security, and create backup and disaster recovery. This course will introduce Network Engineers to the basics of sharing physical channels between multiple transmitters, which are topics relevant to their field.
Telecommunications Manager
Telecommunications Managers plan, organize, direct, control, and coordinate telecommunications systems and activities of an organization. This course may help Telecommunications Managers build a foundation in the relevant tools of telecommunications, allowing them to better manage their systems and make effective decisions.
RF Engineer
RF Engineers design, develop, maintain, and implement radio frequency systems. This course may be useful to RF Engineers who want to learn more about the engineering tools and challenges of digital communications systems.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts seek solutions to problems that relate to technology. They utilize their understanding of computers and information systems to create better solutions. This course may help Systems Analysts who are working with digital communications systems to build a better foundation and overcome challenges.
Broadcast Engineer
Broadcast Engineers operate and maintain broadcasting equipment, including transmitters, antennas, and other equipment. This course may be useful to Broadcast Engineers who want to learn about digital communications systems.
Computer Network Architect
Computer Network Architects design, build, and maintain computer networks. They ensure that networks meet the needs of the organization. This course may be useful to Computer Network Architects who want to learn about digital communications systems.
Information Systems Manager
Information Systems Managers plan, implement, coordinate, and direct the activities of an organization's information technology and computer systems. This course may help Information Systems Managers who need an introduction to engineering tools for digital communications systems to work with telecom projects.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the production of electrical equipment. This course may be useful for Electrical Engineers who want to work on digital communications systems.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze big data using mathematical and statistical techniques to uncover hidden insights. This course may be useful to Data Scientists who want to apply their statistics skills to the design of digital communication systems.
Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, test, and oversee the production of computer hardware. This course may be of interest to Computer Hardware Engineers who want to move into the telecom industry.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers research, design, develop, and test operating systems, applications, and other software. This course may be useful to Software Engineers who want to work on software for digital communications systems, such as wireless networks or mobile phones.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and maintain instructional materials, user guides, and other documentation. This course may be useful to Technical Writers who want to write about digital communications systems.

Reading list

We've selected 40 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in A System View of Communications: From Signals to Packets (Part 2).
This comprehensive textbook provides a solid foundation in communication engineering principles, covering topics such as modulation, multiplexing, and error control coding. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike.
This advanced textbook provides a comprehensive overview of wireless communication systems, covering topics such as channel modeling, modulation techniques, and multiple-antenna systems. It valuable reference for students and researchers in the field.
This comprehensive textbook provides a comprehensive overview of digital communications, covering topics such as modulation, multiplexing, and error control coding. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of error control coding, covering topics such as block codes, convolutional codes, and turbo codes. It valuable reference for students and researchers in the field.
This advanced textbook provides a comprehensive overview of wireless communications, covering topics such as channel modeling, modulation techniques, and multiple-antenna systems. It valuable reference for students and researchers in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital communications, covering topics such as modulation, coding, synchronization, and multiple-access techniques. It valuable resource for both students and practitioners in the field.
Provides a rigorous mathematical treatment of digital communication, covering topics such as information theory, coding, and modulation. It valuable resource for students and researchers in the field.
Comprehensive overview of communication system fundamentals. It provides additional depth and explores additional topics in greater detail compared to the content covered in this course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning for communications, covering both the theoretical foundations and practical applications. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of digital signal processing, with a focus on the practical applications. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of communication networks, with a focus on the fundamental concepts. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Presents a mathematical foundation and theoretical framework for information theory and reliable communication. It is suitable for those interested in the theoretical underpinnings of communication systems.
This introductory textbook provides a clear and concise overview of communication systems, covering topics such as modulation, multiplexing, and error control coding. It good choice for students who are new to the field.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of probability, random variables, and stochastic processes. It valuable reference for students and researchers in the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical signal processing, covering topics such as random signals, linear estimation, and spectral analysis. It valuable resource for both students and practitioners in the field.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning, covering topics such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. It valuable reference for students and researchers in the field.
This comprehensive textbook provides a comprehensive overview of deep learning, covering topics such as convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, and generative adversarial networks. It valuable reference for students and researchers in the field.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of reinforcement learning, covering topics such as Markov decision processes, value functions, and policy gradients. It valuable reference for students and researchers in the field.
This comprehensive textbook provides a comprehensive overview of computer networking, covering topics such as network protocols, routing, and security. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike.
This classic textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the TCP/IP protocol suite, covering topics such as IP addressing, routing, and transport protocols. It valuable reference for students and professionals alike.
This classic textbook provides a thorough treatment of communication systems, from the basics of signal processing to the latest advances in wireless communications. It valuable resource for students and researchers alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of error control coding, covering both the theoretical foundations and practical applications. It valuable resource for students and practitioners alike.
Delves into the specific techniques used in multi-carrier digital communication systems. It provides in-depth coverage of the subject.
Offers a practical perspective on wireless communication systems, including discussion of key technologies, applications, and challenges specific to wireless communications. It serves as a useful reference for exploring additional topics and real-world applications not covered in this course.
Provides a rigorous foundation in digital communication theory. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in the mathematical underpinnings of communication systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of information theory, inference, and learning algorithms. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in the mathematical foundations of communication and information processing systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of information theory, with a focus on network applications. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in the mathematical foundations of communication and information processing systems.
Provides an overview of computer networks, offering a suitable starting point for those interested in learning about the networking concepts and technologies that underlie communication systems.
Provides a rigorous foundation in wireless communication theory. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in the mathematical underpinnings of wireless communication systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of statistical signal processing, with a focus on estimation theory. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in the mathematical foundations of communication and information processing systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of coding theory, with a focus on the fundamental concepts. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in the mathematical foundations of communication and information processing systems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of mobile communications systems, covering a wide range of topics from fundamentals to emerging technologies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of information theory and data compression, with a focus on the fundamental concepts. It valuable resource for students and researchers who are interested in the mathematical foundations of communication and information processing systems.
Encompasses the fundamentals of data communications and networking, presenting a solid foundation for understanding networking concepts. It serves as a preparatory resource for further exploration into communication systems.
Offers a detailed examination of wireless sensor networks, including their protocols, applications, and challenges. It explores the unique characteristics and considerations associated with wireless sensor networks.
Provides a general overview of data and computer communications, offering a broad perspective on the field. It serves as a suitable introductory resource for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

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