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A System View of Communications

From Signals to Packets (Part 3)

Bertram Shi and Shenghui Song

Have you ever wondered how information is transmitted using your mobile phone or a WiFi hotspot? Gain an understanding of 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.

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Learning objectives

Learn how information can be transmitted reliably from one station to another over a network that connects multiple stations.
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:

Learn how information can be transmitted reliably from one station to another over a network that connects multiple stations.
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

Develops foundational knowledge in digital communications systems, which is standard in the telecommunications industry

Taught by Bertram Shi and Shenghui Song, who are recognized for their work in digital communication systems at MIT

Examines effective solutions to overcome challenges in digital communications systems, which is highly relevant to industry

Provides a strong foundation for beginners in digital communications systems

Offers hands-on interactive exercises to build intuition in digital communications systems

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Reviews summary

Well-organized course

Learners say this is a well-organized course. Reviewers highlight the organization of the course.

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 3) with these activities:

Review basic probability and statistics

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Refreshes foundational knowledge in probability and statistics, which are essential for comprehending the concepts of communication theory.

Browse courses on Probability

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Review your notes or textbooks from previous courses on probability and statistics.
Take practice quizzes or solve problems to test your understanding.

Read 'Digital Communication' by John G. Proakis

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Provides a comprehensive foundation in digital communication theory and techniques, reinforcing the course content and deepening understanding.

View Digital Communications on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
Solve the problems at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
Discuss the book with classmates or a study group to enhance your learning.

Solve problems on communication theory

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Strengthens the understanding of the fundamental concepts of communication theory, which are essential for comprehending the course material.

Browse courses on Communication Theory

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Review the concepts of modulation, demodulation, and error correction.
Solve problems on topics such as bandwidth, noise, and channel capacity.
Use simulation tools to visualize and analyze communication systems.

Five other activities

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Organize a study group on communication systems

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Facilitates peer-to-peer learning and improves understanding through discussions, problem-solving, and sharing of perspectives.

Browse courses on Communication Systems

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Find a group of classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Set regular meeting times and locations.
Prepare discussion topics and problems to work on during each meeting.
Actively participate in the discussions and help each other learn.

Attend a workshop on wireless communication

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Provides an opportunity to learn from experts and network with other professionals in the field, expanding knowledge and perspectives.

Browse courses on Wireless Communication

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Search for workshops on wireless communication in your area.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the sessions.
Network with other attendees and learn about their experiences and insights.

Design a wireless communication system

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Provides hands-on experience in designing and analyzing communication systems, which is essential for understanding the tradeoffs involved.

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Identify the requirements of the communication system, such as data rate, bandwidth, and range.
Research different modulation and coding techniques and select the most appropriate ones for the system.
Design the physical layer of the system, including the transmitter, receiver, and channel.
Simulate the system to evaluate its performance and identify any potential problems.
Write a report summarizing the design and evaluation of the system.

Build a software-defined radio

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Provides practical experience in building and programming communication systems, reinforcing the concepts learned in the course.

Browse courses on Digital Signal Processing

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Learn the basics of software-defined radio and digital signal processing.
Follow tutorials to build a simple software-defined radio receiver.
Explore more advanced topics such as modulation, demodulation, and error correction.

Participate in a hackathon on communication systems

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Provides a challenging and immersive environment to apply skills, solve real-world problems, and collaborate with others.

Browse courses on Communication Systems

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Find a hackathon that focuses on communication systems or a related topic.
Form a team or work individually to develop a solution to the hackathon challenge.
Submit your solution and present it to the judges.

Career center

Learners who complete A System View of Communications: From Signals to Packets (Part 3) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Network Engineer

A Network Engineer designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. They work with network architects and other IT professionals to ensure that the network meets the needs of the organization. Since this course dives into concepts like transmitting information reliably from one station to another over a connected, multiple-station network, it may be useful for a Network Engineer to strengthen their understanding of these concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Computer Systems Analyst

A Computer Systems Analyst studies an organization's current computer systems and procedures, and designs, implements, and maintains new systems or upgrades to existing systems to meet the organization's needs. Since this course discusses how to transmit information reliably from one station to another over a network that connects multiple stations, it may be useful for a Computer Systems Analyst, particularly for those working with transmitting information and designing networks to do so.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Network Architect

A Network Architect designs, builds, and maintains computer networks. They work with network engineers, system administrators, and other IT professionals to ensure that the network meets the needs of the organization. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a Network Architect, particularly for those who work on digital communications systems and want to advance their understanding of the engineering tools and tradeoffs that come with it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Architect

Network Security Engineer

A Network Security Engineer designs, implements, and maintains network security systems. They work to protect computer networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Since this course can help build a foundation of the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a Network Security Engineer, particularly for those new to the field who want to learn more about digital communications and network security systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Data Communications Analyst

A Data Communications Analyst studies and resolves network problems in complex internet Protocol (IP) networks involving multiple vendors. They work on improving network efficiency and reliability. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a Data Communications Analyst, particularly for those who work on the transmitting of information over networks and how to maintain reliability during the process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Communications Analyst

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages and maintains computer networks. They work to ensure that the network is running smoothly and efficiently, and that users have access to the resources they need. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a Network Administrator, particularly for those looking to broaden their understanding of the tools and tradeoffs involved in network design.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. They work to ensure that software is reliable, efficient, and meets the needs of the user. Since this course may help build a foundation of the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a Software Engineer, particularly for those working on software for digital communication systems or networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help organizations make informed decisions. They work with data from a variety of sources, including structured data from databases and unstructured data from social media and other sources. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a Data Analyst, particularly for those who work with analyzing data transmitted over digital communications systems or networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Chief Data Officer

A Chief Data Officer (CDO) is responsible for the overall data strategy and direction of an organization. They work to ensure that the organization's data is used to support the organization's business goals. Since this course may help you understand how information can be transmitted reliably from one station to another over a network that connects multiple stations, it may be useful for a CDO, particularly for those who work with data transmission and storage.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Data Officer

Information Technology Manager

An Information Technology Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the implementation and operation of computer and information systems within an organization. They work to ensure that the organization's IT systems are aligned with the organization's business goals. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for an Information Technology Manager, particularly for those who work with digital communications systems or networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Technology Manager

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. They work to ensure that the database is running smoothly and efficiently, and that users have access to the data they need. Since this course may help you understand the reliability of transmitting information over a network, it may be useful for a Database Administrator who wants to better understand data reliability in a network of multiple stations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Chief Information Officer

A Chief Information Officer (CIO) is responsible for the overall information technology strategy and direction of an organization. They work to ensure that the organization's IT investments are aligned with the organization's business goals. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a CIO, particularly for those who work with digital communications systems or networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Information Officer

Systems Analyst

A Systems Analyst studies an organization's business processes and designs, implements, and maintains computer systems to support those processes. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a Systems Analyst, particularly for those who work on systems that involve digital communications or networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Chief Digital Officer

A Chief Digital Officer (CDO) is responsible for the overall digital strategy and direction of an organization. They work to ensure that the organization's digital investments are aligned with the organization's business goals. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a CDO, particularly for those who work with digital communications systems or networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Digital Officer

Chief Technology Officer

A Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is responsible for the overall technology strategy and direction of an organization. They work to ensure that the organization's technology investments are aligned with the organization's business goals. Since this course may help you understand the basic engineering tools used and tradeoffs faced in designing digital communications systems, it may be useful for a CTO, particularly for those who work with digital communications systems or networks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Technology Officer

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 3).

Digital Communications

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Classic textbook on digital communications. It covers a wide range of topics, including modulation, demodulation, error correction coding, and multiple-access techniques. It valuable reference for anyone interested in digital communications.

A System View of Communications

From Signals to Packets (Part 3)

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Learning objectives

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Well-organized course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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