Broadband Access Networks

Subject 431-637 (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.500
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Thirty-six hours.
Total Time Commitment: Estimated total time commitment of 120 hours.
Prerequisites: 4-year Electrical Engineering degree or equivalent.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Bob Warfield
Subject Overview:

The aim of this subject is to provide students with a working knowledge of broadband access technologies. The subject is directed towards students aspiring to a professional engineering or management career in the telecommunications industry.

This subject will include:

  • Basic principles of the design of an access solution, including the application of information theory and basic economic optimization principles.
  • Overview of Internet protocols and services.
  • Introduction to the use of ATM and MPLS to provide a variety of solutions for access to telecommunications services.
  • Quality of Service, managed solutions, and Virtual Private Networking.
  • Management issues in access networks, especially performance and security.
  • Technological, economic and regulatory aspects of the use of twisted-pair technology.
  • Hybrid Fibre-Coax networks.
  • Optical access network technologies.
  • Wireless technologies including terrestrial radio and satellite as used for access.
Assessment: Assessment will be based on Project (group work) and a Final Examination. Group Seminar on Project 5% (group mark) Written Report on Project. Maximum 1500 words per student. 25% (group mark) Formally Supervised written examination - 3 hours 70% (end of semester). This final exam is a hurdle. A student must pass the exam to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: Because of the bredth of topics in this subject, there are no prescribed texts. References to additional material will be given on the subject website.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On completion of this subject, the student will have developed:

  1. Understanding of design principles.
  2. Appreciation of the economic and technological issues.
  3. Broad knowledge of a wide range of technologies.
  4. An appreciation of Customer Requirements, and an understanding of how to deliver a comprehensive solution that is based on requirements.
  5. An understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to a wider community, including business and industry.
  6. An ability to evaluate and synthesize the research and professional literature in the discipline.
  7. A capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in spoken and written presentations.
  8. A capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work.
  9. A capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work.
Related Course(s): Master of Telecommunications Engineering

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