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Identical courses6G Communication Networks (B-KUL-H05T7A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
This course focuses on selected enablers of future 6G communication systems. Specifically, the students will
- Apply general concepts of mathematics, physics and engineering (linear algebra, calculus, statistics, electromagnetism) to the practical problems of radiocommunication and information transmission.
- Understand the key principles of cellular networks in general, and of future 6G networks specifically; cellular connectivity and networks, their architecture and infrastructure.
- Understand the principles of radio signals, including their power, modulations, and carrier frequencies.
- Understand measurement and communication error sources and modeling: propagation, including ionosphere and troposphere, fading and multipath, and receiver contributions.
- Understand future trends and reflect critically on the technical feasibility.
At the end, the students should be able to:
- Understand the state of the art communication principles and main concepts of 6G technologies and apply them to research and development of next generation of communication networks.
- Have an overview of the 6G ecosystem, including system providers, industry, technology trends, challenges, standards, and present and future applications.
- Critically analyze the scientific trends and map them with the societal trends and needs.
Previous knowledge
- Basic knowledge of linear algebra, calculus and statistics is assumed.
- Basic knowledge of electromagnetism and electromagnetic wave propagation and equipment is assumed.
Order of Enrolment
Mixed prerequisite:
You may only take this course if you comply with the prerequisites. Prerequisites can be strict or flexible, or can imply simultaneity. A degree level can be also be a prerequisite.
Explanation:
STRICT: You may only take this course if you have passed or applied tolerance for the courses for which this condition is set.
FLEXIBLE: You may only take this course if you have previously taken the courses for which this condition is set.
SIMULTANEOUS: You may only take this course if you also take the courses for which this condition is set (or have taken them previously).
DEGREE: You may only take this course if you have obtained this degree level.
SIMULTANEOUS( H0E89A )
The codes of the course units mentioned above correspond to the following course descriptions:
H0E89A : Mobile Networks
Is included in these courses of study
- Courses for Exchange Students Faculty of Engineering Science (Leuven)
- Master of Electrical Engineering (Leuven) (ICT Security and Networks) 120 ects.
Activities
2.4 ects. 6G Communication Networks: Lecture (B-KUL-H05T7a)
Content
10 sessions are planned on advanced topics related to 6G. For instance:
- Introduction to 6G: Use-cases, Performance requirements, Roadmap;
- 6G spectrum: sub 6 GHz, millimeter waves, THz;
- 6G cell-free networks;
- AI and ML in 6G;
- Intelligent Reflective Surfaces;
- Global 6G coverage: Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN);
- Global 6G coverage: underwater communications;
- Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC);
- 6G for society;
- Speaker from industry
Course material
Specific material will be provided, consisting of:
- handouts of the presented slides (which are made available also for lectures not given in the format of slide presentation)
- where necessary overview article(s) on the discussed topic
- occasionally extra reading material for students lacking specific background
Format: more information
Discussion - Guest lecture - Webinar
The format will be lectures, possibly web lectures or recordings or guest lectures as seen fit for the content.
0.6 ects. 6G Communication Networks: Exercises (B-KUL-H0O62a)
Content
There will be four sessions and presentation:
- Discussion of four technical papers on 6G:
- Session 1: two papers (of a high and low quality) will be discussed and compared. What does make those paper different? Key components of a solid research publication.
- Session 2: Discussion of a recent high-quality paper dedicated to the selected lecture topics (e.g., Non-Terrestrial Networks, Intelligent Reflective Surfaces, Cell-free networks, Integrated sensing and communications, THz communications, Underwater communications, Machine Learning).
- Session 3: Flipped classroom: pre-watched academic tutorial on YouTube with a following discussion.
- Session 4: Online presentation (15 min per person/group) of a pre-assigned research paper. The presentation slides must be self-standing and include the relevant methods, results, and conclusions.
Format: more information
Discussion - Group assignment - Literature review - Presentation - Webinar