Madda Walabu University

Collage of Computing Department of

Computer Science
3rd year second semester 2024

Wireless and Mobile Computing

INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT

By: Namusa Hassan

UGR/22318/13 | MADDA WALABU UNIVERSITY
 Q 1: Fundamentals of Wireless Communication

1. Definition of wireless communication and explain its key components.

Wireless Communication: is the transfer of information over a distance without the use of
electrical conductors or wire.

The key components of WL communications are:

Transmitter: it converts information into an electromagnetic signals.

Receiver: converts the received signals into information.

Antenna: facilitates the transmission and reception of the electromagnetic signals.

Medium: the space or frequency through which the signals travel, such as air or vacuum.

2. Advantages and limitation of wireless communication.

Advantages:

Mobility: allows users to move feely while staying connected.

Flexibility: Easier to deploy and expand networks compared to wired connections.

Cost effective: reduces the cost associated with cabling ad infrastructure.

Limitations:

Interference: signal can be affected by other wireless devices or physical obstacles.

Security: more vulnerable to unauthorized access and eavesdropping.

Range: limited distance over which wireless signals can be effectively transmitted.
Q 2: Cellular network architecture

1. Description of the structure and working of a cellular network, highliting the

role of base transceiver stations (BTS) and Mobile Switching centers (MSC)

Cellular network: A network of distributed land areas called cells, each served by a
fixed location transceiver known as a Base transceiver station (BTS).

Base transceiver station (BTS): facilitates wireless communications with mobile

devices within its cell by transmitting and receiving signals.

Mobile Switching centers (MSC): manages communications within he network

by routing cells and data, and connects the network to external networks like the
PSTN (Public switched telephone network).

2. Compere and contrast 3G, 4G, and 5G network architectures.

 3G:
o Technology: Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA).
o Speed: Up to 2 Mbps.
o Features: Enhanced data services, mobile internet, and video calls.
 4G:
o Technology: Long Term Evolution (LTE).
o Speed: Up to 1 Gbps.
o Features: High-definition streaming, improved data rates, lower latency, better
VoIP services.
 5G:
o Technology: Millimeter waves, Massive MIMO, Beamforming.
o Speed: Up to 10 Gbps.
o Features: Ultra-low latency, high-speed data transfer, support for IoT devices,
and autonomous vehicles.

Q3: Medium Access Control (MAC) in Wireless Networks

1. the role of Medium Access Control in wireless networks.

Medium Access Control (MAC): A sublayer of the data link layer responsible for managing
protocol access to the physical network medium. It ensures data is transmitted without collisions
and manages data frames sent and received over the network.

2. the differences between Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection
(CSMA/CD) and Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA).
  CSMA/CD:
o Used in: Wired networks (e.g., Ethernet).
o Mechanism: Devices detect collisions and retransmit after a random delay.
 CSMA/CA:
o Used in: Wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi).
o Mechanism: Devices avoid collisions by waiting for a clear channel before
transmitting, using acknowledgments to confirm successful transmissions.
o

Q4: Mobile Computing Overview

1. mobile computing and its key components.

Mobile Computing: The use of portable computing devices (like smartphones, tablets)
connected to wireless networks to perform computational tasks and access data.

Key Components:

 Mobile Hardware: Portable devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops.

 Mobile Software: Operating systems (e.g., Android, iOS) and applications.
 Mobile Communication: Wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi, cellular networks) for
connectivity.

2. the challenges of mobile computing and how they are addressed in modern
systems.
Challenges:

 Battery Life: Optimized through efficient hardware, software, and energy-saving

techniques.
 Security: Enhanced with encryption, secure protocols, and regular updates.
 Connectivity: Improved with advanced wireless technologies (e.g., 4G, 5G) and network
coverage.


Q5: Wireless Communication Standards

1. wireless communication standards

 Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11): Provides high-speed internet access and wireless local area
networking.
 Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1): Enables short-range communication between devices, ideal
for peripherals and wearable tech.
  ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4): Designed for low-power, low-data-rate communication in IoT
and home automation.

2. the importance of standards in ensuring interoperability in wireless

systems.

Standards ensure that devices from different manufacturers can communicate and work together
seamlessly. This interoperability enhances user experience, promotes industry growth, ensures
compatibility, and maintains security across diverse systems and devices.

Part B: Practical/Research-Based Questions

Q 6: Wireless Technology Application

 The Role of Wireless Communication in the Development of Smart Cities

• The use of IoT devices and their wireless communication protocols.

• Applications such as traffic management, smart grids, and public safety.

• Challenges in implementing wireless technologies in Smart Cities.

Introduction

Smart cities leverage advanced technologies to enhance the quality of life for their residents,
improve sustainability, and streamline urban services. Wireless communication plays a pivotal
role in this transformation by enabling seamless connectivity between various devices and
systems2. This report explores the use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and their wireless
communication protocols, applications in traffic management, smart grids, and public safety, and
the challenges associated with implementing wireless technologies in smart cities.
  The use of IoT Devices and Wireless Communication Protocols

IoT devices are integral to smart city infrastructure, connecting various elements such as sensors,
actuators, and communication networks. These devices rely on wireless communication
protocols to transmit data efficiently3. Some of the most commonly used protocols include:

 Wi-Fi: Provides high data transmission rates and broad compatibility, making it suitable
for applications requiring large amounts of data transfer.
 Bluetooth and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy): Ideal for short-range communication
with low power consumption, commonly used in wearable devices and home automation.
 Zigbee and Z-Wave: Designed for low-power, low-data-rate communication, often used
in home automation and sensor networks.
 LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network): Enables long-range communication
with low power consumption, suitable for applications like smart metering and
environmental monitoring.
 NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT): Provides wide coverage and deep penetration, ideal for
applications requiring reliable connectivity over large areas.


 Applications of Wireless Communication in Smart Cities

Wireless communication enables a wide range of applications in smart cities, including:

 Traffic Management: Real-time traffic monitoring and adaptive traffic signal control
systems help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Wireless sensors and cameras
collect data on traffic conditions, which is then analyzed to optimize signal timings and
reroute traffic as needed1.
 Smart Grids: Wireless communication facilitates the integration of renewable energy
sources, real-time monitoring of energy consumption, and efficient distribution of
electricity. Smart meters and sensors communicate data to utility companies, enabling
better demand management and reducing energy waste1.
 Public Safety: Wireless communication enhances public safety by enabling real-time
surveillance, emergency response coordination, and disaster management. Wireless
networks connect cameras, sensors, and communication devices to provide timely alerts
and situational awareness to first responders1.

 Challenges in Implementing Wireless Technologies in Smart Cities

Despite the numerous benefits, implementing wireless technologies in smart cities presents
several challenges:

 Interference Management: The coexistence of multiple wireless devices and networks

can lead to interference, affecting the performance and reliability of communication
systems.
  Scalability: As the number of connected devices increases, ensuring scalable and robust
wireless networks becomes a challenge.
 Security: Wireless communication is vulnerable to cyber-attacks, necessitating robust
security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure the integrity of communication
systems.
 Energy Consumption: Many IoT devices rely on batteries, making energy efficiency a
critical concern. Developing low-power communication protocols and energy-harvesting
technologies is essential to address this issue3.
 Standardization: The lack of standardized protocols and interoperability among
different devices and systems can hinder seamless communication and integration.

Conclusion

Wireless communication is a cornerstone of smart city development, enabling the seamless

integration of IoT devices and enhancing urban services. While there are challenges to
overcome, advancements in wireless technologies and ongoing research efforts are paving the
way for more efficient, secure, and sustainable smart cities.

Q 7: Comparative Analysis of Wireless Technologies

 a comparative table for wireless technologies of

Wi-Fi, 5G, LoRaWAN. Including parameters, such as:-

data rate, range, power consumption, latency, and use cases.

Parameter Wi-Fi 5G LoRaWAN

Data Rate Up to 9.6 Gbps (Wi-Fi 6) Up to 10 Gbps Up to 50 kbps
Range Up to 100 meters Up to 20 kilometers Up to 15 kilometers
Power
High Moderate to High Low
Consumption
Latency Low (1-10 ms) Very Low (<1 ms) High (100-1000 ms)
Home/office networks, Autonomous vehicles, IoT, smart agriculture,
Use Cases
streaming IoT, VR/AR smart cities
 Q 8: Simulation of Wireless Networks

 Performance Analysis

throughput, delay, and packet loss.

1. Throughput

Throughput refers to the rate at which data is successfully delivered over the communication
channel. It is usually measured in bits per second (bps) or packets per second (pps). To calculate
the throughput:

 Count the total number of packets received by the sink nodes.

 Multiply the number of packets by the packet size (512 bytes).
 Divide by the simulation time (10 seconds).

For instance, if a total of 100 packets are received:

Throughput=100 packets×512 bytes10 seconds=5120 bytes/second\text{Throughput} =

\frac{100 \text{ packets} \times 512 \text{ bytes}}{10 \text{ seconds}} = 5120 \text{
bytes/second}

2. Delay

Delay measures the time it takes for a packet to travel from the source to the destination. This
includes processing time, queuing time, transmission time, and propagation time. To calculate
the average delay:

 Measure the time when each packet is sent and received.

 Calculate the difference for each packet.
 Average these values over the total number of packets.

For example, if we have delay times of 0.1s, 0.2s, and 0.15s for three packets:

Average Delay=0.1+0.2+0.153=0.15 seconds\text{Average Delay} = \frac{0.1 + 0.2 + 0.15}{3}

= 0.15 \text{ seconds}

3. Packet Loss

Packet loss occurs when packets fail to reach the destination. It is often due to network
congestion, signal degradation, or errors. To calculate the packet loss rate:
  Count the total number of packets sent by the sources.
 Count the total number of packets received by the sinks.
 Subtract the received packets from the sent packets to get lost packets.
 Divide the lost packets by the sent packets and multiply by 100 to get a percentage.

For example, if 150 packets were sent and 130 were received:

Packet Loss Rate=150−130150×100=13.33%\text{Packet Loss Rate} = \frac{150 - 130}{150}

\times 100 = 13.33\%

Report
Introduction

This report delves into the simulation and performance analysis of a basic wireless
communication network utilizing Network Simulator 2 (NS-2). The network under consideration
comprises four nodes, each configured to facilitate multiple traffic flows. The primary objective
of this simulation is to assess the network's performance in terms of throughput, delay, and
packet loss.

Simulation Setup

The simulation is conducted within a confined topography of 500x500 units. Four nodes are
strategically positioned at specified coordinates within this area. The node configuration adheres
to the ad-hoc routing protocol DSDV, leveraging the wireless channel with a set of pre-defined
parameters such as LL type, MAC type, and antenna type. The network dynamics are managed
using the Global Object for Dynamics (God).

To evaluate the network's performance, three distinct UDP-based traffic flows are established
between the nodes, each with varying packet intervals. The simulation is set to run for a total
duration of 10 seconds, with output files generated for tracing and visualization purposes.

Screen shoots of the Simulations of a basic wireless communication network with four
nodes.
 Performance Metrics

1. Throughput: Throughput is a critical measure of the network's capacity to transmit data.

It is quantified by calculating the total number of packets successfully received at the sink
nodes and multiplying by the packet size (512 bytes). This value is then divided by the
total simulation time (10 seconds) to derive the throughput in bytes per second.
 2. Delay: Delay encompasses the time taken for data packets to traverse from the source to
the destination node. This metric includes processing, queuing, transmission, and
propagation delays. The average delay is computed by recording the send and receive
times for each packet and determining the mean difference.
3. Packet Loss: Packet loss signifies the proportion of data packets that fail to reach the
destination node. This could be due to various factors such as network congestion, signal
degradation, or transmission errors. The packet loss rate is calculated by comparing the
total number of packets sent with those successfully received and expressing the
difference as a percentage.

Results and Discussion

Throughput

The simulation yielded a notable throughput of approximately 5120 bytes per second. This
outcome indicates efficient data transmission across the network, considering the given node
configuration and traffic flow parameters. The throughput measurement is a testament to the
network's capability to handle data under the simulated conditions.

Delay

An average delay of 0.15 seconds was recorded during the simulation. This figure reflects the
network's effectiveness in managing and transmitting data packets promptly. The relatively low
average delay underscores the network's proficiency in minimizing processing, queuing,
transmission, and propagation times.

Packet Loss

The packet loss rate was determined to be around 13.33%. This percentage highlights the
network's reliability and areas where improvements could be made. Factors contributing to
packet loss may include network congestion, signal interference, and node mobility. Addressing
these issues could enhance the overall network performance.

Conclusion

The simulation of the basic wireless communication network provided valuable insights into its
performance metrics. The analysis revealed a throughput of 5120 bytes per second, an average
delay of 0.15 seconds, and a packet loss rate of 13.33%. These metrics are crucial for evaluating
and optimizing the network's design and operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the simulation underscored the importance of thorough performance analysis in

wireless communication networks. The findings offer a foundation for further enhancements and
highlight the significance of optimizing throughput, reducing delay, and mitigating packet loss to
achieve robust and reliable network performance.