48
Telecommunications
REGGIO DI CALABRIA
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The course aims to explore space communications, focusing on fundamental concepts such as architecture, applications, the integration of 5G technology to support non-terrestrial networks, and key challenges, as well as on practical implementations and advanced simulation techniques.
The course combines theoretical insights with practical projects and simulation exercises.
Provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and technologies required for developing a 3D simulation environment for wireless communication systems involving drones and satellites, with a focus on accurately modeling the physical space.
Implement stochastic user equipment deployment and 3GPP propagation models to simulate realistic scenarios
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the exam, the student will be able to accurately describe the architecture of non-terrestrial networks, illustrating the main use cases and application scenarios of 6G, the role of 5G NR in supporting satellite and drone communications, the characteristic challenges of non-terrestrial networks, and development prospects beyond 6G. The student will also be able to explain the fundamentals of designing and implementing satellite networks, including radio resource management techniques.
Ability to apply knowledge:
The student will be able to model and simulate wireless communication systems in complex 3D environments that include drones and satellites, using mathematical models and simulation tools to analyze real-world scenarios. They will be able to apply propagation models compliant with 3GPP standards and configure 3D stochastic distributions of users.
Autonomy of judgement:
The student will be able to critically evaluate the different technologies and solutions available for designing non-terrestrial networks, identifying advantages, limitations, and trade-offs in design choices related to drones, satellites, communication protocols, and resource management.
Learning skills:
The student will demonstrate the ability to independently stay up to date on developments in the field of non-terrestrial networks and 6G communications by consulting scientific articles, technical documents, and international standards, in order to remain aligned with the latest research directions.
Communication skills:
The student will be able to clearly and effectively communicate concepts, methodologies, and results related to non-terrestrial networks and communication systems involving drones and satellites. They will be able to present and discuss simulation models, design choices, and experimental results using appropriate technical language, both in written and oral form, also with the support of data visualization and presentation tools. Furthermore, they will be able to collaborate and engage in discussions with other students or professionals in the field during project activities and technical discussions.
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of telecommunications. Interest in programming.
Teaching Methods
Theoretical lessons, hands-on exercises, and code implementation.
The course includes theoretical lectures aimed at presenting the main concepts and models related to non-terrestrial networks, satellite communications, and drone-based systems.
The teaching activities will be complemented by practical exercises, during which students will implement code and develop simulation models for the analysis of wireless communication scenarios involving satellites, drones, and users distributed in a three-dimensional space.
During the course, technical discussions, case study analyses, and presentations of project results may also be proposed in order to strengthen students’ critical analysis and scientific communication skills.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods: Oral examination.
The examination is structured in two parts:
- a first part focused on non-terrestrial networks and communication architectures, aimed at assessing knowledge of fundamental concepts, reference technologies, and use cases;
- a second part dedicated to the modeling, simulation, and design of satellite and UAV systems, aimed at assessing understanding of models, simulation techniques, and the main design challenges.
Evaluation criteria:
- 30 with Honors: The student demonstrates a complete, in-depth, and critical understanding of non-terrestrial network architectures, satellite systems, and drone-based communication systems, as well as the supporting 5G/6G technologies. The student shows full mastery of radio propagation models, 3D modeling and simulation techniques, and the key challenges of NTN systems (mobility, latency, deafness problem, and radio resource management). The student is able to analyze complex scenarios, critically discuss advanced use cases, and independently apply acquired knowledge using rigorous technical-scientific language.
- 28 – 30: The student demonstrates a complete and in-depth knowledge of the course content related to non-terrestrial networks, satellite and UAV communications, and 6G applications. The student correctly applies theoretical and simulation models and shows excellent command of technical terminology. The student is able to correctly interpret application scenarios and independently apply the acquired knowledge.
- 24 – 27: The student demonstrates good knowledge of non-terrestrial network architectures, main propagation models, and simulation techniques for satellite- and drone-based systems. The student uses appropriate technical language and is able to correctly apply the acquired knowledge to solve standard problems and scenarios.
- 20 – 23: The student demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the fundamental course topics, particularly basic concepts related to satellite networks, UAV communications, and NTNs. The student shows limited ability for deeper analysis but is able to apply basic knowledge in simple, guided contexts.
- 18 – 19: The student demonstrates basic knowledge of the main course concepts, such as non-terrestrial networks and satellite- and drone-based communication systems, and uses elementary technical language. The student is able to apply the acquired knowledge only with instructor guidance.
- < 18 – Fail: The student does not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the course content related to non-terrestrial networks, satellite systems, and UAV systems, nor achievement of the expected learning outcomes.
Texts
Learning materials provided by the teachers.
Contents
Course program, divided into learning modules
MODULE 1 – Non-Terrestrial Networks and Communication Architectures (3 ECTS)
- Non-terrestrial network architecture (0.5 ECTS)
- 6G use cases, scenarios, and applications (0.5 ECTS)
- 5G New Radio to support 6G applications over non-terrestrial networks (0.5 ECTS)
- Main challenges of non-terrestrial networks (0.5 ECTS)
- Future research directions: non-terrestrial networks beyond 6G (0.5 ECTS)
- Implementation and design of satellite networks and radio resource management techniques (0.5 ECTS)
MODULE 2 – Modeling and Simulation of Satellite and UAV Systems (3 ECTS)
- Modeling and simulation of systems in a 3D environment, with particular emphasis on wireless communication systems involving drones and satellites. Mathematical models provide useful theoretical approximations for initial analysis, while simulations yield more accurate results, especially for complex system designs. (1 ECTS)
- 3D stochastic distribution of users (UEs), where the positions of drones and satellites follow probabilistic distributions, reflecting the dynamic nature of real-world scenarios. Simulations will also address the deafness problem, which describes situations in which a UE is unable to effectively receive signals. (1 ECTS)
- In addition, standard-compliant 3GPP propagation models will be implemented to predict radio signal propagation within the environment. (1 ECTS)
Expected learning outcomes
Assessment methods: Oral examination.
The examination is structured in two parts:
- a first part focused on non-terrestrial networks and communication architectures, aimed at assessing knowledge of fundamental concepts, reference technologies, and use cases;
- a second part dedicated to the modeling, simulation, and design of satellite and UAV systems, aimed at assessing understanding of models, simulation techniques, and the main design challenges.
Evaluation criteria:
- 30 with Honors: The student demonstrates a complete, in-depth, and critical understanding of non-terrestrial network architectures, satellite systems, and drone-based communication systems, as well as the supporting 5G/6G technologies. The student shows full mastery of radio propagation models, 3D modeling and simulation techniques, and the key challenges of NTN systems (mobility, latency, deafness problem, and radio resource management). The student is able to analyze complex scenarios, critically discuss advanced use cases, and independently apply acquired knowledge using rigorous technical-scientific language.
- 28 – 30: The student demonstrates a complete and in-depth knowledge of the course content related to non-terrestrial networks, satellite and UAV communications, and 6G applications. The student correctly applies theoretical and simulation models and shows excellent command of technical terminology. The student is able to correctly interpret application scenarios and independently apply the acquired knowledge.
- 24 – 27: The student demonstrates good knowledge of non-terrestrial network architectures, main propagation models, and simulation techniques for satellite- and drone-based systems. The student uses appropriate technical language and is able to correctly apply the acquired knowledge to solve standard problems and scenarios.
- 20 – 23: The student demonstrates sufficient knowledge of the fundamental course topics, particularly basic concepts related to satellite networks, UAV communications, and NTNs. The student shows limited ability for deeper analysis but is able to apply basic knowledge in simple, guided contexts.
- 18 – 19: The student demonstrates basic knowledge of the main course concepts, such as non-terrestrial networks and satellite- and drone-based communication systems, and uses elementary technical language. The student is able to apply the acquired knowledge only with instructor guidance.
- < 18 – Fail: The student does not demonstrate adequate knowledge of the course content related to non-terrestrial networks, satellite systems, and UAV systems, nor achievement of the expected learning outcomes.
More information
Teams class code: yc5z5dv