MODULE DETAILS

Module 4: Wireless Communication Systems

NOMINAL DURATION

6 weeks (72 hours total time commitment)

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers the basics of wireless communication, terrestrial microwave links, Wireless LANs, Wireless Mesh Networks, mobile telemetry systems, and RFID systems

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to gain an overview of the make-up and structure of telecommunications networks, which have changed dramatically in the past few years, especially with regards to wireless communication.

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Module 2: Industrial Data Communications (DITIDC602)

Unit 3: Design basic industrial Ethernet networks (DITETH603)

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors must:

• hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
• be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
• be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments will be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Explain the basics of wireless communication
2. Establish the parameters for a terrestrial microwave link
3. Identify and explain the design and operation of Wireless LANs
4. Describe the attributes of Wireless Mesh Networks
5. Identify and explain the design and operation of mobile telemetry systems
6. Identify and explain the design and operation of RFID systems

Learning Outcome 1

Explain the basics of wireless communication

Assessment Criteria

1.1   Outline the regulatory structure and frequency allocation for wireless communications

1.2   Explain the basics of modulation and spread spectrum

1.3   Identify and explain the choice of antennas and related issues

Learning Outcome 2

Establish the parameters for a terrestrial microwave link

Assessment Criteria

2.1   Establish the antenna heights for a given point-to-point terrestrial microwave link

Learning Outcome 3

Identify and explain the design and operation of Wireless LANs

Assessment Criteria

3.1   Identify and explain the basic concepts and acronyms related to IEEE 802.11 WLANs

3.2   Explain the salient attributes of the IEEE 802.11 variants ‘a’ thru ‘ax’ (Wi-Fi 6), including co-existence issues

3.3   Outline the architecture and attributes of wireless networks for Industrial Automation and Control

Learning Outcome 4

Describe the attributes of Wireless Mesh Networks

Assessment Criteria

4.1   Describe the basic attributes of mesh networks

4.2   Compare the following mesh networks: IEEE 802.11 mesh, WirelessHART (IEEE 802.15.4), and ISA SP100.11a

Learning Outcome 5

Identify and explain the design and operation of mobile telemetry systems

Assessment Criteria

5.1   Describe the components used in telemetry systems

5.2   Identify and explain the application of mobile (portable) telemetry systems

Learning Outcome 6

Identify and explain the design and operation of RFID systems

Assessment Criteria

6.1   Identify and explain RFID in terms of:

(a) Fundamentals of operation

(b) Tags

(c) Tag packaging formats

6.2   Describe the components of an RFID systems

Delivery mode

Online and/or face-to-face