COMMUNICATION 633

Telecommunication Architectures

Instructor: Dan J. Wedemeyer

CONTENTS

Course Overview

General Description:

This is a socio-technical graduate-level course designed to develop a critical understanding of telecommunication architecture (technologies, structures, networks, etc.) as an area of study and research. Telecommunication as defined here, follows the ITU definition and includes broadcasting (radio and television) as well as services carried over light fibers, wire and other electromagnetic systems. Architecture means the defined structure or orderly arrangement of telecommunication and information systems in society. It is based upon accepted standards and societal guidelines for maximizing the information, efficiency and effectiveness of such systems and for the users to share societal communication and/or information resources.

After completing this course the student will understand, through various "active learning" strategies, selected telecommunication technologies and networks as well as key social issues. Each student will generate a critical thought paper entitled "The Social Construction of Telecommunication Systems: xxxxxxxx (Your selected topic)" during the first half of the course. In addition, each student team (pair) will construct a WWW presentation, which will consist of a detailed lesson on at least one telecommunication system method. At least a "PowerPoint" based presentation will also be made for the WWW project.

Objectives:

  1. To systematically study selected telecommunication architectures (i.e., networks and technologies);

  2. To understand the basic models theories, technical terms and concepts central to telecommunication development and use in society;

  3. To demonstrate content and research method competence by creating a Telecom Architectures lesson of a selected telecommunication system method on the WWW; and,

  4. To understand fundamental telecommunication theories and models.

Strategies:

  1. Mid-term exam over assigned readings and lectures (e-mail);

  2. Individual and mini "Learning Community" exercises;

  3. Individual critical thought paper, "The Social Construction of Telecommunication Systems: xxxxxxxx (Your selected topic)";

  4. WWW-assisted learning;

  5. Site visits;

  6. Teleconferences; and,

  7. Research a telecommunication system method and create a lesson about it on the WWW (a "PowerPoint" presentation will be made at the end of the project).
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Learning Resources:

Required Texts:
  • The social construction of technological systems. Bijker, W., T. Hughes and T. Pinch (eds). (1989). Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press. (Reserve, Sinclair Library)

  • Telecommunications: Present status and future trends. Linfield, Robert F. (1995). Park Ridge, N.J.: Noyes Data Corporation.

  • Being Digital. Negroponte, Nicholas (1995). New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

    • Supplementary Learning Materials:

  • World Wide Web and Computer aided Learning: Teletutor (At CLIC Lab, Sinclair Library)

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    Grading:

    The final grading will be determined by the professor on the basis of personal and peer evaluation of the following:
    1. Critical journal book review, "Being Digital" (20%).

    2. Critical thought paper, "The Social Construction of Telecommunication Systems: xxxxxxxx (Your selected topic)" (20%).

    3. Mid-term exam over readings and class materials (20%).

      Note: The mid-term exam will consist of 2 essay questions (sent via e-mail) over assigned readings. Each student will select one question and write a 500+ word answer via e-mail. Send to: danw.hawaii.edu.

    4. The "paired" WWW telecommunication system lesson and PowerPoint presentation (20% professor evaluation, 20% peer evaluation).

    NOTE: Each COM 633 student will be required to have an e-mail account if he/she does not already have one. With a student I.D., an account can be requested from Keller Hall, Rm. 105. Your "e-mailbox" should be checked on a regular basis.
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    Course Schedule

    Week 1: August 23

    Introduction/Course/Telecommunication and Architectures

  • Readings:

    • Week 2: August 30

    Telecommunication Issues and Problems

  • Readings:

    • Week 3: September 6

    Long-Haul Architecture

    Week 4: September 13

    Telephony and Mobile Architecture

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    Week 5: September 20

    Data Communication Architecture

  • Readings:

    • Week 6: September 27

    Cable Architecture

  • Readings:

    • Week 7: October 4

    Conferencing Architecture

  • Readings:

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    Week 8: October 11

    ITFS Architecture

  • Readings:

    • Week 9: October 18

    Multi-Media Architecture

  • Readings:

    • Week 10: October 25

    Multi-Media Architecture

    Week 11: November 1

    Mid-Term Exam/PowerPoint Instructions

  • Readings:

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    Week 12: November 8

    Interactive TV/HDTV Architecture

  • Readings:

    • Week 13: November 15

    Regulatory and Standards Architecture

  • Readings:

    • Week 14: November 22

    Telecommunication Futures

    Week 15: November 29

    Student Presentations

    Week 16: December 6

    Student Presentations (Continued)

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    NOTE: The course information is subject to change and is being provided for general informational purposes only. Should you require additional information or clarification, please contact the instructor.

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    By: Dan J. Wedemeyer - danw@hawaii.edu (Rev. Fall 1995)