EECE 5698 Special Topics: Spectrum Policy Issues for Wireless Communications Innovators

Class Meeting Times and Location

Wednesday and Friday from 11.45 AM – 01:25 PM, in the Knowles Center (School of Law), Room 002B.

Brief Description

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the nature of national and international regulations of radio spectrum and its historical development
• Become able to identify the relationship between specific innovative radio technologies and existing spectrum regulations and how they might impact the R&D process
• Identify options and pathways for removing or minimizing the impact of regulatory issues that could impact novel technologies
• Learn how to participate in national and international spectrum policy deliberations related to novel technology
• Understand what wireless systems design issues have regulatory concerns and how they have been dealt with in the past
• Understand the typical speed of national and international regulatory processes and how they differ from typical speeds of technical innovation
• Understand the impact of spectrum policy on capital formation needed to fund R&D on innovative technologies
• Explore in depth one current spectrum policy issue at the national or international level and draft a document that would be appropriate to submit to a national or international regulator advocating a position on that issue

Prerequisites (Working knowledge of...)

EECE 2540 (Fundamentals of Networks)

OR

EECE 3400 (Introduction to Communication Systems)

OR

EECE 4574 (Wireless Communication Circuits)

OR

CS 3700 (Networks and Distributed Systems)

OR

Graduate Standing

Consider reaching out to the instructor if you are not sure you meet the requirements.

Depth/Breadth Designation

This is a depth course for the CCSP (Communications, Control and Signal processing) and CNWS (Computer Networks and Security) concentrations, and breadth for other concentrations.

Course Contents

• Module 1: Goals of national and international spectrum policy and their impact on wireless R&D and innovation
• Module 2: Technical issues in spectrum policy: interference and efficiency
• Module 3: Radio propagation issues and impact on spectrum policy
• Module 4: Legal framework of spectrum policy and role of public comments and ITU-R inputs
• Module 5: Typical R&D engineer participation in spectrum policy/licensing
• Module 6: Satellite issues
• Module 7: Antenna issues
• Module 8: Issue for innovative wireless technologies and case studies
• Module 9: Reforms and the future of spectrum policy

Course Materials

All the course materials will be available in Canvas:

• Class notes
• Technical documentation and manuals
• Additional reading materials

Assessment

* This is a hands-on course that leverages the new wireless laboratories in Hayden Hall. In-class attendance and participation are mandatory.

• Homework Assignments:
  • Reviewing 2 FCC spectrum rulemakings and 2 ITU-R study questions
    • In each case, students will review documents provided and provide a report on what are the technical issues under consideration, what are the controversies involved, and possible compromises
  • Prepare an FCC experimental license application on the FCC website for a system assigned to each group
  • All the assignments to be completed in groups of two students
  • Students are allowed to share ideas regarding assignments, but each team must independently write and submit their own solution
  • To avoid late penalty deductions, laboratory reports should be submitted on or prior to the due date.
    • There will be a an automatic 10-point per day deduction for reports submitted passed the deadline
• Final Project
  • For a designated FCC policy proceeding, draft reply comments to FCC in the proper format that summarize the pending issues and advocates a position
• Professionalism:
  • Students are expected to act in a professional manner. Please
    • Use professional style in all communications, including email, with course faculty and teaching assistants
    • Refrain from use of cell phones or other electronic devices unless they are clearly linked to class purposes (e.g., note-taking, generating multi-user interference, etc.)
    • Respect: You are expected to treat your instructor and all other participants in the course with courtesy and respect. Your comments to others should be factual, constructive, and free from harassing statements. You are encouraged to disagree with other students and the instructor, but such disagreements need to be respectful and be based upon facts and documentation (rather than prejudices and personalities). Falling to adhere to this expectation may result in a lower grade. Part of the learning process in this course is respectful engagement of ideas with others.

Grading Policy

Grade Distribution:

• Laboratory Assignments: 75%
• Final Project: 20%
• Professionalism (Regular Attendance Included): 5%

Academic Integrity

A commitment to the principles of academic integrity is essential to the mission of Northeastern University. The promotion of independent and original scholarship ensures that students derive the most from their educational experience and their pursuit of knowledge. Academic dishonesty violates the most fundamental values of an intellectual community and undermines the achievements of the entire University.

As members of the academic community, students must become familiar with their rights and responsibilities. In each course, they are responsible for knowing the requirements and restrictions regarding research and writing, examinations of whatever kind, collaborative work, the use of study aids, the appropriateness of assistance, and other issues. Students are responsible for learning the conventions of documentation and acknowledgment of sources in their fields. Northeastern University expects students to complete all examinations, tests, papers, creative projects, and assignments of any kind according to the highest ethical standards, as set forth either explicitly or implicitly in this Code or by the direction of instructors.

Go to http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academic-integrity-policy/ to access the full academic integrity policy.

Student Accommodations

Northeastern University and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) are committed to providing disability services that enable students who qualify under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) to participate fully in the activities of the university. To receive accommodations through the DRC, students must provide appropriate documentation that demonstrates a current substantially limiting disability.

For more information, visit http://www.northeastern.edu/drc/getting-started-with-the-drc/

Diversity and Inclusion

Northeastern University is committed to equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity and social justice while building a climate of inclusion on and beyond campus. In the classroom, members of the University community work to cultivate an inclusive environment that denounces discrimination through innovation, collaboration and an awareness of global perspectives on social justice. It is my intention that students from all backgrounds and perspectives will be well served by this course, and that the diversity that students bring to this class will be viewed as an asset. I welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicities, genders, gender identities, gender expressions, national origins, religious affiliations, sexual orientations, socioeconomic background, family education level, ability – and other visible and nonvisible differences. All members of this class are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming and inclusive environment for every other member of the class. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated.

Please visit http://www.northeastern.edu/oidi/ for complete information on Diversity and Inclusion

TITLE IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from sex or gender-based discrimination, including discrimination based on gender-identity, in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Northeastern’s Title IX Policy prohibits Prohibited Offenses, which are defined as sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, and stalking. The Title IX Policy applies to the entire community, including male, female, transgender students, faculty and staff.

In case of an emergency, please call 911.

Please visit www.northeastern.edu/titleix for a complete list of reporting options and resources both on- and off-campus