Broadband Telecommunication Networks MSc

About the course

This programme of study will give students the opportunity to gain deep knowledge of modern telecommunications and provide them with the essential design skills to envisage the functionality and evaluate the performance of established networking solutions. Students will be involved in network implementation and protocol planning throughout the range of broadband technologies including wireless, mobile and optical communications and they will build on their understanding of digital signal processing techniques to sustain the practical implementations of state-of-the art networks. You will be taught by experienced research and teaching staff with expertise in the specialist fields and you will be learning about the latest theories, techniques and technologies.

You will need an understanding of both generic and domain-specific research techniques, and the ability to apply them in your own work. A module in research methods enables you to develop these techniques, moving from generic skills, such as the design and evaluation of experiments, to focus on the specific skills that you will need for your own project. An important outcome of the module is a well-structured report, augmented by the use of appropriate artifacts and media, presenting your proposals for your specialist project.

In the first two semesters of the programme you take modules exploring a variety of current research topics in electronics and related areas. At the end of the programme, you complete a project which enables you to demonstrate your understanding of the principles and concepts that you have learned and your ability to apply them to a substantial piece of development or investigative work. 

Why choose this course?

• The School has over 25 years' experience of teaching electronic engineering and has established an excellent international reputation in this field;
• We offer extensive lab facilities for engineering students, including the latest software packages;
• Learn to design communication systems using optical devices, sensors and networks.

Study routes

• Part Time, 3 Years
• Full Time, 15 Months

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

Graduates are expected to provide useful services to major Telecommunication Operators and service providers with Broadband providers, Telecommunications companies and Mobile providers being in the focus.

Teaching methods

Our enthusiastic staff are always looking for new ways to enhance your learning experience and over recent years, we have won national awards for our innovative teaching ideas. In addition our staff are active in research and useful elements of it are reflected on the learning experience. Learning tools such as StudyNet, unique to the University of Hertfordshire, are extremely useful for the learning environment of the student.

Work Placement

No

Professional Accreditations

Institution of Engineering and Technology

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Advanced Reconfigurable Systems and Applications

  This course presents the architecture of the field programmable gate array (FPGA). It will introduce applications that are efficient for implementation on FPGA platforms. The student will appreciate the significant performance by implementing digital signal processing algorithms on an FPGA and will be able to benefit the parallel processing mechanism of FPGA implementation. Software tools will be introduced and used to simulate the applications on FPGAs.

• Broadband Networks and Data Communications

  This module studies data communications via cable, optical fibre and wireless concentrating on the lower three levels of the OSI 7 layer model; the Physical Layer, Data Link Layer and Network Layer. Topics include line transmission via twisted pair cables, serial data encoding principles, error control codes and modulation techniques for baseband, DSL and fibre. Local access networks such as Passive Optical networks, DSL and wireless will be investigated both in architectures and MAC protocols. Switched Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and G/EPONs will be covered with an introduction to TCP/IP.

• Digital Signal Processing and Processes

  This module provides the concepts and principles of digital signal processing and processors. The material included in the module range from techniques and design methods used in digital signal processing to the architecture of digital signal processor. The student will appreciate the significant differences between implementing on fixed-point or floating-point digital signal processors and will be able to decide which platform to use for a particular implementation. Software tools will be used to simulate some of the applications on digital signal processors.

• MSc Projects

  The Masters Project is a key integrating feature of the programme. It is designed to challenge and develop critical thinking skills at a post-graduate level. It provides the student with the opportunity to bring together and apply much of what they have learnt both in their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Potential projects are identified with the support of staff across the school covering a wide range of appropriate areas. Some will be based in industry, others based within our own laboratories. Students are supported through the delivery of an initial short course training programme designed to equip them with the necessary project management, research methodology, investigation tools and analysis skills necessary to undertake a Masters level project. They will also be allocated and supported by individual project supervisor. It is expected that the project will require 600 hours of student effort and will result in a worthwhile and practical contribution to the chosen subject area.

• Multicast and Multimedia Networking

  How do we deal efficiently with applications that have to send the same data to many different destinations? How can a network mix applications with very different quality of service requirements? This module addresses these and other problems that must be solved if we are to integrate the gamut of diverse network applications onto a single network infrastructure. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. By the end of the module, you will be familiar with most of the important issues and ideas in applying high-speed network technology to applications with diverse quality of service requirements. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

• Multicast and Multimedia Networking

  How do we deal efficiently with applications that have to send the same data to many different destinations? How can a network mix applications with very different quality of service requirements? This module addresses these and other problems that must be solved if we are to integrate the gamut of diverse network applications onto a single network infrastructure. It exposes students to some of the most important developments in computer networking. By the end of the module, you will be familiar with most of the important issues and ideas in applying high-speed network technology to applications with diverse quality of service requirements. A more detailed description of the module content is provided in the module delivery information for students.

• Operations Management

  This module will cover the fundamentals and strategic aspects of operations management and will enable the students to develop their understanding of operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems. Students will examine case studies relating to both manufacturing and service operations to support lectures and guided learning.

• Operations Research

  What makes the difference between a good decision and a bad decision? A 'good' decision is one that uses analytical decision making, and is based on logic and considers all available data and possible alternatives. Engineers and managers are decision makers, thus to achieve their goals, they must understand how decisions are made and know of which decision-making tools to use. To a great extent the success or failure of human resources and management depends on the quality of their decisions. Therefore, this module determines that with the use and implementation of good operations research decision-making tools, then the process of decision making should be made easier.

• Optical Communication Technologies

  The module will cover two main areas, namely, physical aspects of optical fibre and network topologies. The first will cover the transmission of light in an optical fibre. It will then examine the implications for optical networks, covering issues such as amplification (SOAs and, EDFAs. The Network topologies section will cover different types of network, such as core, PONs and ring, and the types of equipment used in them.

• Optical Network Protocols

  There are four sections to this course. The first deals with protocols for long haul and metropolitan optical networks. This includes PDH, SDH and the new OTN standards. It will involve optimisation exercises for SDH and WDM networks. The second section deals with protocols for the optical access network, in particular for the passive optical network. Emphasis will be on ATM and Ethernet protocols. The third section builds on previous work on the IP protocol in the Data Communications and Network principles module. This will cover Voice over IP and video streaming. Finally, there will be a section on Storage Area Networks.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £6,700 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £11,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply