Course

CS/ECE4501
Spring 2023

Lecture

M/W, 2:00-3:15pm
Thornton E-316

Instructors

Brad Campbell
241 Olsson
bradjc@virginia.edu

Nabeel Nasir
nabeeln@virginia.edu

Teaching Assistants

Viswajith Govinda Rajan (Vish)
gyx4bw@virginia.edu

Lahiru Nuwan
lnw8px@virginia.edu

Office Hours

Brad Campbell: Th 4-5pm, Fr 10-11am.
Nabeel Nasir: Tu 2-3pm, Fr 2-3pm
Vish Govinda Rajan: Tu 4-5pm, We 11-noon
Lahiru Nuwan: We noon-1pm, We 4-5pm

Wireless for the Internet of Things

Overview

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a computing platform where a large number of devices form a network to monitor, control, and optimize some physical system. To be scalable, these devices communicate wirelessly, both with each other and to the Internet at large. But what wireless protocols are available for IoT devices? How do they work? And why are there so many? This course will provide a hands-on introduction to the world of wireless in the Internet of Things. Over the course of the semester we will explore what wireless options we have available, how they differ and what the tradeoffs are, and how major IoT wireless protocols work. We will also build networks of devices using real-world wireless protocols. Our goal is for you to be able to build your own wireless devices with a wireless protocol that meets your application requirements and device constraints.

We will look at WiFi, Classic Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, IEEE 802.15.4, 2G/3G/4G/5G cellular, LTE-M, NB-IoT, LoRa, and Z-Wave. We will also explore some emerging wireless options, such as visible light communication (VLC), infrared communication (IR), ultrasonic, wake-up radios, and backscatter.

Projects

The list of student projects is posted!

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be able to…

  • explain, analyze, and compare different IoT wireless protocols.
  • analyze and model the power draw and spectrum utilization of wireless protocols.
  • develop hands-on skills using standards-compliant protocols.
  • identify requirements for a wireless protocol for a specific application.
  • recognize rationale for heterogeneity in wireless IoT protocols and how design choices impact both applications and users.
  • work effectively in a group to build IoT networks while overcoming challenges.

Grading

  • Quizzes: 5%
  • Labs: 20%
  • Assignments: 30%
  • Exam: 15%
  • Homeworks: 10%
  • Final Project: 20%

Assessments

  • Quizzes: These in-class quick formative assessments will help students stay accountable to the material and highlight the most important aspects from the last lecture/class. Quiz grading is 50% completion and 50% correctness. The end-of-semester quiz score is calculated out of 75% of total possible points. (approx. 20 quizzes, 5%)

  • Labs: In-class labs will give students hands-on experience developing and debugging wireless networks. Labs will be largely structured and are formative assessments. Students will generate some output, such as a plot or paragraph description for light grading. (10 labs, 20%)

  • Assignments: These projects will require students to build various wireless networks and leverage the properties of the wireless protocols to meet given application requirements. The output will be working code that implements the required functionality. Additionally, there may be required data collection they must complete. (4 assignments, 30%)

  • Exams: An in-class exam will assess student learning of key concepts on wireless protocols and how they relate to applications. (1 exam, 15%)

  • Homework: Homework will give students a chance to practice analyzing wireless protocols and matching protocols to applications. The homework will provide example questions that will be on the exam. (4 homework assignments, 10%)

  • Final Project: The final project will have students use wireless protocols to develop their own application and device, and measure its performance. (1 project, 20%)

Honor

We trust every student in this course to fully comply with all of the provisions of the University’s Honor Code. By enrolling in this course, you have agreed to abide by and uphold the Honor System of the University of Virginia.

Prerequisites

  • CS 2130 (CSO1) OR CS 2150 (Program and Data Representation)
  • CS 3130 (CSO2) OR ECE 3430 (Embedded) OR CS 4414 (OS) OR CS 3330 (Architecture) OR ECE 4750 (DSP) OR Instructor Approval

Helpful Resources

While there is no textbook for this course, there are some references that are helpful for getting up to speed with C in an embedded context.

  • ECE 4784 (Wireless Communications): Focuses on the physical layer, including signaling and modulation.
  • ECE 4501 (Low Power Wireless Transceivers for IoT): Focuses more on radio hardware, as well as emerging techniques and research.
  • CS/ECE 4457 (Computer Networking): Focuses on the layered network stack and protocols used in the internet.

Schedule

Date Topic(s) Before Class Due
W 01/18 Introduction and Overview [slides]    
M 01/23
How do computers communicate?		 Networking Fundamentals [slides]    
W 01/25 Wireshark Lab [slides] [prelab] [lab] [postlab]   HW1
M 01/30
Wireless: magic?		 Wireless Fundamentals [slides]    
W 02/01
What is Bluetooth Low Energy?		 BLE Intro [slides]    
M 02/06 BLE Advertisements [slides]    
W 02/08 BLE Advertisement Lab    
M 02/13 BLE Connections [slides]    
W 02/15 BLE Connections Lab [slides]    
M 02/20
What other network types are there?		 IEEE 802.15.4 Intro [slides]    
W 02/22 IEEE 802.15.4 Packets [slides]    
M 02/27 IEEE 802.15.4 Networks [slides]    
W 03/01 IEEE 802.15.4 Lab   A2, HW2
M 03/06 No Class: Spring Break    
W 03/08 No Class: Spring Break    
M 03/13
Can Samsung and Google agree?		 Thread + Routing [slides]    
W 03/15 Thread Lab    
M 03/20
What about WiFi?		 WiFi [slides]    
W 03/22 WiFi Lab   A3
M 03/27
Ok enough short range. Can we cover long distances?		 LPWAN + LoRa [slides]    
W 03/29 LoRa Lab    
M 04/03
Is a smartphone IoT?		 Exam Review    
W 04/05 Exam   A5
M 04/10 4G/5G, Discuss Final Projects [slides]    
W 04/12 Matter/LTEM/NBIoT [slides]    
M 04/17
What’s next?		 Guest Speaker: VLC [slides]    
W 04/19 Guest Speaker: Everactive [slides]   A6, HW4
M 04/24 Lab: Final Projects    
W 04/26 Guest Speaker: Alef    
M 05/01 Lab: Final Projects [slides]    
Th 05/04 Class Demo Day [projects]   Final Project

Attendance Policy

This class heavily centers on group work and in-class hands-on practice to help you learn the course material. For this to be valuable, attendance is required.

Late Work Policy

There are various deliverables in this class. We expect you to complete each deliverable by its due date, but we realize that is not always possible. Some assignments can be turned in late.

  • Pre-labs: These are always due at the start of the lab session they are assigned for. It is critical that these are completed in advance to make the lab productive and increase the benefit of the lab to you. Pre-labs cannot be submitted late.
  • Labs: Labs are due one week after the corresponding lab session. You may submit up to one week late for a 50% score penalty. After that it will not be accepted.
  • Assignments: Your group has 5 late days to use throughout the semester for assignments. You may use up to 3 late days on any one assignment. We will automatically apply the late days if you submit the assignment late. After 3 days late (or if you run out of late days) there will be a 10% reduction for one day late and a 20% reduction for two days late. After that the assignment will not be accepted.
  • Homework: You may submit one day late for a 10% score penalty or two days late for a 20% score penalty. After that the homework will not be accepted. This ensures we can release the solutions promptly.
  • Quizzes: quizzes are due immediately after they are given and will not be accepted late.

Honor/Academic Integrity Policy

The School of Engineering and Applied Science relies upon and cherishes its community of trust. We firmly endorse, uphold, and embrace the University’s Honor principle that students will not lie, cheat, or steal, and we expect all students to take responsibility for the System and the privileges that it provides. We recognize that even one Honor infraction can destroy an exemplary reputation that has taken years to build. Acting in a manner consistent with the principles of Honor will benefit every member of the community both while enrolled in the Engineering School and in the future.

If you have questions about your Honor System or would like to report suspicions of an Honor offense, please contact the honor system representatives.

Specific directions for this course:

  • In-class labs are done in teams of three and are highly collaborative. You are not only allowed to talk with other teams during the lab, you are explicitly encouraged to. One rule: hands on your own keyboards, no typing for anyone else.
  • The pre-labs and lab reports must be done by your group with all your own work.
  • For the assignments, each team must write and submit their own code, reports, and analyses. Consulting with the internet or other written resources is acceptable and encouraged.
  • Exams must be done individually. Studying in groups is encouraged.
  • Homework must be done individually.
  • Quizzes must be done individually.

Accessibility

The University of Virginia strives to provide accessibility to all students. If you require an accommodation to fully access this course, please contact the Student Disability Access Center (SDAC) at (434) 243-5180 or sdac@virginia.edu. If you are unsure if you require an accommodation, or to learn more about their services, you may contact the SDAC at the number above or by visiting their website at https://www.studenthealth.virginia.edu/student-disability-access-center/faculty-staff.

Your Wellbeing

The Computer Science Department and SEAS aims to promote their students’ wellbeing. If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or isolated, there are many individuals here who are ready and wanting to help. If you wish, you can make an appointment with me and come to my office to talk in private.

Alternatively, there are also other University of Virginia resources available. The Student Health Center offers Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for its students. Call 434-243-5150 (or 434-972-7004 for after hours and weekend crisis assistance) to get started and schedule an appointment. If you prefer to speak anonymously and confidentially over the phone, call Madison House’s HELP Line at any hour of any day: 434-295-8255.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gender, sexual, or domestic violence, there are many community and University of Virginia resources available. The Office of the Dean of Students, Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA), Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE), and UVA Women’s Center are ready and eager to help. Contact the Director of Sexual and Domestic Violence Services at 434-982-2774.

Diversity

It is the instructors’ intent that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives be well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength and benefit. It is my intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity: gender, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, and culture. Your suggestions are encouraged and appreciated. Please let me know ways to improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups.

Religious Accommodations

It is the University’s long-standing policy and practice to reasonably accommodate students so that they do not experience an adverse academic consequence when sincerely held religious beliefs or observances conflict with academic requirements. Students who wish to request academic accommodation for a religious observance should submit their request in writing directly to me by email as far in advance as possible. Students and instructors who have questions or concerns about academic accommodations for religious observance or religious beliefs may contact the University’s Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR) at UVAEOCR@virginia.edu or 434-924-3200. Accommodations do not relieve you of the responsibility for completion of any part of the coursework missed as the result of a religious observance.