Department of Computer Engineering

Module 1: Introduction to Mobile Computing

1. Differentiate between DSSS and FHSS.

Characteristics FHSS DSSS

Signal Transmission FHSS signal transmission speed is DSSS signal transmission speed is
Speed slow. high.

The size of the FHSS network is Size of DSSS network is large

Size of Network
small to medium.

Price Less Expensive More Expensive

Complexity Complexity is less Complexity is More

Reliable Less reliable More reliable

FHSS is suitable for single- point DSSS is suitable for point- to-point
Communications
and multipoint communications. communications.

Rate of Signal The FHSS signal transmission The DSSS signal transmission rate is
Transmission rate is 3 Mbps. 11 Mbps.

Frequency-hopping spread Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum

Abbreviation
spectrum

It is used in military and industrial It is used in consumer applications

Examples applications. such as wireless LANs, GPS, and
Bluetooth.

Prof. Sayali Poojari

2. Explain the Various types of antennas along with their radiation
patterns. OR Explain different types of antenna used in mobile
communication.

Soln:

An antenna is a device used to transmit or receive electromagnetic

waves. It converts electrical signals into radio waves for transmission and
vice versa for reception. Antennas play a crucial role in wireless
communication, including mobile networks, satellite communication, and
broadcasting.

Types of Antenna

The antennas are categorized based on the direction of the radiations emitted by
them.

1. Isotropic Radiator
2. Dipole Antenna
3. Directional Antenna
4. Sectorized Antenna
5. Antenna Arrays

1. Isotropic Radiator- A theoretical antenna that radiates energy equally in all

directions. It serves as a reference model for comparing the performance of real
antennas. The radiation pattern is symmetric in all directions.

Radiation pattern of Isotropic antenna

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2. Dipole Antenna- A dipole antenna is the simplest type of antenna. It has two
metal rods (or wires) connected at the center, where we feed the electrical signal.
The signal is applied at the center, and the antenna radiates energy into space. A
dipole antenna radiates signals perpendicular to its length, like a lightbulb's glow
but in a figure-eight shape.

Radiation pattern of dipole antenna

3. Directional Antenna- An antenna that focuses radio waves in a specific direction,

increasing signal strength in that direction while minimizing interference from
others. It has fixed transmission and reception direction. The objective is to emit
the radio waves in one particular direction. Most of its power is radiated in the
lobe directed in the desired direction. So, this lobe (main lobe) appears larger than
others in radiation plot.

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4. Sectorized Antenna- An antenna that covers a specific sector, typically 60°, 90°,
or 120°, rather than radiating in all directions. Several directional antennas
combined on a single pole to construct the sectorized antenna. Sector antennas are
used extensively for cellular communication. The largest use of these antennas is
for cell phone base-station sites. The coverage area of sector antennas is
determined by the projection of the radiation pattern on the ground, which can be
adjusted by changing the down-tilt angle of the antenna.

5. Antenna Arrays- A system of multiple antennas working together to improve

performance by increasing gain, directivity, or beamforming. Multiple antenna
arranged to achieve a particular radiation pattern. Two or more antennas are used
along with each other to improve reception. Useful in multipath propagation. They
are also known as multi element antenna arrays.

Prof. Sayali Poojari

3. Explain concept of frequency reuse with clustering.
The design process of selecting and allocating channel groups for all of the cellular
base stations within a system is called frequency planning. The same set of
frequency is reused after a specific distance to ensure increase in capacity and
coverage.

In above fig , all cells marked as ‘Cell 1’ will be allotted the same group of channels.
i.e. cells which have been given the same number in the diagram have the same
group of channels. Cells which have been allotted the same group of frequency
channels are called Co-channel cells. Cells 1-Cell 7 have unique channels and there
are no repetitions. Group of cells in which every channel is unique is called as
a Cluster.
Since co-channel cells use the same set of channels, there is always possibility of
interference in these cells. Interference between the co-channel cells is called as Co-
channel interference. There should be a minimum Distance after which the same
channel can be reused with minimum interference. This distance is called as
Minimum safe distance and is given by,
D=√3N×R
Where N is the Cluster size and R is the Radius of each cell.
The number of cells after which a frequency channel can be reused is called as
the Frequency reuse factor (R.F). It is given by R. F=1/N, Where N is the cluster
size.

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If D is the minimum safe distance and R is the radius of each cell, then the ratio
of D/R is termed as Reuse factor Q and is given by
Q=D/R=√3×N
The Reuse Factor Q has a very important significance in deciding the capacity
improvement techniques.

4. What is spread spectrum? What are the advantages for the same?

Spread Spectrum is a wireless communication technique where a signal is

transmitted over a broad frequency range rather than a single frequency
channel. This method helps in reducing interference, increasing security, and
improving signal reliability. It is widely used in mobile communication, Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, and military applications.
Need for Spread Spectrum

Traditional narrowband communication systems are more susceptible to

interference, jamming, and eavesdropping.

In modern wireless communication, multiple users need to share the same

frequency band without interference.

Spread Spectrum technology provides robust and secure communication,

making it suitable for highly reliable and secure networks.

Prof. Sayali Poojari

 Advantages of Spread Spectrum

1. Interference Resistance- Spread Spectrum reduces the impact of external

interference and noise by spreading the signal across a wide frequency
range. It is useful in environments where multiple wireless signals coexist,
such as Wi-Fi networks and cellular communication.
2. Enhanced Security & Privacy- The signal is difficult to detect, intercept, or
decode without knowing the specific spreading sequence. Used in military
and secure communications to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Jamming Resistance- Jamming signals typically affect only a narrow
frequency range. Since Spread Spectrum spreads the signal over a wide
range of frequencies, it becomes harder to jam or block communication.
Useful for military applications where protection against intentional signal
jamming is required.
4. Power Efficiency- Reduces power consumption by allowing reliable
transmission even at low power levels. Helps in improving the battery life
of mobile devices and IoT sensors.

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 5. What is Co Channel Interference.
Co-channel cells are those cells that use the same frequency in a given coverage
area. Interference from these cells is called co-channel interference. In co-channel
interference, the cells are clustered as close together as possible to reduce the co-
channel interface and provide sufficient isolation. Increasing the co-channel reuse
ratio improves the transmission quality because of the smaller level of co-channel
interference.
An example of co-channel interference is when a radio transmitter is operating on
the same frequency.

The reasons behind Co-channel interference are:

•
Bad weather condition
• Poor frequency planning
Ways we can reduce co-channel interference in cellular communication are:
• Proper planning and implementation.
• The frequency reuse technique increases overall system capacity.

Prof. Sayali Poojari

6. Compare various telecommunication generations OR
Write a short note on different generations of telecommunication
Compare between 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G generations.
Generations of wireless communication
0th Generation:
• Pre-cell phone mobile telephony technology, such as radio telephones
some had in cars before the arrival of cell phones.
• Communication was possible through voice only.
• These mobile telephones were usually mounted in cars or trucks.
1G (1st Generation):
• First-time calling was introduced in mobile systems.
• It used analog signals.
• It used an FDD scheme and typically allocated a bandwidth of 25 Mhz.
• The coverage area was small.
• No roaming support between various operators.
• Low sound quality.
• Speed: - 2.4 kbps.
2G (2nd Generation):
• Shifted from analog to digital.
• It supported voice and SMS both.
• Supported all 4 sectors of the wireless industry namely Digital cellular,
Mobile Data, PCS, WLAN,
• Moderate mobile data service.
• 2G WLAN provided a high data rate & large area coverage.
• Speed: - 64 kbps.
2.5G came after 2G which used the concept of GPRS. Streaming was also
introduced and mail services too. Then came 2.75G or EDGE which was faster in
providing services than 2.5G. It gave faster internet speed up to 128kbps and also
used edge connection.
3G (3rd Generation):
• The Internet system was improved.
• Better system and capacity.
• Offers high-speed wireless internet.
• The connection used was UMTS and WCMA.
• Speed: - 2mbps.
4G (4th Generation):
• IP-based protocols.
• LTE (Long term evaluation) was mainly for the internet.

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 •Vo-LTE (Voice over LTE) is for both voice and the internet.
• Freedom and flexibility to select any desired service with reasonable
QoS.
• High usability.
• Supports multimedia service at a low transmission cost.
• HD Quality Streaming.
• Speed: -100mbps.
5G (5th Generation): It is yet to come in many countries but here are some notable
points about 5G.
• Higher data rates.
• Connectivity will be more fast and more secure,
• Data Latency will be reduced to a great level.
• Massive network capacity.
• It is 30 times faster than 4G.
• There would be more flexibility in the network.

7. What are various advantages & disadvantages of small cells in cellular

system.

Small cells are low-power, short-range cellular base stations used to enhance
coverage and capacity in mobile networks.

Advantages of Small Cells

1. Enhanced Network Coverage- Small cells help fill coverage gaps
where macro cells cannot reach, such as indoor environments,
tunnels, and high-rise buildings.
2. Increased Network Capacity- By offloading traffic from macro cells,
small cells ensure smooth communication in high-density areas.
3. Higher Data Rates & Low Latency- Due to shorter transmission
distances, small cells reduce latency and provide higher data
speeds, essential for 5G applications and IoT devices.
4. Energy Efficiency- Small cells consume less power than traditional
macro base stations, reducing operational costs and carbon
footprint.
5. Cost-Effective Deployment- Deploying small cells is more
economical than building new macro cell towers, especially in urban
areas.

Prof. Sayali Poojari

 8. Explain DSSS & FHSS in detail.

Spread Spectrum is a technique used in wireless communication to spread

the transmitted signal over a wider bandwidth than required. This helps in
reducing interference, improving security, and enhancing signal robustness.
Two major types of Spread Spectrum techniques are:
1. Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS)
2. Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)

(For working of DHSS & FHSS refer handwritten notes uploaded on Moodle.)

Prof. Sayali Poojari