Telecom
Student Projects
Design of Telecommunications Solutions for Pointe-a-Raquette, Haiti
Group Member(s): Timothy Bucher, Thomas Collins
Advisor: Dr. David McGrawAbstract:
This is a two part project for improvement of telecommunications systems on the remote island of La Gonave, Haiti. First, the project involved the research and design of different telecommunications solutions in the areas of data, voice, and video transmissions. Second, the project provided an Internet connection for Pointe-a-Raquette.
GIS in Telecommunications: The Design of a GSM-900 Cellular Network in Cuba
Group Member(s): Erik Harper, Samantha Kaplan, Darcy Swain
Advisor: Dr. David McGraw
Reader(s): Dr. John SpurlinAbstract:
This project applies Geographic Information Systems technology to cellular communications network design and analysis. Using extensive spatial and attribute data from Cuba, we have designed a GSM-900 standard cellular phone system that could theoretically be implemented in the country. Signal propagation characteristics derived from the Okumura-Hata model are used in conjunction with land topography and various demographics to determine optimum tower locations based on radio frequency propagation patterns.
Wireless Broadband Networks and Technologically Underdeveloped Rural Towns
Group Member(s): Michael Maschke, Matthew Peticone
Advisor: Dr. Harry Reif
External Sponsor: Dr. Dominic LaPoreAbstract:
Rural communities are suffering economically and socially. A strong telecommunications foundation is the solution. Providing rural communities with access to high speed wireless communications addresses both economic and social concerns. The benefits of broadband access are discussed as well as possible funding sources. The established and emerging wireless technologies are also overviewed. Critical procedures and questions in the development of a wireless network are detailed. Federal Assistance programs are identified and grant formats are outlined. The research conducted hopes to educate, and rationalize the importance wireless communications plays in providing rural broadband access.
An Investigation Into the Downfall of the Fiber Optic Industry
Group Member(s): Douglas Bell, Christopher Shaw
Advisor: Dr. Ming Ivory
Reader(s): Dr. David McGraw, Dr. John SpurlinAbstract:
Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s speculators from a variety of industries made enormous investments constructing fiber optic networks. For a vast array of reasons, demand for network bandwidth did not develop as projected and much of the fiber remains unused today. The presence of this “dark fiber” has caused an insufficient return on investment and the recent fallout of the telecommunications industry, specifically companies that have millions of dollars tied up in fiber. This investigation explores the industry collapse, identifies alternative applications for unused bandwidth, and presents ways in which businesses may yet profit from their investments.
