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EXAMINATION PAPER: ACADEMIC SESSION 2005/2006

Campus Maritime Greenwich

School Computing and Mathematical Sciences

Department Computer Science

Level Three

TITLE OF PAPER Mobile Computing

COURSE CODE COMP 1306

Date and Time 30th May 2006 - 3 Hours

London 13.30 Hong Kong 18.00

Trinidad 09.30 Malta 15.00
Malaysia 18.00 Bahrain 15.00
UAE 16.00 Singapore 18.00
Zambia 14.30 Greece 15.00

Answer any FOUR of the following SIX questions.

Each question is worth 25 marks.
If you answer more than four questions, marks will ONLY be awarded for your
FOUR best answers.

Mobile Computing
COMP1306

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1.

(a) Mobile-phone network operators are typically allocated fixed amounts of radio
spectrum, yet manage to support an increasing number of users. Explain how
this is possible. Your answer should include a description of the network
configuration and physical dependencies on transmission and reception
characteristics.
[10 marks]

(b) Explain using a diagram how a mobile device is tracked through the network
structure described in part (a) during the time a connection/call is in progress.
[15 marks]

2.
(a) In the context of wireless communication explain the following, giving
suitable examples or diagrams to illustrate your answer:

i. Ground wave propagation

ii. Sky wave propagation
iii. Line-of-Sight propagation
[6 marks]
(b) Identify and describe the effects of multi-path propagation and fading on
mobile communication systems.
[8 marks]
(c) Evaluate the advantages/disadvantages of techniques used to compensate for
the effects of multi-path propagation and fading on mobile communication
systems.
[11 marks]

3.

(a) Briefly distinguish between the main characteristics of IPv4 and IPv6.
[4 marks]

(b) Identify the shortcomings associated with using the Internet Protocol (IP)
designed for fixed networks on a roaming mobile device.
[7 marks]

(c) Fully describe how the Mobile Internet Protocol overcomes the shortcomings
associated with using Internet Protocol (IP) designed for fixed networks on a
roaming mobile device, detailing the processes of Discovery, Registration and
Tunnelling.

Mobile Computing
COMP1306

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[14 marks]

4.

(a) With respect to satellite communication systems expand the following

acronyms and provide typical applications for each: -
i. GEO
ii. MEO
iii. LEO
[3 marks]

(b) Critically evaluate the key benefits and limitations of satellite communications
[12 marks]

(c) Critically discuss the use of satellite communication versus communication

over fibre optics and cellular networks.
[10 marks]

5.

(a) Briefly describe Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Statistical Time Division
Multiplexing (STDM) and Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)
[5 marks]

(b) Describe and critically evaluate Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

(OFDM)
[10 marks]

(c) Describe and critically evaluate the Impulse Ultra Wide Band (I-UWB)
communications technique.
[10 marks]

6.

(a) Discuss the concept of Client Server architecture.

[5 marks]

(b) The Blackberry device eliminates the need of dial up by using a “push” model
instead of the traditional “pull” model to access email. Critically compare the
push and pull models.
[8 marks]

(c) Critically compare Mobile Agents versus the traditional Client Server Model
illustrating your answer with an example.
[12 marks]

Mobile Computing
COMP1306

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