Active learning in digital communications with low-cost software defined radio

Abstract

Digital Communications have been traditionally taught in laboratory sessions from a theoretical point of view, using simulation platforms. However, current Academic Accreditation includes the dimension of “what students are expected to be able to do”, which poses the need of decreasing the gap between standard simulated laboratory sessions and more practical and realistic approaches. In this paper, we propose a methodology to enhance the learning of practical aspects related to Digital Communications courses, as well as increasing the student’s engagement, via the use of low-cost software defined radio devices. This methodology has been applied in the Degree in Telematics Engineering at the School of Engineering from the University of Valencia, Spain. With the aim of improving the engagement of both master and undergraduate students, a project based learning methodology has been implemented. In the paper, the methodology is described, several laboratory activities based on the 802.11 standard are presented, and recommendations for practice are given.