EC-803-A Wireless Network - May 2026 Question Paper

Under each question, How to answer lists the points an answer should cover, outlined by CampusPrep from the syllabus. Check the details against your textbook.

1. 7 Marks
   aDefine cellular networks and explain the evolution of mobile telephony systems from 1G to modern wireless communication technologies.
   How to answer

   • Definition of cellular network: cells, frequency reuse, handoff
   • 1G analog AMPS to 2G digital GSM/CDMA
   • 3G UMTS/HSPA, 4G LTE, 5G and beyond features
   • Comparison of data rate, switching and services evolution
2. 7 Marks
   bAnalyze the PHY Layer and MAC Layer architecture of IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards.
   How to answer

   • IEEE 802.11 PHY variants: DSSS, OFDM, HT/VHT
   • PHY layer architecture and functions
   • MAC layer architecture: DCF, PCF, frame formats
   • Services, addressing and medium access
3. 7 Marks
   aDefine LTE systems. Explain LTE uplink and downlink communication with suitable architecture.
   How to answer

   • Definition of LTE, EPS and E-UTRAN overview
   • Downlink OFDMA architecture and channels
   • Uplink SC-FDMA architecture and channels
   • eNodeB, MME, S-GW roles with diagram
4. 7 Marks
   bCompare HSDPA and HSUPA technologies with suitable examples.
   How to answer

   • HSDPA: downlink enhancement, AMC, HARQ
   • HSUPA: uplink enhancement, E-DCH
   • Comparison on direction, data rate, channels
   • Example use cases for each
5. 7 Marks
   aDescribe Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) and explain its characteristics and importance in modern communication systems.
   How to answer

   • Definition and components of WSN: sensor nodes, sink
   • Key characteristics: energy, scalability, self-organization
   • Importance in monitoring, IoT, automation
   • Examples of modern communication applications
6. 7 Marks
   bEvaluate modern routing, MAC and transport protocols used in WSN systems.
   How to answer

   • WSN routing protocols: LEACH, AODV, data-centric
   • WSN MAC protocols: S-MAC, contention vs schedule
   • Transport protocols: reliability and congestion control
   • Evaluation on energy efficiency and QoS
7. 7 Marks
   aExplain medium access problems in wireless networks and discuss their impact on communication performance.
   How to answer

   • Hidden terminal, exposed terminal, near-far problems
   • Collision, contention and interference issues
   • Impact on throughput, delay, packet loss
   • Solutions: RTS/CTS, CSMA/CA
8. 7 Marks
   bDescribe IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. A wireless router forward 12,000 packets/hour where 8% packets are lost during transmission. Calculate successfully delivered packets.
   How to answer

   • IPv4 header, addressing and limitations
   • IPv6 header, addressing and advantages
   • Delivered packets = total x (1 - loss%)
   • Calculation: $12000 \times 0.92 = 11040$ packets/hour
9. 7 Marks
   aDefine Internet of Things (IoT). Analyze the role of IoT and GPS technologies in next-generation smart communication systems.
   How to answer

   • Definition of IoT: devices, connectivity, data
   • Role of IoT in smart communication, automation
   • Role of GPS in location-based services, tracking
   • Next-generation smart system examples
10. 7 Marks
    bDevelop a secure IoT communication model using ZigBee and Bluetooth technologies.
    How to answer

    • ZigBee and Bluetooth features for IoT
    • Secure model layers: sensing, network, application
    • Security mechanisms: pairing, encryption, authentication
    • Block diagram of proposed model
11. 7 Marks
    aExplain advancement and migration of mobile communication technologies from GSM to UMTS.
    How to answer

    • GSM architecture: TDMA, circuit switching
    • GPRS/EDGE migration steps
    • UMTS architecture: WCDMA, packet switching
    • Advancements in capacity and data rate
12. 7 Marks
    bEvaluate the role of WLAN and WiMAX technologies in next-generation mobile communication systems.
    How to answer

    • WLAN features: high rate short range
    • WiMAX features: long range broadband
    • Role in heterogeneous next-gen networks
    • Comparison and integration with cellular
13. 7 Marks
    aDescribe UTRAN architecture and discuss its significance in mobile communication systems.
    How to answer

    • UTRAN components: UE, NodeB, RNC
    • Interfaces: Uu, Iub, Iur, Iu
    • Architecture diagram and protocol layers
    • Significance for handover, QoS, capacity
14. 7 Marks
    bEvaluate modern wireless transmission techniques such as OFDM, OFDMA and MIMO in mobile communication systems.
    How to answer

    • OFDM principle: orthogonal subcarriers
    • OFDMA multi-user access extension
    • MIMO: spatial multiplexing and diversity
    • Benefits for LTE/5G data rate and robustness
15. 14 Marks
    Write short note on any two of the following: -

    1. a)Mobile WSN and Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
    2. b)TCP Reno, New-Reno, Tahoe and Vegas protocols
    3. c)GAGAN system and geolocation service techniques
    How to answer

    • Two selected topics with definition and features
    • Architecture / working principle with diagram
    • Advantages, limitations and applications
    • Relevance to wireless networks