Teaching the Fundamentals of Telecommunication Networks

This paper addresses the teaching of the fundamentals of telecommunication networks and proposes an integrated approach that comprises the use of both analytical and simulation tools in the learning process as well as the realization of laboratory experiments to provide hands-on experience. It is claimed that life long learning of telecommunication networks has to be supported on a solid mathematical background in the areas of probability, statistics, stochastic processes and simulation. The lack of coverage of simulation issues is seen to be the main gap in available textbooks. We show through several examples how simulation can be used to enhance the teaching of the fundamentals of telecommunication networks. The integrated approach proposed in this paper will be implemented in the degree in Computers and Telematic Engineering that will start this year at the University of Aveiro.