A Unified Course Module on 5G and Fixed 5G Networks

This paper analyzes a course module on the five Generations of wireless and fixed networks which was presented as a part of the undergraduate course “Broadband Communications”. This course was offered at the Dept. of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, School of Pedagogical & Technological Education (ASPETE), Athens, Greece. The main objective of this module is three-fold. First, to introduce the students to the fixed generations taxonomy, the definition of which is assigned to the currently formed ETSI Industry Specification Group (ISG) F5G. Secondly, to unify the students” knowledge accumulated during their previous telecom-related courses as it was totally decoupled in two parts, either wireless or optical. Finally, to discuss the state-of-the-art technology, paving the way for the students to enter as professionals the fifth-generation era. The course module covered six teaching hours at the final 1.5 week of “Broadband Communications” course. To evaluate the impact of this module, the students were asked to fill a questionnaire upon module completion.

I. Introduction

Telecommunications have a tremendous impact on all aspects of everyday life, including social and economic activities. Today, we have entered the fifth generation of wireless communications (5G) and the fifth generation of fixed networks (F5G), while discussions about the design of sixth generation of wireless networks (6G) have already begun [1]–[3]. Moreover, a number of 6G related EU funded projects have already kicked off. The 5G/F5G network includes a number of technologies and standards which “are hidden” from the common users. However, a deeper understanding of the main technologies, standards, available services and their requirements is necessary for telecommunications professionals, most importantly, for teachers in technological schools, instructors in workshops and in general educators in the Information Technology (IT) sector.