FIE 10 05

Preparing the Wireless WorkforceKeeping the production of talentapace with advancements in mobile and wireless technology: 

Preparing the Wireless Workforce Keeping the production of talent apace with advancements in mobile and wireless technology * Susan Sloan, CEO Global Wireless Education Consortium Frontiers in Education Conference 2005 October 19-22, 2005 The Westin Indianapolis – Indianapolis, Indiana

Presentation Overview: 

Presentation Overview Quick march through time – historical overview / timeline Glance at technologies and trends Focus on preparing the mobile and wireless workforce

simple receiver transmitter The crude but sensitive instruments with which David Hughes first discovered wireless waves – found in London tenement. Hughes experimented with the equipment in 1879. Popular Science Monthly, August 1922, page 57 ; http://earlyradiohistory.us : 

simple receiver transmitter The crude but sensitive instruments with which David Hughes first discovered wireless waves – found in London tenement. Hughes experimented with the equipment in 1879. Popular Science Monthly, August 1922, page 57 ; http://earlyradiohistory.us

20+ Years of Wireless: 

20+ Years of Wireless 1983 In October, the first commercial cellular system launches in Chicago. In December, the second system is activated in the Baltimore/Washington, DC corridor. 1985 The 100th cellular system is turned on in New Bedford, MA. 1990 U.S. cellular subscribership surpasses 5 million. 1991 First GSM networks become operational in Europe. 1992 U.S. cellular subscribers pass 10-million milestone. Source: Wireless Week 10/03; CTIA

Slide5: 

1993 CDMA, a wideband, spread-spectrum technology, is adopted as an acceptable U.S. standard. CDMA systems can handle roughly 10 times the calling capacity of conventional cellular systems. 1994 TDMA-136, which divides frequency bands into time slots, is introduced; allows three times as many subscribers as analog systems. 1995 The first CDMA networks are commercially launched and provide ~10 times more capacity than analog networks. 1997 U.S. wireless subscribers surpasses 50 million. Delivery of digital wireless and data networks (2G) allows carriers to expand offerings beyond simply wireless voice services. The first mobile browser for mass market phones (the UP.Browser) allows consumers to use their phones to access Internet information.

Slide6: 

2000 U.S. wireless subscribership exceeds 100 million. More than half are digital subscribers. Nearly 1 million Americans directly or indirectly employed by wireless operators and service companies. 2002 Delivery of digital wireless data and voice enhanced networks (2.5G) 2003 IEEE ratifies 802.11g, which uses a new method of encoding bits onto radio waves so as to squeeze up to 54 Mbps of raw data across a single channel. 20th Anniversary of the wireless industry 2004 At mid-year, the mobile industry has 1.5 billion users worldwide. U.S. year-end 2004 subscribers = 182 million.

Slide7: 

2005 & Beyond More exciting developments in wireless!

Use of Wireless Devises Is Widespread and Growing: 

Use of Wireless Devises Is Widespread and Growing WORLDWIDE: By 2009 the worldwide wireless market is expected to grow to more than 2.3 billion subscribers. China leads the world in overall subscriber growth. _______Source: In-Stat (5/05) UNITED STATES: About 71% of America’s 108 million households own at least one cell phone. More than 25 million households now own laptop computers. 5.3 million households have wireless Internet access. Source: Forrester Research Inc. (9/05)

Growth areas for 2005: 

Growth areas for 2005 Radio Tagging “In 2005, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) will finally make it out of the lab and into the commercial world… By the end of the year, more than 10 billion RFID tags will have been sold and used.” (Deloitte & Touche, 1/05) Instant Messaging Popularity continues to increase, with wireless carriers and manufacturers creating additional devices targeted to the messaging market Est. 960 billion text messages sent worldwide in 2004 1,360 billion SMS messages predicted in 2005 (+41%) Wireless Network Security A huge area of importance and focus post 9/11

Wireless applications appearing in an array of sectors : 

Wireless applications appearing in an array of sectors MEDICINE / HEALTHCARE (sensors, monitors, telemedicine, communications) AUTOMOBILES / TRANSPORT VEHICLES (GPS location and critical need monitoring – e.g., OnStar) UTILITIES (remote meter reading, monitoring, transfer of power) MILITARY (field use, spectrum management, satellite surveillance) POLICE AND FIRE RESPONSE UNITS (communications, theft curtailment - RFID) CHILD – ELDER – even PET CARE (monitoring, tracking) RETAIL (track goods, inventory assessment – signal need for restocking, theft curtailment – RFID) CONSTRUCTION (communications, materials tracking - RFID)

Everything that is wireless is already computerized and everything that is computerized will very soon be wireless.: 

Everything that is wireless is already computerized and everything that is computerized will very soon be wireless.

Mile-high glimpse of the various wireless technologies: 

Mile-high glimpse of the various wireless technologies

Wireless Broadband Connectivity * Hierarchical Access Technology Framework *: 

Wireless Broadband Connectivity * Hierarchical Access Technology Framework * Personal Area Network (PAN) Small access area - up to 10 meters or about 30 feet Home is focal point (media centers, desktops, notebooks, PDAs, cell phones) Bluetooth (affords wireless connection between electronic devices) UWB (Ultra Wide Band – increased performance; used to distribute high-quality video) 802.15 Local Area Network (LAN) About 100 meters or 300 feet High throughput but distance limited; need different types of antennas 802.11 Wi-Fi (offers connection between PC and the access point) Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) Up to about 50 kilometers Long range, high throughput; geared for data 802.16 WiMAX Wide Area Network (WAN) Greater than 50 kilometers Targeted now at “last mile” delivery: high throughput access, business, backhaul, some residential In future will be targeted at mobile or nomadic users 3G cellular services enable users to tap the Internet via cellular networks at speed comparable to wired Web connections 3G; EDGE, 1xEVDO, HSDPA (802.20 proposed)

Futuristic Scenario: 

Futuristic Scenario Customers will be able to access a variety of wireless connections seamlessly on WiFi, WiMax and cellular networks to facilitate applications on new, highly integrated consumer and business devices. Wireless is the future of communications!

The Challenge: 

The Challenge We are developing the technology but we are not generating an adequate supply of “working technologists” to maintain the technology and services.

Take Note: 

Take Note Within the next 5-10 years, an alarming number of Baby Boomers are set to retire from both private and public sectors. At the same time, it is anticipated that there will be fewer graduates with the right critical skills entering the marketplace. These converging events will result in an unprecedented talent shortage and skills gap. - Deloitte & Touche USA LLP; It’s 2008: Do you Know Where Your Talent Is? (3/05)

Why the shortage of qualified graduates?: 

Why the shortage of qualified graduates? Decline in basic RF education Decline in number of students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree Shift to more high-level “cognitive” responsibilities needed in the workforce Explosive growth in the wireless industry

What’s Needed: 

What’s Needed “The most important corporate resource over the next 20 years will be talent: smart, sophisticated businesspeople who are technologically literate, globally astute, and operationally agile.” - McKinsey & Co. (management consulting firm)

Enter: GWEC: 

Enter: GWEC Global Wireless Education Consortium

What is “Gee-Wec”?: 

What is “Gee-Wec”? GWEC is a membership organization committed to the development and expansion of current wireless technology curricula in academic institutions worldwide. Founded March 1, 1997

The organizational mission: 

The organizational mission To ensure that an adequate number of highly skilled and knowledgeable engineers, technicians and IT specialists are available for productive employment in the wireless and related industries.

Current GWEC Industry Members: 

Current GWEC Industry Members Award Solutions Inc. DigiLore Emona Instruments LCC International Motorola Movilnet Sprint Nextel Texas Instruments UGS Corp. Verizon Wireless Affiliates: IEEE Outlook4Mobility

GWEC Education Partners: 

GWEC Education Partners 70 academic institutions worldwide Two-year, four-year, masters and PhD granting institutions Colleges and universities in the United States (including Puerto Rico), Canada, Finland, Spain, England, China, India, Mexico

GWEC emphasizes…: 

GWEC emphasizes… Points of Knowledge (POK) and Learning Requirements The GWEC Points of Knowledge (POKs) characterize the required information and experience content for two- and four-year wireless-focused curricula. POKs represent the knowledge required of engineers and technicians to be immediately productive in entry-level jobs in the wireless industry. Theory AND practical application laboratory exercises, hands-on experience Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, ethics and critical thinking skills Collaboration between industry and education

The POKs form the basis for an important document…: 

The POKs form the basis for an important document… The INDUSTRY RESOURCE GUIDE – gives, for each POK, examples of use within specific wireless professions, such as: Telecommunications Engineer Wireless Systems Engineer Cell Site Technician Wireless Switch Engineer Switch Maintenance Technician This document is available to anyone visiting the GWEC web site.

GWEC Wireless Curriculum: 

GWEC Wireless Curriculum From the POKs, GWEC has developed a set of curriculum modules to help faculty and instructors design wireless courses at the undergraduate level. These two-part teaching and learning modules are available to GWEC Education Partners and Industry Members for inclusion and/or incorporation into or expansion of current curricula.

Curriculum Overview: 

Curriculum Overview 60 different modules Flexible format Applicable to all program levels Laboratory exercises, case studies, review questions Material updated regularly to maintain currency ZIP files online; simulations to be uploaded soon New modules for release in 2005 Encryption, Decryption and Scrambling Software Radio 17+ modules translated into Spanish to date Textbook generation based on subset of GWEC modules – for senior elective in wireless systems (baccalaureate programs) Pilot: Implementation of online authoring tool and lifecycle management system to facilitate collaboration between members for creation of curriculum and assessment of knowledge

*Sample slides from RF-Antennas module (RT-RFA): 

* Sample slides from RF-Antennas module (RT-RFA) Note that corresponding notes pages do not appear in these presentation slides but exist in the curriculum as presented online…

RF Antennas(RT-RFA)Copyright Global Wireless Education Consortium: 

RF Antennas (RT-RFA) Copyright Global Wireless Education Consortium

Table of Contents: 

Table of Contents Overview 5 Learning Objectives 6 Antennas as Part of All Communications Systems 7 Fundamental Antenna Characteristics 12 Antenna Radiation Patterns 19 Antenna Types 27 Antenna Configuration Requirements 49 Signal Coverage Problems 56 Advanced System Antennas 63 Antenna Covers and Support Structures 71 Contributors 76 Copyright Global Wireless Education Consortium

Overview: 

Overview How antennas transmit and receive signals Fundamental characteristics of antennas Types and features of antennas Signal coverage problems and how to overcome them How to perform return loss measurement and antenna gain measurement Copyright Global Wireless Education Consortium

Learning Objectives: 

Learning Objectives Explain how an antenna transmits and receives signals. Explain fundamental characteristics of antennas including radiated power, antenna gain, beam width, and front-back ratio. Describe features of different types of antennas. Describe the different types of radiation patterns. Explain why and how to measure impedance. Explain strategies to address signal coverage problems. Explain antenna diversity and isolation strategies. Perform a return loss measurement on an antenna. Perform an antenna gain measurement. Copyright Global Wireless Education Consortium

MODULE INFORMATION Module Time Estimate A time estimate for delivering module content is provided as a guideline. How the content is incorporated into an existing course and/or curriculum is left to the discretion of the instructor. Lecture time is defined as instructor-led classroom delivery. Lab time is generally performed outside of lecture time, but it may be incorporated into the classroom delivery. For example, if only a demonstration of equipment is deemed necessary, then the demonstration could take place as part of the classroom lecture.Estimated classroom lecture time for this module is five hours.Estimated lab time for this module is one hour.: 

MODULE INFORMATION   Module Time Estimate   A time estimate for delivering module content is provided as a guideline. How the content is incorporated into an existing course and/or curriculum is left to the discretion of the instructor. Lecture time is defined as instructor-led classroom delivery. Lab time is generally performed outside of lecture time, but it may be incorporated into the classroom delivery. For example, if only a demonstration of equipment is deemed necessary, then the demonstration could take place as part of the classroom lecture. Estimated classroom lecture time for this module is five hours. Estimated lab time for this module is one hour.

Antenna Bandwidth: 

Antenna Bandwidth Range of frequencies radiated where lowest and highest frequencies have power that is 3 dB less than the power at frequency with maximum power, f(max) Upper frequency, f(up), is frequency above f(max) where power is 3 dB lower than f(max) Lower frequency, f(low), is frequency below f(max) where power is 3 dB lower than f(max) As a percent, B(p), of center frequency, f(ctr)

In addition to the curriculum,: 

In addition to the curriculum, GWEC hosts Regional Seminars on Wireless Technologies Facilitates Practical Work Experiences (PWE) – internship and co-op opportunities for students Annual Wireless Educators of the Year Award – in conjunction with CTIA Secures discounts on wireless textbooks; conference registration; etc. Wireless World – lesson plans for middle school teachers Licenses corporate learning materials to educators

Industry Member Benefits: 

Industry Member Benefits Building strong relationships with schools For recruiting graduates as new hires For continuing education for current employees Leveraging corporate investment across MANY colleges and universities worldwide through a single organization Ability to influence what is being taught in schools Curriculum for use in internal training and professional development purposes Networking and benchmarking with other industry leaders Allowing competitive interests to serve for the common good ; community service

Education Partner Benefits: 

Education Partner Benefits Access to basic wireless curriculum; participation in its development Active learning environment for students and educators Networking with industry Attraction of new students Partnership with other schools worldwide Shared facilities, resources Collaboration with other faculty for projects, papers, grants Student incentives Industry-based projects Paid internships for students – and jobs – through GWEC’s Practical Work Experience (PWE) program

The GWEC Model: 

The GWEC Model Collaboration between companies Sharing resources, training, Subject Matter experts, etc. Collaboration between academic institutions Sharing course materials, lab facilities and exercises, faculty expertise and experience, etc. Collaboration between industry and academia Emphasizing Points of Knowledge and Learning Requirements Theory AND practical application (labs, hands-on) Teamwork, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking skills Equal partners, preparing the wireless workforce!

Thank you!: 

Thank you! Global Wireless Education Consortium 1501 Lee Highway, Suite 101 Arlington, Virginia 22209 Susan Sloan, CEO sloan@gwec.org http://www.gwec.org