Laboratory enhancements through partnerships with local industry for a course in wireless communications

Results from recent and ongoing sections of a course in wireless communications are discussed. Development of the laboratory portion of such courses is challenging because of the wide variety of topics and the rapid advancements of specialized technology in the field. By developing industry contacts through alumni, consulting, and a local professional society, a few members of local industry were found who were motivated to work with the instructor to enhance the course. Rather than limiting their involvement to advisory activities, arrangements were made for on-site demonstrations that allowed the students to experience use of equipment and software that is not available in most university settings. Follow-up activities include simulation exercises based upon a widely available applications program that use actual system parameters and calculations provided by industry contacts