Setting up a learning practice base transceiver station (BTS) at MSU main campus.

Abstract

The evolution of technologies in the cellular wireless communication from first generation (1G) to LTE has taken a giant step that other sectors of the industry, social, academia to name but a few, especially in the developing world are struggling to cope. Some countries in the third world are still using 1G and 2G equipment, three or four steps behind LTE, which is more than a quarter of a century lag. The need for engineering students to have hands-on experience on equipment and machinery used in their different disciplines is a pertinent aspect of any learning process. This called for the need to find relevant practical aid equipment for students to practice on and appreciate their operation in real industrial set-up. Since there was a shortage of practical training aids that speak to the contemporary expectations of the electronics and telecommunications industry at MSU in the Department of Applied Physics and Telecommunications, this project bridged that gap. The fast changing high-tech ICT (Information Communication Technology) industry the world over, against the backdrop of lack of relevant demo equipment at MSU laboratories, there was dire need to have at least some currently used equipment like a 2G BTS and its allied equipment to be installed in the university laboratory to mitigate the challenge. The project will help students to be conversant with cellular wireless communications equipment before they go for their work related learning and work after completion of their studies. With further follow-up collaborations, it is possible the department will get later versions of the technologies trending in industry.