University Catalog 2014-2015

University of Colorado Boulder

Telecommunications

    Telecommunications is a graduate-level discipline.

    Course code for this program is TLEN.

    Graduate Degree Program(s)

    Graduate Study in Telecommunications

    The Interdisciplinary Telecom Program provides the opportunity for study in technology, management, and policy of telecommunications systems including telephony, Internet, wireless systems, and smart grids. Graduate students are offered courses on these technologies, how they are used, and future technology directions. This includes detailed study of technical aspects, and the financial and socioeconomic impact. Courses and laboratories are available in electrical, optical, and wireless transmission, switching, cable television, signaling, digital processing, computer protocols, smart grids and network design and management. Study also incorporates management, government and industry use, competitive trends, standards, regulatory practice, and all levels of communications and information law (local through international). Students can combine their ITP MS degree with MBA, business, engineering management, and law degrees.

    ITP offers emphasis in the following areas: wireless technology, network security, networking, smart grids, telecom business strategy, regulation, policy, and more!

    All students will have exposure to the topics below.

    • Internet: Develop expertise in next-generation Internet architectures, technologies, applications, and protocols. Learn the technical details of baseline Internet technologies such as TCP/IP, routing, switching, address and domain name management, e-mail, and the World Wide Web (HTTP). Explore cutting edge topics including enhanced quality of service for streaming media, peer-to-peer protocols and architectures, caching, application-aware traffic management, and Internet security (anti-virus and anti-spam). Investigate the development and deployment of next generation access network technology such as WiMAX, 3G/4G, EVDO, DSL, and high speed cable networks (DOCSIS).
    • Communications: Explore the evolution from specific networks to seamless, IP-centric, media-aware networks. Investigate the issues and technology necessary to build the next generation broadband networks designed to support delivery of real-time linear content (IPTV, broadcast video), non-real time stored content (Video on Demand and MP3 Audio), regional multicast content, and personalized individual content (VolP, video conferencing) all delivered seamlessly to any end-point the customer desires (home, office, mobile).
    • Media: Discover the impact of the Internet on content creation, distribution, and management. In our classrooms and labs, explore voice migration to VoIP; understand video and audio compression (MPEG4, wavelet); study technology supporting media delivery and consumption (Podcasting, PVR, TiVO MP3, ACC); and investigate trends in digital rights management (Windows Media, Real Networks, iTunes).
    • Business Strategy: Study the strategic, financial, and entrepreneurial aspects of the migration from traditional networks and business models to the suite of new products and services enabled by ubiquitous broadband internet connectivity. Learn the basic economic theories that empower next-generation networks including network economics, first-mover advantage, versioning, information goods pricing, and launch strategies.
    • Law and Regulation: Survey the legal, regulatory, and policy implications of an interconnected world. Learn about advances in intellectual property rights (patent, copyright, trademarks), spectrum management, content management, and government and emergency services (E911, wire tapping, universal service).

    Visit telecom.colorado.edu for additional information, admission requirements, and application instructions. Admission. Application deadline for fall of the following year is December 1; for spring, it is October 1.

    Degrees Offered

    • JD/MS, ME, MS, MS/MBA, PhD

    Degree Details 

    • MS in Telecommunications
    • ME in Telecommunications
    • PhD in Telecommunications
    • ME Engineering Management/MS Telecommunications
    • MBA/MS in Telecommunications with the Leeds School of Business
    • BS Operations and Information Management (OPIM)/MS Telecommunications
    • JD/MS in Telecommunications with the School of Law

    Certificate Program

    Graduate Certificate in Computer and Network Security

    To understand network security requires more than simply taking an introductory course on network security; it requires a comprehensive understanding of not only how networks operate but also how users behave on the network. Simply designing a technically secure network fails to appreciate the social engineering vulnerabilities facing modern networks. To actually protect networks requires a detailed and well-executed process, one that includes substantial technical, behavioral, economic, accounting, and policy understanding. Therefore, students must gather a wide range of training and experiences to truly understand what is required to secure a network.

    The benefits are:

    • develop critical competencies in 12 to 18 months
    • courses delivered both on campus and via asynchronous, distance learning
    • graduate credit earned can apply toward a master's in telecommunications or a master's in electrical and computer engineering
    • interaction with an industry-diverse and world-wide student body

    The certificate covers a wide range of topics and includes not only the fundamentals of how networks operate and how to secure these networks, but also how to approach security in a practical manner. Security issues and topics range from technical theory to legal procedures. The curriculum consists of two required core courses and two electives:

    Core Courses

    • TLEN 5530 Applied Network Security 
    • TLEN 5540 Network Security Lab

    Electives (2 of the following required):

    • TLEN 5410 Network Management and Operations
    • TLEN 5462 Advanced Telecommunications Lab (security projects only)
    • TLEN 5470 Signaling Protocols
    • TLEN 5832 Privacy, Security and Digital Rights Management
    • TLEN 5834 Information Privacy
    • TLEN 5255 Computer Crime Seminar
    • CSCI 6268 Computer and Network Security cross listed / TLEN 5550
    • CSCI 7000 Cryptography (Last offered Spring 2010)
    • ECEN 5022 Cryptography (Last offered Spring 2008)

    In addition, we frequently offer special topics courses related to security. Please contact the computer and network security Advisor to identify options.

    Graduate Certificate in Energy Communication Networks

    The energy utilities are facing the retirement of 50 percent of their engineering and management employees in the next 10 years. Simultaneously, the energy industry is rocked by a dramatic shift in the technologies and policies that define their business. New technologies for distributed generation, communications and control, facilities automation, renewable energy sources, and operational management are all changing workforce requirements. There are exciting opportunities for a new generation of leaders who understand networking, wireless communication, and security in the context of the energy industry.

    The benefits are:

    • develop critical competencies in 12 to 18 months
    • courses delivered both on campus and via asynchronous distance learning
    • graduate credit earned can apply towards a master's in telecommunications or a master's in electrical and computer engineering
    • interact with an industry-diverse and world-wide student body.

    Admission. To apply, provide along with the application form a one page statement of purpose to Elizabeth Golder, elizabeth.golder@colorado.edu. Fellowship seekers should keep in mind that fellowship awards are based on academic merit and financial need. 

    The certificate covers fundamentals of communication systems, data communications, energy systems, and smart grid technologies. The curriculum consists of four required courses:

    • TLEN 5310 (3): Telecommunications Systems
    • TLEN 5330 (3): Data Communications 1
    • TLEN 5830 (3): Energy Communication Networks
    • ECEN 5007 (3): Introduction to Energy Systems

    Students who have advanced experience in one or more of these classes may make substitutions as noted below. ECN certificate students must receive substitution approval in advance.

    Substitutes for TLEN 5310:

    • TLEN 5350 Satellite Communication Systems
    • TLEN 5470 Signaling Protocols
    • TLEN 5480 Intro to Optical Fiber Communication
    • TLEN 5510 Wireless and Cellular Communications
    • TLEN 5520 Wireless LANs
    • TLEN 5560 Wireless Systems Lab

    Substitutes for TLEN 5330:

    • TLEN 5400 Network Design and Optimization
    • TLEN 5410 Network Management and Operations
    • TLEN 5430 Data Communications 2
    • TLEN 5460 Telecommunications Lab
    • TLEN 5530 Applied Network Security
    • TLEN 5540 Network Security Lab
    • TLEN 5550 Foundation of Computer and Network Security
    • TLEN 5570 IP Network Design

    Students who have an EE background should substitute the following class for ECEN 5007: ECEN 5017 Conventional and Renewable Energy Issues.

    Graduate Certificate in Telecommunications Policy

    The Telecommunications industry must consider the policy, law, and economics that govern best practices.

    • How do these affect the technical advances in network equipment and user trends?
    • What are the legal pitfalls that must be avoided?
    • How can one navigate the regulatory landscape to best design, deploy, and use telecommunications technology?

    The certificate will provide expertise in the complex and continually changing legal, political, and regulatory dynamics that characterize the communications industry. The curriculum consists of two core courses and two advanced policy courses.

    The benefits are:

    • develop critical competencies in 12 to 18 months.
    • courses delivered both on campus and via asynchronous, distance learning.
    • graduate credit earned can apply toward a master's in telecommunications or a master's in electrical and computer engineering.
    • interaction with an industry-diverse and world-wide student body.

    Students currently seeking the masters' degree who choose advanced policy options as part of their electives can earn this certificate without any additional course work beyond that required for the MS degree. All courses must be completed with a grade of B or better to be used towards the certificate. Contact the policy advisor with any additional questions or for help choosing certificate courses.

    Core Courses

    • TLEN 5010 Network Economics and Finance 1
    • TLEN 5210 Principles of Telecommunications Policy

    Elective Courses (select two):

    • TLEN 5020 Economics of Competition Policy
    • TLEN 5160 Information Technologies and Communications 
    • TLEN 5230 Spectrum Management and Policy (formerly Topics in Telecom Policy)
    • TLEN 5240 Telecom Law and Policy
    • TLEN 5250 Technology Law andPolicy Clinic (classroom only)
    • TLEN 5380 The Future of Video: Technology, Policy and Economics 
    • TLEN 5831 International Telecommunications Policy
    • TLEN 5835 Introduction to Trustworthy Computing
    • TLEN 5832 Privacy, Security, and Digital Rights Management
    • TLEN 5833 Law for the Information Age
    • TLEN 5833 Law and Economics of Utility Regulation
    • TLEN 5835 Antitrust Law
    • TLEN 5255 Computer Crime Seminar

    In addition, we often offer special topics courses related to policy. Please contact the policy advisor to identify options.

    Graduate Certificate in Wireless Networks and Technology

    Wireless is everywhere. There are almost twice as many cell phones in the world today than there are wireline service connections. Cell phone users not only make billions of phone calls, but last year they sent 135 billion text messages from their cell phones. Wireless LANs and hotspots are gaining ground in the marketplace, and new wireless technologies and standards are being developed to further advance the wireless world. 
     
    There is a continuing need for personnel who understand wireless technologies. Network administrators and technicians must know what a given product can and cannot do, how to select the right product, how to deploy a reliable wireless network, how different wireless products might interact, and the security and vulnerability characteristics of wireless networks.  Higher level management should understand the regulatory and legal aspects of owning and operating wireless networks as well as the cost-benefit tradeoffs between wireless vs. non-wireless options. Managers should also understand the opportunities now offered by new-generation (3G) cell phone technologies in maintaining contact with mobile employees. 

    The benefits are:

    • develop critical competencies in 12 to 18 months.
    • courses delivered both on campus and via asynchronous, distance learning. 
    • graduate credit earned can apply toward a master's in telecommunications or a master's in electrical and computer engineering. 
    • interaction with an industry-diverse and world-wide student body.  

    The certificate program covers a range of wireless and LAN issues, and includes topics ranging from technical theory to legal procedures. It is designed to satisfy the needs of working professionals and students with technical, legal, or business backgrounds. The curriculum consists of two required core courses and two electives.

    Core Courses

    • TLEN 5510 Wireless and Cellular Communications 
    • TLEN 5520 Wireless LANs

    Electives

    • TLEN 5190 Standardization and Standards Wars 
    • TLEN 5230 Topics in Telecom Policy: Spectrum 
    • TLEN 5260 Law for the Information Age 
    • TLEN 5350 Satellite Communication Systems 
    • TLEN 5440 Multimedia Networking (View Syllabus)
    • TLEN 5470 Signaling Protocols
    • TLEN 5832 Seminar: Software Defined Radio
    • TLEN 5834 Standards: Business, Law, Policy
    • TLEN 5839 Cognitive Radios
    • ECEN 5692 Principles of Digital Communication 
    • CSCI 5273 Network Systems 
    • ASEN 5090 Intro to Global Navigation Satellite Systems

    Professional Certificate in Network Architecture

    The Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program (ITP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is proud to offer a Graduate Professional Certificate in Network Architecture.

    The study of network architecture incorporates the designing of communications solutions based on a myriad of systems including theoretical and hands on experience. 

    • What happens behind the wall jack or wireless access point to which users connect?
    • How does data travel along a business intranet?
    • What happens after the data is delivered to your service provider?
    • How does the service provider transport information to the destination, and what are the challenges of running applications across the entire network?

    The benefits are: 

    • develop critical competencies in 12 to 18 months
    • most courses delivered through both on campus and via asynchronous, distance learning (however, some hands-on coursework might require in-campus attendance)
    • graduate credit earned can apply toward a masters' in telecommunication or a masters' in electrical and computer engineering
    • interaction with an industry-diverse and world-wide student body
    • training uses commercially available products and potentially students could complement their certificate by seeking out some vendor specific credentials.

    This certificate covers a wide range of topics and includes not only the fundamentals of how networks operate or how to configure these networks, but also how to approach network design in a practical manner. Topics range from technical theory to industry best practices. The curriculum consists of two required core courses and two electives. All certificate courses must be passed with a grade of B or better. The Network Architecture advisor can provide guidance for any questions you may have.

    Core Courses

    • TLEN 5330 Data Communications 1
    • TLEN 5460 Telecommunications Systems Lab

    Electives (choose two):

    • TLEN 5430 Data Communications 2
    • TLEN 5340 VoIP Network Design
    • TLEN 5370 IP Routing Protocols (classroom only)
    • TLEN 5400 Network Design and Optimization
    • TLEN 5410 Network Management and Operations
    • TLEN 5440 Multimedia Networking
    • TLEN 5462 Advanced Telecommunications Lab (classroom only)
    • TLEN 5470 Signaling Protocols
    • TLEN 5490 Network Programming
    • TLEN 5570 IP Network Design (classroom only)
    • CSCI 5273 Network Systems

    Students may be exempted from enrolling in TLEN 5330 or TLEN 5460 with the successful completion of a written examination. (Students exempted from TLEN 5330 will be eligible to fulfill the the certificate with 9 credit hours of study.) Students who are exempted from enrolling in TLEN 5460 will be required to replace the course by enrolling in TLEN 5462.