Wireless Revolution

Catalog description

Smoke signals, torch signaling, flashing mirrors, and semaphore flags can be considered as the early means of wireless communication. The discovery of invisible electromagnetic waves laid the foundation for contemporary wireless communication systems, profoundly altering the fabric of our daily lives—redefining work, study, and social interactions. In this course, we will take a global view of wireless technologies, examining their multifaceted impact on society: What are the direct and indirect consequences of deploying wireless technologies on society, from the early days of radio to contemporary cellular networks? What is the transformative influence of wireless across diverse industries? How can we leverage wireless connectivity to address the digital divide and contribute to the sustainable development goals set by the United Nation? Beyond daily applications, we will ponder the extraordinary potential of wireless communications in exploring previously inaccessible realms, such as deep space and the ocean's depths. The course will also delve into government regulations and techno-politics that shape wireless standards beyond technical requirements, exploring the ethical, societal, and regulatory dimensions.