Mobile Communications

Unit Reference Number

Unit Title

Mobile Communications

Unit Level

Number of Credits

Total Qualification Time (TQT)

Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

Mandatory / Optional

Mandatory

Sector Subject Area (SSA)

14.1 Foundations for learning and life

Unit Grading Structure

Pass / Fail

Learning Outcomes – The learner will:

Assessment Criteria – The learner can:

Indicative contents

1. Understand the uses and features of mobile communication devices.

1.1  Differentiate between different types of mobile communication device

1.2  Describe the main features of different types of mobile communication devices

1.3  Evaluate usage of modern mobile communication devices.

• Devices: types eg mobile phones, digital cordless phones, PDAs, laptops, palmtops; other eg radio frequency identification devices (RFID)
• Features: eg video link, texting, internet access, email, picture messaging, GPS tracking, geocaching, synchronisation, cloud storage
• Uses: business eg email, word processing, conferencing, calendar; specialist eg graphic design, bespoke software, monetary transactions, service management; personal eg online gaming, messaging, web browsing.

2. Understand the communication technologies used in mobile devices.

  2.1        Discuss various transmission technologies used by mobile communication devices.

  2.2        Evaluate the need for various standards and protocols used by mobile communication devices.

  2.3        Describe how wireless mobile communication technologies are benefitting businesses.

• Transmission technology: types eg infrared, Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), GSM, GPRS, 2.5G, 3G; data transfer rates; effective ranges
• Standards and protocols: types eg 802.11 for WiFi, IrDA for Infrared; wireless access protocols; SMS protocols.
• Wireless networking: wireless access points eg hotspots; wireless network adaptors; Protection: methods eg wireless encryption methods (WEP, WPA, AES, EAP); interference from other devices. Communication eg email, conferencing; file transfer.

3. Understand the implications of mobile communications technology.

  3.1        Assess the benefits of mobile devices in workplace.

  3.2        Evaluate social and legal implications of using mobile technologies.

  3.3        Discuss the health implications of long exposer to mobile technologies.

• Benefits: efficiency eg group communication, information sharing, paperless working
• Social implications: human interaction eg text messaging, multimedia messaging, emails, virtual offices;
• Health issues eg posture, RSI, eye strain; environmental effects eg visual impact of phone masts, disposal of components; illegal imagery
• Legal implications: data security eg accidental loss, theft; hacking activities eg wardriving, piggybacking, packet sniffing;
• Disadvantages: effective range of equipment; interference; perceived health hazards eg radiation