WCP Posts

January 2012 - Volume 4, Issue 1

Celia A Message from Celia Desmond, IEEE WCET® Program Director and Steering Committee Chair

Happy New Year to you all. At ComSoc, things are off to a running start. As our program grows, we have updated the WCET website in two specific areas - 1.) Candidates and 2.) Recertification. We just added a list of 10 things to do if you are wondering if you are ready to get certified. It's a list of 10 to-do's because it also provides suggestions that can help you prepare for the exam.

The recertification update is in place. Those who earned the credential in 2008 will need to recertify by the end of 2013 if they want to keep it current. Recertification is required every five years. You can learn more about recertifying by reading below.

Applications are now being accepted for the first testing window in 2012. ComSoc Training is offering courses in February and March to help you in your exam preparations and Daniel Wong, one of the contributors to the WEBOK and ComSoc Training instructor has written a new book that can be of interest for anyone working in and interested in wireless.

Keep reading to learn about the latest industry news and upcoming events around the world.

Industry News

Wireless Hiring on the Rise
Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile had nearly 1,500 combined job openings in January -- many for engineers focusing on LTE. This news comes on the heels of a Bureau of Labor Statistics report which says that U.S. unemployment has fallen to its lowest level in three years. [RCR Wireless]

IEEE Standards Association Targets Mobile Video
A new initiative from the IEEE Standards Association aims to develop interrelated standards for mobile video. The first three standards projects address real-time mobile video communications, streaming video and 3D displays. [Marketwatch]

Wi-Fi Alliance Predicts Growth
The market for automotive Wi-Fi will more than double in size over the next four years, according to predictions from the Wi-Fi Alliance. Other predictions include 39% growth in health, fitness and medical applications and 25% growth in smart meters and automation by 2016. [PC Magazine]

Upcoming Meetings and Events from Around the World

International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE)
Conference: 20-24 February 2012
Exhibits: 22-23 February 2012
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV

Communications technology has changed dramatically in recent years – and the real fun may not have even started. From maintaining legacy systems to implementing digital and broadband technologies, IWCE 2012 is at the forefront of this metamorphosis. IWCE, taking place February 20-24, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, is the place to be to get answers to your questions, network with peers, and see the most cutting-edge products in communications technology. In the exhibit hall, see 330 companies demonstrating the hardware, networks, applications, interoperability and integration that drive your communications systems. In the IWCE conference program, attend over 80 workshops, training classes and short courses for the wireless communications community. In addition, attend the Opening Keynote Address presented by Martin Cooper, the communications industry veteran who conceived the first mobile phone, and the Joint Keynote Address on LMR/LTE Vision for the Future, as well as a Networking Reception, General Sessions, Lunch and Learn and other special presentations during the event. Visit www.iwceexpo.com for more information on this key industry gathering.

2012 OFC Collocated National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (OFC/NFOEC)
4-8 March 2012
Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA - USA

2012 World Telecommunications Congress (WTC 2012)
5-6 March 2012
Phoenix Seagaia Resort, Miyazaki - JAPAN

IEEE INFOCOM 2012 - IEEE Conference on Computer Communications Workshops
25-30 March 2012
Hilton Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida - USA

Ready to Get Certified in Wireless? Review the Top 10 Things to Do
You've heard all the buzz about professionals earning this new credtial in wireless, you've visited the website to learn more about it, but you're still not sure what do to figure out if earning the IEEE WCP is right for you. To help you better understand there's a short list of 10 things you can do to help yourself assess if this is the right time in your career to take the exam. If it is, there are suggestions on things you can do to aid you in your preparations. Review the list.

February ComSoc Training - Register Early and Save!
Wireless Communications Engineering - Current Practice
Virtual One-Day Course
Friday, 10 February 2012
9:00am - 4:30pm EST
$300 Non-member; $250 Member
Save $25.00 when you register by 24 January 2012. Earn 0.6 IEEE Continuing Education Units for participating. Take this course to gain a deeper understanding of an RF propagation environment and the corresponding considerations in radio engineering and link design; the key features of LTE-Advanced; packet switching vs. circuit switching; the evolution to All-IP networks; and wireless security threats to name just a few. Learn more about this course.

Practical Wireless Communications Engineering
at IWCE in Las Vegas, Nevada - USA
Instructor: Lee Vishloff (in-person taught course)
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
8:30am - 4:30pm PST
IWCE (International Wireless Communications Expo) Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV - USA ; Room S224 - South Hall -
$699.00 online up through 6 January 2012. $799 as of 7 January and onsite up until the morning of 21 February.
Use code H38 when you register and receive the following special inclusions and pricing: - Lunch on Tuesday, 21 February 2012 - Admission to the IWCE Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday - Two Keynote Addresses on Wednesday - Networking Reception on Wednesday evening - General Sessions on Thursday and Friday morning - 25% off any additional IWCE conference package.
Take this course to gain a deeper understanding of current technology and practice from a variety of perspectives: engineering, architecture, operations, standards, and management. All layers in the network are discussed, as well as potential changes due to technology evolution. While primarily focused on RF engineering, wireless access technologies, network and service architecture, and network management and security, infrastructure, operational standards, regulations, policies, agreements, and relevant fundamental engineering concepts are also addressed. This course is recommended for a broad audience, especially those with a background in engineering or technology, or an appreciation of wireless communications engineering and practice.

Session #: 1TR

Separate registration is required; this course is not included in the Premium Pass for IWCE attendees.
Learn more.

February 2012 - EXTRA, Volume 4, Issue 2

In this issue:
- ComSoc Training New Course Announced; Registration Remiders for March
- WCET Spring Exam Reminder; Application Deadlines
- Recertification information now available online
- New Fundamentals Book That Complements WEBOK Just Released by Wiley

Registration for March ComSoc Training Courses Now Open:
New One Day Intro and the 5-Day Intensive is Back by Popular Demand
Introduction to Professional Wireless Communications
14 March 2012 - 9:00am - 4:30pm EST - ONLINE
Instructor: Lee Vishloff

This course will first introduce terms and definitions such as radios/antennas, basestations/access points, key Air interfaces (TDMA, CDMA, OFDM), key applications such as location, voice, data, video and broadcasting, and Key Performance Indicators (capacity, bandwidth, throughput, transmission, reception, delay, latency, etc.). It then continues to cover wireless systems architecture: the protocol OSI TCP/IP reference models with physical, data link, network, transport and services/application layers as they apply to systems in use today. The last part of this training will cover prevalent products and standards in the market place such as 3G/4G Cellular, home RF, Satellites, GPS/Location, wireless sensors, RFID, Android and iOS smartphones, and CDN/Cloud services.

This is a basic and general introduction to wireless communications. It covers:

- Networking issues (MAC , network and transport layers)
- Wireless devices, services and applications
- Network, devices/terminals, and resource management

Gain an understanding of the:

- Difference between wireless & mobile as they are two different concepts and have their own distinct technical issues
- Reach the wireless industry has around the world
- History of wireless coming to age

You will learn about wireless transmission and how antennas come into play. Air interface techniques, multiple access and key applications of wireless are covered. Cellular networks and systems; handover and spectrum allocation methods are explained. You'll understand the difference between wireless networks and fixed networks. RFID and how it works in medical implants and vehicular communications is included in this lecture. Learn more about the iPhone Apps development, Android / htc and Symbian / nok. Short self-test questions throughout the course help course participants test their understanding.

Earn 0.6 IEEE Continuing Education Units for participating. Learn More. Register Today.
Save $25.00 when you sign up early. Registration closes 5 March 2012.

5-Day Wireless Communications Engineering Intermediate Fundamentals Review and Current Practices
19-23 March 2012 from 9:00am - 11am EST (2 hour break) then 1:00pm - 3:00pm EST.
Four hours of instruction each day for 5 days with a break built in so you can manage your other responsibilities during the week long training. 20 hours of total instruction earn you 2 IEEE Continuing Education Units upon completion of the course.

It is particularly suited for persons working in a relatively narrow or specialized aspect of wireless communications, as it aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how different facets of wireless practice fit into the overall design, implementation, and operation of wireless networks. It will help attendees understand current technology and operations and assess prospective future developments in wireless communications. The course can also help candidates seeking certification in wireless communications engineering technology in their preparation for the exam.

Instructors:
Alan Bensky Daniel Wong

Register by 29 Feburary and save $100. Registration open through 8 March 2011.
Learn more. Register Today.

Visit www.comsoc.org/training to review full course descriptions, course agendas, course materials and instructor biographies. All online courses are taught live and recorded. Course participants have access to the streaming video (voice over powerpoint) for 7 days after the course has been taught and access to the file has been provided. Questions are asked using the Questions feature on the GoTo Webinar platform -- instructors address questions after the long break and via email in written format. Self test questions asked throughout the course help you test your understanding. They are optional. Send questions about these courses directly to Marilyn Catis at m [dot] catis [at] comsoc [dot] org.

- WCET Spring Exam Reminder; Application Deadlines

Curious about taking the exam but not sure how to gauge if you are ready? Review the 10 steps identified to help you understand if taking the test now makes sense for you. Applications to sit for the exam this Spring are being accepted through 23 March 2012. Once your application has been submitted you will recieve an authorization to test letter whereby you will be instructed to select your exam date and testing center location. The Spring 2012 test window is open from 9 April through 5 May 2012. Learn more about how to prepare.

- Recertification Information Now Available Online

Recertification is required every five years, determined by the expiration date of your current certification (shown on the passing candidate certificate). For example, credential holders who earned their certification in 2008 need to recertify by the end of 2013. There are two ways of earning recertification: by passing the current WCET certification exam or by earning Professional Development Units (PDUs) through contributions to the profession and/or personal professional development. The recertification fee is $300 for IEEE/IEEE ComSoc members and $350 for non-members. The same fee applies whether you take the certification exam or submit an accounting of PDUs earned since your certification.

The first option for earning recertification is to pass the current WCET certification examination. The exam is updated regularly, and the current exam will test a candidate's knowledge of developments in the field since his or her previous certification.

The second option is to earn PDUs through teh WCET Continuing Certification Program (WCCP). PDUs quantify a candidate's professional and educational/learning activities. PDUs can be earned through participation in activities related to contributions to the profession and/or professional development in the area(s) covered by WCET. Learn more about recertification.

- New Fundamentals Book That Complements WEBOK Just Released by Wiley

Focused more on core, fundamental topics in each area it covers, a new book written by K. Daniel Wong, "Fundamentals of Wireless Communications Engineering Technologies" or FWCET for short, shows how the topics covered relate to each other in at least two important ways. First, it illustrates how increasingly complex sub-systems and concepts are built from simpler sub-systems and concepts; and secondly, that characteristics in one area might affect design decisions in other areas in wireless systems in ways that are sometimes surprising. Similar to the "Wireless Engineering Body of Knowledge" (WEBOK) on which Wong was a contributor, FWCET also stresses the linkages between theory and actual practice. Published by Wiley this month, FWCET is 568 pages long and you can review the contents online. Read the full article.