ECTS Credits:
3,75

Content:
The course covers convergence in ICT in a broad sense. Both network, service and business convergence will be covered. Research papers from telematics, as well as computer science (CSCW, ubiquitous computing) and media research will we presented. The following aspects are covered:

• FMC (fixed-mobile convergence). This includes evolution from early VoIP architecture using H.323 from fixed PCs on LAN to IMS supporting mobility and an access antagonistic system. IMS will be studied from both network and service perspectives. Also papers discussing PCs and handheld devices in a work environment will be covered (service and user perspectives)
• IS/IT - telecom convergence (as seen from network and service/user perspectives). This includes QoS for VoIP during handover (network perspective) as well as some papers from ubiquitous computing (service /user perspective)
• Digital media convergence is covered to some extent via research papers on the digital mass media market (TV and digital newspapers), as well as studies of media content on mobiles.
• Private(home) and public (office) convergence. This includes ‘open access networks’ from a technical, security and business perspective. Also presence and mediated communication regarding home offices and mobile workers will be covered.

Course Material:
To be announced.

Recommended Background:
Basic knowledge of data communication and network technologies. It is assumed that the students has knowledge corresponding to ttm4130 Network Intelligence and Mobility for the VoIP-part (SIP and MIP).

Teaching Method:
Lectures and seminars where students present papers. We aim at presenting some papers from computer science by computer scientists to encourage discussion.

Learning Goal:
The course will enable the student to understand a variety of issues relating to convergence. From technical challenges and principal solutions for supporting combinations of VoIP, mobility and context awareness (pervasive computing and communication) to the business issues. The students shall be able to discuss and analyse research papers from both telematics, computer science and social research (such as CSCW and media research) perspectives. The students shall be trained in finding relevant research papers and critically evaluate their content.