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252-1411-00L 6 Credits MSC , NDS , WBZ D-ITET , D-INFK , D-MATH , D-ERDW , D-MAVT , D-PHYS

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Security of Wireless Networks

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Srdjan Capkun, Dr. Kari Kostiainen

VVZ CR 4.6

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:46

Abstract

This course discusses physical layer aspects of wireless communication and a wide range of security-related topics in the domain of wireless technologies. It mainly targets computer science students. Though useful, a background in signal processing or physical layer concepts is not required. A basic understanding of security (e.g. as taught in 252-0211.00L Information Security) is recommended.

Objective

After this course, students should be able to describe and classify security goals of and attacks on various wireless networks and technologies, with an emphasis on physical layer aspects.

Content

- Introduction to wireless communication - Physical layer security schemes - Spreading techniques and their application in jamming-resilient communication and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSSs) - Secure ranging with Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) - Security aspects of cellular networks, WiFi, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Course Website

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC , NDS , WBZ
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: end-of-semester examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: None

20% exercises and related reports (compulsory continuous performance assessments), 80% final written exam

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Security of Wireless Networks	Tue 14:15-16:00 (ML H 44)	2 h weekly
exercise	Security of Wireless Networks	Fri 14:15-16:00 (CAB E 87.2)	1 h weekly
independent project	Security of Wireless Networks includes a semester long project	No time listed	2 h weekly

Offered In

Informatik Master
- Vertiefungen
  - Vertiefung in Secure and Reliable Systems
    - Wahlfächer
- Ergänzungen
  - Ergänzung in Information Security
  - Ergänzung in Networking
Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnologie Master
- 01 - Fächer der Vertiefungen
  - Vertiefung: Computers and Networks (The core courses and specialisation courses below are a selection for students who wish to specialise in the area of "Computers and Networks", see . The individual study plan is subject to the tutor's approval.)
    - Vertiefungsfächer (These specialisation courses are particularly recommended for the area of "Computers and Networks", but you are free to choose courses from any other field in agreement with your tutor. Semester / Research Projects are not allowed in this category. A minimum of 40 credits must be obtained from specialisation courses during the Master's Programme.)
CAS in Informatik
- Vertiefungsfächer und Wahlfächer
Data Science Master
- Master-Studium (Studienreglement 2023)
  - Wahlfächer
    - Interdisziplinäre Wahlfächer
DAS in Cyber Security
- Wahlfächer
Cyber Security Master
- Vertiefungsgebiet
  - Wahlfächer
Space Systems Master
- Fachspezifische Vertiefung (Es müssen mindestens 20 KP aus den Deep Track Lerneinheiten absolviert werden. Überzählige KP können für Wahlfächer angerechnet werden.)
  - Space Communication
    - Wahlfächer Space Communication (Diese Fächer können nur als Wahlfach angerechnet werden.)
MAS in Cyber Security
- Wahlfächer