Using Gnu Radio For Practical Demonstrations In Communications Theory

ABSTRACT

GNU Radio is a software development toolkit that has traditionally been used by a

community of specialized coders and advanced engineers for rapid prototyping and

analysis of the physical layer. However, recently its potential as an educational tool is

being debated and calls have been made to expand its applicability into this area.

In this dissertation, the researcher responds by documenting how GNU Radio

platform can be used to design a number of new practical demonstrations which can

be used whilst teaching analog and digital communication courses. This is motivated

by the fact that most universities and academic institutes found in Tanzania cannot

afford the conventional approaches and require innovative ways to supplement

theoretical teaching but have not been introduced to this platform.

The starting point was a broad review of GNU Radio and some areas in

communications theory. The design was experimental because demonstrations were

implemented in a semi-simulation environment. Design process followed a sequential

model consisting of a series of stages with the results of each stage feeding into the

subsequent stage.

Implications were drawn from the results obtained. This was accomplished by

comparing it with the aim of the demonstration as derived from well-known theory.

The demonstrations were considered valid because they conformed to the aim of the

demonstration, and it was concluded that GNU Radio platform can indeed serve as an

educational tool.