The development of interactive antenna module for wireless communication practical assessment

This research focuses on the development of an interactive antenna module to enhance hands-on learning in wireless communication, specifically within the DEP50063 Wireless Communication course at Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah. Traditional teaching methods and outdated laboratory equipment have limited student’s ability to fully understand antenna systems and wireless communication concepts. This problem has motivated the creation of an innovative antenna module that incorporates both omni-directional and directional antennas, modems and signal analysis tools to improve practical assessments. The objective of this innovation is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of antenna characteristics, such as signal strength, coverage, and environmental factors, through interactive, real-world learning experiences. The developed module allows students to engage in experiments using modern equipment, facilitating the exploration of antenna performance in varying conditions and distances from the Base Transceiver Station (BTS). The results of these experiments showed that the directional antenna provided better performance in terms of higher download and upload speeds, emphasizing the importance of antenna type in optimizing wireless communication systems. The interactive module not only deepens student’s- comprehension of theoretical concepts but also enhances their technical proficiency in real-world applications. This approach offers a significant benefit by bridging the gap between theory and practice, preparing students for industry demands. The findings demonstrate the module's potential in transforming wireless communication education, making it more engaging and practical. Overall, this innovation improves student learning outcomes and better equips them for future challenges in wireless communication.