Case Study: Rutgers University motivates wireless communications students with National Instruments USRP and LabVIEW

Using Software Defined Radio to Motivate, Prepare, and Engage Students in Wireless Communications

Rutgers University sought to motivate and prepare its undergraduate and graduate students for technical careers in wireless communications. The challenge was bridging the gap between theoretical concepts taught in lectures and their real-world applications in government, industry, and academia.

Partnering with National Instruments, Rutgers provided a solution using NI USRP software defined radio transceivers and NI LabVIEW software. This created a hands-on, project-based lab environment where students could experiment with real signals. The results were excellent student course ratings and increased engagement, leading to successful capstone and research projects. National Instruments' platform gave students practical experience and critical thinking skills directly applicable to their future careers.

Rutgers University

Predrag Spasojevic

Rutgers University