Abstract This paper investigates the energy-efficient resource allocation algorithm for a massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO) system, in which each base station adapts the number of antennas to the daily load profile. Our paper examines the effect of two user location distribution (ULD) models, on the energy-efficiency (EE) of load adaptive masive MIMO system. We propose a resource allocation strategy to adapt the number of antennas based on tracking variations of ULD and cell loading maximizing the EE. We also evaluate impact of cell size, available bandwidth and output power level of the BS on EE at different cell loading.

This paper investigates the allocation model, the flexibility, and the scalability of fully distributed communication architectures for metering systems in smart grids. Smart metering infrastructure aggregates data from Smart Meters (SMs) and sends the collected data to the fog or the cloud data centres to be stored and analysed. The system needs to be scalable and reliable and to respond to increased demand with minimal cost. The problem is to find the optimal distribution of application data among devices, data centres or clouds. The need for support computing at marginal resources, which can be hosted within the building itself or shared within the construction of the complex, has become important over recent years. The resource allocation model is presented to optimize the cost of the resources in the communications and relevance parts of computing (the data processing cost). The fog helps cloud computing connectivity on the edge network. This paper explains how calculation/analysis can be performed closer to the data collection site to complement the analysis that would be undertaken at the data centre. Results for a range of typical scenarios are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Introduction of LTE-Advanced network brings a series of new techniques as well as an improvement of the existing ones, which contributes to better performance in relation to LTE network. Enhanced MIMO represents one of LTE-Advanced network’s most significant techniques which enable considerably better performance. Spectral efficiency and throughput are important system performance indicators. The paper aims to estimate LTE-Advanced network performance by applying an enhanced MIMO. The results verify consistency with given the analytical values, as well as which system parameter has the greatest influence on the achieved results. When enhanced MIMO is applied, several performance testing scenarios have been created depending on the parameter which was analysed for the given scenario, namely: LTE-Advanced channel scenario, antenna configuration, number of HARQ retransmissions and the type of subframe mode. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.22.1.7698

Due to a large presence of smartphones and other mobile devices it is necessary to use mobile and user-friendly LMS (Learning Management System) to deliver e-learning and blended learning courses and to offer a native application for e-learning support services. Based on technical and usability requirements as well as users' opinion and recommendations, mobile-friendly eCampus LMS/LCMS (Learning Content Management System) was developed. The preliminary research was carried out in BiH and Slovenia. Technical solutions conducted are described in the article as well. After implementing mobile-friendly e-learning portal, we have made a research on the use of specific learning activities in different devices, users' preferences and their suggestions for further development.

This paper addresses the benefits of using technology in developing teaching and learning resources, conducting classes and assessments in the Digital Systems course which is covered in the first year in the Engineering Informatics study program at the College of Computer Science and Business Communications eMPIRICA in Brcko District of BiH. The paper discusses good practices for using technology so as to enhance teaching and learning regardless of whether the teaching is conducted in a traditional or virtual classroom. Technology was used for online-enhancement of face-to-face classes and for blended classes that are predominantly online-based with the exception of occasional face-to-face tutorials. Class delivery included the usage of several latest technologies both for the needs of the classroom and production of e-learning study materials and conducting distance education. Learning materials were enriched with eye-catching multimedia and delivered via e-materials module, while dynamics of distance learning and teaching was defined within the e-classroom module, and both can be found on LMS/LCMS eCampus. At the end of the semester full-time and distance learning students evaluated technology efficiency and usefulness used to develop and conduct the course. Benefits of the proper use of technology in developing learning resources and carrying out classes have been presented, the detected problems have been discussed and recommendations for efficient technology usage in preparing and conducting engineering education have been given.

This paper analyses the use of web conference enabled lectures for programming courses within Engineering Informatics study programme, for two different groups of students: regular face-to-face students and blended learning students. Web conference offers the opportunity for the participants in the distance learning environment to be brought into a joint virtual environment regardless of their location, and also offers interactive and collaborative possibilities which facilitate the process of acquiring collective knowledge. The paper presents the comparison of mostly used web conferencing tools nowadays, based on several criteria: functionality, security, software installation, meeting setup and usability. Main aim of this paper was to evaluate the effectiveness of using web conference in teaching programming, for face-to-face and blended learning students. Web conference lectures were applied in the class on four out of ten courses in total, in the second year of the studies. The summative analysis of the pass rate and the average mark for both groups of students has been carried out in these courses. Then the results that the students achieved in the courses where the web conference was used were compared to the results that they achieved in the courses where the web conference was not used. Based on students' evaluation, the paper also presents formative analysis of efficiency and usefulness in using web conference in the class. Finally, guidelines for the efficient use of web conference in delivering programming courses have been proposed.

This paper presents a blended learning model that has been successfully developed and applied at the College of Computing and Business Communications eMPIRICA in BiH, in frame of the study program Engineering Informatics. A developed and implemented blended learning model was created along the lines of Flex model, where the content, instruction and continuous assessment are delivered to students by using e-learning system eCampus. Students are provided with the variety of e-learning resources and activities along with obligatory face-to-face teaching and laboratory work. In order to estimate the efficiency of the applied blended learning model in comparison with traditional learning, a summative analysis has been performed based on an analysis of the success of two student test groups.