Communication Systems Principles Using MATLAB®

Communication systems become easier to understand when their signals, networks, and algorithms are treated as parts of one larger engineering picture. John W. Leis builds that picture with MATLAB-based examples and a practical, learn-by-doing approach—helping readers connect the mathematical ideas to the behavior of real communication systems.

The book progresses from signal fundamentals to wireless and optical links, then to the protocols, coding methods, and security concepts that support digital communication. Its emphasis is on understanding the principles behind the technology, not simply memorizing how a particular system works.

From waveforms to communication links

The opening chapters establish the tools for thinking about signals and systems, including phase, filtering, power, and noise. The discussion then turns to wired networks, radio and wireless transmission, and optical communication. These topics give readers a foundation for considering how signals are generated, transmitted, affected by their environment, and received.

Explore modulation, networks, and data

Later chapters follow information through increasingly complex systems. Readers encounter amplitude, frequency, and phase modulation; digital transmission methods including QAM and OFDM; packet networks and TCP/IP; and the algorithms used in routing and packet delivery. The book also examines quantization, source coding, image and audio coding, bit errors, error detection, and encryption.

Learn by working through the ideas 💻

MATLAB is used to demonstrate many of the book’s concepts, with code examples throughout the chapters. This gives readers a way to experiment alongside the explanations and see how abstract principles relate to simulated systems. Chapter problems provide further opportunities to work with the material.

For telecommunications and engineering students

Designed with college- and university-level study in mind, this text may also suit readers looking for a broad, organized introduction to communications engineering. Its six chapters span foundational signal concepts, physical transmission, network protocols, coding, and data integrity—making it useful for study across several related course topics.

For readers who want to understand not just what communication technologies do, but the principles that make them work, Leis offers a practical route through a wide-ranging field.