Course Overview: Telecommunications Technologies and Network Management

Introduction
This course provides a detailed exploration of key telecommunications technologies currently shaping the industry. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of essential topics such as cellular radio, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), broadband technologies, and network management. The course also covers emerging trends and future applications of telecommunications networks, equipping participants with the insights needed to understand the direction in which the industry is heading.

Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core concepts of telephony and the evolution of telecommunications technologies.
• Learn the fundamentals of analog and digital transmission systems, including pulse-code modulation (PCM).
• Gain insights into the design and operation of long-distance communication links.
• Explore data communication protocols and their applications in modern networks.
• Develop knowledge in network management, including fault detection, performance monitoring, and security considerations.
• Understand the role of advanced digital switching and data networking in modern telecommunications infrastructures.

Course Outline: Telecommunications Systems

Day 1: Fundamentals of Telephony Transmission

• Overview of telephony transmission systems: purpose, scope, and basic concepts.
• Examination of the three primary impairments affecting voice channel transmission.
• Comparison of two-wire and four-wire transmission systems.
• Introduction to multiplexing and its application in telephony.
• The importance of shaping the voice channel and its impact on quality.
• Measurement units for noise and their relevance to system performance.

Day 2: Digital Transmission and Switching Systems

• Differences between digital and analog transmission technologies.
• Introduction to Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) and its role in digital transmission.
• Development and structure of a PCM signal, including line codes and their significance.
• The use of regenerative repeaters to maintain signal integrity.
• Signal-to-noise ratio considerations for PCM systems.
• Key enhancements in digital transmission technologies, including SONET and SDH.
• Advantages and limitations of digital transmission systems.
• Overview of PCM switching and the transition from analog to digital switching.
• Core digital switching concepts and the structure of modern digital networks.

Day 3: Introduction to Data Communications

• Binary conventions and their application in data transmission.
• Key data transmission techniques, including coding and error detection.
• The DC nature of data transmission and its impact on system design.
• The role of time synchronization in binary transmission.
• Physical layer interfaces and their role in data communication.
• Digital transmission over analog channels and its challenges.

Day 4: Data Networks and Network Design

• Applications of data networks across industries.
• Initial design considerations for building robust data networks.
• Key data terminal devices, including workstations, PCs, and servers.
• Network topologies and configuration options for efficient communication.
• Overview of data switching and packet switching principles.
• The role of Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP) and other routing protocols in data networks.
• Circuit optimization techniques to improve network performance.
• Data network operation and key protocols such as X.25, TCP/IP, and the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP).
• A brief overview of Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6) and its relevance to future network growth.
• The importance of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and specialized protocols for secure communication.
• Introduction to Voice over IP (VoIP) technologies and their integration with data networks.

Day 5: Network Management and Operations

• Core components of network management: fault management, configuration management, performance monitoring, security, and accounting.
• Ensuring survivability and reliability in network operations.
• The perspective of network management from a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) viewpoint.
• Network Management Systems (NMS) and their application in enterprise environments.
• An introduction to the Telecommunications Management Network (TMN) and its role in managing complex telecommunications infrastructures.

Course Delivery
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and practical exercises. Participants will gain hands-on experience with key telecommunications systems and technologies, enhancing their understanding of both theoretical concepts and real-world applications. Comprehensive course materials, including detailed notes and technical documentation, will be provided for ongoing reference and support.