Introduction to Telecommunications (Second Edition)

Course Specifications

Course Description

Telecommunications is not only a broad and complex field, but it includes many underlying technologies too. The first step in understanding this complex subject is to start with its fundamentals and build on its growth. In this course, you will explore the fundamental concepts and technologies relating to telephony, data communication, and wireless communication.

Hardware Requirements

You will need a computer for the instructor. Computers are not mandatory for the students, but will be helpful for them to browse the Internet while discussing specific points. The following hardware requirements are suggested for this course:

• Intel® Pentium® IV-class processors
• Minimum 256 MB of RAM
• Minimum 4 GB of hard disk space
• CD-ROM or DVD drive
• VGA or higher monitor
• Keyboard and mouse
• Display system to project the instructor’s computer screen
• Internet access

Platform Requirements

• Microsoft® Windows® XP

Software Requirements

• This course does not require any specific software to be used in a classroom setup.

Performance-Based Objectives

• describe the various components of telecommunications, and the various standards and technologies adopted.
• describe telephony networks, their supporting technologies, and the transmission mediums used in these networks.
• examine Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), the numbering plan, and the dialing mechanisms and tones.
• explore the components of electronic switching networks and the role of SS7 protocols in these networks.
• examine the different services offered by telecom service providers to meet specific business demands and the facts to be considered while deciding on the type of service suitable for a business.
• describe the basic networking concepts.
• explore some basic concepts related to wireless communication and examine the components of a cellular network.
• describe the modern technologies used in wired and wireless communications.
• describe how the telecom service providers use different systems to manage the needs of customers and networks.

Course Content

Lesson 1: Fundamentals of Telecommunications

Topic 1A: Overview of Telecommunications

Topic 1B: Telecommunications Standards Organizations

Topic 1C: Basic Terms and Technologies in Telecommunications

Lesson 2: Telecommunication Networks

Topic 2A: Telephony Networks

Topic 2B: Analog and Digital Transmissions

Topic 2C: Transmission Mediums

Lesson 3: Basics of Telephony

Topic 3A: Customer Premises Equipment

Topic 3B: Numbering Plan

Topic 3C: Common Signaling Tones and Call Establishment

Lesson 4: Electronic Switching Networks

Topic 4A: Voice Digitization

Topic 4B: Stored Program Control Switch

Topic 4C: Switching Hierarchy

Topic 4D: Interexchange Signaling

Topic 4E: Network Nodes in SS7

Topic 4F: Types of Links in SS7

Topic 4G: Layers of the SS7 Protocol

Lesson 5: Business Telephone Systems

Topic 5A: Connections to the Exchange

Topic 5B: Enhanced Services

Topic 5C: Traffic Engineering

Topic 5D: The Traffic Engineering Process

Lesson 6: Basic Networking Concepts

Topic 6A: Computer Networks

Topic 6B: Network Topology

Topic 6C: Data Communication Models

Lesson 7: Basics of Wireless Communication

Topic 7A: Wireless Communication

Topic 7B: Mobile Communication

Lesson 8: Modern Telecommunication Technologies

Topic 8A: Wired Communication Technologies

Topic 8B: Wireless Communication Technologies

Topic 8C: Recent Trends in Telecommunications

Lesson 9: Operations Support Systems

Topic 9A: Support Service Systems

Topic 9B: Network Management Systems