l. Telecommunications: Terms and Concepts

Developing a solid understanding of communications requires a grasp of several fundamental definitions. We will introduce important terms and concepts that are vital for understanding telecommunication systems and networks.

A. Circuits
B. Bandwidth
C. Analog vs. Digital
D. Multiplexers
E. Switches

II. Transmission Media: Technologies and Applications

This section addresses all transmission media commonly used in voice, data and video networks. We will compare and contrast traditional transmission systems, both wired and wireless. We will survey systems that work only within a building and others that are used for regional and global networks.

A. Media Choices – What’s Right for Me?

1. Performance Factors
2. Security
3. Durability
4. Size
5. Cost

B. Telephone Wiring

1. Unshielded Twisted Pair
2. Shielded Twisted Pair

C. Coaxial Cable
D. Microwave Radio
E. Satellite
F. Fiber Optic

1. Single Mode
2. Multi Mode

III. Voice Communication Systems

In this section we will study important products you can buy and use to make your voice systems work efficiently. We’ll examine the capabilities and applications of all systems beginning with PBX’s and continue through to the latest trends and developments, concluding with Computer Telephony Integration.

A. Key Telephone Systems (KTS)
B. Private Branch Exchange Systems (PBX)
C. Centrex Systems
D. Automatic Call Distributors (ACD)
E. Computer Telephony Integration (CTI)

IV. Messaging Systems

Electronic messaging systems offer a great advantage for certain applications compared with standard, data and video systems and networks. In this section we will discuss the technology of each system, as well as their features, applications and networking options.

A. Facsimile Transmission
B. Voice Processing
C. Electronic Mail
D. Integration of Voice Mail and Electronic Mail

V. The Public Switched Telephone Network
All businesses use the PSTN as a core part of their operation. We will examine its key components and uses and look how it is evolving, month by month, year by year.

A. Voice Network Characteristics
B. Structure and Organization

1. Local Exchange Carriers (LECs)
2. Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOC)
3. Local Access and Transport Areas (LATAs)
4. Competitive Access Providers (CAPs)

C. Signaling System 7 and ISDN
D. Network Services
E. Voice Over IP

VI. Data Communications

In this section we will introduce the basics of data communications beginning with equipment and software, with a detailed discussion of modems and DSUs/CSUs. We’ll then examine protocols with an emphasis on TCP/IP and then proceed to computer network architectures with an emphasis on OSI, the international standard reference model. This section concludes with the importance of security in data systems and networks.

A. DTE and DCE
B. Protocols
C. Architectures
D. The OSI Reference Model
E. Standards Organizations
F. Security Techniques

VII. Public Data Networks

Continuing our analysis of traditional data networks, we will now examine how public networks have been adapted and developed for data applications. There will be an emphasis on T1 Systems as they are the building blocks of many modern communications networks.
A. Developments
B. T1 Systems
C. Packet Switching Networks

1. Concepts
2. Standards: X.25 and ISDN
3. X.25 Interfaces and Channels

D. ISDN

1. ISDN Equipment
2. ISDN Standards
3. ISDN Applications

E. Broadband Networks
1. B-ISDN
2. Frame Switching (Frame Relay)
3. Cell Switching (ATM)

VIII. Local Area Networks
Initially used only for data, LANs are now being used for voice and video as well. We will explore the principles and products used to build these very important networks.

A. The Basics of LANs
1. Technology Choices: Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI
2. Applications
3. Topologies

B. LAN Equipment

1. Hubs, Bridges and Switches
2. Routers
3. Gateways

C. LAN Internetworking
D. Fast LAN Solutions

1. Fast Ethernet

2. Gigabit Ethernet

IX. Public Broadband Networks and Services

In this section we will learn about the tools that enable modern telecommunications networks to work so quickly and efficiently. These broadband technologies are the foundation of the Internet and also of corporate Intranets. Once we have discussed the building blocks of broadband networks, we will take a look at the services available to you if you need to build a high-speed wide-area network for voice and data applications.

A. Broadband Systems
1. ADSL
2. HDSL
3. Local Loops

B. SONET
1. Standards
2. Transmission
3. Hardware Applications

C. Frame Relay
1. Definition and Standards
2. Networks
3. Switches
4. Protocols
5. Voice and Data Applications
6. Cost Analysis

D. SMDS

1. Definition and Standards
2. Access
3. Advantages and Disadvantages

E. ATM

1. Protocols
2. Quality of Service
3. Applications
4. Cost Analysis

X. Wireless Networks

Wireless systems are an increasingly important part of the telecommunications industry. In this section we will examine the major components and features of prominent wireless technologies.

A. Wireless Basics
B. Multiplexing and Access Techniques
C. Paging Networks
D. Cellular Radio Systems
E. Wireless Data Networks
F. Personal Communication Systems
G. Satellite Systems

XI. The Internet

We will examine the structure of the Internet, which uses building blocks that we have already discussed. We will look at Internet applications including the World Wide Web and discuss the nature of the Internet in the new millennium.

A. Internet Overview
1. Topology
2. Standards
3. Equipment Requirements

B. Internet Access
1. Internet Service Providers
2. Domains and Names
3. Protocols: TCP/IP

C. Internet Applications

1. E-mail
2. File Transfer
3. Realtime Applications
4. Electronic Commerce
5. Voice Applications
6. Video Applications

D. The Web

E. Intranets
F. Security

1. Risks
2. Solutions
3. Products
4. Virtual Private Networks

XII. Integrating Emerging Technologies

In this last section, we will consider how some of the ultra-modern technologies that we have discussed can be integrated into your network. We’ll look at the most likely future trends and we’ll re-emphasize important implementation issues that were introduced earlier in the course.

A. Integration of Voice Technology

1. T-1 Ties, Multiplexing
2. Messaging Systems
3. Integrating Wireless With Your PBX
4. Voice Over Frame Relay
5. Voice Over ATM
6. Voice Over IP and the Internet
7. Cost/Performance Considerations

B. Integration of Data Technology

1. Integration of ATM and the LAN: LAN Emulation
2. Remote Access Service of T-1 Lines
3. Integration of ADSL
4. Integration of Gigabit Ethernet
5. Cost/Performance Considerations

C. Future Trends

1. Residential Access
2. Use of CATV Technology
3. The Video Office
4. Voice/Data/Video Carrier Convergence

D. Implementation Issues

1. Planning, Documentation, Analysis
2. How to Chose a Technology
3. Minimizing Risk
4. Implementing Security
5. To Bid or Not to Bid?