This online course introduces the principles, operation and facilities of the various types of network that provide data communications over long distances. Both legacy and modern systems are described.
It is suggested that the PTT course SRC: “Data communication principles” is studied as preparation for this course.
The requirements for the various types of service that depend on wide area networks (WANs) are compared and the effects of impairments such as delay on these services described. The concepts of “quality of service” (QofS) and “class of service” are explained and the ability of the various types of WAN to deliver the required QofS is then compared. The principles and applications of the various types of addressing used in telecommunications systems are described with reference to the basic principles of routing. The principles, benefits and limitations of various error detection and correction technique are described. The concept of, benefits, and applications of virtual private networks are described.
Course prerequisites:
An understanding of the basic principles of data communications over packet-switched networks. It is recommended that the PTT course SRC: "Data communication principles" is studied before attempting this course.
Course objectives:
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- describe the principles of operation of the various types of network that transport traffic over wide areas with reference to the concepts of circuits and virtual circuits.
- give examples of the various types of wide area network (WAN) including Frame Relay, IP networks and MPLS, and compare their principle of operation, application and facilities.
- explain the concept of, and benefits offered by, a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- describe the principles and applications of the various types of addressing used in telecommunications systems and describe the basic principles of routing.
- describe the transmission characteristics and requirements of WAN applications such as file transfer, and telephone and video services with reference to bandwidth requirement, maximum tolerable delay and delay variation and the ffects of errors.
- describe the cause of impairments such as delay and errors.
- compare the ability of TDM and packet-switched networks to provide the sustained bandwidth and low delay required by voice and video traffic.
- describe how advances in technology have allowed the provision of triple play services over IP networks.
- explain the principles, benefits and limitations of various error detection and correction technique.
- explain the meaning, relevance and application of the terms "Quality of Service" and "Class of Service" as applied to packet switched networks.
- compare the ability of Frame Relay, MPLS, Carrier Ethernet and 4G mobile systems to offer an assured Quality of Service.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction
Who Should Attend
Target audience:
Those joining or planning to join the telecommunications sector in a technical role. This course is one of the PTT courses included in the “Level 3 Award in principles of telecommunications” study programme.
