Fundamentals of Telecommunications

Duration: 3 Hours

Course Code FN4211

This course will cover a wide range of topics, starting with the basics of services and connectivity. It will provide insight into the evolution of telecommunication networks over time, reflecting on both historical advancements and future trends.

We will begin with an introduction to the foundational aspects of telecom services and connectivity, setting the stage for more detailed explorations. We will then delve into fixed access technologies, starting with traditional copper pair connectivity and progressing through the evolutionary phases of fixed broadband access. This will include a thorough discussion of the technologies that have shaped and continue to influence fixed network landscapes.

The mobile sector will receive a focused analysis beginning with the fundamental cellular concepts. We will explore the evolution of mobile broadband, especially under the frameworks established by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), covering technologies from GSM to advanced LTE and 5G networks.

An essential component of this course will be a deep dive into operational support systems (OSS) and business support systems (BSS), which are critical for managing modern telecommunications services. We will examine the key platforms that support telecom services, such as billing, customer service, and network management systems.

The course will also cover the burgeoning area of the Internet of Things (IoT), detailing how this technology integrates into existing telecom infrastructures and the new opportunities it creates. Additionally, we will consider the infrastructure backbone of the telecom industry, focusing on data centres and the relative costs associated with telecom infrastructure, excluding spectrum costs.

Course Contents:

• Introduction
  
• Services and Connectivity - Evolution
  
• Fixed Access
  
• Mobile Access
  
• Support Systems
  
• Infrastructure