TEL 230 - Advanced Topics in Telecom

1. Explain hierarchical and nonhierarchical networks
   1. Discuss the predivestiture hierarchical network.
   2. Describe postdivestiture dynamic hierarchical networks
   3. Explain call routing methods in nonhierarchical networks
   4. Discuss CLASS 1 thru CLASS 5 levels of switch networks
2. Examine methods and reasons for voice digitization
   1. Identify basic advantages of digital voice circuits
   2. Discuss basic disadvantages of digital voice circuits.
   3. Compare common methods for digitizing voice signals
   4. Explain sampling rates, and foldover distortion
   5. Discuss quantizing and idle channel noise
3. Characterize multiplexing and transmitting digital signals
   1. Identify transmission types
   2. Compare line coding methods
   3. Discuss companding methods
   4. Describe error performance and monitoring systems
4. Compare digital switching types and methods
   1. Discuss space division and time division switching
   2. Compare one dimensional and two dimensional switching
   3. Explain digital cross-connect switching systems
   4. Describe digital switching in an analog environment
5. Classify methods used for network synchronization and control
   1. Discuss timing methods and problems
   2. Discuss techniques for correcting timing problems
   3. Explain network synchronization methods
   4. Explain network routing and flow control
6. Describe traffic analysis and dial-plan fundamentals
   1. Discuss traffic characterization
   2. Explain traffic distribution techniques
   3. Identify traffic loss systems
   4. Describe network blocking probabilities
   5. Identify dial plan flow charts and logic sequence.
7. Discuss signaling methods in telephone networks
   1. Explain in detail loop, GR-303, ISDN and SS7 signaling procedures
   2. Explain in detail how Q.931 applies to Voice over IP
   3. Explain in detail how VOIP signaling protocols function
8. Describe voice quality measurement
   1. Describe “Mean Opinion Score” measurements
   2. Explain R Factor and its relation to MOS
   3. Identify methods used to obtain MOS and R Factor measurements
9. Describe Wireless LAN technologies
   1. Explain the characteristics of IEE802.11A/B/G standards
   2. Describe different antenna characteristics used in WLAN
   3. Explain signal quality and link status measurements taken in wireless networks
10. Discuss SONET
    1. Explain the various levels of service in SONET.
    2. Describe the difference between synchronous and asynchronous transmission systems
    3. Explain section, line and path overhead
    4. Discuss applications of SONET