TCD: Next generation access networks

 

This course describes the capabilities, components and operation of the next generation fixed line access networks that will meet the demand for very high capacity broadband connections to online services in the coming years.

 

Target audience:

This course is designed for technicians and engineers involved in the design, commissioning and maintenance of copper and optical fibre based access networks.

 

Course prerequisites:

An appreciation of the basic principles of transmitting signals over copper wires and optical fibre. It is recommended that the PTT course SRB: "Transmission fundamentals" is studied before attempting this course.

 

Course objectives:
By the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the basic infrastructure and capabilities of existing ADSL and VDSL based access networks that depend on copper wire connections. 
• describe the role of the components of a passive optical network. 
• compare the characteristics and capabilities of GPON and EPON systems.
• describe the role of a dynamic spectrum management (DSM) system with reference to the levels of DSM.
• describe how vectoring can improve the performance of a VDSL2 system if certain criteria are met.
• describe the principles of operation, capabilities and applications of G.fast broadband connections over copper wires.
• explain how a broadband connection can be upgraded from VDSL to G.fast with minimum disruption to access to online services.
• describe the capabilities of next generation cable TV systems with reference to DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1.
• describe the capabilities and the role of the components of an XG-PON system.
• describe how a TWDM-PON can provide higher data transfer rates to more customers than even XG-PON.
• give examples of applications of TWDM-PON with particular reference to providing fronthaul and backhaul connections in an LTE mobile radio access network.
• explain that GPON, XG-PON and TWDM-PONs can share the same physical infrastructure.
• describe the possibilities for future developments in fixed line access networks.

 

Delivery platform requirements:
Computer study:

To access the course, a computer running a browser such as Internet Explorer 6+, Google Chrome, Firefox 2+ or Safari is required. The computer should have Internet access and be running Flash version 8 or above. A screen resolution of at least 1024x768 is necessary.

Tablet study:
This course is designed for study on a tablet through the learntelecoms App which is available for Apple® iPad® and for Android™.
Minimum requirements:
learntelecoms App for Android: 7in tablet or larger with ARMv7 processor running Android 2.3 or higher.
learntelecoms App for iPad running iOS 6.1 or higher.

 

Number of modules: 4 
Approximate study time: 4 hours 

Download and view the course specification in Adobe PDF format