Target audience:
This course is designed for technicians and engineers involved in the design, commissioning and maintenance of synchronous transmission networks.
Course prerequisites:
An understanding of the characteristics of digital signals. It is recommended that the PTT online courses "Analogue and digital signals" and "Signal impairments" are studied before attempting this "Synchronous transmission principles" course.
Course objectives:
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- describe the principles of Time Division Multiplexing (TDM).
- describe the role and operation of a primary multiplexer with reference to the 2 Mbit/s frame structure.
- explain the principles and use of timeslot interchange.
- describe the role and basic operation of different types of synchronous equipment inc. terminal multiplexers, drop and insert multiplexers and cross-connect equipment.
- explain the need for timing control in a synchronous transmission network.
- define jitter and explain causes of jitter and methods of minimising the impairment.
- describe the hierarchical structure of a timing distribution network.
- describe the roles of, and relationship between, primary and secondary timing sources with reference to their respective timing stabilities.
- describe the benefits and structure of a network based on the synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) with reference to the STM multiplexer hierarchy.
Approximate study time: 5 hours
Delivery platform requirements:
To access the course, a computer/tablet running a browser such as Chrome, Safari, Edge etc. is required. The device should have an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024x768.