What you will learn:
You'll learn why synchronisation matters in digital networks, understand the capabilities and structure of the synchronous digital hierarchy, see how optical transport networks have emerged to overcome the limitations of the SDH, and learn of the various ways of transporting timing references over networks. The course provides the essential foundation for study of SDH principles and optical transport networks.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- describe the principles and applications of time division multiplexing (TDM).
- describe the role and basic operation of different types of synchronous equipment inc. terminal multiplexers, drop and insert multiplexers and cross-connect equipment.
- compare the multiplexing capabilities of equipment in a network employing the synchronisation digital hierarchy (SDH) with those in an optical transport network (OTN).
- 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 various methods employed in SDH networks and optical transport networks of compensating for variations in bit rate of multiplexed signals.
- 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 and suitable types of clock.
- compare frequency, phase, and time synchronisation with reference to their applications.
- describe methods of distributing timing over synchronous and asynchronous networks.
- explain the the role of the precision time protocol in radio access 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 " course.
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.