Digital Network Planning/Management

2 days

The course can be focussed towards fixed networks only, mobile networks only or embracing both domains.

Network Requirements for Service
Provides an overview of current network services and technologies embracing both fixed and mobile domains.

Planning and Managing Access Networks
Examines the possible uses of copper, radio and fibre in the access domain. Use of DSL technologies and wireless applications for broadband access are examined. Planning requirements and methods are examined and techniques for reducing fault liability are discussed.

Planning and Managing Core Transport
Examines the possible uses of copper, fibre and radio solutions and technologies in the core of the network. Requirements for a common core transport are discussed and use of SDH, WDM, DWDM, ATM and IP are examined. Planning requirements for the core are examined and issues of interconnection and interworking are addressed.

Transmission Management and Resilience
Management issues of the core transmission are discussed and resilience and robustness issues in the core are highlighted. Contingency and service protection planning is discussed.

Planning and Managing Switches
Reviews traditional switching functionality and examines the impact of introducing softswitches and IP-based core network technology. Capacity dimensioning of switches is examined and issues associated with managing the switching functionality are discussed.

Commercial Aspects of Network Planning
This module examines the opportunities of partnerships and alliances to obtain infrastructure. Methods for optimising the network are discussed. The links to business strategy are highlighted and the requirements and methods to stimulate revenue streams are discussed.

Network Management
The principles and objectives of network management are examined. The importance and methods of network surveillance and monitoring of demand and traffic flow are explained. Analysis of network status and performance data is examined and real-time network management controls are explained. This will enable the participant to understand the importance of being able to see what is happening in the network at all times and how the ability of being able to control traffic can lead to better protection of the network, being able to guarantee agreed service levels and being able to gain extra revenue.

Quality of Service and Network Performance
Quality of Service criteria and parameters are discussed and techniques to improve and maintain higher levels of QoS are examined. Issues associated with the performance of the network are also discussed.