As the dividing line between traditional computing science and telecommunications quickly becomes blurred or disappears in today's rapidly changing environment, there is an increasing need for computer professionals to possess knowledge of telecommunications principles. The course presents the basic vocabulary and concepts of telecommunications. The course emphasizes and discusses the major limitations and constraints of the common telecommunications services from the data processing viewpoint. To provide understanding why the basic analog services (local telephone and leased-line service) are adequate for voice, but require attention and/or modification to be acceptable for data transmission. The important relationships among coding, error detection and correction, and voice are covered in detail. The course also provides a basic vocabulary, a familiarity with common nomenclature, and a background in telecommunications fundamentals.

Part I Basic of Telecommunications

1.0 Basic of Telecommunications
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Terminology
1.3 Fourier Transforms
1.4 Time, Frequency and Bandwidth Relationships

2.0 The signal and information
2.1 Information and Coding
2.2 Modulation
2.3 Multiplexing
2.4 The Difference between analog and Digital Transmission

3.0 Basic Transmission Systems
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The basic Telecommunications Systems
3.3 Telecommunications Media Problems
3.4 Characterizing Communications Channels
3.5 Modulators and Demodulators

4.0 Telecommunications Transmission Media
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Coaxial Cable
4.3 Microwave
4.4 Fiber Optic
     4.4.1.0 Fiber optics: Light-wave communications
         4.4.1.1 Introduction
         4.4.1.2 Basic Theory of operations
         4.4.1.3 Advantages
         4.4.1.4 Applications
         4.4.1.5 Worldwide
         4.4.1.6 History
         4.4.1.7 Looking Ahead
         4.4.1.8 Opportunities for Technicians
     4.4.2.0 Fundamentals of Light
         4.4.2.1 Nature of Light
         4.4.2.2 Reflection
         4.4.2.3 Refraction
         4.4.2.4 Light Measurements
     4.4.3.0 Light Sources and Transmitters
         4.4.3.1 Light-Emitting Diodes
         4.4.3.2 Injection Lasers
         4.4.3.3 Modulation
     4.4.4.0 Optical Fibers
         4.4.4.1 Physical Description
         4.4.4.2 Light Propagation
         4.4.4.3 Numerical Aperture
         4.4.4.4 Transmission Losses
         4.4.4.5 Signal (Delay) Distortion
         4.4.4.6 Cable configuration
     4.4.5.0 Receivers
         4.4.5.1 PIN Photodiodes
         4.4.5.2 Avalanche Photodiodes
         4.4.5.3 Phototransistors
         4.4.5.4 Receivers
     4.4.6.0 Typical Systems
         4.4.6.1 Off-the-Shelf Fiber-Optic Links
         4.4.6.2 An 8-km Fiber-optic CATV Supertrunk System

5.0 Analog Versus Ditigal Communications
5.1 The Voice Channel
5.2 Dial-Up Versus Leased Lines
5.3 Wideband Services
5.4 Transmission Limitations
5.5 Noise and Distortion Advantage of Digital Systems

Length:
Approximately 45 class hours and 15 lab/workshop hours

Method of Evaluation:
1. A mid-term examination, worth 30% of the final grade
2. A final examination, worth 40% of the final grade
3. Several assignments, worth 30% of the final grade

Teaching Method:
The course is to be offered in a standard lecture format.

Textbooks:
Telecommunications and Networking, 1991
Udo W. Pooch, Denis Machuel, John McCahn
CRC Press

Location:
All classes will be conducted at the campus of the Institute.

Theory/Skill Objectives:
Upon completion of this subject, the successful student will:

1. Have basic vocabulary and concepts of telecommunications.

2. Have understanding about the major limitations and constraints of the common telecommunications
    services from data processing viewpoint.

3. Have a basic knowledge of the important relationships among coding, error detection and correction,
    and voice.

4. Have familiarity with common nomenclature, and a background in telecommunications fundamentals.