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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.

DECLARATION

The engineering internship is about 60 days full time work placement with an industrial partner

conducted as an alternative pathway to an engineering thesis for final year engineering students

at Wollega University. The purpose of internship is to provide engineering students with

experience to the world of engineering practice through a period of work place employment.

This report details the work performed during a 60 days internship placement with the western

region Ethiotelecom. The report features Western region Ethiotelecom description including

several telecommunication sectors, to make clear communication for subscribers by solving

communication challenges of this region. The future work required to be completed as the

continuation of a work performed during internship placement is presented. Fifth year Electrical

and Computer Engineering students who have prepared a semester internship report at Western

region Ethiotelecom Company. I here by certified that my work is original and compiled.

Name ID. No Signature Date

Debela Gelana 1230/15 ___________

Advisor’s Approval

This is to certify that the above statement made by the candidate is correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief. This report has been submitted for presentation with my approval.

Name of the Advisor Signature Date


Mr. Yohannes Bekuma
WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. i
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

First of all, I would like to express thanks to Almighty God. Second, I would also like to thank
Wollega University for organizing the internship program at all for his Engineering Students
alike. Again, show appreciation Western regional Ethiotelecom for permitting the semester
internship to be train with their company. I would like to express gratitude to Mr. Yohannes
Bekuma, the Electrical and Computer Engineering department Head. I would also like to
give special thanks to my supervisors, Ato Esayas Deresa and Abdiwak Aseffa, the
supervisor of Transmission and Core section respectively and the manager of operation and
maintenance, Ato Talaku and other operation and maintenance worker who assisted me by
sharing their knowledge and experience throughout their working time in my internship
duration. Finally, I would like to show gratitude to other western regional Ethiotelecom
workers that gave their knowledge and other efforts to make me perfect with works. Last but
not least, I would like to say thank to my University supervisor, Mr. Yohannes Bekuma for his
support, guide, advices and determination in guiding to finish my two-month internship period.
WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. ii
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Industry-Based Training program is a means of achieving professional relevance to industrial

needs and to the community at large. Industrial Attachment is a very crucial component in the

undergraduate engineering program where students are sent to work in a real-life setting. In this

program we are attached full time in the company for about four months to work in the real

world. It integrates both training and performance evaluation as part of program requirements.

This program allows us to gain in the job training and work professionalism to prepare ourselves

to prepare effectively as soon as.


WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. iii
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

Table of Contents
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................................... i

ACKNOWLEDGMENT............................................................................................................................... ii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... iii

LIST OF FIGURE....................................................................................................................................... vii

ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................. viii

CHAPTER ONE ...........................................................................................................................................


1

1.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Background Of Ethio Telecom ............................................................................................................... 1

1.3 Mission And Vision Of Western Region Ethio Telecom...................................................................... 2

1.3.1 Mission............................................................................................................................................. 2

1.3.2 Vision ............................................................................................................................................... 2

1.3.3 Values .............................................................................................................................................. 3

1.3.4 Objective ..........................................................................................................................................


3

1.3.5 Main Product Or Services Of Ethio-Telecom ..................................................................................


3

1.3.6 End User (Stakeholders) Of Ethio-Telecom .................................................................................... 4

1.3.7 Over All Organizational Work Flow ............................................................................................... 4

CHAPTER TWO .......................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 HOW TO GET INTO THE COMPANY ................................................................................................


6

2.2 The Section Of The Company We Have Been Working ........................................................................ 6

2.3 Work Flow In Western Region Ethio Telecom....................................................................................... 6


2.4 Work Tasks .............................................................................................................................................
7

2.5 Procedures Used To Perform Work Tasks ..............................................................................................


7

2.5.1 Performance Section ........................................................................................................................ 8

2.5.2 Transmission Section .......................................................................................................................


8

2.5.2.1 Microwave ................................................................................................................................ 9

2.5.2.2 Optical Communication .......................................................................................................... 10

2.5.2.2 Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) ............................................................. 11

2.5.2.3 Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) ............................................................ 12

2.5.2.4 Multi Service Access Gateway (MSAG) ............................................................................... 12

2.5.2.5 Topology .............................................................................................................................


13

WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. iv


INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

2.5.3 Core Section ...................................................................................................................................


14

2.5.3.1 GSM Introduction ................................................................................................................... 14

2.5.3.2 GSM Network Areas ...............................................................................................................


14

2.5.3.3 Mobile Station .........................................................................................................................


15

2.5.3.4 Base Station Subsystem (BSS) ............................................................................................... 16

2.5.3.5 Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) .................................................................................... 18

2.5.3.6 Operation And Support Subsystem (OSS) .............................................................................. 19

2.5.3.7 GSM Interfaces ....................................................................................................................... 20

2.5.3.8 Roaming ..................................................................................................................................


20

2.5.3.9 Handoff /Handover ................................................................................................................. 21

2.5.3.10 UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) .....................................................


23

2.5.3.11 Difference Between 2G And 3G ...........................................................................................


23

2.5.3.12 Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) ...................................................................... 25

2.6 The Challenges We Faced While Performing Our Tasks In The Company ......................................... 25

2.7 Measures We Took To Overcome Challenges...................................................................................... 25

2.8 Power Section ....................................................................................................................................... 26

2.8.1 Commercial AC Power ..................................................................................................................


26

2.8.2 AC generators ................................................................................................................................ 26

2.8.3 Batteries ......................................................................................................................................... 27


CHAPTER THREE .................................................................................................................................... 28

3.1 OVER ALL BENEFITS GAINED FROM THE INTERNSHIP ..........................................................


28

3.1.1 In Terms Of Improving Our Practical Skills ..................................................................................


28

3.1.2 In Terms Of Upgrading Our Theoretical Knowledge .................................................................... 29

3.1.3 In Terms Of Improving Our Interpersonal Communication Skills ................................................ 29

3.1.4 In Terms Of Improving Our Team Working Skills ....................................................................... 30

3.1.5 In Terms Of Improving Leadership Skills ..................................................................................... 30

3.1.6 In Terms Of Understanding Work Ethics Related Issues .............................................................. 30

3.1.7 In Terms Of Entrepreneurship Skills ............................................................................................. 31

CHAPTER FOUR .......................................................................................................................................


32

4.1 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION.................................................................................. 32

4.1.1 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 32

WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. v


INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

4.1.2 Recommendation ........................................................................................................................... 34

REFERENCES ...........................................................................................................................................
36
WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. vi
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

LIST OF FIGURE

Figure 2.1 The General work flow in Western Region Ethio telecom Company ........................... 7

Figure 2.2 Mobile station .............................................................................................................. 15

Figure 2.3 Base Transceiver Station (BTS) .................................................................................. 17

Figure 2.4 Base Station Controller (BSC) .................................................................................... 18

Figure 2.5 The GSM Interfaces .................................................................................................... 20

Figure 2.6 General power distribution in telecom ........................................................................ 26


WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. vii
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

ACRONYMS
2G--------------------Second Generation

3GPP----------------Third Generation Partnership Project

3G-------------------Third Generation

BSC-----------------Base Station Controller

BTS-----------------Base Transceiver Subsystem

CDMA-------------Code Division Multiple Access

CGI-----------------Cell Global Identity

CN------------------Core Network

CWDM------------Coarse Wave Length Division Multiplex

DWDM------------Dense Wave Length Division Multiplex

EIR-----------------Equipment Identity Register

ETA----------------Ethiopian Telecommunication Agency

ETC----------------Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation

GMSC------------Gateway Mobile Switching Center

GPRS-------------General Packet Radio Services

GSM--------------Global System Mobile

GUI---------------Geographical Unit Interface

HLR---------------Home Location Register

IBTE--------------Imperial Board of Telecommunications

IF------------------Intermediate Frequency

IP------------------Internet Protocol

ISDN-------------Integrate Service Digital Network


KBPS-------------Kilo Bit Per Second

LAI---------------Location Area Identity

LA----------------Location Area

LAN-------------Local Area Network

LED--------------Light Emitting Diode

LNB------------Low Noise Band

MAHO---------Mobile Assisted Handover

MSAG-------------Multi Service Access Gateway

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

MSC----------------Mobile Switch Center

MSISDN-----------Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network

MSRN--------------Mobile Station Roaming Number

NCP-----------------Network Control Protocol

NGN----------------Next Generation Network

OAD----------------Optical Add and Drop

ODF-----------------Optical Distribution Frame

OSS------------------Operation and Support Subsystem

PDH-----------------Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy

PLMN--------------Public Land Mobile Network

PSTN---------------Public Services Telephone Network

RAN----------------Radio Access Network

RF-------------------Radio Frequency

RNS-----------------Radio Network Subsystem

SDH-----------------Synchronous Digital Hierarchy

SIM------------------Subscriber Identity Module

SMS-----------------GMSC-Short Message Service Gateway Mobile Switching Centre

SMS-----------------IWMSC -Short Message Service Inter-Working Mobile Switching Centre

SSPA--------------Solid State Power Amplifier

STM----------------Synchronous Transport Module

TDM----------------Time Division Multiplex

TV------------------Television

UE------------------User Equipment
UMTS-------------Universal Mobile Telecommunication System

UTRAN----------UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network

VLR---------------Visitor Location Register

WCDMA---------Wideband- Code Division Multiple Access

WDM-------------Wave Division Multiple

WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. ix


INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Western Region Ethio telecom is situated in the West of Ethiopia which is found at Nekemte

town 330 km from Addis Ababa. This region includes six departments, such as indirect channel,

direct channel, fixed access network, operation and maintenance, Business partner, finance and

physical security and 12 shops in different areas.

This is the final report for Electrical and Computer Engineering communication focuses area for

semester internship. This specific internship was undertaken at western region Ethio telecom,

where duties were assigned providing the experience as a product specialist. During the course of

internship technical and process related activities were experienced. This provides a useful

knowledge and valuable job skills for the interns.

1.2 Background Of Ethio Telecom

The introduction of telecommunication in Ethiopia dates back to 1894.Ethiopian

Telecommunications Corporation is the oldest public telecommunications operator in Africa. In

those years, the technological scheme contributed to the integration of the Ethiopian society

when the extensive open wire line system was laid out linking the capital with all the important

administrative cities of the country. After the end of the war against Italy, during which

telecommunication network was destroyed, Ethiopia re-organized the Telephone, Telegraph and

Postal services in 1941. In 1952 the Imperial Board of Telecommunications (IBTE) was

established by proclamation No. 131/52 in 1952. The Board had full financial and administrative

autonomy and was in charge of the provision and expansion of telecommunications services in
Ethiopia.

The Imperial Board of Telecommunications of Ethiopia, which became the Ethiopian

Telecommunications Authority in 1981, was placed in charge of both the operation and

regulation of telecommunication services in the wake of the market reforms. In 1996, the

Government established a separate regulatory body, the Ethiopian Telecommunication Agency

(ETA) by Proclamation 49/1996, and during the same year, by regulation 10/1996, the Council

of Ministers set up the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC).

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

Recently, the Ethiotelecom company has been organizational structured by 1 head quarter,6

zonal offices and 8 regional offices providing different services such as fixed telephone, mobile

telephone, internet, CDMA, etc through its offices .Western region is among 8 regional office

and plays vital role in Ethiotelecom on behalf of itself.

1.3 Mission And Vision Of Western Region Ethio Telecom

1.3.1 Mission

v To provide world class, modern and high quality Telecom service accessible to all

citizens there by to support the multifaceted development of country to the highest level.

v Develop and maintain a modern Information and communications network infrastructure

capable of supporting voice data and video services, equitably across the country and

with high capacity digital connectivity to the rest of the world.

v Provide world class telecommunication services including basic telephony, mobile,

internet and multimedia services.

v They wish to implement state of the art processes, to develop reliable network

infrastructures and to provide the best quality of services to their Customers.

1.3.2 Vision

Ethiotelecom envisions an information-based Ethiopian society were all our people have access

to information infrastructure on equitable basis.

v Ethiotelecom shall be an internationally recognized, moving quickly, strong and vibrant

world-class.Ethio Telecom will achieve its goal of both providing a reliable network and

of improving Customer Services through a range of different levers that are part of its
development strategy.

v Ethio Telecom will develop and enhance the information system. This will help to

decrease the delay for provision, sales and activation as well as to provide more reliable

information to Customers.

v Ethio Telecom will develop a world-class human resources management. This will help

to improve employees‟ ability to meet the needs and expectations of Customers.

v Ethio Telecom will implement control standard processes. This will help to increase

reactivity and to faster Customer access to services.

WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. 2


INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

v Ethio Telecom will develop better sourcing & facilities processes. This will help to faster

delivery and repair and will offer more transparency to Customers.

1.3.3 Values

v Lead with vision:-Be committed to understand, meet and exceed the telecom needs and

expectations of the country at large and of customers in particular.

v Respect:

v Respect customers and recognize that the revenue generated allows ethio telecom to

operate

v Recognize employees of ethio telecom as most valuable assets and create conducive

working environment that allows them to develop and grow.

v Excellence:-Be committed to high-level performances, customer service quality,

organizational excellence and continuous improvement of Quality of Services.

v Integrity:-Be ethical and honest in all assignments

v Accountability:-Be accountable to all stakeholders

1.3.4 Objective

The main objective of ethio telecom citizen charter is to:

v Create awareness on products & services provided by ethio telecom and help citizens

understand the subscription requirements to get those services

v Provide up-to-date information regarding prices and service delivery time

v Establish transparency and accountability regarding the services provided to citizens

v Provide a system of grievance redressing for complaints raised by citizens


v Serve citizens with courtesy, non-discrimination and respect

v Establish feedback mechanism from citizens to improve service quality

v Enhance citizens‟ satisfaction through continual improvement of products and service

delivery process.

1.3.5 Main Product Or Services Of Ethio-Telecom

Ethio-telecom offers a wide range of product and services tailored market Enterprise customers.

They offer fixed wireless services, mobile Internet and data services as well as 3G services like

WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. 3


INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

WCDMA and CDMA through newly deployed NGN to our nationwide huge capacity. They

provide Enterprise customers a reliable affordable Internet and data services which facilitate their

business increase productivity by connecting them to local and international patterns.

Ethio-telecom is institutionalized with the objectives of promoting the development of high

quality, efficient, reliable and affordable telecommunication services in the country. The services

that are provided by Ethio-telecom are:-

v Fixed line telephony

v Fax service

v GPRS(general packet radio service)

v Mobile telephone

v Internet both broadband and narrowband

v Multimedia services

v CDMA both voice and data

1.3.6 End User (Stakeholders) Of Ethio-Telecom

End users as the term tells us provide the inputs to the network and are recipients of Network out

puts. Ethio-telecom provides its different services including fixed line telephony, mobile

telephone and Internet to government organizations, private and commercial companies,

international institutions and individuals.

1.3.7 Over All Organizational Work Flow

Beside the main office structure, the company has 11 regional offices throughout the country.
These regional offices are located in main cities and they are also used as a regional gateway

(regional exchange).

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

The Name Of The Regional Offices Are Listed Below

1. Addis Ababa 1 regional office (Addis Ababa)

2. Addis Ababa 2 regional office (Addis Ababa)

3. North Eastern &Semera regional office (Dessie)

4. Northern regional office (Mekelle)

5. North Western regional office (Bahir Dar)

6. Eastern &Jijiga regional office (Dire Dawa)

7. South Western regional office (Jimma)

8. Southern regional office (Shashemene)

9. South Eastern regional office (Adama)

10. Western regional office (Nekemte)

11. Assosa regional office (Assosa )

Ethio Telecom‟s organizational structure can be broadly viewed as technical division,

commercial division, support division and others. There are many divisions in Ethio-telecom.

v Marketing and communication.

v Customer service.

v Enterprise.

v Network.

v Information system.

v Finance.

v Legal division.
v Human resource.

v Security and etc

WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. 5


INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

CHAPTER TWO

2.1 HOW TO GET INTO THE COMPANY

How we get into the company was not a simple task for us. This is because of the company is

required by many students for the internship experience. The way we used to get in this company

is by ourselves. We give our request paper to the company and receive an acceptance. Generally

how we get into the company is only by our effort.

2.2 The Section Of The Company We Have Been Working

In our internship period what we have seen (the components of each sections) and what we have

learned there is described next in each of the sections. The working section we stay are

Transmission section and Core section, therefore first of all we would like to explain the

highlight of the other working sections and finally we will explain Transmission section and

Core section in detail.

2.3 Work Flow In Western Region Ethio Telecom.

Ethio Telecom has different departments in different regions. At western region we assigned to

work in operation and maintenance department for all session. This department covers all

operation and maintenance in case of western region. Operation and maintenance department

have its own manager.

Under the western region ethio telecom, we have been working in the O & M department and the

department is consists of six working sections. Each section has its own supervisor.
WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. 6
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

The work flow of the working sections are managed by the manager of the department.

WESTERN REGION ETHIO TELECOM

Figure 2.1 The General work flow in Western Region Ethio telecom Company

2.4 Work Tasks

In our internship period the work task we have been done are:

v Observing different components

v Knowing the operation of the components

v How to check DWDM and CWDM are functioning by using GUI Software.
2.5 Procedures Used To Perform Work Tasks

To perform the above work tasks we used some procedures by the help of the O & M department

manager at WR ethio telecom. To do this work tasks efficiently and effectively the schedule is

given for us from the manager. One day we observe the component of one working section and

learn how it is operating. On the next day we continue to observe the component of another

working section and how the component is operating by the help of worker of the section suited

for us. After observing the components of the six working sections for the first round, we come

together with all of the intern‟s and with the advisor of each section. At that time the time is

given for us to ask the advisors if there is a question and after the question is explained for us, a

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

highlight is given from the advisors again on the operation of the component we observe past

days. Like this we perform the work tasks in our internship duration.

2.5.1 Performance Section

This section is a section which has a high responsibility to manage and hold the other work

section of the WR ethio telecom. The major responsibility of the performance section is

following the work which is done under the other working sections. As an example if the BTS

site alarm is there in the RAN section, the performance section manager follows whether the site

problem is maintained or not within a given days to be maintained. If the site is not maintained

or if it is down the RAN section manager is asked the reason why it is not maintained. If the

problem is the inefficiency of the materials used for maintaining that site, the performance

section will provide the component and the site will be maintained. Like this the performance

section will manage the works of the other sections and this helps the service to be provided

continuously.

2.5.2 Transmission Section

Under this section we learned different components which Ethio telecom uses to transmit the

data from the transmitter to the receiver. There are many transmission systems used in the

Western Region Ethio telecom for communication system. Western Region Ethio telecom is

mainly using Wired Transmission Media andWireless Transmission Media.

1. Wired Transmission Media

v Twisted Pair
v Coaxial Cable

v Optical Fiber

The first two are the oldest transmission media in telecommunications. Now day‟s optical fiber is

more available in this company.

2. Wireless Transmission Media

Transmission and reception are achieved by means of an antenna

v Directional

v Omni directional “Isotropic ally”

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

Signal spreads out in all directions

Can be received by many antennas

Wireless Examples

v Microwave transmission.

v Satellite transmission.

2.5.2.1 Microwave

v Microwave Systems transmit voice and data through the atmosphere as super-high-

frequency radio waves.

v Microwave is electromagnetic wave with frequency from 300MHz to 300GHz

v A finite frequency band of the entire electromagnetic wave spectrum

Characteristics of Microwave

v Can be rapidly installed

v Can cross complicated terrains( Rivers, Lakes and Mountains)

v Used for long-haul telecommunications.

v Microwave antennas must be in "line of sight"

v Still viable for right-of-way bypass and geographic obstruction avoidance.

Microwave Applications

v Television distribution.

v Long-distance telephone transmission.

v Private business networks.

Advantages:

v No cabling needed between sites.


v Wide bandwidth.

v Multichannel transmissions.

Disadvantages:

v Line of sight requirement.

v Expensive towers and repeaters.

v Subject to interference -e.g. passing airplanes, rain.

Microwave Impairments

v Equipment, antenna, and waveguide failures.

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

v Fading and distortion from multipath reflections.

v Absorption from rain, fog, and other atmospheric conditions.

v Interference from other frequencies.

Components of a Microwave System

Digital Modem:-Information Signal comes from different part is called Baseband signal. The

digital modem modulates the baseband signal and intermediate frequency (IF) signal is

obtainedIF signal are Upper 350/850 MHz and the lower 140/70 MHz

Radio Frequency (RF) Unit: -To transmit the signal with the microwave IF signal should be

converted to Radio frequency (RF) signal.

Up conversion is a process to mix IF signal and a high-frequency local oscillation signal and

output RF signal

Antenna: The antenna is a passive device that radiates the modulated signal.

It is fed by direct connect of the RF unit, coaxial cable, or waveguides at higher frequencies

2.5.2.2 Optical Communication

Optical communication is any type of communication in which light is used to carry the signal to

the remote end, instead of electrical current. Optical communication relies on optical fibers to

carry signals to their destinations. A modulator or demodulator, a transmitter or receiver, a light

signal and a transparent channel are the building blocks of the optical communications system.

Because of its numerous advantages over electrical transmission, optical fibers have largely

replaced copper wire communications in core networks.

Optical communication systems consist of the following components:


Transmitter: Converts and transmits an electronic signal into a light signal. The most commonly

used transmitters are semiconductor devices, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser

diodes.

Receivers: Typically consist of a photo-detector, which converts light into electricity using the

photoelectric effect. The photo detector is typically a semiconductor-based photodiode.

Optical Fiber: Consists of a core, cladding and a buffer through which the cladding guides the

light along the core by using total internal reflection.

The main benefits of optical communication includes:-

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

v High bandwidth.

v Exceptionally low loss.

v Great transmission range and

v No electromagnetic interference.

The cons of optic communication include

v The high cost of cable.

v Transmitter or receiver and other support equipment and

v The skill and expertise required during cable installation and interconnection.

v It is multivendor and supports different operators.

v It provides network transport services on LAN such as video conferencing, and

interactive multimedia.

v Optical fiber bandwidth can be increased without limit in SDH.

v Switching protection to traffic is offered by rings.

v SDH allows quick recovery from failure.

2.5.2.2 Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM)

Course wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) is a method of combining multiple signal at

various wavelengths(nm) for transmission along fiber optic cables.

Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) is a technology that puts data from different

sources together on an optical fiber, with each signal carried at the same time on its own separate

light wavelength. Using DWDM, up to 80 separate wavelengths or channels of data can be

multiplexed into a light stream transmitted on a single optical fiber. Each channel carries a time

division multiplexed (TDM) signal. In a system with each channel carrying 2.5 Gbps (billion bits
per second), up to 200 billion bits can be delivered a second by the optical fiber. DWDM is also

sometimes called wave division multiplexing (WDM).DWDM is Dense Wavelength Division

Multiplexing."Dense" because it packs wavelengths closer together than previous wavelength

division multiplexing methods.

Intuitively, a wavelength can be thought of as a particular color. Many colors can be passed

down a single fiber and then separated out at the receiving end back into its constituent colors.

Each of those can be converted back into a digital signal.

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

The boards used at each end of a DWDM link are known as transponders, which each converting

a signal from normal gray optics into the specific color for the given channel. Today, most

transponders are tunable, meaning that a single board can generate any necessary given color

under software control.

DWDM is used primarily in high-capacity long-haul networks. For shorter distances, the cost of

the fiber is lower, so DWDM is not cost effective. Routers or switches are normally connected

to the transponders and the DWDM link is transparent to those network nodes.

2.5.2.3 Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)

Coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) is a method of combining multiple signals on

laser beams at various wavelengths for transmission along fiber optic cables, such that the

number of channels is fewer than in dense wavelength division multiplexes (DWDM) but more

than in standard wavelength division multiplexing (WDM).

CWDM systems have channels at wavelengths spaced 20 nanometers (nm) apart, compared with

0.4 nm spacing for DWDM. This allows the use of low-cost, uncoiled lasers for CWDM. In a

typical CWDM system, laser emissions occur on eight channels at eight defined wavelengths:

1610 nm, 1590 nm, 1570 nm, 1550 nm, 1530 nm, 1510 nm, 1490 nm, and 1470 nm. But up to 18

different channels are allowed, with wavelengths ranging down to 1270 nm.

The energy from the lasers in a CWDM system is spread out over a larger range of wavelengths

than is the energy from the lasers in a DWDM system.

2.5.2.4 Multi Service Access Gateway (MSAG)


A multi-service access gateway (MSAG), is a device typically installed in a telephone exchange

(although sometimes in a roadside serving area interface cabinet) which connects customers'

telephone lines to the core network, to provide telephone, ISDN, and broadband such as DSL all

from a single platform.

Prior to the deployment of MSAGs, telecom providers typically had a multitude of separate

equipment including DSLAMs to provide the various types of services to customers. Integrating

all services on a single node, which typically transmits all data streams over IP or Asynchronous

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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

Transfer Mode can be more cost effective and may provide new services to customers quicker

than previously possible.

A typical outdoor MSAG cabinet consists of narrowband (POTS), broadband (XDSL) services,

and batteries with rectifiers, optical transmission unit and copper

MSAG used in city, for fixed line and for broad band (voice and data communication).In

Nekemte city there are around 34 MSAG are there. These MSAGs are connected by ring

topology and chain topology. Around 16 MSAGs, are connected by ring topology and 8 MSAGs

are connected by chain topology .we use ring topology for protection

Components of MSAG

ODF (Optical Distribution Frame)

v Used for transmitting signal and receiving signal.

v Contains 48 ports

OAD (Optical Add and Drop)

v This is a card to add and drop a signal.

NCP (Network Control Protocol)

v Used to control or monitor signal.

Line

v Line is the last component of transmission to drop ODF.

Client

v Client is a service side

The Software used to monitor or control the transmission system such as, SDH, CWDM, and

DWDM is called Graphical Unit Interface.


Western Region Ethiotelecom can get network connection in four directions.

2.5.2.5 Topology

The topology of a network describes the way computers are connected together. Topology is a

major design consideration for cost and reliability. Western region Ethiotelecom company then

mentioned under ring topology.

Ring topology. In this topology the source station transfers information to the next station on the

ring, which checks the address of the information. If the address matches, it copies the

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information and passes otherwise it passes the same to the next station without copying. The next

station repeats the process, till it reaches the source station. The source then removes the

message from the ring. Source station puts a message on ring to destination station. While

passing on the ring, the destination station copies the message and then puts the same on ring. As

the message is not entitled to remaining stations, the message is not copied and simply passed.

Advantage of ring topology

v Easy installation,

v Easy network expansion and

v Use of fiber optic cable,

Disadvantages of ring topology

v If a link or a station breaks, the entire network is disabled.

v Requirement of complex hardware. The network interface card is expensive.

v Adding a new client disrupts the entire network

2.5.3 Core Section

This section is a section which has all responsibility related to mobile service. So Under the core

section we learned two mobile technologies we are using today in our area. The two technologies

are:

v GSM (2G)technology and

v UMTS (3G) technology

2.5.3.1 GSM Introduction


GSM is the short form of Global System for Mobile Communications. It is called 2G or Second

Generation technology. It is developed to make use of same subscriber units or mobile phone

terminals throughout the world.

2.5.3.2 GSM Network Areas

In a GSM network, the following areas are defined:

Cell:-Cell is the basic service area; one BTS covers one cell. Each cell is given a Cell Global

Identity CGI, a number that uniquely identifies the cell.

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Location Area:-A group of cells form a Location Area LA. This is the area that is paged when

a subscriber gets an incoming call. Each LA is assigned a Location Area Identity LAI. Each LA

is served by one or more BSCs.

MSC/VLR Service Area:-The area covered by one MSC is called the MSC/VLR service area.

PLMN:-The area covered by one network operator is called the Public Land Mobile Network

PLMN. A PLMN can contain one or more MSCs.

GSM network is consists of Mobile station, Base station subsystem, Network subsystem and

Operation subsystem.

2.5.3.3 Mobile Station

Mobile stations, mobile equipment or as they are most widely known, cell or mobile phones are

the section of a GSM cellular network that the user sees and operates. In recent years their size

has fallen dramatically while the level of functionality has greatly increased. A further advantage

is that the time between charges has significantly increased.

There are a number of elements to the cell phone, although the two main elements are the main

hardware and the SIM.

The hardware itself contains the main elements of the mobile phone including the display, case,

battery, and the electronics used to generate the signal, and process the data receiver and to be

transmitted. It also contains a number known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity

(IMEI). This is installed in the phone at manufacture and "cannot" be changed. It is accessed by

the network during registration to check whether the equipment has been reported as stolen.

The SIM or Subscriber Identity Module contains the information that provides the identity of the
user to the network. It contains are variety of information including a number known as the

International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).

Figure 2.2 Mobile station

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Subscriber identity module (SIM)

This Card contain:-

v Phone number

v International mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)

v Service code

v Status of SIM

v PIN (personal identification code)

v Authentication key

v PUK (personal unlock code)

2.5.3.4 Base Station Subsystem (BSS)

The Base Station Subsystem (BSS) section of the GSM network architecture that is

fundamentally associated with communicating with the mobiles on the network. It consists of

two elements:

Base Transceiver Station (BTS):- BTSs-houses the radio transceiver of the cell and handles the

radio links protocols with the mobile.

v Connects to a number of mobile stations (MSs) and each MS establishes connection

through the user interface um where um is the ISDN U interface for mobile.

v A BTS is also connected to a BSC at through the Abisinterface which transmits and

receives data. With four multiplexed channels of 16 kbps or with a 64 kbps channel.

In this section we have seen two BTS. One BTSs operates to 900MHZ which is corresponds to

outside Nekemte town for rural areas of Nekemte town. The other BTS is operates to 1800MHZ
which is used for Nekemte town. These BTSs is corresponds to GSM. Similarly two CDMA‟s

BTSs is found in this section which is operates to frequency of 800MHZ and450 MHZ which is

used to cover town and rural area of Nekemte respectively.

Main function performed by the BTS

v Formation of cells using appropriately directed antennae

v Processing of signals

v Amplification of signals to acceptable strength so that they can be transmitted without

loss of data.

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v Channel coding and decoding (for example, coding voice into bits so that it can be

transmitted at 13kbps and decoding received coded signals back to voice).

v Frequency hopping so that multiple channels for various mobile stations can operate

simultaneously using different channel band frequencies

Figure 2.3 Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

Base Station Controller (BSC):- In this room there are three racks serves for BSC which is used

to control western regional Ethio telecom BTSs and it manages radio resources (channel set up,

hand over)for one or more BTSs. BSC connected to an MSC in the networking and switching

layer using an interface A.

Important functions performed by the BSC

v Processing of signals

v Controlling signals to the connected BTSs and control of handover of signals from one

BTS to another within a BSS

v Control of handover of the signals from BSC to MSC(Mobile switching center)

v Mapping a signal of a channel at a given instant receives signals from a BTS at 16 kbps
through and interface to MSC at 16 kbps

v Alternatively, may have to interface to a PSTN switching centre at 64 kbps through a

fixed line network

v Reserving radio frequencies and frequency hopping(For example, multiple BTSs operate

simultaneously by using the different frequencies at a given instant)

v Location registry for the MSs

v Authentication, encryption ,and decryption of data

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Figure 2.4 Base Station Controller (BSC)

2.5.3.5 Network Switching Subsystem (NSS)

The GSM system architecture contains a variety of different elements, and is often termed the

core network. It provides the main control and interfacing for the whole mobile network. The

major elements within the core network include:

Mobile Services Switching Centre (MSC):-The main element within the core network area of

the overall GSM network architecture is the Mobile switching Services Centre (MSC). The MSC

acts like a normal switching node within a PSTN or ISDN, but also provides additional

functionality to enable the requirements of a mobile user to be supported. These include

registration, authentication, call location, inter-MSC handovers and call routing to a mobile

subscriber. It also provides an interface to the PSTN so that calls can be routed from the mobile

network to a phone connected to a landline. Interfaces to other MSCs are provided to enable calls

to be made to mobiles on different networks.

Home Location Register (HLR):-This database contains all the administrative information

about each subscriber along with their last known location. In this way, the GSM network is able

to route calls to the relevant base station for the MS. When a user switches on their phone, the

phone registers with the network and from this it is possible to determine which BTS it
communicates with so that incoming calls can be routed appropriately. Even when the phone is

not active (but switched on) it re-registers periodically to ensure that the network (HLR) is aware

of its latest position. There is one HLR per network, although it may be distributed across

various sub-centers to for operational reasons.

Visitor Location Register (VLR):-This contains selected information from the HLR that

enables the selected services for the individual subscriber to be provided. The VLR can be

implemented as a separate entity, but it is commonly realized as an integral part of the MSC,

rather than a separate entity. In this way access is made faster and more convenient.

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Equipment Identity Register (EIR):-The EIR is the entity that decides whether given mobile

equipment may be allowed onto the network. Each Mobile Equipment has a number known as

the International Mobile Equipment Identity. This number, as mentioned above, is installed in

the equipment and is checked by the network during registration. Dependent upon the

information held in the EIR, the mobile may be allocated one of three states - allowed onto the

network, barred access, or monitored in case its problems.

Authentication Centre (AUC):-The AUC is a protected database that contains the secret key

also contained in the user's SIM card. It is used for authentication and for ciphering on the radio

channel.

Gateway Mobile Switching Centre (GMSC):-The GMSC is the point to which a ME

terminating call is initially routed, without any knowledge of the MS's location. The GMSC is

thus in charge of obtaining the MSRN (Mobile Station Roaming Number) from the HLR based

on the MSISDN (Mobile Station ISDN number, the "directory number" of a MS) and routing the

call to the correct visited MSC. The "MSC" part of the term GMSC is misleading, since the

gateway operation does not require any linking to an MSC.

SMS Gateway (SMS-G):-The SMS-G or SMS gateway is the term that is used to collectively

describe the two Short Message Services Gateways defined in the GSM standards. The two

gateways handle messages directed in different directions. The SMS-GMSC (Short Message

Service Gateway Mobile Switching Centre) is for short messages being sent to an ME. The

SMS-IWMSC (Short Message Service Inter-Working Mobile Switching Centre) is used for short

messages originated with a mobile on that network. The SMS-GMSC role is similar to that of the

GMSC, where as the SMS-IWMSC provides a fixed access point to the Short Message Service
Centre.

2.5.3.6 Operation And Support Subsystem (OSS)

The OSS or operation support subsystem is an element within the overall GSM network

architecture that is connected to components of the NSS and the BSC. It is used to control and

monitor the overall GSM network and it is also used to control the traffic load of the BSS. It

must be noted that as the number of BS increases with the scaling of the subscriber population

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some of the maintenance tasks are transferred to the BTS, allowing savings in the cost of

ownership of the system.

2.5.3.7 GSM Interfaces

GSM technical specifications make clear and normative definition of interfaces between

subsystems and various functional entities. Interface refers to the point where two adjacent

entities are connected. Protocol defines the rules for information exchange at the connection

point.

Figure 2.5 The GSM Interfaces

Um (air) Interface:-Radio interface between MS and BTS. It is an important interface in

PLMN. Digital mobile communication network has different radio interface as compared to

analogue mobile communication network.

Abis Interface:-It is an interface between BSC and BTS. Supports all services provided to

subscribers. Also supports the control of BTS radio equipment and management of radio

resources assigned.

A Interface:-It is an interface between BSC and MSC. Base station management information,
call processing interface, mobility management information, and specific communication

information are transferred through A interface.

2.5.3.8 Roaming

Mobility implies that mobiles are able to move freely around the network and from one network

to another. This requires that the network tracks the location of a mobile to certain accuracy so

that calls destined for the mobile may be delivered. The basic operation is as follows:

When a mobile is on, it sends a registration message to the local MSC, which includes unique

identification for the Mobile.

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v The identification allows the MSC to identify the HLR to which the mobile belongs.

v The MSC sends a registration message to the HLR to notify that the mobile is being

served.

v The HLR sends a cancellation message to the MSC that was previously serving the

mobile.

v The HLR sends a confirmation to the MSC that is serving the mobile.

When mobile communications were introduced the air interface specifications were

standardized, but the exact protocol used between the MSC and the HLR was vendor specific,

which resulted in a new standard.

2.5.3.9 Handoff /Handover

Handoff or Handover is the ability of a mobile to maintain a call while it is moving within the

network. In general it means that the mobile is transitioned from one radio channel and/or time

slot to another. The handoff can be between two sectors in the same BTS, between two BSC,

between two MSC from the same operators or between two networks. It is also possible to

handoff a call between two channels in the same cell, when a given channel is experiencing

interference that is affecting the communication quality. The handoff uses a technique known as

mobile assisted handover (MAHO) where the network provides a list of nearby BTS frequencies

and the mobile performs periodic measurements (signal strength and signal quality) of the

signals received from those BTS and it sends the corresponding measurement results to the

network, the network analyses the reports and makes a determination on how the handoff should

occur. Handover is very important function of the cellular mobile system.


In GSM cellular system, the multiplexing technology for radio frequency resource is fully

adopted to realize the coverage by several cells. Thus concept of cross-cell handover is

introduced Handover enables a user to keep continuous conversation during the process of

passing through different cells. Handover also adjusts the traffic of cells. Moreover, handover is

implemented without being noticed by users, and does not require users‟ involvement.

The following are some of the handover causes:

v Signal strength is too week.

v Signal quality is too week.

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v Signal interference is too large.

v Mobile user is far away from the base station.

Why need handover?

v Keep and save the call in progress

v Improve network service quality

v Decrease call drop rate

v Decrease congestion rate

Who will be involved?

v MS: measure downlink radio signal level

v BTS: measure uplink radio signal level and send the results to BSC

v BSC: evaluate and decision of HO

v MSC: routes the call to the other MSC during Inter-MSC HOPurpose of Handover

1. Save the calls in progress(bad quality)

2. Cell-boundary handing over to improve ongoing calls (weak signal)

3. Intra-cell hand-over reducing interference within a cell (severe interference)

4. Directed Retry increase call completion success rate

5. Compelled hand-over to balance traffic distribution of inter-cells.

Call Flow between Two Mobile Subscribers

1. MS1 is served by MSC1/VLR1, and MS2 is served by MSC2/VLR2 and belongs to

HLR/AUC.

2. MS1 dials the phone number of MS2. BSS informs MSC1 of the call.

3. MSC2 analyzes the phone number of MS2, finds out the home HLR of MSC2 and sends

the route application to HLR.


4. HLR queries the current location information of MS2 and obtains the MSC2/VLR2 that

serves the MS2. HLR requests the route information from the MSC2/VLR2.

5. MSC2/VLR2 allocates the route information, that is, MSRN and submits the MSRN to

the HLR.

6. HLR sends the MSRN to the MSC1.

7. MSC2 sets up the call with MSC2 according to the MSRN.

8. MSC2/VLR2 sends the paging message to MS2.

9. MSC2/VLR2 receives the message, indicating the access of MS2 is allowed.

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10. The call between MSC2 and MSC1 is set up.

11. MSC1 sends the successful connection signal to MS1. MS1 and MS2 talk over the phone.

2.5.3.10 UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System)

UMTS is an upgrade from GSM via GPRS or EDGE. The standardization work for UMTS is

carried out by Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)

Data rates of UMTS are:

v 144 kbps for rural

v 384 kbps for urban outdoor

v 2048 kbps for indoor and low range outdoor

UMTS network architecture consists of three domains

v Core Network (CN): Provide switching, routing and transit for user traffic

v UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN): Provides the air interface access

method for user equipment.

v User Equipment (UE): Terminals work as air interface counterpart for base stations

2.5.3.11 Difference Between 2G And 3G

2G (Second Generation)

v 2G networks were built mainly for voice services & slow data transmission.

v Ethio‟s 2G GSM networks operate in the 900MHz &1800 MHz bands.

v GSM supports circuit switched voice & data.

v VAS included in mobile GSM services:

v SMS, MMS, CRBT (via 822 access code)


v NGVMS - Voice mail

v Call waiting, Call Barring, Call diverting, etc.

3G (Third Generation)

v It is designed for multimedia communications.

v It supports wideband services like high speed Internet access,

v Video & high quality image Tx & video conferencing.

v By, „We are moving away from the business of ears to the business of eyes.‟

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v 3G networks aim to merge 2 of the most successful paradigms in communications:

cellular networks and the Internet.

Why 3G?

v Video calls, Video streaming, TV broadcast

v Video clips news, music, sports

v Enhanced gaming, chat, location service

3G networks consist of 2 major parts:

v The radio access network (RAN) and the core network (CN).

v The RAN consists of both the radio and Transmission parts.

v The RNS (Radio Network Subsystem) consists of RNC and Node B.

v The BS in 3G is known as Node-B.

The CN in 3G networks consists of 2 domains:

v A circuit-switched (CS) domain

In circuit switching, the transmission medium is typically divided into channels using Frequency

Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) or Code Division

Multiplexing (CDM) Circuit switching was the first switching technique used in communication

networks because it is simple enough to carry analog signals. The main example of its use is the

phone system, but it is also used in the core of the Internet in the form of SONET/SDH and

DWDM equipment.

v A packet-switched (PS) domain

Packet switching is the basis for the Internet Protocol (IP). In packet switching, information
flows are broken into variable-size packets (or fixed-size cells). These packets are sent, one by

one, to the nearest router, which will look up the destination address, and then forward them to

the corresponding next hop. The function of the using packet switching under the core section is

to send the signal of the data, voice and the internet in a packet form with mixing them together

to the needed destination.

The CS part handles the real-time traffic and the PS part handles the other traffic.

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2.5.3.12 Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is the aggregate of the world's circuit-switched

telephone networks that are operated by national, regional, or local telephone operators,

providing infrastructure and services for public telecommunication.

The PSTN consists of:-

v telephone lines,

v fiber optic cables,

v microwave transmission links,

v cellular networks,

v communications satellites, and

v Undersea telephone cables, all interconnected by switching centers, thus allowing most

telephones to communicate with each other.

Originally a network of fixed-line analog telephone systems, the PSTN is now almost entirely

digitally, in its core network and includes mobile and other networks, as well as fixed telephones.

2.6 The Challenges We Faced While Performing Our Tasks In The Company

During the internship we have faced different problems at the company. We have summarized

the challenges we encountered during the internship experience.

The challenges we encountered are…….

v Shortage of money.

v Having less number of contacts with the supervisors due to their busyness, as they had to

move from place to place more frequently.


v Lack of material access such as pc/computer.

2.7 Measures We Took To Overcome Challenges

v Asking our parents to support us.

v Assigning ourselves with some tasks to make ourselves busy during observing the

process.

v Reading documents at office.

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v Making an effect use of the accesses we get, such us the internet though we had to use a

single computer for 4 member.

2.8 Power Section


This section is one of the important parts of the Ethiotelecom division section. The main job of

this section is managing and facilitating power supplies for this company, especially for

equipments. To do this in a best condition this section uses different equipments and limit power

specification of equipments. This equipment includes:-

1. Commercial AC Power

2. AC Generators

3. Batteries
Figure 2.6 General power distribution in telecom

2.8.1 Commercial AC Power

The primary power source of any telecommunication complex is commercial AC. Since telecom

equipment continuously needs power to manage calls and transfer data, two backup power

supplies are added to the power plant.

2.8.2 AC generators
In a case of a commercial AC failure, the AC generators are used to automatically supply the AC

power to the telecommunication equipment. However, prior to supplying the AC power, the AC

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generators will first have to start and then, stabilize their voltage. This will take 20 to 40 seconds

before the AC transfer switch transfers the AC power supply to the generators. The batteries

which have been on float mode will then carry the full load of the telecom equipment until the

AC generators come online.

The WR ethio telecom is using the generator which has 500 KV, is used when the AC power is

not present and it is possible to use in two ways:

v Standby way: A person can turn on when the AC power is off or not present

v Automatic way: the generator wakes up by itself, when the AC current stops flowing

There are several reasons why AC generators may fail to supply the required AC power:

v Fuel depletion,

v over heat,

v Piston seizure, to name a few.

In those cases, the power supply will then continue to be maintained by the batteries.

2.8.3 Batteries

Batteries on a telecommunication power plant have two functions:

v Supply the power to the complex in case the AC generators do not start.

v Address the lack of power during the 20-40 seconds when the AC transfer switch changes

the AC power supply from the commercial AC to the generators.

Telecommunication equipment requires 48V DC voltage. However, commercial power and

generators supply AC voltage. For this reason, rectifiers are required to convert the AC power to

DC in order to be compatible with the telecommunication equipment and it is physically

impossible to store AC power in batteries, only DC can be stored.


Telecom and wireless networks typically operate on 48 volt DC power.

Rectifier: A Device that converts Alternating Current (AC) into Direct Current (DC). Some of

the WR telecom equipments will operate with AC current and more of them are operating with

DC current. Therefore the reason why the company is using the rectifiers is to convert AC

current to the DC current for the devices operating with DC. For the components which operate

with AC current and inverter is used to convert the current from DC to AC current.

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CHAPTER THREE

3.1 OVER ALL BENEFITS GAINED FROM THE INTERNSHIP

During our internship stay at Ethio telecom, we have gained benefits from the internship

experience. During these four months, the internship program provided us a platform to

introduce our selves with the professional field. On the past four months, we were able to see

how communication is achieved over a long distance and how it is organized to detect an error.

Ethio telecom is a perfect platform for a student who wants to have awareness on voice and data

communication. We are greatly benefited from working with the dedicated professionals in the

company. The company has provided a conductive working atmosphere among the staffs. This

does not only enabled us to share an experience, but also develops what we know, seamless work

flow, and harmonious communication. This internship experience has made us to respect the

electrical and computer engineering department and communication stream in our four months

stay. We are very glad for getting the opportunity to be part of this internship program.

Generally, within these four months we have gained different skills during the internship in

terms of the following.

3.1.1 In Terms Of Improving Our Practical Skills

As it‟s commonly practiced, most of the courses we took in class dealt with the theoretical side

of engineering. Some lecturers took the initiative and tried to illustrate the practical part of this

field by displaying different graphic images in their lecture or suggested materials that were

more or less illustrative or even took us to the site to show what the actual engineering looked

like. But these trials were futile and failed to give us the clear picture. Although this visits helped
us get a little more acquainted with the tangible part, they were simply not enough. In that trip

we just see and did similarly and what was done there. Sure we were all good with the numbers

and calculations but solving real life problems and solving these simple mathematical equations

are two different things. This internship program was exactly what we needed to nurture the lack

of practical skills we had. While we were on the job we got the opportunity to learn different

aspects of practical Skills, such as:

v How to identify the errors during transmission.

v What physically BTS, BSC and MSC looks like.

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v How to check the physical tresses of the incoming cables from BTS‟s and out going to

the MSC on the BSC side.

v How the transmission line are extended to their respective area according to their location

v Seeing how communication device are managed and controlled in a way that is

efficient and wastage reducing .

v We were able to see the causes for network disconnections and the methods to solve the

problems practically.

v We have got great experience in each staffs of Ethio telecom such as, transmission, core

network and power staff. During the internship we have been working in the

transmission, power, and core network staffs. We have got skills of transmission on the

ways of communication and the working principles and the technologies used in

Transmission system. And we got an understanding on an efficient use of devices and

monitoring all activities in the staffs.

3.1.2 In Terms Of Upgrading Our Theoretical Knowledge

In addition to the practical skills this program helped us to strengthen our theoretical knowledge

and gain meaningful engineering experience to complement our academic studies. These are:

v The communication between mobile equipment, BTS, BSC and MSC.

v How mobile equipment communicates every time with around BTS.

v Wavelength used in DWDM and CWDM.

v Understood the Architecture of GSM.

v What is transmission?

v What type of power we are using in telecom?


3.1.3 In Terms Of Improving Our Interpersonal Communication Skills

Improving our interpersonal communication skills, we began to interact with many workers in

the Company. During the internship experience we had improved our communication skills in

very good manner which we could talk to any person at the staff with confidence and as easily as

possible.

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3.1.4 In Terms Of Improving Our Team Working Skills

In a company it is very important to play as a team. If there are disagreements between the

employees, it is very difficult to go ahead with the works. And as part of a team, an engineer

should have to work with a positive attitude within a group for the success of a project. When

called upon to lead, an engineer must have good managerial and organizational skills. Confident

and enthusiastic engineers are able to succeed by gaining the trust of co-workers.

Good team worker possesses the following skills:

v Communicates constructively

v Listens actively

v Functions as an active participant

v Shares openly and willingly

v Cooperates and pitches in to help

v Shows commitment and monitoring to the team

3.1.5 In Terms Of Improving Leadership Skills

At the company we were able to see different engineers in hierarchical work and lead the staff

workers and the engineers under them. During these times we were able to observe that one

should have great skills to be a leader, such as:

v Good speaking ability.

v The ability to listen to others.

v Being decisive.

v Good management skills.

v Knowing the subject one is working on thoroughly.


We have observed that leadership is a great responsibility that one has to make the team he is

leading initiated and encouraged. This will enable you to get a good result, so that your work is

as perfect as or more than the expected.

3.1.6 In Terms Of Understanding Work Ethics Related Issues

Work ethics are very important part of our personal as well as professional life. With the proper

work ethics, a person become more responsible and focused towards his/her job. The person also

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cultivates a sense of achievement around his work. This definitely has some positive effects on

his/her career growth as well as on the progress of the company.

Work ethics means:-

v How one looks at his job,

v What he expects from his job and

v How would he/she go ahead with his/her professions?

v Respecting and accepting others opinion

Ethics at the work place means the positive aspect that makes the work force companion, like

Honesty, integrity, dedication, determination, commitment etc.

3.1.7 In Terms Of Entrepreneurship Skills

We understood that being an entrepreneur is not as simple as we have imaged before, rather it is

difficult to run because so many problems are expected to be faced. But it is also profitable, if

you are strong enough to face those problems, and a well-mannered and experienced managers

and human resource are assigned. The great thing that we have learned in terms of

entrepreneurship skill is to be bold to set up any kind of business and become profitable from it,

after you understand the concept of the business and get yourself familiarized with it.
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CHAPTER FOUR

4.1 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1.1 Conclusion

Actually, this internship program is provided to introduce and to give how the professional life

looks like, and to make a bridge that links the student life with the professional life, in addition to

observe and fill the gap between the theoretical and practical knowledge. Telecommunication

network includes a lot of practices and activities, and in aspects of Telecommunication network

design we have came up to know and understand some basic things, to mention some:

v Transmission technology

v MSAG Service

v PSTN network topology.

v GPRS.

v Capacity of the server.

v Connection of mobile, fixed line telephone and data network server

The various types of orientation programs, tasks, and trainings that we have been undertaking

during the past four months on the office enhanced our knowledge in Ethio telecom. We are very

glad to see that what we have learnt in the university is the same with what is going on in the real

world. We were able to apply our theoretical knowledge of telecommunication network in the

real life situation.

During the past four months we were able to see the different theoretical aspects, methodologies

and telecommunication network designs. In the supervision session, we were able to see the

important theoretical and practical aspects of telecommunication network. We were very curious
to know the telecommunication network and the tasks performed in the network, and we were

able to fulfill our curiosity in the internship program. Generally the most common practical

activities that are performed in telecommunication are related to the major activities like

controlling transmission link, configuring new site, identifying error during call setup. And in

our internship stay, we have tried to get ourselves involved on these three different areas to know

and experience the working methods they use related to the theoretical knowledge we have.

This program has played an important role in breaking the conventional thought that field works

can only be implemented to degree holder students or people who are experienced in

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telecommunication networks. We were able to acquire a high level of confidence to deal with

problems that arise in telecommunication networks. Being an engineer in telecommunication

networks, he/she also has to be:

v Sociable (to have a good communication skills )

v Actionable(fast responding)

v Problem solver

v Work focused

v Reliable and responsible for his/her work

v Reasonable for any fault encountered and

v Active at any time and punctual

Moreover the internship program laid sound foundation for us to start our career. We take pride

in contributing what is expected from as in building our nation during the country's extreme

critical period of the history. It definitely will be sensible to scale this practice up and to replicate
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4.1.2 Recommendation

When I recommended that before engaging the students in the internship program, the university

should pay attention to the order of courses to be given which are supportive and major courses

for the interns, like courses related to telecommunication network, especially engineering

software simulation.

The company should give priority to safety and quality rather than economical profit, but as we

have observed in the company most of the devices are china products manufactured at low price.

The most important thing in any company and project work is respecting each other and working

zin cooperation. Some staff members weren‟t able to show us a respect. Though we have been

working in the company for the last four months, the manager and supervisors didn‟t take any

mechanism to make us become well acquitted with such staff members. It would be better if the

manager and supervisors took a measure to enable the staff members become more interactive

with the interns, so that the students on internship can become eager to do a new innovation to

the company.

Organizations and companies hosting the students don‟t pay much attention to the students, and

the follow up of the academic supervisors is not this much. This negligence affects the

motivation and work habit of the students; hence we highly recommend the universities and

concerned bodies to make strict follow up on students, working in close relationship with hosting

organizations.

Some devices of the company are the oldest technology that can harm the profit of the company.

So, we recommended the company to replace those devices before it causes a huge damage in

income. Especially, most of the china products produce damage to the company. The devices

usually work by resetting their initial parameter; this means they need some employees to follow
up these devices.

The company should aim to serve its clients to the highest level of satisfaction, providing the

most appropriate and desired solutions with the best international standards of quality, safety and

environmental care to maximize the benefits of their stake holders, clients and the community

without overlooking ethical values on the professional and personal development.

Attention must be given for the workman follow ups in overall works of the telecommunication

network to prevent wastage and failure. Continuous assessment is needed for the interns by the

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university supervisors in order to extend the knowledge and to be informed on the status or

performance of the interns. Finally, I know that it is beyond our capacity, but we imagine that

the network installation standard must be revised especially the bit rate of the data network and

the network performance of mobile network; it is low compared to most countries.


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INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C

REFERENCES

[1]. www.ethiotelecom.et

[2]. Transmission basic training for operation and maintenance, NAP Transmission Teams, July

27, 2015

[3]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethio_telecom

[4]. https://www.ethiotelecom.et access date:

[5].Toni Janevski, Traffic Analysis and Design of Wireless IP Networks, Artech House Boston, London,

2003

[6]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_network

[7]. http://blog.circuits4you.com/

[8]. http://www.biometric-solutions.com/biometric-fingerprint.html

[9]. Each sections (RAN, core, IP and transmission) training manuals of Ethio telecom

[10]. Ethio telecom and ZTE training manuals


WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. 36

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