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Internship Report On Western Region Ethiotelecom
Internship Report On Western Region Ethiotelecom
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
Table of Contents
DECLARATION ........................................................................................................................................... i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT............................................................................................................................... ii
1.3.1 Mission............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.6 The Challenges We Faced While Performing Our Tasks In The Company ......................................... 25
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
ACRONYMS
2G--------------------Second Generation
3G-------------------Third Generation
CN------------------Core Network
IF------------------Intermediate Frequency
IP------------------Internet Protocol
LA----------------Location Area
RF-------------------Radio Frequency
TV------------------Television
UE------------------User Equipment
UMTS-------------Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
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
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
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.
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
(ETA) by Proclamation 49/1996, and during the same year, by regulation 10/1996, the Council
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
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.
capable of supporting voice data and video services, equitably across the country and
v They wish to implement state of the art processes, to develop reliable network
1.3.2 Vision
Ethiotelecom envisions an information-based Ethiopian society were all our people have access
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
v Ethio Telecom will implement control standard processes. This will help to increase
v Ethio Telecom will develop better sourcing & facilities processes. This will help to faster
1.3.3 Values
v Lead with vision:-Be committed to understand, meet and exceed the telecom needs and
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
1.3.4 Objective
v Create awareness on products & services provided by ethio telecom and help citizens
delivery process.
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
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
quality, efficient, reliable and affordable telecommunication services in the country. The services
v Fax service
v Mobile telephone
v Multimedia services
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
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).
commercial division, support division and others. There are many divisions in Ethio-telecom.
v Customer service.
v Enterprise.
v Network.
v Information system.
v Finance.
v Legal division.
v Human resource.
CHAPTER TWO
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
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
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
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.
Figure 2.1 The General work flow in Western Region Ethio telecom Company
In our internship period the work task we have been done are:
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
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.
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.
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
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
v Directional
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-
Characteristics of Microwave
Microwave Applications
v Television distribution.
Advantages:
v Multichannel transmissions.
Disadvantages:
Microwave Impairments
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
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
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
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
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
Optical Fiber: Consists of a core, cladding and a buffer through which the cladding guides the
v High bandwidth.
v No electromagnetic interference.
v The skill and expertise required during cable installation and interconnection.
interactive multimedia.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
(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
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
Transfer Mode can be more cost effective and may provide new services to customers quicker
A typical outdoor MSAG cabinet consists of narrowband (POTS), broadband (XDSL) services,
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
v Contains 48 ports
Line
Client
The Software used to monitor or control the transmission system such as, SDH, CWDM, and
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
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
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.
v Easy installation,
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:
Generation technology. It is developed to make use of same subscriber units or mobile phone
Cell:-Cell is the basic service area; one BTS covers one cell. Each cell is given a Cell Global
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
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
GSM network is consists of Mobile station, Base station subsystem, Network subsystem and
Operation subsystem.
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
There are a number of elements to the cell phone, although the two main elements are the main
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
v Phone number
v Service code
v Status of SIM
v Authentication key
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
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
v Processing of signals
loss of data.
v Channel coding and decoding (for example, coding voice into bits so that it can be
v Frequency hopping so that multiple channels for various mobile stations can operate
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
v Processing of signals
v Controlling signals to the connected BTSs and control of handover of signals from one
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 Reserving radio frequencies and frequency hopping(For example, multiple BTSs operate
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
some of the maintenance tasks are transferred to the BTS, allowing savings in the cost of
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.
PLMN. Digital mobile communication network has different radio interface as compared to
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
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
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,
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
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.
v BTS: measure uplink radio signal level and send the results to BSC
v MSC: routes the call to the other MSC during Inter-MSC HOPurpose of Handover
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
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.
11. MSC1 sends the successful connection signal to MS1. MS1 and MS2 talk over the phone.
UMTS is an upgrade from GSM via GPRS or EDGE. The standardization work for UMTS is
v Core Network (CN): Provide switching, routing and transit for user traffic
v UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN): Provides the air interface access
v User Equipment (UE): Terminals work as air interface counterpart for base stations
2G (Second Generation)
v 2G networks were built mainly for voice services & slow data transmission.
3G (Third Generation)
v By, „We are moving away from the business of ears to the business of eyes.‟
Why 3G?
v The radio access network (RAN) and the core network (CN).
In circuit switching, the transmission medium is typically divided into channels using Frequency
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.
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
The CS part handles the real-time traffic and the PS part handles the other traffic.
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,
v telephone lines,
v cellular networks,
v Undersea telephone cables, all interconnected by switching centers, thus allowing most
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
v Shortage of money.
v Having less number of contacts with the supervisors due to their busyness, as they had to
v Assigning ourselves with some tasks to make ourselves busy during observing the
process.
v Making an effect use of the accesses we get, such us the internet though we had to use a
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
1. Commercial AC Power
2. AC Generators
3. Batteries
Figure 2.6 General power distribution in telecom
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
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
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
The WR ethio telecom is using the generator which has 500 KV, is used when the AC power is
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,
In those cases, the power supply will then continue to be maintained by the batteries.
2.8.3 Batteries
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
generators supply AC voltage. For this reason, rectifiers are required to convert the AC power to
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.
CHAPTER THREE
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
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
v How to check the physical tresses of the incoming cables from BTS‟s and out going to
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
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
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 What is transmission?
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.
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.
v Communicates constructively
v Listens actively
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
v Being decisive.
leading initiated and encouraged. This will enable you to get a good result, so that your work is
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
cultivates a sense of achievement around his work. This definitely has some positive effects on
Ethics at the work place means the positive aspect that makes the work force companion, like
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.
WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. 31
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C
CHAPTER FOUR
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 GPRS.
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
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
telecommunication networks. We were able to acquire a high level of confidence to deal with
v Actionable(fast responding)
v Problem solver
v Work focused
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
WU DEPARTMENT OF ECE; COMMUNICATION STREAM Pag. 33
INTERNSHIP REPORT ON WESTERN REGION ETHIOTELECOM 2011E.C
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
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
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
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
[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