Telecommunications networks

This course provides an introduction to the facilities, components and operation of modern telecommunications networks including transmission networks, the PSTN, the Internet, mobile networks and data services.

This online course is suitable for those joining the telecoms sector in a technical role or technicians who want to update their knowledge of telecommunications.

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe the basic infrastructure employed by telecommunications services.
• describe the role of the various telecoms standards and regulatory bodies.
• describe the features, capabilities and components of copper and optical fibre based transmission links.
• describe the applications and capabilities of terrestrial radio links used in modern telecommunications networks.
• describe the applications and capabilities of geostationary and low earth orbit satellite systems.
• describe the capabilities, functional components and facilities of systems that provide national and international telephone services.
• describe how mobile communications systems have evolved to meet the demand for faster access to Internet services..
• describe the use of optical fibre as a means of accessing communications services.
• describe the role, structure, components, and capabilities of a national transmission network.
• describe the benefits of employing a next generation network and the role of its main components.
• describe the role, and methods of provision of, virtual circuits over a next generation network.

This online course includes assessments, the results of which are summarised in a certificate published at course completion.