Study Aim: To describe the fundamental principles, protocols, components, applications, testing, and security aspects of unified communications systems.
Topics covered: The study programme begins by introducing the fundamentals of analogue and digital transmission, data communications and the different types of cabling and connectivity. Learners continue with a study of LANs and WANs including diagnostic tests. The programme concludes by ensuring the learner appreciates the services a unified communications system provides and understands how such a system meets the requirements of different types of traffic and ensures data and system security.
What you need before beginning this programme: Although not obligatory, the study of Physics at secondary (high) school level will aid your understanding of the principles covered in the study programme.
Unit 1 "Principles of electronic communications"
Analogue and digital signals
Introduces the characteristics of the signals used in communications systems and the effect of passive circuits and transmission lines on those signals.
Signal impairments
Introduces the causes of signal impairments and their effect on the transmission of information over telecommunications and data links.
Transmission fundamentals
Describes the characteristics, capabilities and applications of copper, optical fibre and wireless transmission media.
Data communications principles
Explains the fundamental principles of data communications and describes the role of the basic functional components of data links and the protocols that define their operation.
Unit 2 "Data communication networks"
Ethernet fundamentals
Provides an introduction to the underlying concepts of Ethernet Local Area Networks (LAN) and the capabilities, components and structure of Ethernet LANs.
Structured cabling
Describes the structure, components, installation requirements and testing of cabling systems employed in local area networks.
Ethernet networks
Describes the operation of fixed line and wireless Ethernet networks with reference to their address schemes, protocols, functional elements and security methods.
Internet protocols
Explains the role, facilities and operation of the various protocols employed on the Internet and many other communications systems. The threats to, and protection of, such networks are referred to throughout this course. The topology and administration of the Internet is also described.
IP networks
Describes how networks using the Internet protocol reliably deliver data to its intended destination
Topics discussed include how routes for messages are discovered, and if necessary updated, the efficient use of a limited pool of addresses for large numbers of attached devices, and the conversion from user-friendly names into numeric addresses.
Network testing and fault-finding
Describes the role of the various tests employed on Ethernet/IP networks and their use in following a structured approach to fault finding and measuring network performance.
Unit 3 "Communications services and security"
Telephony and data services
Introduces the facilities and capabilities of telephony and data services provided by modern telecommunications networks with reference to the underlying infrastructure.
Telecommunications systems security
Provides an overview of the protection of personal data held by telecommunications providers against misuse and the protection of telecoms systems against intrusion and fraudulent misuse.
Introduction to Wide Area Networks
Introduces the principles of operation, capabilities and features of various types of Wide Area Network and describes the requirements of different types of traffic and how these can be met.
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