COM 201: Multiplexing and TDM Communications

This course is designed for utility engineers and technicians who specify, design, operate, or maintain utility networks, including utility protection engineers, automation engineers, integration engineers, and novice communications engineers and managers.

Dependable communications for critical infrastructure are crucial when you are deploying fiber networks. Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) offers proven and reliable time-deterministic channels for mission-critical data, such as protection and control. TDM multiplexers can be deployed anywhere and are ideal for private networks where you have complete control to engineer each application for optimal performance.

In this SONET and multiplexing fundamentals course, you will learn about the concepts and considerations that are involved in designing a SONET-based network. This course will prepare you to implement multiplexer network applications, and during this one-day course, you will design a realistic multinode SONET-based OC-48 network. It will also provide a concise introduction to the concepts that will be applied in APP ICON.

Agenda

• Introduction to Communications Networks
• Fiber-Optic Transmission Principles
• Introduction to Multiplexing
• SONET Fundamentals
• DACS Fundamentals
• SONET Network Design (with exercise)

Course Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, students can:

• Apply the basics of SONET-based communications technologies to a network design
• Identify the principles of fiber-optic-based transmission and media
• Identify multiplexing considerations and applications
• Describe the fundamentals and importance of TDM
• Design a multinode SONET-based network
• Assign network traffic based on circuit requirements

Prerequisites

Before you attend this class, you must meet the following requirements:

• Familiarity with utility network requirements
• Understanding of communications theory
• Basic understanding of utility power systems

Course Preparation

Please check the General Course Information page for what you should bring to class. In addition, please bring the following:

Calculator with basic math functions