PAKISTAN TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY LIMITED

INTERNSHIP REPORT

UBAID URE REHMAN. BAHRIA ISTITUE OF MANAGEMENT AND COMPUTER SCIENCES, ISLAMABAD 19/9/2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

About PTCL…………………………………........................................3

PTCL products and services…………………………………………....8

Basic Exchange Structure and Working…………………………….... 13

PSTN………………………………………………………………….. 19

SS7 Protocol…………………………………………………………... 22

DSL architecture of PTCL……………………………………………. 28

EWSD…………………………………………………………………. 32

Fiber optics…………………………………………………………......38

ABOUT PTCL

Company Profile

Historical Background

Vision of PTCL

Mission of PTCL

Core Values

Organizational Structure

COMPANY PROFILE:

PTCL is the largest telecommunication provider in Pakistan with employee strength of 30,089. It is also the largest CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) operator in the country with 0.8 million V-fine customers. Moreover, the company maintains a leading position in Pakistan as an infrastructure provider to other telecom operators and corporate customers of the country. PTCL has laid optical fiber Access network in the major metropolitan centers of Pakistan and it has modernized and upgraded the local loop services from copper to optical network.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:

1947- Establishment of Posts & Telegraph Dept 1961- Establishment of Pakistan Telegraph & Telephone Dept (T&T) 1990-91-Establishment of Pakistan Telecom Corporation (PTC) 1995- About 5% of PTC assets transferred to PTA, FAB (Frequency Allocation Board) &

NTC (National Telecommunication Corporation). 1996- PTCL Formulation and listing on all Stock Exchanges of Pakistan. 1998- Establishment of Mobile (Ufone) & Internet (PakNet) subsidiaries. 2006- Etisalat Takes Over.

In April 2006, Emirates Telecommunication Corporation, which is commonly known as Etisalat, acquired 26% shares of PTCL. Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the UAE since 1976 and stands 140th among the Financial Times Top 500 Corporations in the world in terms of market capitalization, and is ranked as the 6th largest company in the Middle East in terms of capitalization and revenues.

Etisalat is currently operating in 14 countries namely UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Niger, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Tanzania, Bukina Paso, Gabon, and Central African Republic and is continuing to pursue new mobile and fixed line opportunities in many growth markets. Management has started another mega project from August, 2008 with ³MCKINZIE´, a management consulting firm, which aims at

revamping the HR policies, Processes and Organizational structures in order to convert PTCL from public entity to corporate entity. Now a day¶s PTCL management is adopting new market oriented strategies to become the telecom icon in Pakistan.

VISION OF PTCL:

³To be the leading Information and Communication Technology Service Provider in the region by achieving customer satisfaction and maximizing shareholders value´.

MISSION OF PTCL:

To achieve our vision by having: An organizational environment that fosters professionalism, motivation & quality. An environment that is cost effective & quality conscious. Services that are based on the most optimum technology. ³Quality´ & ³Time Conscious´ Customer service. Sustained growth in earnings & profitability

CORE VALUES:

Professional Integrity Customer Satisfaction Teamwork Company Loyalty

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

PTCL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Consumer ServicesCorporate Services

CONSUMER SERVICES:

1-PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Network):

This service is available on conventional fixed line phone. This service includes convenient features and options like Caller-ID, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Conference Calling, Call Barring and Do not Disturb.

2-VFONE:

It is a replacement of fixed line phone mainly in the areas where there is not network availability. PTCL has built-up capacity of 2.6M covering over 10,000 urban, suburban and rural villages. The network is enabled for Voice, Dialup-Internet access (115kbps) and EVDO Broadband.

3-BROADBAND:

PTCL is offering high speed broadband to its consumers for high speed internet connectivity with easy downloads & uploads. Free DSL modems are offered to the customers while special discounted student package is offered to the students as well.

4-PTCL SMART TV:

It’s a fixed line service that allows the customers to experience telephony, broadband and multi channel TV service all at the same time, on the same line. No additional cable would be required to receive cable TV /Multi channel TV.

5-VOICE MESSAGING SERVICE (VMS):

PTCL is offering phone to phone Voice Mail Service that works all of the time - even when there is a power outage. After 6 or 7 rings the voice mail service activates and the caller can leave the message in his voice. Voice mailbox can be accessed 24 hour a day, 7 days a week.

6-FREE INTERNET FACILITY:

PTCL has offered Free Internet facility for its landline valued customers. All PTCL landline subscribers can now experience the best dial up speeds with unlimited internet usage during night hours from 10:00pm to 07:00am. 7 -KE H DO SMS (VOICE SMS):

In this service, the caller can leave a text message from his digital phone to any cell phone number. That text message is received with voice on the cell phone as an incoming call.

8 -PTCL DIRECTS:

PTCL direct is a pre-paid international calling service for making calls from the UK to Pakistan. Customers can purchase credit online (using a credit card) and make calls to any number in Pakistan direct through PTCL. The calls will be charged according to prescribed PTCL tariffs.

9-CALLING CARDS DENOMINATIONS:

PTCL Calling cards are available at Sales & Service Centers, PTCL Customer Service Centers and retail shops.

CORPORATE SERVICES:

1-UAN (Universal Access Number):

UAN (Universal Access Number) consists of 6 digits, preceded by 3 digit code of 111, common to all UANs. UAN operates on existing telephone connection without disturbing normal phone number. UAN never changes, if you move your office or your normal telephone number is changed, your UAN will remain unchanged. UAN can be accessed from other cities by dialing the area code first.

2-UIN (Universal Internet Number):

131 numbering scheme for Internet Service Providers, represents exclusive code assigned to each ISP, functioning just like UAN-0800 toll-free service. UIN involves allocation of numbers to individual ISPs who are licensed by PTA.

3-Business DSL:

PTCL’s business DSL solution provides a reliable, business-class broadband connectivity, which will help the customers to download software and large files, research the web and communicate with their business associates and business partners.

4-DOMESTIC PRIVATE LEASEDE CIRCUIT:

This service is also called even stream/channel stream. In this service, PTCL provides leased line services to other service providers & corporate customers for data or voice communication by establishing a connection between two exchanges

5-IP CONNECTS:

The ³IP Connect´ service is based on Internet Protocol Virtual Private Networks (IP-VPN), which allows companies with locations spread out in PAKISTAN to connect and transfer data on a private and secure way over reliable robust network infrastructure.

6-ISDN BRI (Integrated Services Digital Network ± Basic Rate Interface):

This service allows the customer to have two connections on a single line. In addition, it allows clearer voice communication plus a faster way to send and receive fax, video images, graphics and computer data on a phone line. You can have a single Tele Plus connection, just like a conventional phone line. Moreover, Customer can go utilize phone line as well as internet at one and the same time. Total bandwidth of the BRI is 128 kbps.

7 -ISDN PRI (Integrated Services Digital Network ± Primary Rate Interface):

This service allows the customer to have thirty connections on a single line. Small as well as medium sized clients usually go for this facility to facilitate their internal & external Customers. Business customers can operate their PABX more efficiently while using PRI¶s. Total bandwidth of the BRI is 2 MB. Call centers operate on PRI.

8 -DIGITAL CROSS CONNECTS (DXX):

PTCL offers flexible and reliable services through a high quality platform of Digital Leased Line Network to organizations, normally to financial institutions (banks).It is meant for data communication only and provides connectivity between two offices. PTCL digital cross connect (DXX) network provides the most dependable media for WAN connectivity with more than 200 Nodes countrywide.

9-CALL CENTERS:

International Call Centers:

Call centers operate through a 0800 Toll-Free Service, wherein overseas customers' calls are routed to Pakistan or overseas destinations through VoIP (Voice over internet protocol) technology where trained agents are ready to respond to the queries of the customers. This service however involves certain human resource requisites like communication skills and customer handling to be arranged by the subscribers.

Domestic Call Centers:

Domestic Call Centers also operate through 0800 Toll-Free Service, wherein customer¶s calls are routed to a call center where trained agents respond to the inquiries of the customers. This service however involves certain human resource requisites like communication skills and customer handling to be arranged by the subscribers.

10-AUDIO CONFERENCE:

PTCL offers audio conferencing services for Corporate Customers with up to 120 participants per conference. Audio conferencing services are easy to use with interesting billing packages, designed for maximum user comfort and convenience with web integrated interface. Audio Conferencing allows organizations to conduct virtual meetings between clients/customers/staff both locally and internationally.

11-INTERNATIONAL IP-SERVICES:

PTCL is the largest IP services carrier in Pakistan with extensive international peering capacity. It provides secure and reliable VoIP solutions catering to the requirements of LDIs and other operators in the marketplace. PTCL provides dedicated IPs to other organizations that would help them to transfer data with increased security and connectivity.

12-PTCL WEB H OSTING SERVICES:

PTCL offers world class hosting on windows platform. It provides the control, flexibility and reliability required to create and manage a successful web presence by other organizations. Moreover the self healing backbone of PTCL makes sure the high availability of the customer’s website.

13-PTCL PAYP H ONE:

This service operates like a PCO. It is compatible with a call centre solution and generates printed receipts at the end of call at call centre. PTCL payphone provide Wide Area Network coverage, quality service, best speech quality, and reliability.

BASIC EXCHANGE STRUCTURE AND WORKING

A Telephone Exchange is a system of electronic components grouped for the connection of different calls, data, internet etc

HISTORY:

Initially manual telephone exchanges. Switching of one terminal of a telephone line to another

BASIC EXCHANGE STRUCTURE

SWITCHING:

Connection of calls.All the protocols associated to connection of calls.Brain of exchange.

MDF:

Main Distribution Frame´. Interconnects main equipments inside the exchange with the cables going outside the exchange building up to the subscribers

MDF:

Long steel rack accessible from both sides.Cables coming from exchange are terminated at horizontal blocks.Cables going out of exchange are connected to vertical blocks.Fuse strips.

INSIDE PLANT:

MDF is the point where the local exchange ends, so the Local exchange and MDF are known as INSIDE PLANT.

OUTSIDE PLANT:

All the cables, towers, poles, cabinets till the DP are referred as the ³Outside Plant´.

CABINET:

Metallic bar used for further connections to the subscribers Secondary wire.The calls can be tapped from the cabinet.

DP:

Stands for ³Demarcation PointNormally contains 10 connections or pairs of wires.Drop WiresLocated at the Telephone Pole.Then it's the turn of customer..

FIBER OPTICS

Definition

How Fiber works

The Design of Fiber

Fiber Geometry

Joining the Optical Fibers

FIBER-OPTICS

DEFINITION:

Fiber-optic communications is based on the principle that light in a glass medium can carry more information over longer distances than electrical signals can carry in a copper or coaxial medium or radio frequencies through a wireless medium. With few transmission losses, low interference, and high bandwidth potential, optical fiber is an almost ideal transmission medium.

H OW FIBER WORKS:

The operation of an optical fiber is based on the principle of total internal reflection. Light reflects (bounces back) or refracts (alters its direction while penetrating a different medium), depending on the angle at which it strikes a surface. ''When the outer medium is less optically dense (lower index of refraction) than the core material, there is a distinct angle for which no light is refracted. Light is completely reflected back into the core material .This is called total internal reflection.'' Controlling the angle at which the light waves are transmitted makes it possible to control how efficiently they reach their destination. Light waves are guided through the core of the optical fiber in much the same way that radio frequency (RF) signals are guided through coaxial cable. The light waves are guided to the other end of the fiber by being reflected within the core. The composition of the cladding glass relative to the core glass determines the fiber’s ability to reflect light. That reflection is usually caused by creating a higher refractive index in the core of the glass than in the surrounding cladding glass. The refractive index of the core is increased by slightly modifying the composition of the core glass, generally by adding small amounts of a do pant.

T H E DESIGN OF FIBER:

CORE AND CLADDING:

An optical fiber consists of two different types of highly pure, solid glass, composed to form the core and cladding. A protective acryl ate coating then surrounds the cladding. In most cases, the protective coating is a dual layer composition. A protective coating is applied to the glass fiber as the final step in the manufacturing process. This coating protects the glass from dust and scratches that can affect fiber strength. This protective coating can be comprised of two layers: a soft inner layer that cushions the fiber and allows the coating to be stripped from the glass mechanically and a harder outer layer that protects the fiber during handling, particularly the cabling, installation, and termination processes.

SINGLE MODE AND MULTIMODE FIBERS:

Multimode fiber was the first type of fiber to be commercialized. It has a much larger core than single-mode fiber, allowing hundreds of modes of light to propagate through the fiber simultaneously. Additionally, the larger core diameter of multimode fiber facilitates the use of lower-cost optical transmitters (such as light emitting diodes [LEDs]) and connectors. Single mode fiber, on the other hand, has a much smaller core that allows only one mode of light at a time to propagate through the core. While it might appear that multimode fibers have higher capacity, in fact the opposite is true. Single mode fibers are designed to maintain spatial and spectral integrity of each optical signal over longer distances, allowing more information to be transmitted. Its tremendous information-carrying capacity and low intrinsic loss have made single-mode fiber the ideal transmission medium for a multitude of applications. Single-mode fiber is typically used for longer distance and higher-bandwidth applications. Multimode fiber is used primarily in systems with short transmission distances (under 2 km), such as premises communications, private data networks, and parallel optic applications.

OPTICAL FIBER SIZES:

The international standard for outer cladding diameter of most single-mode optical fibers is 125 microns ( m) for the glass and 245 m for the coating. This standard is important because it ensures compatibility among connectors, splices, and tools used throughout the industry.Standard single-mode fibers are manufactured with a small core size, approximately 8 to 10m in diameter. Multimode fibers have core sizes of 50 to 62.5 m in diameter.

STRENGT H OF OPTICAL FIBRES:

One common misconception about optical fiber is that it must be fragile because it is made of glass. In fact, research, theoretical analysis, and practical experience prove that the opposite is true. While traditional bulk glass is brittle, the ultra pure glass of optical fibers exhibits both high

tensile strength and extreme durability. How strong is fiber? Figures like 600 or 800 thousand pounds per square inch are often cited, far more than copper¶s capability of 100 pounds per square inch. That figure refers to the ultimate tensile strength of fiber produced today. Fiber’s real, rather than theoretical; strength is 2 million pounds per square inch.

LIFE EXPECYANCY:

Fiber is designed and manufactured to provide a lifetime of service, provided it is cabled and installed according to recommended procedures. Life expectancy can be extrapolated from many tests. These test results, along with theoretical analysis, support the prediction of long service life. Environmental issues are also important to consider when evaluating a fiber¶s mechanical and reliability performance.

BENDING PARAMETRES:

Optical fiber and cable are easy to install because it is lightweight, small in size, and flexible. Nevertheless, precautions are needed to avoid tight bends, which may cause loss of light or premature fiber failure. Experience and testing show that bare fiber can be safely looped with bend diameters as small as two to three inches, depending on allowable optical loss. Splice trays and other fiber-handling equipment, such as racks, are designed to prevent fiber-installation errors.

FIBER GEOMETRY:

Fiber geometry is the key factor which should be taken care while splicing the optical fibers. Fiber that exhibits tightly controlled geometry tolerances will not only be easier and faster to splice but will also reduce the need for testing by ensuring predictable, high-quality splice performance. This is particularly true when fibers are spliced by passive, mechanical, or fusion techniques for both single fibers and fiber ribbons. In addition, tight geometry tolerances lead to the additional benefit of flexibility in equipment choice. The benefits of tighter geometry tolerances can be significant. In today¶s fiber intensive architectures, it is estimated that splicing and testing can account for more than 30 percent of the total labor costs of system installation. The three fiber geometry parameters that have the greatest impact on splicing performance include the following:

Cladding diameter: The outside diameter of the cladding glass regionCore/clad concentricity (or core-to-cladding offset): how well the core is centered in the cladding glass region.Fiber curls the amount of curvature over a fixed length of fiber.

CLADDING DIAMETER:

The cladding diameter tolerance controls the outer diameter of the fiber, with tighter tolerances ensuring that fibers are almost exactly the same size. During splicing, inconsistent cladding diameters can cause cores to misalign where the fibers join, leading to higher splice losses. The drawing process controls cladding diameter tolerance, and depending on the manufacturer’s skill level, can be very tightly controlled.

CORE OR CLAD CONCENTRICITY:

Tighter core/clad concentricity tolerances help ensure that the fiber core is centered in relation to the cladding. This reduces the chance of ending up with cores that do not match up precisely when two fibers are spliced together. A core that is precisely centered in the fiber yields lower- loss splices more often. Core/clad concentricity is determined during the first stages of the manufacturing process, when the fiber design and resulting characteristics are created. During these lay down and consolidation processes, the do pant chemicals that make up the fiber must be deposited with precise control and symmetry to maintain consistent core/clad concentricity performance throughout the entire length of fiber.

FIBER CURL:

Fiber curl is the inherent curvature along a specific length of optical fiber that is exhibited to some degree by all fibers. It is a result of thermal stresses that occur during the manufacturing process. Therefore, these factors must be rigorously monitored and controlled during fiber manufacture. Tighter fiber-curl tolerances reduce the possibility that fiber cores will be misaligned during splicing, thereby impacting splice loss. Some mass fusion splicer’s use fixed- grooves for fiber alignment, where the effect of fiber curl is most noticeable.

JOINING THE OPTICAL FIBERS:

As optical fiber moves closer to the customer, where cable lengths are shorter and cables have higher fiber counts, the need for joining fibers becomes greater. Splicing and connector zing play a critical role both in the cost of installation and in system performance. The object of splicing and connector zing is to precisely match the core of one optical fiber with that of another in order to produce a smooth junction through which light signals can continue without alteration or interruption.

There are two ways that fibers are joined:

Splices, which form permanent connections between fibers in the system. Connectors, which provide remittable connections, typically at termination points.

FUSION SPLICING:

Fusion splicing provides a fast, reliable, low-loss, fiber-to-fiber connection by creating a homogenous joint between the two fiber ends. The fibers are melted or fused together by heating the fiber ends, typically using an electric arc. Fusion splices provide a high-quality joint with the lowest loss (in the range of 0.01 dB to .10 dB for single-mode fibers) and are practically not reflective.

MECHANICAL SPLICING:

Mechanical splicing is an alternative method of making a permanent connection between fibers.In the past, the disadvantages of mechanical splicing have been slightly higher losses, less- reliable performance, and a cost associated with each splice. However, advances in the technology have significantly improved performance. System operators typically use mechanical splicing for emergence restoration because it is fast, inexpensive, and easy. (Mechanical splice losses typically range from 0.05.0.2 dB for single-mode fiber.

CONNECTORS:

Connectors are used in applications where flexibility is required in routing an optical signal from lasers to receivers, wherever reconfiguration is necessary, and in terminating cables. These remittable connections simplify system reconfigurations to meet changing customer requirements.