Seminar Course Descriptions:
Course 101 Broadband, Telecom, Datacom and Networking for Non-Engineers
Up-to-date for the 2020s covering broadband internet plus the converged IP telecom network, this course covers the essential knowledge for those serious about telecom today.
Thousands of people, from organizations such as AT&T, Verizon, Bell Canada, Cisco, Intel and Microsoft, NSA, CIA, FAA, FBI and IRS, all branches of the US Armed Forces, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, TD Bank, the San Francisco Giants, Oneida Tableware, plus hundreds of others, who wanted to be more effective to understand and deal with telecom and networking technology, have benefited from taking this course.
We progress in a logical order from the start to the finish. We explain the jargon, bust the buzzwords, and most importantly, explain the concepts and ideas behind the jargon. We build structured knowledge by covering the topics systematically - knowledge that lasts a lifetime.
This core training, and our excellent instructors, receive rave reviews consistently on evaluations.
Many attendees tell us that they wish they’d had this training years ago!
You'll gain key concept-level knowledge that you cannot get on the job, from vendors or magazines.
Course 101 Part 1: The Fundamentals |
| Content Part 1: Fundamentals of Telecommunications | ||||||||||||||
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| 1. Introduction to Telecommunications We begin with a big-picture, comprehensive introduction to broadband telecom: the ideas of broadband and convergence, today's telecom network, the various parts of the network, and three key technologies: IP, Ethernet and MPLS, explaining what they are and what they do. We cover end-to-end how a circuit is implemented, and identify typical residential, business and wholesale services.
B. Convergence C. Broadband D. Today's Telecom Network E. Network Core F. Ethernet, IP and MPLS G. Network Access H. Telecommunication Service Implementation I. Carrier Interconnect J. Residential, Business and Wholesale Services You'll receive a firm foundation in the fundamental concepts of telecom: elements of a circuit; clients, servers, peers and terminals; how pulses are used to represented bits on fiber; and how modems are used to represented them in wireless, cable TV and DSL. Next you'll learn how shared capacity is used to carry traffic from many users on common facilities through Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), overbooking and Bandwidth on Demand.
B. Terminals, Clients, Servers and Peers C. Pulses: Representing Bits on Digital Circuits D. Modems: Representing Bits in Frequency Channels E. Serial and Parallel F. Sharing: FDM on CATV, Radio and Fiber G. Sharing: Channelized TDM H. Efficient Sharing: Bandwidth on Demand and Statistical TDM Next, you'll receive a firm foundation in network fundamentals and jargon. Today's converged telecom network developed from what we use to call "data communications", that is packets in frames. Staying out of the details, we cover basic circuit configurations, learn how routers relay packets between circuits, and how packets are transmitted between devices in frames. We fill gaps and bring you up to speed on MAC frames, IP packets and MPLS labels, including the purpose of each and how they work together.
B. Balanced: LANs and Ethernet C. Frames and MAC Addresses D. Networks E. Packets and IP Addresses F. IP Packets in MAC Frames G. IP Packets H. MPLS Labels The Internet began in order to send text email messages and is now converged broadband communications worldwide. Here, we explain what exactly an Internet Service Provider (ISP) does, and how they can get packets delivered worldwide. We review browsers and apps, web clients and web servers, and then explain the huge business of cloud computing, web services and data centers.
B. The Inter-Net Protocol C. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) D. Domain Name System (DNS) E. Web Clients: Browsers and Apps F. Web Servers: HTTP, HTTPS, HTML G. Web Services H. Cloud Computing and AWS I. Data Centers J. Net Neutrality A complete foundation in telecom must include understanding where the money is, which is in services with recurring billing. We organize services into the categories of Residential, Business and Wholesale, and identify the current choices and offerings in each category. We include Broadband Internet, Internet VoIP with a PSTN phone number, and video streaming for residences; in the business category VPNs, PRI, Centrex, and SIP trunking; and wholesale services wavelengths, dark fiber, Carrier Ethernet and IP transit.
2. POTS & PSTN Phone Calls 3. VoIP Internet Telephone Service 4. "Basic Cable" and Video-on-Demand
2. "MPLS Services" and MPLS VPNs 3. Internet VPNs 4. Centrex 5. PRI & PBX Trunking, SIP Trunking
2. Software-Defined Network (SDN) 3. Internet Transit 4. Content Delivery Networks (CDN) The converged network carries all types of media: voice, text, video, and images in packets. Digitizing the media is the essential first step, which means representing media using 1s and 0s, so it can be carried in packets. You'll learn how voice is digitized and then reconstructed applying the G.711 64 kb/s standard. You'll see that the same principles are applied to images in formats like jpg, and to mp4 videos. We review binary and hexadecimal, and then finish with unicode for emojis and text.
B. Continuous Signals, Discrete Signals C. Voice Digitization (Analog → Digital Conversion) D. Voice Reconstruction (Digital → Analog Conversion) E. Digital Voice: 64kb/s G.711 Standard F. Digital Video: H.264 / MP4, HD, 4K G. Digital Images: JPG, GIF, PNG H. Digital Images in Emails: MIME I. Digital Quantities: Binary and Hex J. Digital Text: ASCII and Unicode |
Course 101 Part 2: Telecom Technologies |
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| 7. Wireless In this segment, we focus on wireless transmission. We identify basic principles of operation and the components of a mobile network. We explain the requirements for mobility, coverage and capacity, and the reason cellular radio systems are used. You’ll understand how mobile to land-line (PSTN) phone calls are connected, and about roaming, mobile Internet and virtual operators. We cover mobile 4G LTE and 5G, plus fixed wireless broadband home internet. You'll learn about WiFi and the 802.11ax standard, and finally satellite communications.
B. Spectrum C. Mobile Network Components and Operation
2. Transceivers 3. Backhaul 4. Mobile Switches & MTSOs E. PSTN Phone Calls with the Phone App ("Voice Minutes") F. Mobile Internet ("Data Plan") G. Broadband Delivery: Cellular + WiFi H. Mobile Operators, MVNOs and Roaming I. Spectrum-Sharing Technologies: FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, OFDM J. 4G LTE K. 5G New Radio (NR) L. 3.5 GHz Fixed Wireless Broadband Internet M. WiFi: 802.11 Standards & Wireless LANs N. LEO and GEO Satellites The network core is created by connecting routers to other routers point-to-point with fiber. Telephone companies used to run copper wires to access every home in a suburb. They are now investing to run fiber to access every home. In this segment, you'll learn the basics of fiber, wavelengths, WDM and the makeup of fiber cables. You'll learn how Optical Ethernet implements the fiber connections, plus how Optical Ethernet is used in fiber to the premise via PONs (Passive Optical Networks) in the core and in metro areas.
B. Fiber and Cable Construction C. Distance-Limiting Factor: Dispersion D. Optical Wavelengths and Bands E. Wave-Division Multiplexing: CWDM and DWDM F. Optical Ethernet G. Network Core: Regional Rings and POPs H. Metropolitan Area Network I. Fiber to the Premise
2. Active Optical Network 3. MAN Stations and Stubs The physical access circuit in suburbs and cities, before wireless and fiber, was two copper wires for telephone and cable TV service. These wires are used today to deliver broadband. In this segment, you'll learn how the twisted pairs, put in place originally for analog POTS telephone service, are used to deliver DSL broadband service; how broadband on coaxial cable is moved by cable modems; and how both are delivered to the neighborhood on fiber then on copper to the premise. To finish, we explain digital on copper wires: T1s and LAN cables.
2. Analog Circuits 3. The Voiceband 4. Plain Ordinary Telephone Service (POTS) 5. DTMF 6. DSL and VDSL2 7. Fiber to the Node plus DSL to the Premise
2. Cable Modems 3. DOCSIS D. LAN Cables and Categories |
Course 101 Part 3: Equipment, Carriers and Interconnect |
| Content Part 3: Equipment, Carriers and Interconnect | ||||||
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| 10. Telecom Equipment In this segment, we review the various types of telecom equipment, starting with the essentials for the broadband telecom network: IP/MPLS routers and Ethernet switches, comparing costs and capabilities. Next, we review the various types of broadband customer premise equipment. To explain call managers, soft switches and SIP servers, we compare them with legacy PBXs and CO switches to see the fundamental differences. We finish with gateways and how gateways convert packets to channels.
B. Broadband Customer Premise Equipment C. CO Switches, PBXs and Remotes D. Call Managers, Soft Switches and SIP Servers E. Gateways For customers of different carriers to commmunicate, the carriers' networks must be physically connected. In this segment, we explain how the Internet is implemented, with transit agreements and peering at Internet Exchange buildings. We also explain about POPs in toll centers: where and how local exchange service providers: mobile providers, ILECs and CATV, connect together and connect to other carriers to enable phone calls using a PSTN phone number; and how calls are set up using SS7. We end by explaining where a CLEC fits in the story by collocating equipment in wire centers.
B. Toll Centers: Interconnecting PSTN Telephone Calls C. IXCs and LECs: Implementing Long-Distance Competition D. Switched Access and POPs E. CATV and Wireless Local Exchange Carriers F. SS7 G. COs and Wire Centers H. Local Competition: CLEC – Collocation plus ILEC Dark Fiber |
Course 101 Part 4: Networking |
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| 12. The OSI Layers and Protocol Stacks To interoperate systems, so many functions must be performed that a structure is needed to organize the functions in order to treat separate issues separately. We begin part four with the ISO 7-Layer Open Systems Interconnection Reference Model, the most commonly-used structure. We explain what a layer is, each layer's purpose, give examples of protocols used to implement layers like TCP and IP, and provide a practical view of how protocol stacks work for applications like VoIP and web surfing.
B. ISO OSI Reference Model C. OSI 7-Layer Model D. Physical Layer: DSL, 802.3, DOCSIS E. Data Link Layer: 802 MAC F. Network Layer: IP and MPLS G. Transport Layer: TCP and UDP H. Session Layer: POP, SIP, HTTP I. Presentation Layer: ASCII, Encryption, Codecs J. Application Layer: HTML, SMTP, English … K. Protocol Stack in Operation: Eg. Babushka Dolls L. Standards Organizations Ethernet is used for linking devices point-to-point in all network parts, thus implementing OSI model Layers 1 and 2 together. In this segment, we review the basic principles of LANs and Ethernet formalized by stardards in the 802 series, plus the concepts of broadcast domains, MAC addresses and MAC frames. You'll learn how Layer 2 switches, also called LAN switches, connect devices, and use VLANs to separate devices for basic network security.
B. Ethernet and 802 standards C. Layer 2 / Ethernet Switches D. VLANs This segment is focused on IP which is used to implement Layer 3. We start with IP addressing: address classes, DHCP, subnets, static and dynamic addresses, private and public addresses and Network Address Translation. We use a simple IP network to show how routers relay packets from link to link to implement the network, and also serve as a point of control denying communications based on port number and/or IP address. We finish this segment with IPv6 addressing.
B. Subnets: Prefix and Subnet Mask C. DHCP, Static and Dynamic Addresses D. Assigning Subnets to Broadcast Domains E. IP Network: Routers and Routing Tables F. Routers and Customer Edge (CE) G. Public and Private IPv4 Addresses H. Network Address Translation (NAT) I. IPv6 J. IPv6 Address Types and Address Allocation In the future everything, including television and phone calls, will be carried in IP packets. However, IP in itself does not provide any way to manage or prioritize traffic to guarantee picture quality or call quality. MPLS is used in a carrier's network core to implement those functions. In this segment, we cover the basics of carrier networks and the need for Service Level Agreements. You’ll gain practical knowledge on how MPLS works and how carriers use it to implement different Classes of Service, VPNs, traffic aggregation and service integration.
B. Class of Service (CoS) and Service Level Agreements C. Provider Equipment at the Customer Premise D. Virtual Circuit Technologies E. MPLS F. MPLS VPNs for Business Customers G. MPLS for Service Integration H. MPLS and Diff-Serv Supporting Classes of Service I. MPLS for Traffic Aggregation The final segment brings together all of the concepts with a top-down review. You’ll gain valuable insights into telecom methodology and project management. We review broadband, telecom, datacom and networking services, technologies and solutions. We conclude by peeking at the future of telecommunications, when the Internet and telephone network become the same thing.
B. Requirements Analysis C. High-Level Design D. Review: Circuits and Services E. Technology Roundup F. Private Network G. Carrier IP Services H. The Future |
Course 130 Voice over IP, SIP, Security, 5G and IoT
An investment in your knowledge skills that will be repaid many times over your career.
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Course 130 Part 1: Voice over IP and SIP |
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Course Descriptions
We start with VoIP buzzwords and jargon, the basics of voice in IP packet communications, what the system components are, what each component does: soft switches, terminals, media servers and gateways, plus the main protocols and standards used in VoIP systems. We finish with "where this is all headed" and what will basic “telephone” service be in 20 years.
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A. The Big Picture
B. VoIP System Components
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1. Terminals
2. Voice in IP Packets
3. Softswitches / Call Managers / SIP Servers
4. Media Servers and Unified Messaging
5. Gateways
6. LANs and WANs
D. The Future: Broadband IP Dial Tone
"Voice over IP" can be connected in many different ways. We start explaining VoIP phone calls by understanding how it all began: individuals phoning each other over the Internet. We demonstrate Internet VoIP telephone service with a Voice over IP phone call over the Internet to a Landline. We trace the voice packets from one end to the other through all of the circuits, devices and carriers involved, starting from a laptop through the Internet and then back to a cellphone from someone in the class.
- A. Internet Telephony: VoIP Computer to Computer over the Internet
B. Internet Telephony Example: Skype
C. VSPs: Internet to Phone
D. Class Exercise: Follow a Phone Call from a Laptop to a Cellphone
E. VSP: Internet VoIP to/from a PSTN Phone Number e.g. Vonage
F. VoIP Replaces POTS
We compare and contrast the different business choices for a VoIP phone system: replacing a PBX with a Softswitch / Call Manager; upgrading an existing PBX; implementing a Hosted PBX; Cloud-based services; using a Softswitch as a Service; and IP Centrex from a phone company. You’ll have the knowledge to differentiate with confidence between VoIP architectures and discuss the pros and cons of the options.
- A. VoIP-Enabled PBX or Migration Options
B. PBX Replacement: Premise Call Manager / Softswitch
C. Softswitch as a Service (SaaS): Hosted PBX and Cloud Services
D. SIP Trunking
E. IP Centrex
F. Open-Source and Asterisk Softswitch Software
G. Phone Powering and PoE
H. LAN Configuration for VoIP
SIP is the standard, open protocol for setting up VoIP telephone calls. The Session Initiation Protocol must be adhered to by all standards-based VoIP systems. It defines the messages and procedure used to set up a telephone call or other types of IP communication. We explain what SIP is and how it works and fits in with call managers and softswitches; demystify the jargon like proxy server; and trace the steps to establish an IP phone call one step at a time. In the end, you'll understand how telephone calls happen in VoIP phone systems – perhaps worth attending the course in of itself!
- A. What SIP is and Does
B. Relationship to Other Protocols
C. SIP URIs: "Telephone Numbers"
D. Registration and Location
E. Outbound Proxy
F. Finding the Far End
G. The SIP Trapezoid
H. SIP Message Example
I. How SIP Relates to Call Managers and Softswitches
J. Relating PSTN Phone Numbers and SIP URIs
K. Google Voice: SIP Services in the Cloud for Individuals
5. Voice Quality
Call quality is most important, particularly to the callers! In this segment, we explain what factors affect VoIP quality and how to correct any problems. You'll learn the factors that affect voice quality including codec, delay, jitter and lost packets, and how it is measured. We demystify how packets get “lost” or delayed, and you'll hear the resulting effects. We finish with a checklist of practical tips and recommendations to ensure success.
- A. Voice Packetization
B. Measuring Voice Quality
C. Factors Affecting Voice Quality
D. Codecs, Compression and the G.711 codec
E. Network Delay and Jitter
F. RTP and UDP
G. IP Networks: Layers 1-3
H. Protocol Stack: UDP, RTP, IP, MAC
I. In-Class Demo: Packet Loss and Sound Samples
J. How to Test and Troubleshoot Voice Quality
K. Tips to Maximize Voice Quality
6. VoIP Carrier Services
We round out the VoIP part of the course with carrier connections. We begin with Class of Service performance guarantees in SLAs, Service Level Agreements, and end with selecting a VoIP carrier. We cover SIP trunking as a replacement for PBX trunks in business phone systems; how incumbent, cellular, cable and internet carriers connect for PSTN-VoIP phone calls; and connecting with Megaco and gateways.
- A. Class of Service (CoS)
B. SIP Trunking
C. VoIP at the Carrier and Session Border Controllers
D. PSTN-VoIP Interconnection at the Toll Center
E. PSTN Tandem Access Trunks Interconnection at the Toll Center
F. Connecting with Megaco and Gateways
G. Comparing Transmission Choices
H. Selecting a VoIP Carrier
The VoIP section finishes with a group exercise, fill-in-the-blank Final Exam, to identify all the pieces of information need to make a VoIP telephone call happen in each OSI Model layer. Don’t panic: the class divides into groups to do the open book exam together. This exercise is very useful to confirm the knowledge gained to this point in the BOOT CAMP week.
Course 130 Part 2: Security |
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Course Descriptions
7. SECURITY
The more ways things are connected, the more ways for criminals to make money. This extensive segment will give you a complete overview of security. We start with an overview and identify the valuable targets. We cover phishing and extortion, and what happens with data from "breaches". Then, we explore the risks, the measures taken, and the best practices in firewalls, network security and ports; private and public key encryption, digital certificates, digital signatures, VPNs; trojans, viruses and exploits and finally VoIP security.
- A. Security Areas, Risks and Policy
B. Attacker Objectives
C. Phishing and Extortion
D. Using Stolen Usernames and Passwords
E. Network Security: Segmentation and Perimeters
F. Packet Forwarding versus Packet Filtering
G. Port Filtering & Open Ports
H. Firewalls & Firewall Proxies
I. Stateful Packet Inspection Firewalls
J. Private Key and Public Key Encryption
K. Digital Signatures, Authentication and Passwords
L. Digital Certificates, TLS and SSL
M. WiFi Security and WPA2
N. IP VPNs
O. IPsec and Key Management
P. Viruses
Q. Trojan Horses and Spyware
R. Exploits, Zero-Day Exploits and National Vulnerability Database
S. VoIP Security
Course 130 Part 3: 5G and IoT |
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Course Descriptions
8. 5G: New Radio and New Spectrum
In this segment, you'll learn the latest developments for deployment of 5G, the next generation of wireless. We explain the immediate impact of 5G which is a 40% increase in the number of bits per second per Hz, allowing for massive MIMO and then, longer-term, ultra-broadband millimeter wave applications. We explain the 5G design goals and the New Radio spectrum allocations. We end by covering the chip which is enabling the first 5G smartphones.
- A. The Immediate Impact of 5G: More Bits Per Second
B. Design Goals and Use Cases for 5G
C. New Radio: New Spectrum Allocations
D. Millimeter-Wave Bands
E. Massive MIMO
F. 5G Consumer Device Enabling Chip: Qualcomm Snapdragon X55
9. IoT
The Internet of Things: we begin by explaining exactly what that means, what Things, what and how they might communicate, the need for a computer in every Thing and how to power it.
- A. The Internet of Things (not)
B. Communications for Things
C. A Computer in every Thing
D. Power for every Thing
10. Application Examples: 5G, IoT and Convergence
We end BOOT CAMP and Course 130 with examples of 5G applications such as platooning on interstate highways, traffic flow optimization in Smart Cities, and ultra-low-power tracking, examples of IoT, and examples of VoIP and convergence.
- A. Public Safety Communications
B. Star-Trek-like Personal Communicators for Hospitals
C. Converged Applications on Business VoIP Phones
D. Virtual Contact Center
E. Hosted Contact Center Services
F. IP Contact Center Case Study
G. Platooning: Road Trains of Automobiles
H. Tracking: Ultra Low-Power
I. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality
J. Smart Cities
Course 133 Fundamentals of VoIP and IP Telecom Networks
A three-day vendor-independent training course covering all aspects of Voice over IP and the network it runs on. Specifically designed for non-engineering professionals, this course will fill in the gaps and get you up to speed on all of the fundamental concepts and technologies involved with Voice over IP and the network it runs on:
- What all of the VoIP jargon and buzzwords mean,
- How VoIP works end-to-end; all of the components involved
- Fundamentals of the network VoIP runs on
- Who supplies what, and how it all fits together
- Best practices, tips and tricks for managing deployment and migration.
Eliminate buzzword frustration, and gain the knowledge to be confident! This is career-enhancing knowledge that lasts a lifetime, and training that will be repaid many times over in increased accuracy and productivity.
With case studies and exercises, you will learn how a VoIP call is set up and carried end-to-end, how an organization saves money moving to softswitches and SIP trunking, project management, best practices and more.
Bonus! TCO Certified VoIP Analyst (CVA) Certification included!
Six online courses & CVA Certification Exam, both with unlimited repeats
Course Facts
PART 1: THE BIG PICTURE
- 1. Fundamentals of VoIP
2. Fundamentals of Telecom
3. Fundamentals of Datacom
4. The Many Different Implementations of VoIP
- 5. Voice Packetization and Voice Quality
6. SIP and Softswitches
7. SIP Trunking & Carrier Connections
8. Testing and Troubleshooting VoIP
- 9. Organizing the Discussion: the OSI Layers
10. Ethernet on Copper, Fiber and Wireless
11. IP Addresses and Routers
12. TCP, UDP and Ports
13. IP Network Quality: CoS, QoS, SLAs and MPLS
- 14. VoIP Migration Project: Template with Steps, Tips and Tricks
- Class Exercise: Trace a VoIP Call End-to-End Across Different Networks
Class Activity: Listen to Sound Clips with Packet Loss, Delay and Jitter
Group Exercise: Case Study – Saving Money Migrating Five-State Company to VoIP
Class Exercise: IP and MAC Addresses
Group Exercise: Group Collaboration Open-Book Final Exam
Printed 300-page course workbook with detailed notes, sure to be a valuable reference VoIP Quality Metrics and Thresholds poster.
Duration, CPE Credits and Tuition Fees
3 days, CPE credits: 20 contact hours
Tuition $1495
Certification & Online Courses Included
TCO Certified VoIP Analyst (CVA) Certification Package, Unlimited Plan
Six online courses + CVA exam, with unlimited course & exam repeats included
Course Descriptions
PART 1: THE BIG PICTURE
1. FUNDAMENTALS OF VOIPWe will start with the fundamentals of Voice over IP: the basics of communicating voice in IP packets, demystifying the jargon and buzzwords and explaining in plain English the components of a VoIP telephone system like soft switches and gateways, what each does, along with protocols like SIP.
- A. Why VoIP? Saving Money Via Convergence
B. VoIP System Components
- 1. VoIP Phones
2. Voice in IP Packets
3. Softswitches / SIP Servers / Call Managers
4. Media Servers and Unified Messaging
5. Gateways
6. LANs and WANs
As one of the main uses of VoIP is to make telephone calls, having a solid base in the fundamentals of telecom and the telephone network is essential. You will fill in gaps and learn how the telephone network is structured, who does what, how it’s done, and how connections are made. We’ll demystify loops and trunks, COs and wire centers, analog, the voiceband, digital, DS0 channels vs. packets, switched access and toll centers, and understand how phone companies, cable companies, wireless carriers and internet VoIP carriers connect.
- A. The Public Telephone Network
B. Loops, trunks and circuit switching
C. Analog, The Voiceband and POTS
D. Line card: in CO, Remote, OPI, CPE, then gone
E. Voice Digitization: 64 kb/s and DS0s
F. Voice in Packets vs. Voice in Channels
G. How and Where Carriers Connect VoIP
H. Toll Centers and POPs
I. Access, Switching, Transmission
J. Connecting Ma Bell, Cellular, Cable and Internet VoIP Carriers
In this module, you will learn the basics of data packet networks – now used to carry VoIP phone calls along with Internet traffic, video, business data and everything else. We’ll start with circuits, LANs and WANs, then understand the fundamental ideas of how routers relay packets from one circuit to another to reach the far end, and how this is accomplished with addresses and packets carried in frames.
- A. Circuits, LANs and WANs
B. Frames and MAC Addresses
C. Packets and IP Addresses
D. How Routers Implement Networks
4. THE MANY DIFFERENT IMPLEMENTATIONS OF VOIP
“Voice over IP” can happen in many different ways. One by one, we’ll review the many flavors of VoIP,
comparing and contrasting the various implementations and architecture choices. Starting with Internet
telephony, we will then understand VoIP at the telephone company, how VoIP connects to older
systems, and new services like SIP Trunking. We will compare and contrast choices for a VoIP
system: getting it from the phone company; buying a call manager / softswitch; renting a Hosted PBX;
and cloud solutions. You’ll gain the knowledge to confidently differentiate VoIP architectures and
discuss pros and cons of options.
- A. Internet Computer-Computer VoIP, e.g. Skype
B. VSP: Internet to Phone, e.g. Google Hangouts dialer
C. VSP: Phone to Phone over Internet, e.g. Vonage
D. VoIP Becomes The New POTS
E. VoIP at Carriers
F. Session Border Controllers
G. VoIP for Businesses and Organizations
H. VoIP-Enabled PBX, Migration Options
I. PBX Replacement with Softswitch / Call Manager
J. SIP Trunking Replacing PBX Trunks
K. Hosted PBX
L. Cloud Services and Softswitch as a Service (SaaS)
M. IP Centrex
N. Asterisk and Open-Source Softswitch Software
O. Phone Powering and Power over Ethernet (PoE)
We’ll establish a phone call from a VoIP client on a computer in the classroom via WiFi and the Internet to a cellphone in the classroom, and identify where the voice packets travel, from one circuit, device, and company to the next, end-to-end between the two sets of microphones and speakers. This will cement your understanding of VoIP telephone calls, the telecom business and how everything is connected.
PART 2: VOIP AND SIP NUTS AND BOLTS
5. PACKETIZED VOICE AND SOUND QUALITYIn this module, you’ll learn what exactly packetized voice is, how it happens, and the various standards in use. You’ll learn about the factors affecting sound quality, and how packets actually get “lost” in a network. We’ll listen to sound clips of impairments, and provide you with a practical checklist of tips and recommendations for ensuring success.
- A. Voice Packetization & RTP
B. UDP and Ports
C. Protocol Stack: RTP, UDP, IP, MAC
D. Measuring Voice Quality
E. Factors Affecting Voice Quality
F. Codecs: G.711, G.729, HD Voice
G. Network Delay and Jitter
H. How Packets Get “Lost”
Listening to sound clips, you’ll hear the effect of different levels of uncorrected delay, jitter and packet loss, and understand how the quality of the reproduced speech at the far end is affected.
6. SIP AND SOFTSWITCHES
SIP is the open, standard protocol for setting up Voice over IP telephone calls. All VoIP systems that
purport to be “compatible” or “standards-based” must implement the Session Initiation Protocol. SIP
defines the procedure and messages to set up a phone call – or any other kind of communication. In
this chapter, you’ll learn what exactly setting up a VoIP telephone call entails, understand what SIP is,
how it works, demystify jargon like proxy server, registration and location server, understand how SIP
fits in with softswitches and call managers, and trace the establishment of an IP phone call step by
step. At the end of this, you’ll understand how VoIP phone calls are set up – maybe worth attending
the course all by itself!
- A. Softswitch vs. PBX or CO Switch
B. What SIP is and What it Can Do
C. Relationship to Other Protocols
D. SIP URIs: “Telephone Numbers”
E. Registration and Location
F. Outbound Proxy
G. Finding the Far End
H. The SIP Trapezoid
I. SIP Message Example
J. Useful Call Disposition Rules Enabled by SIP
K. Similarities and Differences: VoIP vs. Web Browsing
L. SIPS: Transport-Layer Security
M. How SIP Relates to Softswitches and Call Managers
N. Google Voice: Cloud SIP Services for Individuals
7. SIP TRUNKING AND CARRIER CONNECTIONS
This chapter is all about connecting an in-building business VoIP phone system to the world. First, we’ll
understand how connections used to be implemented with PBX trunks and ISDN PRI service. Then
we’ll see how a gateway connects a modern VoIP system onto PBX trunks, and most importantly, how
SIP Trunking replaces PBX trunks with a lower-cost and more flexible solution.
Many big organizations have an existing data network, implemented as a VPN by a carrier. We’ll look
at the advantages and disadvantages of using the “data” VPN, or the Internet, compared to SIP
Trunking, and finish off with a practical checklist of features and technologies to require when choosing
a carrier.
- A. Installed Base: PBX Trunks & PRI Service
B. DS0 Interconnect with the Telephone Network
C. Gateways: PBX Trunks + PRI ↔ IP Packets + SIP
D. Megaco (H.248/RFC2885) and MGCP
E. SIP Trunking
F. Advantages of SIP Trunking over PBX Trunks
G. VoIP over “Data” VPNs
H. VoIP over Internet VPNs
I. Saving Money with Integrated Access
J. Fallback to PSTN?
K. Redundancy and Disaster Recovery
L. Tips for Selecting a VoIP Carrier
To cement your understanding of VoIP phone systems and carrier services, and even gain valuable insight into your own situation, you’ll work in a group to come up with the best solution for a company with 5,000 people in five states to migrate from PBX trunks to VoIP. The winners will be the ones who save the most money. Bonus points for saving money and providing useful new features!
8. TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING VOIPWe’ll round out the discussion of VoIP systems identifying what could go wrong, and how trouble is identified and resolved. Without getting bogged down on technical details, you will learn the main areas where things go wrong, what the trouble symptoms are, and how to go about fixing the problem.
- A. What Could Go Wrong?
B. Phone Issues
- 1. Phone Hardware and Software
2. Cabling and Powering
- 1. IP Addresses
2. SIP Registration
- 1. LAN
2. WAN
- 1. Fault Sectionalization
2. Network Device Audit
3. Testing Delay, Jitter, Packet Loss
4. Monitoring and Proactive Maintenance
PART 3: THE NETWORK
9. ORGANIZING THE DISCUSSIONMuch of the last day is devoted to understanding the modern IP-based telecom network. To get started, we’ll organize the discussion using the OSI 7-Layer Reference Model, explaining what a layer is, and what the layers are, and giving examples of protocols like TCP and IP and where they fit.
- A. The OSI Model
B. The OSI Layers
C. Protocol Stacks
Ethernet and its MAC frames are the building blocks of all new telecom networks, both in-building and between buildings. A VoIP phone plugs into a copper Ethernet LAN cable, or uses an Ethernet Wireless LAN to connect to the network. The network itself is built with point-to-point circuits conforming to the Optical Ethernet standard connecting equipment in different locations with fiber. In this module, you will learn the basic principles of Ethernet and LANs, the crucial concepts of MAC addresses, MAC frames and broadcast domains, how devices connect via LAN switches, and how VLANs separate groups of users.
- A. MAC Addresses, MAC Frames and Broadcast Domains
B. Ethernet and 802 standards
C. LAN Cables
D. Layer 2 Switches
E. VLANs
F. Optical Ethernet
G. Wireless Ethernet (WiFi)
Routers implement the network by relaying packets from one circuit to another. Determining which circuit to relay the packet to is the routing part of the story. In this module, you will fill in gaps, learn how IPv4 addresses are organized and how they are used to route packets between telephones during a VoIP phone call. We’ll cover DHCP, static vs. dynamic addresses, public vs. private addresses, NAT and how ARP relates Ethernet to IP. To be ready for the future, we’ll finish with a review of the IPv6 address structure and usage.
- A. IPv4 Address Classes
B. CIDR: Prefix and Subnet Mask
C. DHCP, Static and Dynamic Addresses
D. IP Network Example: Routers Connected with Dedicated Lines
E. Routers and Packet Filtering
F. Sending a Packet: Address Resolution Protocol
G. Public and Private IPv4 Addresses
H. Network Address Translation
I. IPv6
J. IPv6 Address Allocation and Address Types
Using the Windows interface, we’ll determine the current MAC and IP Addresses of a classroom computer, and the private and public IP addresses of the Edge Router and NAT it’s connected to. This will help visualize what IP addresses are, and covers two of the questions on the Final Exam.
12. TCP, UDP AND PORTS
You will learn that IP does not come with any guarantees. There is no guarantee a packet will be
delivered. Nada. To be sure a packet gets delivered, we use TCP or UDP. Plus, we’ll demystify a
second piece of information that sneaks in with TCP and UDP: ID of the computer program you want to
talk to. This ID is called the port number.
- A. Unreliable Network Service
B. Certified Mail
C. TCP vs. UDP
D. What is a Port?
E. Well-Known Ports
F. SIP Port and Media Port
You will also learn that IP networks do not come with any performance guarantees: when the next packet will be transmitted, and how often that might happen… but banks, other carriers, government and other large organizations need guarantees. Guaranteed IP packet data communications between locations is called a VPN or MPLS service. We’ll demystify and sort out quality of service, Class of Service (CoS), Service Level Agreement (SLA) and MPLS.
- A. Carrier Networks
B. MPLS
C. Class of Service Guarantees
D. Service Level Agreement
E. MPLS Services
At this point is the in-class Final Exam. The good news: it is done in groups, open book.
Determine the full VoIP protocol stack, identifying information needed at each of the 7 layers for a VoIP
– VoIP telephone call. Exam format: fill in the blanks on a diagram of a protocol stack.
This requires understanding all of the pieces involved in moving a telephone call in IP packets from one person to another, touching on everything covered in the course.
Everyone participating in the in-class group-collaboration open-book final exam will receive a course completion certificate. Those who write the optional online CVA exam after the class will also receive TCO Certified VoIP Analyst certification.
PART 4: PROJECT MANAGEMENT
14. VOIP MIGRATION PROJECT STEPS, TIPS AND TRICKS
The final module is a template for managing a VoIP project, with detailed checklists in the course book.
Going through the template, you’ll learn how to do it the “right” way, from analyzing requirements to
running trials, evaluating and selecting a vendor, rollout, acceptance testing and more. This project
management guide is packed with practical tips and checklists to put to immediate use. If you are
about to embark on a VoIP deployment, this might well be worth the price of the course all on its own!
- A. The Need for a Process
- 1. Requirements before design before product purchase
- 1. Who is in charge here?
2. Sales techniques to beware of
D. Step 2: Identify Potential Vendors
- 1. Generating a Request for Information (RFI)
2. Checklist: Who is providing what?
F. Step 4: Evaluate Qualified Vendors
- 1. Setting up a captive test environment
2. Trial their system
3. Procedure: How to run tests and evaluate the results
- 1. Generating a Request for Quote (RFQ)
2. Reconciling the RFQ and the responses
3. Dealing with unwanted features
- 1. Checklist: Core contract clauses and items that must be specified
2. Negotiating the price
- 1. Structured roll-out
2. Leaving room for a roll-back
- 1. Template: Trouble categories and response standards
Our Goal
Our goal is to bust the buzzwords, demystify jargon, understand technologies and mainstream solutions and -
most importantly - the ideas underlying all of this, and how it all works together... knowledge you can't get on the
job, talking to vendors or reading trade magazines.
How You Will Benefit
You'll gain a long-lasting, solid base of unbiased career-enhancing knowledge you can build on, an investment
sure to be repaid many times over, increasing your confidence and productivity and eliminating jargon- and
buzzword-related frustration.
Plus, you will receive a high-quality 300-page workbook – a valuable reference packed with detailed notes,
diagrams and practical explanations, with experience, tips and templates you can put to immediate use, as well
as a certificate attesting to your IP telecom knowledge skills.
Don't Miss This Opportunity!
If you've read this far, you know by now that this is the training you've been looking for to fill the gaps and get on top of VoIP and IP Telecom. Coverage of all major topics, high-quality course materials, TCO CVA certification and certificate suitable for framing, bonus poster and value pricing... don't miss this opportunity. Invest in yourself and your career and register for this course now.
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