Telecommunications Classes

Broadband, Telecommunications, Data communications, IP Networking, Wireless, and VoIP Training Seminars and Courses


Course 101  Broadband, Telecom, Datacom & Networking for Non-Engineersget more info button

Broadband, Telecom, Datacom & Networking for Non-Engineers is a three-day modular course.

Thousands of people from organizations ranging from Cisco, Intel, Qualcomm, Microsoft, the CIA, IRS, FAA and US Army to Oneida Tableware and the SF Giants who needed to be more effective in understanding and dealing with telecom, wireless and network technology have benefited from this course.

The course content, its order, our explanations and analogies have been refined over more than 20 years and continually updated.
    We start by laying a foundation, build on layers of content, and finish with the future.
    We bust the buzzwords, explaining the key ideas, concepts and jargon.
    We build structured knowledge with our systematic approach to the topics ... knowledge that will last a lifetime.

This core training - and our seasoned instructors - receive rave reviews on evaluations time and again.

Many attendees say that they wish they'd received this training years ago!
You gain key conceptual knowledge that you can't get from vendors, magazines or on the job.


Course 101  Module 1: Fundamentals of Telecommunications

The first module covers broadband, IP packet network fundamentals, the Public Switched Telephone Network, the telecom business, carriers, the internet as a business, and digitization of media… and lays the groundwork for understanding everything.

Topics Covered
 Converged broadband IP telecom network
 Telecom fundamentals: multiplexing, modems and pulses
 Network fundamentals: MAC frames, IP packets
 The Internet, Net neutrality, Internet Service Providers
 Data Centers, Cloud Computing, Web Services
 Residential, Business and Wholesale Services
 Digitizing Media: images, video, data, text and voice


Course 101  Module 2: Access Technologies

In module two, we look at the three main technologies - wireless, fiber and copper - used to transmit information between locations. You learn about 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi, fixed wireless broadband internet and satellites; mobile network components and operations; and the wireless spectrum. We cover fiber optic basics, configuring networks running Optical Ethernet with point-to-point fibers, fiber to the premise, in the metro and core, and wave-division multiplexing. We finish by discussing copper-wire technologies: POTS and DSL using twisted pair, Hybrid Fiber-Coax cable services, T1 and the LAN cables categories.

Topics Covered
 Wireless: Mobile Internet, Cellular, 4G, 5G
 Wi-Fi, 3.5 GHz Broadband Home Internet, Satellite
 Fiber: fundamentals, PONs, WDM, Optical Ethernet
 Copper: POTS, DSL, DSLAMs, Cable Modems, T1, LAN cables


Course 101  Module 3: Telecom Equipment, Carriers and Interconnect

In module three, we explore the equipment used to connect wireless, fiber and copper to form networks, and its placement and purpose. You learn how and where physical connections occur for PSTN phone calls, Internet traffic and CLEC services.

Topics Covered
 Layer 2 Switches, Core Routers
 PBXs & CO Switches versus Softswitches, Gateways
 Internet Exchanges
 POPs, CLECs, Switched Access


Course 101  Module 4: Networking

The final module focuses on IP networking and MPLS. Starting with the OSI Reference Model provides a structure for discussion of what the layers are, and the functions and standard protocols of each layer. Then we discuss Layer 2: Ethernet, broadcast domains, 802 standards and VLANs. Next, we cover Layer 3: IP addresses, IP routers, Network Address Translation, DHCP, private and public addresses and IPv6. We explain MPLS, which is the core traffic management system, then how service integration, classes of service, VPNs and traffic aggregation are implemented using MPLS. We finish with a top-down review and a roundup of technologies, then a glimpse into the future of telecommunications.

Topics Covered
 Protocol Stacks, OSI Layers
 LAN switches, VLANs, Ethernet LANs
 IP addresses, public-private addresses, Routers, DHCP, NAT
 IPv6 address types, address allocation
 Carrier networks, Service Classes, SLAs
 Integration, aggregation, VPNs, MPLS for CoS
 Practical solutions and project methodology



Course 130  Voice over IP, Security, SIP, 5G and IoTget more info button

Voice over IP, Security, SIP, 5G and IoT is a 2 day course with a vendor-independent approach for non-engineers covering VoIP, SIP, a comprehensive security survey, 5G, and the IoT (Internet of Things) and finishing with cool examples of applications such as ultra-low-power tracking, Platooning on Interstates and Smart Cities.

Course 130  Part 1: VoIP and SIP

You learn the fundamentals of VoIP plus the components of Voice over IP systems and what each does including gateways, soft switches, media servers and terminals, plus the primary standards and protocols used.

We cover Internet Voice over IP for individuals, and business Voice over IP phone systems sorting out the pros and cons of Call Manager / Softswitch versus IP Centrex versus Hosted PBX versus Cloud Service. Then we cover carrier connections and SIP Trunking. The last lesson covers "where this is headed" - what people will have as basic "telephone" service in 20 years.

Topics Covered
 VoIP Systems, Standards, Components, Buzzwords and Jargon
 VoIP for Individuals
 VoIP Systems for Businesses
 Call Flow and SIP
 Voice Quality
 SIP Trunking and Carrier Services


Course 130  Part 2: Security

Telecommunications allows information transfer and has many benefits, however it can also be a vehicle for malicious attacks.

We begin with an overview of security and identification of valuable targets. We update your knowledge of security risks and measures, beginning with phishing and extortion messages, then network security, ports and firewalls, and Public Key Encryption. Encryption leads to a discussion of Internet VPNs, SD-WANs, digital signatures, digital certificates, and Wi-Fi security. We finish this extensive part with viruses, trojans and exploits, and VOIP security.

Topics Covered
 Areas of risk, attacker objectives
 Phishing, credential re-use, extortion
 Firewalls, ports, network security
 Public and private key encryption, Internet VPNs, SD-WAN
 Digital signatures, authentication, passwords
 Digital certificates, TLS, SSL
 Viruses, trojans, spyware and zero-day exploits
 Wi-Fi security, VoIP security


Course 130  Part 3: 5G and IoT

Te final module of the course covers upcoming technologies like 5G wireless and IoT. The Internet of Things means everything from self-driving trucks to toasters to human brain implants will eventually be online.

Topics Covered
 New Radio and new spectrum means more bits/second
 600 and 700 MHz, 2 GHz and mmWave at 30 GHz
 5G use cases; 5G handset chip: Snapdragon X55
 Massive MIMO
 IoT examples: ultra-low-power tracking, Smart City traffic and parking management, meters and monitors, highway platooning



Course 120  Understanding Wirelessget more info button

Understanding Wireless is a 2 day intensive private course, covering today's wireless technologies designed to get your non‑engineering team up-to-speed and fill in the gaps - ideal for anyone wanting to enhance their productivity and knowledge base.

Check out the Certified Wireless Analyst online version including the TCO CWA certification available to anyone.

We begin with radio fundamentals and spectrum, followed by cellular and mobile communications, and finally Wi-Fi and fixed wireless systems.

For every seminar, the material is updated for the latest technologies such as 3.5 GHz fixed wireless and 5G.

The course can be customized to emphasize mostly mobility or mostly Wi-Fi based on your needs.

You get two days of training to put in place a strong base of understanding of the latest wireless technologies, plus a course book for each person of over 300 pages.

Topics Covered
 Fundamentals of radio: analog and digital, frequencies, spectrums and bands, interference
 Wireless LANs: Concepts, standards, equipment, configuration, deployment, performance and security
 Other wireless technologies: Bluetooth, satellite internet access, LMDS
 Mobile communications: Mobility, registration, handoffs, first generation analog cellular and 2G digital PCS
 CDMA spread spectrum versus TDMA/GSM
 3G, competing technologies: UMTS/W-CDMA and cdma2000 1X, HSPA
 4G LTE
 5G
 Data over cellular, the Wireless Web, and applications



Course 133  Fundamentals of VoIP and IP Telecom Networksget more info button

Fundamentals of VoIP and IP Telecom Networks is a 3 day vendor-independent course covering all fundamental concepts and technologies of VoIP, SIP, SIP trunking, VoIP telephone systems and telecom neworks.

With numerous case studies and group exercises, your team will learn about today's converged broadband IP network, what SIP is, how a VoIP call is set up and carried end-to-end, how an organization saves money using softswitches and SIP trunking, who supplies what and how all of it works together, best practices and more.

You receive three days of training with a top-ranked instructor, a detailed course book for each person of over 280 pages, plus bonus CVA online courses and TCO Certified VoIP Analyst certification.

Course 133  Part 1: The Big Picture

We begin with a comprehensive high-level introduction to today's telecom network. We cover the concepts of broadband and convergence, the parts of the network, and the three key technologies - IP, Ethernet and MPLS including what they are and do. We explain how carriers implement a service end-to-end, and identify the standard services available today for residential, business and wholesale.

Next, we demystify the jargon and buzzwords and explain in plain English the fundamentals of VoIP: how voice is communicated in IP packets, what each component of a VoIP phone system, like softswitches and gateways, does, and protocols like SIP.

We cover the key technologies and concepts in IP networks reviewing basic circuit configurations, using MAC frames to communicate IP packets, relaying packets from one circuit to another using routers, and implementing traffic management using MPLS.

We review the many flavors of VoIP for individuals, starting with Internet telephony: computer-computer VoIP over the Internet and various types of Internet-Public telephone network VoIP. We will trace a VoIP telephone call from a laptop over the Wi-Fi to the Internet, through a mobile network operator and finally to a cellphone in the class, identifying all the components, buildings, circuits and companies involved end-to-end.

Finally, we will review VoIP implementation options and the pros and cons for organizations including using SIP Trunking instead of expensive PBX trunks; getting VoIP from the phone company; renting a Hosted PBX; buying a call manager or softswitch; and cloud solutions.

Topics Covered
 Introduction to Broadband Converged IP Telecommunications
 The Fundamentals of VoIP
 The Fundamental of Networks
 Various Implementations of VoIP for Individuals
 Various Implementations of VoIP for Organizations


Course 133  Part 2: VoIP and SIP

Here, we cover what packetized voice is exactly, its implementation, and the standards in use. We explain the factors affecting sound quality, how packets can be “lost” in a network, and practical tips and recommendations to ensure success.

Next, we explain the steps to set up a VoIP phone call; what SIP is, how SIP works and how it fits in with call managers and softswitches; and demystify jargon like proxy, registration and location servers.

Finally, we look at how to connect an organization's in-building VoIP telephone system to the world. We explain how a gateway can connect a modern VoIP system to PBX trunks or how SIP Trunking can replace PBX trunks. Alternatively, we examine how an existing data VPN or the Internet can be used instead of SIP Trunking and how to choose a carrier.

Topics Covered
 Voice Packetization and Voice/Sound Quality
 SIP and Softswitches
 SIP Trunking & Carrier Connections


Course 133  Part 3: The Network

The last day focuses on understanding modern IP-based telecom networking. We begin by describing the OSI 7-Layer Reference Model which provides a framework for the discussion. Then we cover the basic principles, LANS and Ethernet, MAC addresses, MAC frames, broadcast domains, LAN switches, VLANs and Optical Ethernet. Next, you will learn how IPv4 and IPv6 addresses are organized, allocated, and used to route packets for calls. We cover DHCP, public vs. private addresses, static vs. dynamic addresses and NAT. Finally we show how MPLS is used to guarantee packet communications between locations and define VPN, Class of Service, Quality of Service, and Service Level Agreement. We finish with a discussion of lower-cost Internet VPNs and SD-WAN.

Topics Covered
 The OSI Layers
 Ethernet on Copper, Wireless, Fiber
 IP Networks, Routers, Addresses
 Carrier Networks, MPLS VPNs versus SD-WAN



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