Telecommunications

Telecommunication equipment refers to hardware components used in communication technologies which include radios, computers, and telephones. Initially, telecommunication equipment referred to the telephone network systems but that has since changed to include more advanced IT equipment such as mobile devices, base stations, LAN/WAN networking equipment among others. The reliability of these equipment depends on the physical handling. This post is intended to outline the best practices in handling telecommunications equipment.

Categories

The calibration, repair, and maintenance, as well as upgrade of telecommunication equipment, depends on the specific type of the equipment as this equipment are categorized into;

• Public Switching Equipment – the analog to digital equipment.
• Transmission Equipment – satellites, base transceiver stations (BTS), multiplexers and transmission lines.
• Customer Premises Equipment – such as private routers, switches, modems among others.

Calibration

On-site calibration of telecommunication equipment ensures peak performance of the network. There are a variety of options through which the equipment can be calibrated while at the same time maximizing the performance of the equipment. Calibration should be done on a regular basis to ensure optimum and maximum accuracy of the equipment measurements and performance. The standard steps of the calibration process are; Initial calibration, Operational precision checks and finally operational recalibration.

Proper calibration ensures the equipment meets the quality standard as expected. On the other hand, improper calibration leads to a compromise in the equipment network which will, as a result, impact the services provided by the equipment. (Ram Krishna, 2017)

Maintenance

Maintenance and repair of telecommunication equipment are crucial. It is done to maximize the performance of the equipment. Different tools are used for inspection and diagnosis of any problems. The tools used depends on possible problems. For instance, locating signal distortions require the use of polarity probes and spectrum analyzers. The repair options depend on the troubleshooting results after diagnosis. The equipment could be repaired using computer software, other specialized hardware or we could use hand tools such as screwdrivers to dismantle the equipment for further internal repairs. Repair and maintenance should conform to the instructions and standards of the manufacturer.

Troubleshooting

In most troubleshooting and repair processes, the repair is carried out in an ordered manner, following a series of steps. For example, the real problem and its source are looked for then the found problems are prioritized in that the technical team decides which problem to be solved first and in what order as well as knowing which part of the system or the software needs to be repaired first. Measuring the effectiveness of the maintenance process considers to which extent the maintenance has met the set objectives with regards to both the external and internal customer requirements. Having a highly effective maintenance system backs up equipment reliability and also enhances the profitability of the telecommunication equipment. (Oladejo.I, August 2014)

For the case of telecommunication network planning and maintenance, optimized service assurance is the solution. Since this is mostly an optimization problem, maintenance and planning require the application of some of the major optimization techniques which include; decision theory, particle-swam optimization, genetic algorithms, and colony optimization technique.

Nevertheless, expertise knowledge has proved to be very vital in handling networking telecommunication equipment so as to be able to define the problems adequately as well as in setting the accurate optimization parameters. The ever-rising demand for provision of improved, state of the art and better solutions and services has made the planning and maintenance of telecommunication networking equipment a complex field.

Due to its importance in the smooth operation of any system, telecommunication equipment maintenance could be widely treated as a complex part of the larger telecommunication management network. Maintenance of the telecommunication equipment is classified either as, preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance or controlled maintenance. (MARUYAMA, 2018)

General Safety Requirements: The Dos and Don’ts

Handling telecommunication equipment and systems requires precaution measures to avoid mistakes, problems, accidents, and hazardous situations. These requirements include:

Ensure the required warning signs are posted properly and clearly.

Always obey all warning signs: Ensure you read all the warning labels on the equipment before operating or using the equipment.

Ensure only trained and qualified personnel are allowed to either install, replace or maintain the equipment.

Ensure authorized tools are used for maintenance works.

Always ensure only flawless tools and utilities are used for equipment installation repair and maintenance: Ensure visibly damaged tools are not permitted to be used for any equipment process.

Always ensure there is adequate insulation when handling powered circuits to avoid the risk of electrical shock or electrocution.

Always ensure you disconnect the equipment from any power supply before handling the equipment.

Always use a multi-meter or a voltage sensor to confirm that the circuits or equipment being handled are surely de-energized.

Never assume anything; always double-check in case of any uncertainty.

Do not touch any conductor not until it is duly verified that it has already been de-energized.

Do not wear loose clothing or long hair while handling the equipment.

Always wear protective gloves while splicing the fiber-optic cables.

In the events of an emergency/accident, always ensure you remain calm and controlled.

In case of an accident, always ensure you switch off the power supply before touching any equipment at the site of the accident.

Always report any unsafe condition, equipment or material as soon as possible.

Upgrade

Upgrade of telecommunication equipment is either due to the rising needs of the customer or as advised by the manufacturer’s recommendations or instructions. The equipment upgrade does not alter the quality standard of the equipment. Actually, an equipment upgrade is mostly done to ensure the target quality of service (QoS) is set and achieved in a cost-effective manner.

Various tools and techniques are required in this process such as computer software, instruction manuals, required training among other necessary system requirements.

Once the upgrade of the telecommunication equipment takes place, the staff taking care of installation, operation, and maintenance are also updated to be on board with the latest upgraded maintenance technology techniques so as to ensure continuous reliability.

In conclusion, having a proper installation, maintenance, repair, replacement and upgrade policies of the telecommunication equipment in any telecommunication industry solves the constant cases of telecommunication breakdown.

 

 

References

MARUYAMA, S. (2018). The Latest Information of Regulations and Certification Systems of Telecommunication Equipment. MRA International.

Oladejo.I, O. A. (August,2014). Evaluation of Maintenance Policy in Telecommunication Industry in Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research in Electronics and Communications (IJIREC), 13-21.

Ram Krishna, D. (. (2017). Approach towards standardization of Telecom Equipment for Certification of “Green Passport. India: TEC.