Who is it for?

  • New Staff working in IT
  • Switchboard supervisors
  • Directors responsible for comms
  • IT Professionals
  • Facilities Managers
  • Managers looking to take advantage of modern electronic communications
  • Anyone requiring a basic knowledge of communications

What's Included

 

  • Full access to the course website with all the course content
  • Support from your course tutor
  • An electronic Glossary of Terms
  • A laptop bag for your materials

You Will Need

 

You will need an Internet-connected PC and access to both email and a web browser such as Internet Explorer. A broadband Internet connection is ideal. It would be possible to access the course with a dial-up connection although it would be very slow.

Related Courses

Introduction to Datacomms

Introduction to Contact Centres

Advanced Communications

Pre-requisites

The Introduction to Communications courses is designed for those with little or no prior knowledge of communications technologies. If you select the online course you should be reasonably confident using the Internet to access web pages. You will also need basic reading and computing skills such as the ability to use a word processor.

Introduction to Communications Course - Online

Summary

Available: Online

Level: Entry Level

Duration: Online (Variable - See below),

Cost: £395 plus VAT

 

Overview

Introduction to Communications is an entry level course which provides an introduction to voice and data communications for those with no or little previous knowledge of the subject.

This is one of our most popular courses and is constantly being updated to keep pace with new technology. We will provide you with the latest information in a straightforward and practical way - don't worry, we will explain the jargon!

This course takes the mystery out of communications technology, both voice and data. It explains how such systems operate, which suppliers provide which products and services and how to obtain real benefits.

The course is intended for those seeking a broad subject knowledge which is suitable for someone coming into the industry, taking over responsibility for communications or those who simply want to expand their knowledge.


Content

The world of communications technology is fast moving. The historical approach of separate voice and data strategies has all but disappeared and companies are eager to take advantage of modern communications practices. Indeed, the efficiency, cost and reliability of communications systems often directly affect the success of an enterprise. Just imagine how long your company would survive without email, telephones and computers!

The course provides an overview of the technologies, suppliers and products in telephony, data services and mobile services. The course starts with an introduction to some common terminology such as bits, bytes, analogue and digital.

The first module considers voice communications and looks into telephone systems, voice networks, regulations and the associated systems, such as voice mail. The second module looks at mobility including different suppliers, technology options and both mobile voice and data.

The course develops knowledge in cabling, the core infrastructure required to run a modern voice and data communications system. The data communications module reviews technologies such as switches, bridges and routers. The course explains the role of these products and how they work together.

The course reviews public network services, such as those available from BT, and finally looks at new developments in the market.

 

Agenda

The key areas covered by the course are as follows:

 

Initial Concepts
  • Software and Hardware
  • Operating Systems / Languages / Applications
  • Binary, Bytes and Bits
  • Types of Computer
  • Analogue vs Digital
  • What is Comms?
Voice Systems and Services
  • Voice Basics and Background
  • Telephone Systems
  • Voice Networks
  • Regulation
Mobile Communications
  • Background to Mobile
  • The Network Suppliers
  • Types of Network and Standards
  • WAP and GPRS
  • Handsets and Gateways
  • Call Control, Network Quality and Reliability
  • Management
  • Safety and Operation
Cabling
  • The Role and Types of Cabling
  • The Categories of Cabling
  • Traditional Voice Cabling
  • Structured Cabling
  • Cabling Standards
  • Cat. 6 and Wireless
Data Systems
  • Data Basics and Background
  • Local and Wide Area Networks
  • The Role of Networking Equipment
  • Data Issues to Consider
Network Services
  • Network Suppliers
  • Analogue and Digital Exchange Lines
  • Private Circuits
  • Virtual Private Networks
  • Featureline and Centrex
  • xDSL
  • Network Based Services
New Developments & Futures
  • .Voice, IP and the PBX
  • The Development of Network Services
  • Mobile Working
  

 

This online course includes many photographs and useful diagrams to help explain the concepts.

 

Assessment

The course does not include any formal assessment such as an exam. However, there are knowledge reviews to complete as you work through the course. The course certificate is issued when you have completed all of the knowledge reviews and had any errors explained.

 

Support from Your Tutor

At the start of the course you will be assigned a course tutor who will support you throughout the course. The course is designed to be self teaching and you probably won't need much contact with your tutor. However, full support is available if you require it. Support is provided via both email and telephone as required.

 

Timescales

The course is completed at your own speed. Depending on your prior knowledge and experience, the amount of time taken to complete the course will vary. As an indication, there are seven modules and each takes 1 to 3 hours to complete. Some students decide to complete one module a week, others complete multiple modules over a weekend. The only limitation is that the course must be completed within 12 months of starting.

 

 

 

 

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