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PAKISTAN TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANY LIMITED

Report Internship

Iqra Iqbal-06-BSCS

02-May-15

PTCL is largest telecommunication company of Pakistan. The future is unfolding around us. In times to come, we will be the link that allows global communication. We are striving towards mobilizing the world for the future. By becoming partners in innovation, we are ready to shape a future that offers telecom services that bring us closer.

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PREFACE ____________________________________________________________________________ 2

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY _________________________________________________________________ 2

SECTION 1 ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

SECTION 2 ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

SECTION 3 ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

1. INTRODUCTION __________________________________________________________________ 3

1.1 Reason for selecting the specific industry ........................................................................................ 3

1.2 Purpose of the Internship ................................................................................................................. 3

1.3 Scope of the Study ............................................................................................................................ 4

1.4 Methods of Collecting Data .............................................................................................................. 4

1.4.1 Use of Primary Data _______________________________________________________ 4

1.4.2 Use of Secondary Data _____________________________________________________ 4

2.1 Introduction & Historical Background of PTCL ................................................................................. 5

2.1.1 Vision __________________________________________________________________ 5

2.1.2 Mission _________________________________________________________________ 6

2.1.3 Core Values _____________________________________________________________ 6

2. STRUCTURE OF PTCL ______________________________________________________________ 6

2.1 Main Offices ............................................................................................................................................ 6

2.2 Technical & Operational Network .................................................................................................... 8

2.2.1 Switching Technology _____________________________________________________ 8

2.2.2 Technical and Operational Milestones ________________________________________ 8

3. MY INTERNSHIP WORK ____________________________________________________________ 9

3.1 My work task ........................................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Switching system ................................................................................................................................... 9

3.2.1 MSAG: ________________________________________________________________ 10

3.2.2 NMS Network Type: ______________________________________________________ 10

3.2.3 GISB: __________________________________________________________________ 10

3.2.4 Soft Switches: ___________________________________________________________ 10

3.3 TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 15

3.3.1 Ring topology ..................................................................................................................................... 16

3.3.2 Types _____________________________________________________________________ 16

3.3.3 Testing of transmission lines ___________________________________________________ 17

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION __________________________________________________ 17

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PREFACE

This report is prepared as a result of performing two weeks of Internship in Transmission and Transit Sector of

Department of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, as a compulsory requirement for the

completion of course of Wireless and Mobile Communication.

The specific department is chosen for internship, only with a view that the future time is only of the digital

communication. In this department, we learn a little about that how is it connected nationwide.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am full of gratitude to Almighty ALLAH for giving me the life and energy to conceive and actualize the

internship and this report. I had a pleasant experience to work with “PTCL”. I pay my heartily thanks to my

mentor Dr. Fareeha Zafar, my instructor. My Family, who gave me the moral support needed for studies.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Company where I did my internship is Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited. My internship

started on 15/04/2015 and lasted for 2 weeks until 02/05/2015, with the official working hours starting from

9am to 4pm. There are three sections in this report.

SECTION 1

It contains Introduction about the study conducted, introduction about the Organization, the Structures of the Organization.

SECTION 2

It is about the Department in which I conducted the Internship, along with the Services that are provided by

the specified department at national and local level.

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SECTION 3

It is the last section of this report consists of the Findings I did during the internship duration,

Recommendations that I thought would benefit the organization.

Section 1

1. INTRODUCTION

I have prepared this report as an essential requirement for the completion of the course of Wireless &

Mobile Communication. It has to be written after the completion of two weeks internship, which is a

necessary part of the course completion with the aim to provide the students with actual life experience

and use their knowledge in practical.

1.1 Reason for selecting the specific industry

The Telecom Sector is spreading all over the world and it is going to be the essential part of the lives of

the humans. It is going through a process of rapid change in the world of technology. In line with global

trend and for meeting the emerging demand, major initiatives have been taken by PTCL to upgrade its

network.

1.2 Purpose of the Internship

There are many reasons:

1. To fulfill the requirements for the course of Wireless and Mobile Communication from the

Government College University, Lahore.

2. To understand how the practical organizations apply the knowledge of the theories.

3. To study the organization for its function and analysis on the basis of the study.

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4. To make recommendations on the basis of the study done.

1.3 Scope of the Study

During the internship, I straddled in the department of Transit and Transmission along with the field work

associated with the department, such as:

i. NGN Configuration

ii. SDH Configuration

iii. Complaint Handling

iv. Maintain the LAN

v. Maintain the WAN

1.4 Methods of Collecting Data

I have collected the data for this report in many ways. I used Primary data, as well as secondary data for

completing the task of report writing about my internship. Some of the methods I used are discussed

below.

1.4.1 Use of Primary Data

I used Primary Data for completing the report by the following ways:

i. Observation.

ii. Discussions with the officers.

1.4.2 Use of Secondary Data

I also used Secondary Data for completing the report writing. Some of these methods are as follows:

i. PTCL Website.

ii. Online Search.

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2.1 Introduction & Historical Background of PTCL

PTCL is largest telecommunication company of Pakistan. It has reached its service to almost every part of

the country. PTCL is proud to be Pakistan’s most reliable and largest converged services carrier providing

all telecommunications services from basic voice telephony to data, internet, video-conferencing and

carrier services. Whether it is an office in the largest city of Pakistan or a home in a small village, PTCL is

present in every corner of Pakistan to serve its customers providing several services. Some of its services

are named below:

Broadband

IPTV

EVO Wireless

Dialup Internet

Telephone

PTCL is established since 1947 by establishing Posts and Telegraph’s Department, proceeding to

establishing Pakistan Telegraph and Telephone Department in 1961, then in 1990-91, it went to become

Pakistan Telecom Corporation, after which in 1996, PTCL became listed in all stock exchanges of Pakistan,

further in 1998, its subsidiaries of Mobile Services, and Internet Services started on the name of Ufone

and PakNet, coming to the year 2000, it Finalized its Telecom Policy. It also announced in year 2003, the

Telecom Deregulation Policy, finally in 2006, Etisalat (The Telecom Company of United Arab Emirates)

took over its Management and it is still holding the status of backbone for country's telecommunication

infrastructure despite arrival of a dozen other telecoms including telecom giants like Telenor, China

Mobile, Wateen Telecom, and others.

2.1.1 Vision

The future is unfolding around us. In times to come, we will be the link that allows global communication.

We are striving towards mobilizing the world for the future. By becoming partners in innovation, we are

ready to shape a future that offers telecom services that bring us closer.

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2.1.2 Mission

To achieve our vision by having:

An organizational environment that fosters professionalism, motivation and quality.

An environment that is cost effective and quality conscious.

Services that are based on the most optimum technology.

Quality and Time conscious customer service.

Sustained growth in earnings and profitability.

2.1.3 Core Values

Professional Integrity.

Customer Satisfaction.

Teamwork.

Company Loyalty.

2. STRUCTURE OF PTCL

An Organizational Structure clarify the roles of personnel of an Organization and to determine who has to

do what task, which is responsible for what, objectives to be achieved, who is to report to whom and to

remove the obstacles for performance caused by confusion and uncertainty of job assignment as well as

to make easy decision-making and communication networks reflecting and supporting organization

objectives.

2.1 Main Offices

The Head Office of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited is situated in Islamabad. Besides, it

has Regional Headquarters like: Islamabad Telecom Region, Rawalpindi Telecom Region, Hazara Telecom

Region Abottabad, Northern Telecom Region-I Peshawar, Lahore Telecom Region (South), Lahore Telecom

Region (North), Multan Telecom Region, Faisalabad Telecom Region, Southern Telecom Region-I Hyderabad,

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Southern Telecom Region-II Karachi, Southern Telecom Region-V Sukkur, Western Telecom Region Quetta,

Switching network Central region Lahore.

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2.2 Technical & Operational Network

Pakistan telecommunication corporation under the act of 1996, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)

issued a license to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited for the provision of telecom services

within Pakistan to private sector and the general public as the Federal Government may determine and

during the exclusivity period of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) specified in above-

mentioned Act. PTCL has 25 years license to provide telecom services in Pakistan with Stake in the

Company with about 62% equity. PTCL has largest network and huge infrastructure for it's more than

4,405,161users as on (Mar, 2008).

2.2.1 Switching Technology

There are 7 different kinds of switching technologies currently operational in PTCL network that are Alcatel,

Siemens, NEC, Ericsson, Huawei, J.S telecom, ZTE.

2.2.2 Technical and Operational Milestones

PTCL is continuously improving it network. During the year 2008 PTCL installed capacity was 4940154 but

now in current year the installed capacity is improved. PTCL achieved 100% digitalization in this year.

2.2.2.1 Computerized Fault Management System

This feature of PTCL improved network & is being used to register & rectify Land Line Faults in a

computerized way. This system was working in few cities but now it is available all over the

Pakistan.

2.2.2.2 Launch Of IN Platform

To augment the capacity and introduce additional value added services a new Intelligent Network (IN)

Platform was launched in October 2003.This platform has higher capacity for prepaid calling cards and

provision for introduction of new services.

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2.2.2.3 Optical Fiber Junction Access Network

To further support the launch of new services the optical fiber junction access network has been in

implementation phase. This system further supports the upcoming project of PTCL WLL (wireless local

loop), Broad Band Services & IPTV.

2.2.2.4 Network Operation Center (NOC)

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) is a prime provider of telecom voice and data

services within Pakistan. The purpose of NOC is:

To control, monitor and manage the entire PTCL Network

To enhance and optimize Network Management through a transparent and centralized platform

To create a highly available, adaptable and fault resilient network that can meet the market demand

and provide customer satisfaction.

Section 2

3. MY INTERNSHIP WORK

I have done internship at PTCL Head Office Mall Rd, Lahore and PTCL Garden Town, Lahore.

3.1 My work task

During the internship I was demonstrated about the two installed system each for one week.

1) Switching system

2) Transmission system

3.2 Switching system

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For NMS (Network Management System) Province Punjab is divided into different region. The Lahore

head office controls some regions including.

LTR (Lahore Region)

CTR (Out of Lahore Region)

CTR region include PakPattan, Sahiwal, Sheikhupura, Mureedke and Kasur cities. Switching technology is

used to connect and terminate consumer’s calls. It assigns voice IP and TID (Termination Id) to a call. This

work is done by MSANs abbreviated as Multi-Service Access Node aka MSAGs abbreviated as Multi-

Service Access Gateway

3.2.1 MSAG:

MSAGs have different shells and each shell has different cards these include C5 card (for NGN) and A32

(By ZTE) that hold consumer’s number and other information. Each card can hold 32 consumers.

3.2.2 NMS Network Type:

The NMS (Network Management System) of Switching has implemented Ring Topology so that if network

is down from one side of an MSAG it will re-route from the other side of Ring.

3.2.3 GISB:

A GISB provides both VOIP (voice over IP) and data i.e. ADSL. For GISB only indoor have soft switches and

only indoor can be controlled by soft switches.

3.2.4 Soft Switches:

Soft Switch is the software that control working of MSAGs. Every information regarding an MSAG is

available on a soft switch. If an MSAG is down or having any issue it will be reported on soft switch. There

are different types of alarms related to an MSAG. These alarms are identified from their colors which are

as follows:

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3.2.4.1 Alarm Color Identification

Red Dead

Yellow Warning

Blue Active

The Media Gateway connects different types of digital media stream together to create an end-to-end

path for the media (voice and data) in the call. It may have interfaces to connect to

traditional PSTN networks.

3.2.4.2 Class 4 and Class 5 Softswitches

VoIP softswitches are subdivided into two classes. Softswitches used for transit VoIP traffic between

carriers are usually called class 4 softswitches. The most important characteristics of class 4 softswitches

are protocol support and conversion, transcoding, calls per second rate, average time of one call routing,

number of concurrent calls. Class 5 softswitches are intended for work with end-users. These softswitches

are both for local and long distance telephony services.

3.2.4.3 STP (Signal Transfer Point)

It is a router that relays SS7 (Signaling System no. 7) messages btw signaling end-points (SEPs)and other

signaling transfer points. Typical SEPs include service switching points (SSPs) and service control points

(SCPs). The STP is connected to adjacent SEPs and STPs via signaling links.

SEPs send signaling messages to other SEPs, but the messages are normally routed via the SEP's adjacent

STPs. An STP's main function is to identify the best path for two SEPs to communicate. A typical

application would be for two SEPs to agree on the use of a shared data path.

A signaling message typically never goes directly from a given SEP to the destination SEP: the message

would normally have to pass through the initiating SEP's adjacent STP so that it can be routed to the

destination SEP. In some applications, however, SEPs might be directly connected with signaling links; this

would typically be done to enhance robustness or performance between two critical SEPs.

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A given piece of equipment can implement both SEP and STP functionality. This is commonly done in

some SSPs. This is also seen in Signaling Gateways that also have Application Server (AS) functionality as

defined by the IETF.

3.2.4.4 Signaling System No. 7 (SS7)

SS7 is a set of telephony signaling protocols developed in 1975, which is used to set up and tear down

most of the world's public switched telephone network (PSTN) telephone calls. It also performs number

translation, local number portability, prepaid billing, short message service (SMS), and other mass market

services.

3.2.4.5 SEPs (signaling end-points)

In telecommunications, a Signaling End Point (SEP) is an SS7 endpoint. This is to be contrasted with a

Signal Transfer Point (STP).

Examples include:

1. Intelligent Network components such as Service Control Points (SCPs) and Service Switching Points

(SSPs).

2. Telephone exchanges implementing Telephone User Part (TUP) or ISDN User Part (ISUP).

3. Mobile Switching Centers implementing MAP.

3.2.4.6 Functions of STP

Receives the MSU's & direct them to appropriate destination. 1. Network Management. 2. (ANSI to ITU) or (ITU to ANSI) protocol conversion. 3. Global Title Translation (GTT). 4. Measurement of Data. 5. Gateway Function. 6. Gateway Screening (GWS) 7. Local Number Portability (LNP).

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3.2.4.7 Mobile Number Portability (MNP)

This amazing service was introduced in Pakistan in March 2007; by using this service customers can switch

current network to other network without changing the existing mobile number. This new technology

inspires people of Pakistan to get involved in using of mobiles more. This service gives many benefits but

also produce some drawbacks, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is part of regulatory mandate under

which mobile companies awarded licenses to work. The MNP implementation of MNP is done in large

scale and also was very expensive.

Customers can port between prepaid and postpaid options. On porting IN, the recipient company

provides, free credit and airtime. The service is handled by Pakistan MNP Database (Guarantee)

Limited, the joint venture of all the cellular companies of Pakistan.

In Pakistan, the PTA mandated mobile number portability on March 23, 2007. Users are able to change

their cellular phone service for free. They just have to pay for new SIM cards depending upon the provider

they are migrating. Some companies even do not charge anything

3.2.4.8 Distribution Frame

The Main Distribution Frame (MDF) located at a telephone central office terminates the cables leading

to subscribers on the one hand, and cables leading to active equipment (such as DSLAMs and telephone

switches) on the other. Service is provided to a subscriber by manually wiring a twisted pair (called a

jumper wire) between the telephone line and the relevant DSL or POTS line circuit.

3.2.4.9 E1

In digital telecommunications, where a single physical wire pair can be used to carry many simultaneous

voice conversations by time-division multiplexing, worldwide standards have been created and deployed.

The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) originally

standardized the E-carrier system, which revised and improved the earlier American T-carrier technology,

and this has now been adopted by the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication

Standardization Sector (ITU-T). It was widely adopted in almost all countries outside the US, Canada, and

Japan. E-carrier deployments have steadily been replaced by Ethernet as telecommunication networks

transitions towards all IP.

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3.2.4.10 NGN

A next generation network is a packet-based network that can be used for both telephony and data and that supports mobility. Initially, the term Next Generation Network was used to refer to the transformation of the core network to IP. Sometimes a NGN is referred to as an all-IP network.

The NGN is characterized by the following fundamental aspects: Packet-based transfer Separation of control functions among bearer capabilities, call/session, and application/ service Decoupling of service provision from network, and provision of open interfaces Support for a wide range of services, applications and mechanisms based on service building blocks

(including real time/ streaming/ non-real time services and multi-media) Broadband capabilities with end-to-end QoS and transparency Interworking with legacy networks via open interfaces Generalized mobility Unrestricted access by users to different service providers A variety of identification schemes which can be resolved to IP addresses for the purposes of routing

in IP networks Unified service characteristics for the same service as perceived by the user Converged services between Fixed/Mobile Independence of service-related functions from underlying transport technologies Compliant with all Regulatory requirements, for example concerning emergency communications and

security/privacy, etc.

3.2.4.11 SSP

In telephony, a service switching point (SSP) is the telephone exchange that initially responds, when a

telephone caller dials a number, by sending a query to a central database called a service control

point (SCP) so that the call can be handled. The service switching point uses the Signaling System 7 (SS7)

protocols which are responsible for the call setup, management, and termination with other service

switching points.

3.2.4.12 Daily Tasks

Daily tasks include:

Check command log

Check alarm log

Check traffic

Command log has information about backup, commands history, addition and removal of E1s and also

check whether appropriate commands were entered.

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In alarm log, we check history of alarms.

There are 4 types of alarms:

1. Warning

2. Minor

3. Major

4. Critical

The traffic log is prepared and sent to finance department for billing etc.

3.2.4.13 Workstations

There are 2 types of workstations: Simple workstation

It is simple workstation used mostly. The interface is computer system. It is used normally for checking

statuses.

Emergency workstation

This workstation is used for authorized personnel only. It is also called BAM, which stands for Back

Administration Module.

Pakistan FIN (Fixed Intelligent Network) structure is the biggest National IN in Pakistan, including 10 SSPs,

1 SMP and 11 SMAPs, covering the whole Pakistan. Provide services: PPS, UBP, HCD, FPH, UAN, VOT, PPT.

3.3 TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY

In telecommunications, transmission(abbreviation: TX) is the process of sending and propagating an analogue or digital information signal over a physical point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmission medium, either wired, optical fiber or wireless.

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As MSAG’s are used in switching, in transmission we have SDH and DWDM.

3.3.1 Ring topology

Ring topology is used in transmission because if one side connection is lost.

The other side can recover its traffic.

3.3.2 Types

In PTCL ROC two groups of transmission are working

Long distance:

Long distance controls the transmission lines between cities.

Short Distance:

Short distance controls the transmission line intercity (Lahore)

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3.3.3 Testing of transmission lines

Each transmission line between the two ends have its own threshold value, which is assign by the vendor,

operator resets the transmission line and send the voltage in each line. That voltage deteriorates and if

the end point value is very near to the threshold value then the operator informs the field team to inspect

the line.

Section 3

RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

As an internee at PTCL specifically at Regional Operation Centre (ROC) Lahore, I have seen ROC’s staff and

its top management quite committed to their duties. The working environment here is very promising

and up to date. Comparing this organization from its past decade performance one can easily analyze that

PTCL is performing way better as a Semi-Govt. organization.

Overall PTCL still behaves as a monopoly. It has to change its attitude on some serious issues like avoiding

billing errors and providing competent and courteous service to its customers, this is essential if PTCL wants to

show that it is transforming itself to a competitive company which cares for its customers.