61 - Telecommunication system measurements

Abstract

This chapter discusses an analysis of the measurements of telecommunication systems. Measurements, in common with other telecommunications standards, follow either the Consultative Committee for International Telephony and Telegraphy (CCITT) recommendations or the North American ANSI Tl standards. Pulsen code modulation measurements characterize the analog to digital and digital to analog conversions that take place at the interface between an analog telephone line and the digital network. Electrical interface specifications are usually measured during equipment design and manufacture to ensure compatible interconnection between network elements at a network node interface and user network interface. Timing jitter is defined as the short term variations of the significant instants of a digital signal from their ideal positions in time. Service measurements are important as they allow long term performance monitoring and preventative maintenance without interrupting customer traffic. Network measurement is no longer restricted to the trusty cable tester and a selection of rudimentary software utilities. Network parameters that may be monitored include the network load and rate at which errors occur. Network monitors are frequently used only in a troubleshooting capacity. The integrated services digital network is one evolving from telephony integrated digital network that provides end-to end digital connectivity to support a range of services including voice and nonvoice services.