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org,

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Introduction to Communication Technology

An initiative funded by the

Facilitated by

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Learning objectives of Communication Technologies At the end of the program participants will be able to Relate to the different communication technologies with regards conservation and development. Acquire knowledge on the fundamental principles of basic radio communications. Apply the relevant communication technologies to their everyday use in the workplace. Be confident and motivated in the use of the communication technologies. Learning Approach Information will be disseminated through instruction, but with a more interactive approach through discussions of personal experiences with information technology. ractical hands on exercises will be used so as to enhance and further appreciate the workings of information technologies. A basic appreciation of the theory of these technologies will be explored.

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Table of Contents
Introduction to Communication Technology....................................................................i ..............................................................................................................................................i Learning o !ectives of Communication Technologies................................................ii "ession #: $asic %adio &hysics............................................................................................# #.# Learning ' !ective: To get (nowledge of the fundamental principles of asic radio communications...............................................................................................................# #.) Content.......................................................................................................................# #.).# *oice *" Data Communication..........................................................................# #.+,actors affecting choice of transmission media..........................................................) #.4 The -lectromagnetic .-/0 "pectrum .......................................................................) #.1 &ropagation of -lectromagnetic 2aves.....................................................................1 #.1.# 3 sorption...........................................................................................................4 #.1.) %eflection............................................................................................................4 #.1.+ Diffraction...........................................................................................................4 #.1.4 Interference.........................................................................................................5 #.4 Line6of6"ight /icrowave...........................................................................................5 #.5 3pplications of %adio technologies...........................................................................7 #.7 2ireless ,idelity 2i6,i or 78).## networ(ing..........................................................9 #.9"atellite Communication...........................................................................................#8 "ession ): Introduction to *oice and Data Communications............................................#) ).# Learning ' !ective: To understand Data and *oice Communications...................#) ).) *oice Transmission.................................................................................................#) ).).# &u lic "witched Telephone :etwor( .&"T:0 ; <landline=..............................#) ).+ &"T: "ervices.........................................................................................................#+ ).+.# Dialup................................................................................................................#+ ).+.) ,a>ing...............................................................................................................#+ ).4 Integrated "ervices Digital :etwor( .I"D:0...........................................................#+ ).13synchronous Transfer /ode .3T/0......................................................................#4 ).4?)1 pac(et networ(..................................................................................................#4 ).53symmetric Digital "u scri er Line .3D"L0..........................................................#4 ).7 @"/ .@lo al "ystem for /o ile Communications0 ..............................................#4 ).7.# The /o ile "tation ./"0..................................................................................#5 ).7.) The $ase "tation "u system .$""0..................................................................#5 ).7.+ The $ase Transceiver "tation .$T"0................................................................#5 ).7.4 The $ase "tation Controller .$"C0...................................................................#7 ).9 Case study................................................................................................................#9 ).#8@&%".......................................................................................................................#9 ).## Data Transmission.................................................................................................)8 ).##,eatures of '"I.......................................................................................................)# ).#+ Transmitting data via the Internet..........................................................................)) ).#4.# Transmission Control &rotocol.......................................................................)) ).#4.) Internet &rotocol .I&0 .....................................................................................)+ ).#1 $ushmail................................................................................................................)4 "ession +: Tools for Communication.................................................................................)1 i
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+.# Learning ' !ective: "ummarise the use of the communication tools.....................)1 +.) Content.....................................................................................................................)1 +.+ %elevance of Communication Technologies...........................................................)4 "ession 4: &ractical............................................................................................................)7 4.# Learning ' !ective: 3ttain the s(ill of using a data and a voice application..........)7 4.) &ractical 3................................................................................................................)7

Table of Figures
,igure #: Diffraction over a mountaintop............................................................................5 ,igure ): 3 s(etch of an L'" microwave radio relay system.............................................7 ,igure +: Dynamic &oc(et "olution. ...................................................................................9 ,igure 4: &"T: :etwor(...................................................................................................#) ,igure 1: @"/ "ystem 3rchitecture..................................................................................#5 ,igure 4: @&%" Data Transfer...........................................................................................)8 ,igure 5: $ushmail Connection.........................................................................................)4

List of Tables
Ta Ta Ta Ta le #: Ases of %ays..........................................................................................................+ le ): -/ "pectrum.........................................................................................................4 le +: ,eatures of '"I....................................................................................................)# le 4: Ase of Communication Tools..............................................................................)1

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"32C &rivate $ag ?+8#1, Boedspruit, :orthern &rovince #+78, "outh 3frica, www.wildlifecollege.org.Ca

Session 1: Basic Radio Physics

1.1 Learning Objective: To get knowledge of the f nda!ental "rinci"les of basic radio co!! nications.

Framework: Introduce the electromagnetic spectrum $efine %avelength, wave velocity and frequency and wave $iscuss the frequency ranges using the electromagnetic spectrum "he propagation of electromagnetic waves "he effects of absorption, reflection, diffraction and interference on electromagnetic waves &oncepts in Radio propagation, 'ree (pace )oss, 'resnel *ones, )ine of sight and +,uygens rincipleRadio %aves using %i'i as an example

1.# $ontent &ommunication is a way of conveying information, by means of a written code or verbal means. ."echnology changes, but communication lasts/, the availability of communication technologies has made a great impact on human lives, but the challenges of the modern environment +social, political, economic and environmental- all mean, it is increasingly important to take advantage of these tools to share information and collaborate effectively. 1.2.1 Voice V !ata Communication "ele0&ommunications can therefore be basically grouped into two 0voice 1 data 2"ele3 means distant, hence telecommunication means communication at a distance. "hree basic components that comprise a full communication channel4 5. "he (ender 6 A transmitter encodes the message in a language that can be understood by the receiver. 7. "he Receiver 6decodes the message. 8. "he #edium 6 Air, copper wires, optical fibre. "hese carry the message across from the sender to the receiver. In telecommunications a transmission system is a system that transmits a signal from one place to another. "he signal can be an electrical, optical or radio signal.

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As signals are being transmitted there is loss of signal power +attenuation-, changes in shape of signal +distortion- and they can pick up undesired signals +noise-. In order to receive the same transmitted signals at the receiver end, some transmission systems contain repeaters, which amplify a signal prior to re0 transmission, or regenerators, which attempt to reconstruct and re0shape the coded message before re0transmission. Repeaters enable the receiver to get the message intact thereby minimising distortion. 1.% &actors affecting choice of trans!ission !edia

Information bandwidth 6 Bandwidth is simply a measure of frequency range. It is easy to see that the bandwidth we define here is closely related to the amount of data you can transmit within it 0 the more room in frequency space, the more data you can fit in at a given moment. "he term bandwidth is often used for something we should rather call a data rate, as in 2my Internet connection has 5 #bps of bandwidth3, meaning it can transmit data at 5megabit per second. In communications, fibre optics have an infinite bandwidth, whereas radio systems have very limited information bandwidth. It is for this reason that frequency bands 79,: and above is used for the ("; and private network applications. In terms of licensing and sharing, metallic and optic media do not require licensing, whereas radio requires licensing and it is a shared resource. Radio has a high susceptibility to noise and variability in performance. Interference is notable in radio systems than other media. It is also charecterised by delays, which are notable in some radio systems. (atellite systems introduce a 7<=ms delay in one hop. Radio systems have some draw backs but it has advantages over other types of media )ess expensive to implement )ess vulnerable to vandalism ;ot susceptible to accidental cutting of links >ften more suited to crossing rough terrains >ften more practical to highly urbanised areas Back up to fibre optic cables It is imperative to note that radio communication uses a finite band of the electromagnetic spectrum. 1.' The (lectro!agnetic )(*+ S"ectr !

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?lectromagnetic waves span a wide range of frequencies and similarly a wider range of %avelengths. "his range of frequencies and wavelengths is called the "lectromagnetic pectrum. "he ?# (pectrum is defined as A full range of frequencies from Radio to 9amma rays. "he name given to a bunch of the types of radiation@ Radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes. "he part of the spectrum most familiar to humans is probably light, the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Altraviolet is +on the higher frequencies side of visible light- and Infrared +on the lower frequencies side of visible lightand there are many others. Radio is the term used for the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in which waves can be generated by applying alternating current to an antenna. "his is true for the range from 8 ,: to 8== 9,:, but in the more narrow sense of the term, the upper frequency limit would be 5 9,:. %hen talking about radio, many people think of '# radio, which uses a frequency around 5== #,:. In between radio and infrared we find the region of #icrowaves, these have frequencies from about 5 9,: to 8== 9,:, and wavelengths from 8= cm to 5 mm. "he most popular use of microwaves might be the microwave oven. #ost other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are tightly controlled by licensing legislation, with license values being a huge economic factor. "his goes especially for those parts of the spectrum that are suitable for broadcast +"B, radio- as well as voice and data communication.
Table 1: Ases of %ays

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?# 9amma Rays C0 Rays Altra Biolet +ABBisible light Infrared #icrowave Radio

'requenc y ,ighest

%avelength ?nergy (hortest

Application

)owest

)ongest

,ighest Ased by (cientist to discover what matter is made of +;uclear owerAsed by $octors to see bones ?mitted by (un, causes burning of skin (een by the human eye Ased as ,eat .In space, maps dust between stars Ased to cook popcorn, and also in the study of astronomy )owest Aircraft and (hipping Band, A#D'# radios, "B

The "lectromagnetic pectrum Table "he ?# spectrum can be expressed in terms of ?nergy +photons-, wavelength or frequency.
Table #: -/ "pectrum

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"ource: http:DDen.wi(ipedia.orgDwi(iDImage:-lectromagnetic6"pectrum.png Wavelength () is the distance between adEacent peaks in a series of periodic wave. Anit of measurement +meter0 mFrequency (f) is the property of a wave that describes how many wave cycles pass by in a period of a time. Anit of measurement +,ert: 6 ,:Wave !eed (c) is the speed of light and is approximately 8C5=F mDs Relationship between frequency and wavelength and wave speed %ave speed +c- G 'requency +f- x %avelength +H#$. "he longer the wavelength, the further it goes "he longer the wavelength, the better it goes through and around things "he shorter the wavelength, the more data it can transport 1., Pro"agation of (lectro!agnetic -aves

?lectromagnetic %aves as they propagate are subEect to 1

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Absorption Reflection Interference

1.%.1 Absorption Radio waves get dampened or weakened as they pass through any matter whether it is solid, liquid or gas, as energy is transferred to the medium they are travelling through. "he absorption of light during wave propagation is often called attenuation which in other words is the degradation of signal power. "here is strong Radio wave absorption in conducting materials, metals, and water in all its forms. Intermediate absorption is found in stones, bricks, concrete +depending on the exact parameters of materials-. "he same goes for wood D trees +depending on the water concentration-. %ith radio implants +tracking devices- it is essential to note that the terrain, vegetation and power lines have an effect on the reception. Implants can either be on the horn or the abdominal cavity of an animal. Abdominal implants +where radio collars are unsuitable- can be attached on the following animals, porcupine, bush pig, warthog and pythons. ,orn implants are used on black and white rhino. 1.%.2 &eflection Radio waves are reflected when they come in contact with materials that are suited for radio waves, the main sources of reflection are metal and water surfaces. Reflection rule states that the angle at which a wave hits a surface is the same angle at which it gets deflected. 1.%.' !iffraction $iffraction is the apparent bending of waves when hitting an obEect. It is the effect of 2waves going around corners3. #icrowaves, with a wave0length of several centimeters, will show the effects of diffraction when they hit walls, mountain peaks, and other obstacles. It seems as if the obstruction causes the wave to change its direction and go around corners.

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&ig re 1: Diffraction over a mountaintop

(ource4 %ireless Book pdf 1.%.( )nterference In wireless technology the term 2interference3 is generally used to describe, disturbance of radio signals from other Radio 'requency sources e.g. neighbouring radio channels. In communications and especially in telecommunications, interference is anything, which alters, modifies, or disrupts a message as it travels along a channel between a source and a receiver. 1.. Line/of/Sight *icrowave "he term line of sight, often abbreviated as L* , is quite easy to understand when talking about visible light4 if we can see a point B from point A where we are, we have line of sight. (imply draw a line from A to B, and if nothing is in the way, we have line of sight. In communications, )ine0of0sight +)>(- is a straight line between the transmitting and receiving antennas. It is important to keep the :one around the direct line between signal and receiver as clear as possible )ine0of0microwave provides a comparative broadband connectivity of I77#bps over a single link or a series of links in tandem compared to 5==# on copper. >n conventional )>( microwave links, the length of a link is a function of antenna height. In this regard, the higher the antenna, the further the reach and therefore the wider the coverage of connectivity.

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&ig re #: 3 s(etch of an L'" microwave radio relay system.

(ource4 %iley I??? 7==< 1.0

ress 'undamentals of "elecommunications 7 nd ?dition Apr

1""lications of Radio technologies

Radio tracking is used to study migration patterns of different animal species. A tracking device +collar, back0pack or implant- is attached onto the animal and this sends out radio signals to and from the animal to a transceiver normally at the park management offices. 'actors affecting the choice of tracking devices (elf powered )ow power consumption )ong system lifetime. )ight to carry (hould withstand the different weather conditions, i.e. should be highly reliable. "he :one to be covered in terms of coverage area +sufficient sensing coverage "he number of frequency channels available and channel spacing Rangers can obtain the following by studying patterns obtained from the tracking information #igration seasons and patterns. Identify possible reasons for decline in a particular species. Assessment of human0wildlife conflict therefore looks for ways to reduce the human0wildlife conflict. Better planning and park management. ?nhancement of conservation education to locals or community. "+amples 7
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%ildtrack program collects and analyses location data, speed, the distance of movement and interaction between animals.

&ig re %: Dynamic &oc(et "olution.

(ource4 t!cd resource data disk Radio "racking ?quipment developed by Africa %ildlife tracking targets the following species elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, lions and a lot more. www.awt.co.:a

1.2

-ireless &idelity -i/&i or 23#.11 networking

A wireless network uses radio waves, Eust like cell phones, televisions and radios do. %ireless networks are easy to set up and inexpensive. "hey are also unobtrusive +do not attract attention-. >ne wireless router can allow multiple devices to connect to the Internet. 9
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A computerJs wireless adapter translates data into a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna. A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it. It sends the information to the Internet using a physical, wired ?thernet connection. "he process also works in reverse, with the router receiving information from the Internet, translating it into a radio signal and sending it to the computerJs wireless adapter. %i'i radios transmit at frequencies of 7.! 9,: or <9,:. "he higher frequency allows the signal to carry more data. F=7.55b transmits in the 7.! 9,: frequency band of the radio spectrum. It can handle up to 55 megabits of data per second. F=7.55g also transmits at 7.! 9,:, but itJs a lot faster than F=7.55b 0 it can handle up to <! megabits of data per second. F=7.55a transmits at <9,: and can move up to <! megabits of data per second. "he area covered by one or several access points +A - is called a hotspot. An A broadcasts its ((I$ +(ervice (et Identifier, K;etwork nameK- via packets that are called beacons, which are usually broadcast every 5== ms. If two A s of the same ((I$ are in range of the client, the client firmware might use signal strength to decide which of the two A s to make a connection to. %i0'i cannot do collision detection, and instead uses a packet exchange +R"(D&"( used for &ollision Avoidance or &A- to try to avoid collisions. 1.4 Satellite $o!! nication

(atellites are highly speciali:ed wireless transmitters and receiver placed in orbit around the earth. "hey can relay as many signals at the same time, to and from the earth with messages as simple as data messages to as complex as "B signals. (atellite communications are used to4 Radio and "B broadcast Internet (ervices $ata and Broadband and multi0media services 'ixed position telephony #obile &ommunications

(atellite phones send radio signals direct to the satellite then down to an earth station from where the call can be connected to the public switched telephone network. "hey are used where the fixed, or wired lines and or cellular coverage is not available. A satellite phone requires line of sight with the satellite. "his means the satellite antennae should be positioned in such a way that it is facing the satellite. #aximum signal strength can be obtained by rotating the antennae lid to a position that receives the signal. "+ample 1 #
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(atellite &ollars +tracking devices attached to an animal- are based on mobile global two way communication using two way data satellite communications. By connecting to Internet, ark Rangers have access to customised maps, historical data and near to real time positions of animals. (atellite tracking uses a platform transmitter terminal + ""- attached to the animal which sends radio signals to the AR9>( (atellite system. "he satellite calculates the animal/s location and then relays the information to the ground service stations which sends location data to researchers in a remote location. AR9>( satellite system is the most widely used tracking systems. Inmarsat is also used for tracking. "+ample 2 Broadband 9lobal Area ;etwork4 %ith a B9A; satellite terminal and a telephone handset or headset and a )aptop or &, a satellite up link is established. B9A; features4 An easy to use interface &lear step0by0step instructions on pointing the terminal and setting up a satellite connection Ability to customi:e the data connection options to match ones application requirements Ability to pre0configure user access settings, enabling one to restrict access to (treaming I services, for example &onvenient online access to account and billing information ersonal and corporate versions Access to text messaging and telephony features

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Session #: 5ntrod ction to 6oice and 7ata $o!! nications

#.1 Learning Objective: To nderstand 7ata and 6oice $o!! nications

Framework: Basic Boice "ransmission, 'ixed + (";- and #obile Basic $ata "ransmission, >(I layer, "& DI protocol #.# 6oice Trans!ission

2.2.1 ,ublic -itched Telephone #et-or. /, T#0 1 2landline3 ("; is a circuit0switched network that is used primarily for voice communications worldwide in much the same way that the Internet is the network of the world/s public I 0based data +packet0switched- networks. >riginally it was a network of fixed0line analogue telephone systems, but it is now almost entirely digital although the signal coming out of the phone where the user is connected is analogue. Berbal communication is usually transmitted over a twisted pair cable as an analogue signal. At the central office this analogue signal is usually digitised, , yielding a I! kbDs data stream +$(=-. "his explains why a dial up cannot exceed <IL.

&ig re ': ("; ;etwork

(ource4 http4DDwww.althosbooks.comDintopuswtene.html 'eatures of ("; "he maEority of work and expense of the phone system is the wiring outside the central office, or the >utside plant. In the middle 7= th century, #
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each subscriber telephone number required an individual pair of wires from the switch to the subscriber/s phone. "he outside plant is expensive to maintain and replace "o reduce the expense of outside plant, some companies use 2pair gain3 devices to provide telephone service to subscribers. air gain means that from one pair of wires we can have about F other devices using that single pair. A large database tracks information about each subscriber pair and the status of each Eumper. ?ach subscriber pair is addressed uniquely by a telephone number defined by I"A0", ?.5I8D?.5I! numbering plan. $ial up speeds can be achieved at <IL for data transmission

("; is a fixed network and is slowly being the less favored, as other forms of communication such as (#(, email, B>I are taking a centre stage. "here are also private networks run by large companies, which are linked, to the ("; only through limited gateways, like a large private branch exchange + BC- system. #.% PST8 Services

2.'.1 !ialup $ialup enables web browsing and other features related to the Internet such as chatting, (kype, and email. A modem changes the digital form of data to analogue signals +#odulation- that is compatible on ("; lines and converts it back to digital at the receiving end +$?#odulation-. 2.'.2 Fa+ing $ocuments can be sent over ("; by dialling the receiver fax number. #.' 5ntegrated Services 7igital 8etwork )5S78+ "his is a circuit0switched telephone network system, designed to allow digital transmission of voice and data over ordinary telephone copper wires, resulting in better quality and higher speeds than that available with the ("; system. In I($;, there are two types of channels, B +for 2Bearer3- and $ +for 2$elta3-. B channels are used for data +which may include voice-, and $ channels are intended for signalling and control +but can also be used for data-. "here are three I($; implementations. 5. Basic Rate Interface +BRI- , also known as Basic Rate Access +BRA- M consists of two B channels, each with bandwidth of I! kbitDs, and one $ channel with a bandwidth of 5I kbitDs. "ogether these three channels can be designated as 7BN$. #
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7.

rimary Rate Interface + RI-, also known as rimary Rate Access + RAM contains of a greater number of B channels and a $ channel with a bandwidth of I! LbitDs. "he number of B channels for RI varies according to the nation4 in ;orth America and Oapan it is 78BN5$, with an aggregate bit rate of 5.<!! #bitDs +"5-P in ?urope and Australia it is 8=BN5$, with an aggregate bit rate of 7.=!F #bitDs +?5-.

8. Broadband Integrated (ervices $igital ;etwork +BI($;- is another I($; implementation and it is able to manage different types of services at the same time. It is primarily used within network backbones and employs asynchronous transfer mode. #., 1synchrono s Transfer *ode )1T*+

Another alternative I($; configuration can be used in which the B channels of an I($; basic rate interface are bonded to provide a total duplex bandwidth of 57F LbitDs. "his precludes use of the line for voice calls while the internet connection is in use. "he $ channel can also be used for sending and receiving C.7< data packets, and connection to C.7< packet network. #.. 9#, "acket network

C7< is a packet switched data protocol. "he packet switching nodes has multiple choices for routing data packets. If a particular route becomes congested or has degraded operation, a packet is sent on another route. ackets are reassembled at the receiving end to give the transmitted data. #.0 1sy!!etric 7igital S bscriber Line )17SL+

"his is a form of $(), a data communications technology that enables faster data transmission over copper telephone lines than a conventional modem can provide. A$() can only be used over short distances, typically less than < km. >nce the signal reaches the telephone company/s local office, the A$() signal is stripped off and immediately routed onto an internet network, while any voice0 frequency signal is switched into the phone network. "his allows a single telephone connection to be used for both A$() and voice calls at the same time without any interference. "he distinguishing characteristic of A$() over other forms of $() is that the volume of data flow is greater in one direction than the other, i.e. it is asymmetric. ,igher speed direction for the 2download3 +F#- from the Internet but a lower speed +5#- in the other direction. %ith standard A$(), the band from 7<.FQ< #
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k,: to 58F k,: is used for upstream communication, while 58F k,: 6 55=! k,: is used for downstream communication

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#.2

:S* ):lobal Syste! for *obile $o!! nications+

"he 9lobal (ystem for #obile &ommunications +9(#- system is a global digital radio system that uses "ime $ivision #ultiple Access +"$#A- technology .%e have the 9(#R== system where the frequency used is R== #,:, 9(#5F== frequency band used 5F==#,: and 9(#5R== frequency band used 5R==#,:. "hese three systems differ primarily in the air interface. Besides using different frequency bands, they use a microcellular structure +i.e. a smaller coverage region for each radio cell-. "his makes it possible to reuse frequencies at closer distances, enabling an increase in subscriber density. "he disadvantage is the higher attenuation of the air interface due to the higher frequency. "he benefits of 9(# include4 (upport for international roaming $istinction between user and device identification ?xcellent speech quality Internetworking +e.g. with I($;, $?&" ?xtensive security features such as blacklisting all stolen handsets such that they become unusable in the network. 9(# stands out from other technologies with its wide range of services4 "elephony Asynchronous and synchronous data services +7.!D!.FDR.I kbitDs Access to packet data network +C.7< "elematic services +(#(, fax, videotext, etc. #any value0added features +call forwarding, caller I$, voice mailbox ?0mail and Internet connections Asynchronous data services use the start stop transmission, whereby the beginning of a character and end of a character, is signified by a start and stop bit respectively. (ynchronous data service has a reduced overhead, but employs signals that will indicate the start of a data frame and when it will end. Asynchronous and synchronous data transmission does not realise higher transmission speeds because of the control overhead.

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&ig re ,: @(# (ystem Architecture

(ource4 ocket 9uide for 'undamentals and 9(# testing by #arc Lahabka "hey are characteri:ed as follows4 2.4.1 The 5obile tation /5 0 A mobile station may be referred to as a handset, a mobile, a portable terminal or mobile equipment +#?-. It also includes a subscriber identity module +(I#- that is normally removable and comes in two si:es. ?ach (I# card has a unique identification number called I#(I +international mobile subscriber identity-. In addition, each #( is assigned a unique hardware identification called I#?I +international mobile equipment identity-. In some of the newer applications +data communications in particular-, an #( can also be a terminal that acts as a 9(# interface, e.g. for a laptop computer. Besides providing a transceiver +"RC- for transmission and reception of voice and data, the mobile also performs a number of very demanding tasks such as authentication, handover, encoding and channel encoding. 2.4.2 The $ase tation ubsystem /$ 0 "he base station subsystem +B((- is made up of the base station controller +B(&- and the base transceiver station +B"(-. 2.4.' The $ase Transceiver tation /$T 0 9(# uses a series of radio transmitters called B"(s to connect the mobiles to a cellular network. "heir tasks include channel codingDdecoding and encryptionDdecryption. A B"( is comprised of radio transmitters and receivers, antennas, the interface to the &# facility, etc. "he B"( may contain one or #
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more F transceivers to provide the required call handling capacity. A cell site may be omni0directional or split into typically three directional cells. 2.4.( The $ase tation Controller /$ C0 A group of B"(s are connected to a particular B(& which manages the radio resources for them. "oday/s new and intelligent B"(s have taken over many tasks that were previously handled by the B(&s. "he primary function of the B(& is call maintenance. "he mobile stations normally send a report of their received signal strength to the B(& every !F= ms. %ith this information the B(& decides to initiate handovers to other cells, change the B"( transmitter power, etc. "+ample 1 &ellular &ollars +tracking devices-, ,awk5=< was developed by Africa %ildlife "racking. "he device is fitted to the animal and determines positions accurately within 5=m at specified times +scheduled daily or weekly-, while the animal is in the field. "he gathered position data is logged and sent to the user immediately. "he data is downloaded with ,awk5=< software package. %hen there is no 9(# coverage, a B,' beacon transmitter is activated automatically providing backup for the logged data up to 7!= readings. "he battery life depends on the number of readings taken per day. "ypically with $ type battery, in a good area, battery life is two years with < readings per day. It has remarkable low power consumption. Its basic requirements are cellular coverage, computer and the Internet.

5edia &eport on 6illings of &are 5ountain 7orillas Killings of rare mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of ongo dated !" #anuary $%%&' (wo mountain gorillas were killed in the Democratic Republic of ongo )DR *+s Virunga National Park' (he gorillas were both solitary silverback males, from groups conditioned not to fear humans' ,oth were killed within two weeks, and one is believed to have been eaten' -t is feared that others may already have ,een killed or are in imminent danger' ,efore the attacks, it was thought that .ust &%% mountain gorillas were left in this region of /frica, appro0imately half of which were to be found in the Virunga forest block -t has not been confirmed who is responsible for the killings of the gorillas, but it is unlikely to have been local people, who do not eat gorillas and have been supportive of conservation work' 1ippos and buffalos have also suffered from heavy poaching' attle ranching and charcoal burning activities are posing further threats to the park itself' (housands of local people have fled their homes and are living in poor conditions'2 Adapted from flora and fauna international webpage

"+ample 2 #obile gamming is one application that can educate the community of conservation issues. #asabi developed a secure mobile gamming application that educates on conservation e.g. (ilverback. It incorporates platform game play, as well as accurate facts about gorilla habits. >ne preconception people have about gorillas is that they sit around eating bananas, in the game one gorilla comes up and starts eating a banana, and a pop up bubble comes up to say that they actually donJt eat them, they eat mostly leaves instead. layers take on the role of a baby gorilla, which develops over eight levels. "he gorilla is separated from its family and has to fend for itself, escape poachers, as

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well as forest fires, and raise a family of its own. "his application is both fun and informative. #.4 $ase st dy

#obile 9(# phones have a great impact on human lives. In developing countries like *imbabwe it is no longer a luxury but a necessity even for the folks and farmers in the rural areas. (mall scale entrepreneurs can now contact potential clients, saving on transport costs and loss of perishable goods when a sale does not go through. 'armers use mobile handsets for best prices for their crops Information is disseminated more readily. %hen an outbreak of foot and mouth occurs in an area, the agricultural extension officer makes a call to the headman of the village informing him of the need to vaccinate all animals. "he headman then informs all villagers hence curbing the spread of the disease. ;eighbouring villages are informed when army worms threatens their crops, and take precautionary measures. #obile &ommunications is much cheaper than the fixed pair gains lines, which was in the reach of a few elite members. %ith recycled handsets and prepaid mobile lines, communication has been brought closer to home. An improved communication network increases the effectiveness of patrols in protected areas. Boice and (#( raises awareness on conservation issues in the community. :PRS

#.13

9eneral acket Radio (ervice +9 R(- provides packed data services to the 9lobal (ystem for #obile communications +9(#-. It provides a basic solution for Internet rotocol +I - communication between #obile (tations +#(- and the Internet or corporate )ocal Area ;etworks +)A;-. 9 R( provides the following services4 ?fficient transport of packets in the cellular network ?fficient use of scarce radio resources 'lexible service, with prepaid or postpaid charging based on content, volume, or session duration. 'ast setup and access time (imultaneous circuit0switched and packet0switched services, which means coexistence without disturbance #
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&onnectivity to other external acket $ata ;etworks + $;s-, using I packet data %%% server, that is, a local %eb server supplying %eb pages $omain ;ame (ystem +$;(- server providing translation between host names and I addresses ?0mail server, that is, a ost >ffice rotocol version 8 + > 8- D (imple #ail "ransfer rotocol +(#" - server providing an Internet e0mail address for the end0user %ireless Application rotocol +%A - server

9 R( data transfer is I based. A message consisting of large quantities of data is divided into several packets. %hen these packets reach the destination, they are stored in data buffers and reassembled to form the original message. "he packet data transmission is thus carried out on an end0to0end basis, including the radio interface.

&ig re .: 9 R( $ata "ransfer

(ource4 9 R( "utorial df #organ $oyle )imited #.11 7ata Trans!ission $ata networks use the >pen (ystem Interconnection +>(I- referencing model to transfer packets between devices. All the processes required for effective communication are divided into logical groupings called layers. )
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#.11

&eat res of OS5 Allows interoperability of network devices from different vendors ie. it provides the basis for connecting open systems for connecting open systems for distributed applications processing. It/s a seven layered protocol, which eliminates the 2ripple effect3 when there is a modification in any of the layers.

Table %: ,eatures of '"I

Application

resentation

(ession

"ransport

;etwork

rovides a user interface between the computer and the user. Runs file, print, message, databases and application services ?xamples of application services are www, email, financial transactions, internet navigation utilities 6 9opher, 9oogle resents data to the application layer +translator,andles processing such as data encryption, compression and data translation and code formatting ?nsures that the application layer of another one can read data transferred from the Application layer on one system. ?xamples of standards 6 # ?9 +#oving icture ?xperts 9roup- for the compression and coding of motion video for &$s. rovides digital storage and bit rates up to 5.<#bps O ?9 +Ooint hotographic ?xperts 9roup- R"' +Rich "ext 'ormatLeeps different applications data separate, i.e. dialogue control between devices Responsible for setting up, managing, and tearing down sessions between presentation layer entities (upports different communication modes 6 simplex, half duplex and full duplex ?xamples of protocols ;etwork 'ile (ystem (tructured Suery )anguage rovides reliable or unreliable delivery erforms error correction before retransmission Responsible for end to end connection ?xamples of rotocols 6"& +"ransmission &ontrol rotocolA$ +Aser $atagram rotocolrovides logical addressing, hence routing of packets )
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$ata )ink

?nables devices that are not physically attached to communicate ?xamples of protocols I and I C, &ombines packets into bytes and bytes into frames+ framingrovides access to media using #A& addresses, ensuring messages are delivered to the proper device erforms error detection not correction ?xamples of standards )ogical )ink &ontrol+))&- F=7.7 #edia Access &ontrol +#A&- F=7.8 #oves bits between devices +physical topology#echanical aspects include cabling, connectors necessary to connect equipment to media ?lectrical specifications such as voltages, impedance, wire speed, pin out of cables and functional requirements for T activating, maintaining and deactivating a physical link between end systems. (pecifies the media, copper wires, optical fibre, radio waves and copper. (tandards used , ?thernet, &arrier (ense #ultiple Access with &ollision $etection +&(#AD&$%i'i, >rthogonal 'requency0$ivision #ultiplexing +>'$#-,

hysical

$ata transmission has evolved from very low speeds such as "elegraphy through to A"# #.1% Trans!itting data via the 5nternet 2.1(.1 Transmission Control ,rotocol "& is typically used by applications that require guaranteed delivery. It is a connection 6orientated protocol, which is responsible for verifying the correct delivery of data from client to server. $ata can be lost in the intermediate network. "& adds support to detect errors or lost data and to trigger retransmission until the data is correctly and completely received. "& provides connections that need to be established before sending data. "& connections have three phases4 5. connection establishment 7. data transfer 8. connection termination )
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"& establishes a full duplex virtual connection between two endpoints. ?ach endpoint is defined by an I +internet protocol- address and a "& port number and is implemented as a finite state machine. "he data being sent +the 2byte stream3- is transferred in segments. "he window si:e determines the amount of data +number of bytes- that can be sent before an acknowledgement from the receiver is necessary. >n the contrary Aser $atagram rotocol A$ can immediately start sending 2packets3 of data via the internet without guaranteeing the delivery of the packets .It is a connectionless protocol. "he two most typical network applications that use "& are 'ile "ransfer rotocol +'" - and the "?);?". '" is an application that allows data files to be transferred between devices. "elnet is an application that allows remote access into device. "+ample '" is used with %ildtrack, 'ootprint Identification "echnique. A digital camera is used to capture images of footprints, and these are downloaded onto a laptop, and optimised with photo software. %ith Internet access one transfers the image +using '" - to a remote database or management system that compares the image with what is in the archives. A confirmation of the species is then generated. "his technique is used to monitor and analyse information on endangered species. 'or efficiency over fast networks with short latency, A$ might be best for example the need for credit card verification processes when paying subscriptions for a service like Bushmail. "& is best suited where efficiency over long0haul circuits is needed e.g. %A;, the internet cloud. "he internet gives voice to people and communities whose natural resources are being threatened. It is a powerful tool that brings together multicultural organisations and communities to share experiences on conservation and development proEects regardless of geographical differences. 2.1(.2 )nternet ,rotocol /),0 %hilst "& manages the packets that data is divided up into when it is sent, I is responsible for forwarding packets of data to the right location and for their delivery. I forwards each packet based on a four0byte destination address +the I number-. "he Internet authorities +A'RI;I&, RI ?- assign ranges of numbers to different organi:ations. "he organi:ations assign groups of their numbers to departments. I operates on gateway machines that move data from department to organi:ation to region and then around the world.

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#.1, B sh!ail Bushmail is an email facility that uses ,' radio powered by a 57 volt battery with an antenna suspended from a tree.

&ig re 0: Bushmail &onnection

(ource4 http4DDwww.bushmail.net 'eatures Allows 5==L ?xcel and %ord documents to be sent. Boice communications is supported but it is not secure. &heap, flat annual rate is charged regardless of usage. (ending of free email (#( messages but no internet browsing. $oes not allow spam and through its filters. (low, email message delivery is slow due to low baud speeds supported of 7=== to I===. It is robust and runs in remote areas. ,as unlimited text email from very remote areas. Ased in many reserves including Lruger ;ational ark, some areas in *imbabwe like *ambe:i Balley, Botswana, *ambia, "an:ania, and #o:ambique. &overage is in Africa only. ?asy to install, +$IU)
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Session %: Tools for $o!! nication

%.1 Learning Objective: S !!arise the se of the co!! nication tools

Framework: %.# )ist the communication tools )ist their applications ,ow can these tools be used in relevance to the conservation and development@ $ontent

Table ': Ase of Communication Tools

Tool Service/s Voice ata SMS Mobile phone ! portable Fixed or portable? Uses of the service Direct communication, i.e. to local communities within range, with HQ. as above instant trans"er o" images capture in the "iel (i.e., to report illegal poaching # activate response) relativel% ine&pensive "iel base communication "or long$ istance # international correspon ence (Voice) communication in e&tremel% remote places or others not serve b% GSM or lan line in"rastructure (Data) ( itto) (Data) ( itto) -ow$cost voice communication over istance /ntr%$level email "unctionalit% over istance Carrier technology GSM network (voice channel) GSM network MMS via network GSM

ata $ Digital pictures ata email Voice ata SMS ata email Voice !

G'(S or )G (via GSM or )G network)

! portable !

Satellite Satellite *G+, satellite +ir. +ir.

Satellite phones

unit#

UHF / VHF radio

*ushmail

portable

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Shortwave radio

Voice Voice

portable (within 0 1 km) "i&e "i&e "i&e

Voice communication between in ivi uals or small teams in shorter range Voice communication 4eb browsing, sen ing SMS via web, email, chat, Sk%pe etc. Sen ing ocuments

+ir. 'S2, (public network) 'S2, 'S2,

andline phone

3nternet# email 5a&

%.%

Relevance of $o!! nication Technologies

"he presence of communication technologies has greatly improved information flow especially in areas that are remote and infrastructure for more traditional modes of communication is not in place. "he following examples illustrate some of the potential applications of telecommunications for conservation and sustainable development purposes 6 and the impacts they can generate4 "o improve access to markets farmers are now using mobile handsets to locate the best prices for their produce, by contacting the buyers before travelling with the orders. "his dramatically increases cost0efficiency as deliveries can be made to the most lucrative buyer. Assisting the process of accessing markets can also promote community0 based natural resource management +&B;R#- by helping small business enterprises in the marketing and selling of sustainable produced products. "o improve sharing of, and access to, information that informs better management of conservation areas and better use of natural resources. (haring lessons learnt or the latest best practice, or communicating emergency issues that require rapid response. "o raise community awareness of local conservation issues, for example, community0based websites can increase knowledge and information on conservation issues +local and national-, and help promote protection of the local environment. #obile news services, broadcast on (#( keeps can keep community stakeholders informed on the latest events, topical competitions 1 emergency alerts in a very inexpensive way. (upposing there is an outbreak of a disease, fire, poaching or animals straying away, I&"( improve the speed, effectiveness and quality of response to such threats. >pening news lines of communication between protected area authorities and local communities +via (#(, for example- can go a long way towards improving relationships and easing tensions. "argeted use of I&"s could allow for more effective law enforcement by improving in administrative and communications capacity, which in turn help to improve environment and wildlife protective measures. I&"s could enable a proactive, speedier and standardised communications platform for protected area management, resulting in improved environmental planning management and monitoring. )
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"o enhance data management by providing a new way of recording, sharing, distributing and analysing data +e.g. on elephant populations, wildlife tracking, using 'ootprint Identification "echniques-. Improving external communications by connecting conservation areas to the outside world, e.g. to headquarters of ;9>s, and even overseas. It brings together multicultural organisations and communities to share experiences regardless of the geographical differences. "o supports eco0tourism, effective communications are essential to access tourism markets and encourage increased visitors to conservation areas "o (tudy of wildlife migration patterns by using 9 ( Remote Release &ollar for %ildlife tracking and tracking. 'requency of wildlife tracking collars range from 75< 6 77=#h: "o stay in touch with colleagues D local partners when in remote locations lacking extensive communications infrastructure

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Session ': Practical

'.1 Learning Objective: 1ttain the skill of sing a data and a voice a""lication

Framework: $emonstrate the use of bulk (#( messaging technology platforms. %eb based (#(#alls and stand alone application of 'rontline(#( '.# Practical 1 Aim4 $emonstrate the use of 'rontline(#( $emonstrate the following &reate and manage all of your (#(0related contact groups (end and receive messages via special on0screen consoles ?ngage with your contact groups 0 run surveys, competitions etc. via the (urvey #anager Run your own text0based information service via the automated Reply #anager #$8 Frontline 5 messaging solution was developed for the non profit sector ,andles flash messages and long messages up to 87= characters in length rovides incoming and outgoing message history for each contact "here is no need to be on0line it works on any 9(# network via your own & or laptop Uour data is all held locally, and not on a centralised on0line server. %hen running on a laptop the system continues to work during power outages "he system will allow incoming text messages 0 not all web0based systems are able to do this simply and easily. "wo0way communication is a vital function for full field communications or to carry out surveys %ith this two0way portable communications capability, field0based ;9>s can keep in touch with their fieldworkers from anywhere in the field. "his provides valuable contact during operations, or for monitoring movements of poachers, wildlife etc.

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$ibliography and 9ebsites http4DDimagine.gsfc.nasa.govDdocsDscienceDknowVl5Demspectrum.html "he ?lectromagnetic (pectrum http4DDen.wikipedia.orgDwikiD?lectromagneticVspectrum "he ?lectromagnetic (pectrum http4DDen.wikipedia.orgDwikiD'resnelV:one 'resnel *one http4DDwww.howstuffworks.comDwireless0network %i'i http4DDfrontlinesms.kiwanEa.net 'rontline(#( http4DDwww.kiwanEa.net Application of I&"s http4DDwww.bushmail.net Bushmail http4DDwww.awt.co.:a "racking devices http4DDwww.masabi.comDsc''I.html 9aming applications http4DDwww.t!cd.org t!cd website 1 technology database Rob 'lickenger (ebastian Bluettrich "!&$ Resource $isk %iley %ireless ebook ropagation of Radio %aves Basic Radio physics ,A;$>A", wireless.dk &ommunication "echnologies 9(# Basics, 'undamentals of "elecommunications. 7nd.?dition.Apr.7==<

>(I layer (ybex &isco &ertified I!=0F=5 (tudy 9uide <th ?dition )
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