Elementary concepts of Telecommunications

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Elementary concepts of Telecommunications

• Managing emergency telecommunications
• OCIPEP 1608
• Emergency Preparedness College Canada

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Communication

• Process which
• Allows the sharing of ideas, information and
  improves communication with others
• Includes reading and writing skills, non-verbal
  communication, images, photos, videos, movies,
  etc.
• Uses many different mediums ie. telephone,
  television, radios, computers, etc.

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Telecommunications

• Transmission of words, sounds, images and
  information via electronic signal impulses sent
  electronically, electromagnetically or optically.
• Transmission modes include telephone, radio,
  television, micro-wave, satelite, computer, etc.

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Telecommunications

• There are two types of telecommunications
  equipment
• Wired
• Telephone
• Conections by modem
• Internet
• Wireless
• Radio
• Television
• Micro-waves
• Satellites
• Wireless telephones

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Telecommunications

• Radio communications
• Simplex communication
• without infrastructure
• Duplex semi-duplex communications
• Requires a base or repeater station
• Dynamic frequency allocation system
• Technology
• Analog
• Digital

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Elementary Concepts of Communication are Divided
in Elements

• Notion of   informational flow
• The concept of  transmitter receiver
• The telecommunication  network and its
   nodes 
• The notion of information support 
•  Terminal  equipement or material linked to the
   information support 
• The  essential characteristics  of an emergency
  telecommunication system
• These knolededges allows a better understanding
  of
• The needs to elaborate a telecommunications
  emergency plan
• The difficulties that may arise in elaborating a
  plan

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The Informational Flow Concept

• Compare the  support  and the  content 
• Who needs the information?
• How will the information make its way to the
  right destination?
• Two extremes
• harbouring of information (absence of flow)
• information  overload 
• Random informational flow
• Structured informational flow
• Preparedness is the key to success

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Random Informational Flow

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Structured Informational Flow
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Structured Informational Flow
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Sender - Support - Receiver

• The person that has the information is the
  sender.
• The person receiving the information is the
  receiver.
• The support allows the information to make its
  way from the sender to the receiver.
• Example of a good combination sender - support-
  receiver
• dialling a telephone number and getting throught
  to the rigth person

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Network Node

• A network is a complex system of interconnected
  stations that allow information flow and
  exchange.
• A node is a network componant in which the
  information is forwared and managed.
• A telephone system
• A police radio communication system
• Networks and nodes are very important for
  emergency operation centers, emergency sites and
  elsewhere.

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Example of a Network

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E
C
F
P
Q
B
G
A
H
Example of a network
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Examples of Communications Support

• Telephone
• Fax
• Radio Broadcasting
• Television
• Mobile Radio
• Taxis, Police, Ambulance
• Flag Signals
• Cellular Telephone
• Postal Services
• Newspaper, Newswire, Bulletin

• Military
• Dispatcher
• Pyrotechnic Signals
• Pagers
• Bicycle, Motorcycle, Car Messenger
• Billboards
• Satellite
• Amateur Radio
• CB radio

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Terminal Equipment

• Types
• Telephone
• Mobile Radios
• Fax
• Computer terminal
• Telemetry equipement
• Access to available equipment
• Supporting elements
• Logistical problems
• Communication ability vs available personnel
• Overload of information vs shortage of information

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Essential Caracteristics

• Connectivity
• Feasibility
• System capability
• Transportability
• Security
• Method of operation

• Flexibility
• Compatibility
• User Friendly
• Effective Implementation and Maintenance
• Interoperability

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Expectations vs Reality

• Message Delivery
• Example of a telephone network in a municipal
  administration
• Training Requirements
• Rerouting of Communications
• Sharing Channels
• Networks Management

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Conclusion

• Knowledge of the informational flow is
  fundamental
• It is necessary to have a plan with well
  documented communication procedures
• Preparation and planning is important
• It is important to know the weaknesses of your
  telecommunications system
• User traning is essential