GSM Core Network

GSM is a 2/2.5 Generation cellular mobile technology prevalent in many parts of the world (with 3G and LTE-4G being deployed in developed countries). GSM has been divided into subsystems into functional categories broadly named as Access Networks and Core Network. Access Network scope includes RF (Radio Frequency) and BSS (Base Station Subsystem) while Core Network includes NSS (Network Switching Subsystem) and IN (Intelligent Network)/VAS (Value Added Services) domains.

Most operators worldwide include management of MSC, MGW (Media Gateway), STP (Signal Transfer Point), HLR (Home Location Register), VLR (Visitor Location Register), SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node), GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node), NMS (Network Management Server), Protocol Analyzer/Signaling Probe etc in the NSS domain while IN/OCS (Online Charging System), iGWB (Charging Gateway), URP (Universal Resource Platform), RBT/CRBT (Calling Ring Back Tone) Servers, SCP (Signaling Control Point) etc are owned by the IN/VAS department.

Major function of Core network is switching of calls, provide connectivity with external networks (other PLMN (OMO - Other Mobile Operators) /PSTN/LDI (Long Distance International) Operators/Internet), Charging of subscribers etc.

Extra Skills for an Edge!

Extra skills in a graduate always attract employers and thus increase the chances of recruitment for a particular graduate. Most students are always willing to learn, but they dont know what to study to gain such skills and what skill set would be beneficial for them. The degree to which these skills can help depend on the relevance of the position to the acquired skill. Thus, those skills that are pertinent to a particular position should be emphasized in your cover letter/resume.

These skills can include hardware/software expertise, soft skills, relevant certifications, technical conferences/workshops exposure, accounting/finance concepts, relevant final year project and semester projects , FPGA experience, internships etc. For a position in R&D organizations, expertise and some background working knowledge on programming languages like VHDL, C++, Matlab, Python etc and simulation softwares like Ansoft HFSS, ADS, CST Microwave Studio, AutoCAD, PSpice, LabView, etc. For a position in the operations and maintenance industry, a working knowledge of GSM would be sufficient but to have an internship in a GSM environment can really help in making you a good contender.
Due to a tight job situation of the market, personal references are playing a major role, so sending your resume through an acquaintance can be of great help too!

Military College of Signals Graduate's Book Published in Germany

Islamabad: The book titled ‘Reconfigurable RF Front End for Multi-standard Communication: Design, Analysis and Evaluation’ has been published in Germany, says a press release.

The book based on the research work of Syed Ahsaan-e-Panjtan Rizvi, a graduate of the faculty of Telecommunication Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, will be useful for students, teachers and professionals in the field.

Syed Ahsaan efforts are appreciable in production of this technical book just at the age of twenty-two.

It is a great honour for our country and the NUST that such a book, based on his research in the university on a very delicate and technical subject relating to the Telecom Engineering, was liked and selected by a German publishing house during a survey. The book is available on amazon.com and other online sites.


References:
[1] http://www.thenews.com.pk/TodaysPrintDetail.aspx?ID=39237&Cat=6&dt=4/1/2011
[2] http://pakobserver.net/detailnews.asp?id=83359
[3] http://www.pakstudy.com/web/node/11045
[4] http://pakedu.net/pakistani-education-news/national-university-of-sciences-and-technology-graduates-book-published-in-germany/
[5]http://hdlns.com/g143zf63za68359290/NUST+graduates+book+published+in+Germany
[6] http://www.express.com.pk/epaper/index.aspx?Issue=NP_ISB&Page=City_Page002&Date=20110329&Pageno=2&View=1
[7] http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Who_is_the_youngest_author_in_Pakistan_up_till_now
[8] http://amzn.com/3844304266
[9] http://www.bod.com/index.php?id=3435&objk_id=479536
[10] https://www.morebooks.de/store/gb/book/reconfigurable-rf-front-end-for-multi-standard-communication/isbn/978-3-8443-0426-8
[11]http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/syed+ahsaan+panjtan+rizvi/reconfigurable+rf+front-end+for+multi-standard+communication/8486921/

Operations and Maintenance Industry

The other option for Telecom engineers is joining the operations and maintenance industry. This industry enjoyed a great boom since 2000 and had been generating many jobs up till 2008. However, after 2008, the openings have decreased to a great extent as the boom had to end at some time. Now the telecom sector is in normal state, just like other companies, that has established itself with sufficient human resource and the job openings show up at a normal rate. That being said, it goes without saying that NUST graduates enjoy a great edge over other university's graduates and enjoy being a part of a strong and an active alumni.

The type of work in this industry is mainly of analyzing trends, keeping an eye on anomalies in the network, planning and implementation of expansion projects, resolution of technical issues etc. The workload is generally greater in this industry but very easily manageable and doable in the normal working hours. The learning opportunities are ample and one easily find time and resources to enhance his technical knowledge. Working in a GSM environment with technical skills can also increase your chances of employment globally. More about potential employers in the telecom sector later!

Research and Development Industry

Research and Development industry is a great field for engineers who are creative and have a strong desire to learn throughout their career. Those people excel in this field who clear concepts and solid understanding of the subjects taught in their degree. There are always new projects and new products and the

Pakistan has a relatively low scope (lesser number of jobs) of research and development as compared to the other industries, however once you join this industry and get hands on experience on contemporary software along with growth in technical knowledge, there is a great market for you abroad with lucrative packages. Moreover, post graduate studies adds great value to your resume and makes you a candidate for a larger number of employers, as opposed to operations/maintenance side where Masters degree has little or no affect at all on your professional growth. Some of the Pakistani companies that are working in the field of engineering research and can be potential employers of graduates who want to them take this field as a career are as follows:

i) CARE (Center for Advanced Research in Engineering) - Islamabad

ii) RWR Pvt Ltd (Re-engineering With Research) - Islamabad

iii) Renzym - Rawalpindi

iv) NESCOM or CESAT - Islamabad

v) NRTC (National Radio Telecom Corporation) - Haripur