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

Scope of your Electrical Engineering Degree

What is the scope of your Electrical (Telecom) Engineering degree in the market? Will the degree alone get you a solid career? Know the answers to these questions and prepare yourself accordingly to maintain your edge over others!

The main market of this degree can be broadly classified into two classes:

i) Research and Development

ii)Operation and Maintenance (Telecom industry)

Both the jobs have their own pros and cons and the decision, as most of people you ask would say, should be based on your interest. But more often than not, it becomes difficult to realize where our interest is, and that is because because we do not know the nature of the job of our selected field. Some people like to choose a career that does not have routine work and the employee is continuously engaged in learning process throughout his career by working on different projects. This type of career is mostly in R & D field where you are always in the process of developing or improving something to sustain in the market. This may sound ideal to quite a few graduates but it should be known that such jobs are require constant intellectual process and aptitude towards learning. Contrary to it, the operations and maintenance side of the industry may not require much intellect and aptitude, but it demands physical attention and sometimes, as they say, labour. There is much more to write of these categories, see you then!

ZTE 3G Solutions Conference - Serena Hotel Islamabad

Just came home from an all day long conference hosted by ZTE for Ufone technical and marketing department. The topic was on how ZTE is playing its role in implementing 3G telecom solutions and can customize these solutions to the particular needs and requirements of Ufone GSM. It was good learning experience as I got to know what was latest equipment and trend in the market. One thing that was repeated again and again by the speakers was that voice traffic would saturate now while data services subscriptions would experience a sharp rise in the coming years and thus it was imperative to get hold of 3G services first to attract large number of subscribers.

Another thing that fascinated me was that there was equipment that was capable of not only supporting 3G but also suitable for LTE. GUL (GSM-UMTS-LTE )base station, one of their equipments that they discussed, was compatible with all the three standards. Moreover, some attractive VAS were also presented. The chief guest of the conference was Mr. Saud Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Deputy CEO of Ufone.

Industry Student Interaction (ISI)

Industry Student interaction is vital for the both the parties. It helps the students to choose the career path they are interested in and prepare for that field before they enter the market. Industry itself can gain great advantage if they tell their potential employees about what qualities and skills they are looking for. There is such a difference between the life at university and life commonly known as 'practical life' that one really gets confused what to do. I recently graduated from NUST, Pakistan and joined the engineering industry and therefore I would like to present those things here that I believe should be known to every graduate before they enter the market. I would like to be form a channel between the industry and the academia so that students can decide their career on the basis of some solid reasons! More on this shortly!