1.
Explain the different types of optical fiber cables used in access networks (Aerial, ADSS,
OPGW, UG, DBC). Describe their structure and applications. (5 marks)
Types of Optical Fiber Cables in Access Networks (5 marks)
The major types of optical fiber cables used in access networks are:
a) Aerial Fiber Cable
Installed on poles using clamps or lashings.
Has UV-resistant outer sheath and messenger wire for strength.
Application: Used in rural/urban roadside distribution where poles are available.
b) ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting) Cable
Contains no metallic elements, lightweight, can be installed close to power lines.
Has strong aramid yarn for tensile strength.
Application: Used along high-voltage power lines and areas with electrical interference.
c) OPGW (Optical Ground Wire)
Combination of optical fiber + ground wire.
Mounted at the top of transmission towers.
Application: Used in transmission grids for both grounding and communication.
d) UG (Underground) Cable
Direct buried or duct-installed cable.
Strong outer sheath, water-blocking gel, rodent protection.
Application: Used in city areas, road crossings, and high-reliability regions.
e) DBC (Direct Buried Cable)
Special type of UG cable designed for direct burial without conduit.
Has steel tape, armoring, water-blocking material.
Application: Used where trenching is done and ducting is not used.
2. Describe the functions of OLT, ONT, and Splitters in GPON. Why is GPON preferred
over EPON for FTTH deployment? (5 marks)
Functions of OLT, ONT, and Splitters in GPON (5 marks)
OLT (Optical Line Terminal)
Located at the central office.
Performs traffic aggregation, bandwidth allocation (DBA), and protocol conversion.
Controls downstream and upstream scheduling.
ONT/ONU (Optical Network Terminal)
Located at customer premises.
Converts optical signals to Ethernet/voice.
Provides interfaces like LAN, WiFi, POTS.
Splitters
Passive devices that split one fiber into many (1:8, 1:16, 1:32).
No power required.
Used in distribution networks to serve multiple homes.
Why GPON is preferred over EPON?
Higher efficiency with GTC framing.
Supports TDM + Ethernet + voice.
Better QoS and security.
Higher split ratio (up to 1:128).
Higher downstream rate (2.488 Gbps vs 1.25 Gbps in EPON).
3. Compare Layer-2 and Layer-3 switches. Explain their role in transmission and core
networks with suitable examples. (5 marks)
Layer-2 vs Layer-3 Switches (5 marks)
Layer-2 Switch
Operates at Data Link Layer (MAC-based switching).
Performs switching, VLANs, STP.
Used in access networks for connecting end users.
Layer-3 Switch
Operates at Network Layer (IP-based routing).
Performs routing + switching, supports OSPF, static routes.
Used in core and distribution networks.
Example Use
L2 switch: connecting ONT to aggregation network.
L3 switch: routing between subnets, ISP backbone.
4. Explain the OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and its importance in DWDM
systems. What factors affect OSNR in real networks? (5 marks)
OSNR in DWDM Systems
OSNR (Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio)
Ratio of optical signal power to noise power measured in a specific bandwidth.
Higher OSNR → better signal quality and lower BER.
Importance in DWDM
Determines maximum link distance.
Impacts amplifier spacing (EDFA).
Essential for high-speed channels like 100G/200G.
Factors affecting OSNR
Fiber attenuation.
EDFA noise figure.
Non-linear effects (XPM, FWM).
Splice/connector loss.
Chromatic dispersion.
5. Differentiate between IMS and Softswitch architecture. Mention the advantages of IMS
in NGN networks. (5 marks)
IMS vs Softswitch Architecture
Softswitch
Used in early VoIP systems.
Controls call routing and signaling (SIP/H.323).
Lacks full support for multimedia and mobility.
IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem)
Standardized by 3GPP.
Uses SIP for multimedia services.
Supports mobility, QoS, authentication, and policy control.
Advantages of IMS
Converged voice/video/data platform.
Seamless mobility between LTE/5G.
Better QoS handling via PCRF.
Supports VoLTE and RCS.
6. Describe the architecture, key features, and working principles of XG-PON. Compare
GPON and XG-PON in terms of speed, wavelength plan, split ratio, and efficiency.
(4+6 = 10) (10 marks)
XG-PON Architecture, Features & Comparison (10 marks)
Architecture & Working (4 marks)
Uses OLT, ONT, and passive splitter similar to GPON.
Downstream: 10 Gbps, upstream: 2.5 Gbps.
Wavelengths:
o DS: 1577 nm
o US: 1270 nm
Uses XGTC layer for framing.
Supports coexistence with GPON on same ODN.
Key Features
Higher bandwidth for IPTV, cloud, and enterprise.
Better efficiency using TDM and dynamic allocation.
Supports up to 1:128 split ratio.
Comparison (6 marks)
Feature GPON XG-PON
Downstream 2.5 Gbps 10 Gbps
Upstream 1.25 Gbps 2.5 Gbps
Wavelength 1490/1310 nm 1577/1270 nm
Split Ratio 0.086111111 0.130555556
Efficiency Good Higher
High-speed
Applications Home FTTH FTTH, business
7. Explain LTE physical layer technologies such as OFDMA, SC-FDMA, MIMO, Carrier
Aggregation, and Scheduling. Draw a neat block diagram showing end-to-end LTE
network architecture.(5 + 5 = 10) (10 marks)
LTE Physical Layer Technologies + Architecture Diagram (10 marks)
Physical Layer Technologies (5 marks)
1. OFDMA (DL)
o Multi-carrier modulation.
o Eliminates ISI and improves spectrum efficiency.
2. SC-FDMA (UL)
o Low PAPR (beneficial for UE battery).
o Single-carrier based.
3. MIMO
o Multiple antennas at Tx/Rx.
o Types: Spatial multiplexing, diversity, beamforming.
4. Carrier Aggregation
o Combines multiple frequency bands to increase throughput.
5. Scheduling
o eNodeB allocates RBs dynamically.
o Based on CQI, QoS, and fairness algorithms.
LTE Architecture (5 marks)
(Description since diagram can't be drawn here)
UE ↔ eNodeB (Air Interface)
eNodeBs interconnected via X2 Interface
eNodeB ↔ EPC via S1 Interface
EPC includes:
o MME – control plane
o SGW – mobility anchor
o PGW – IP address allocation
o PCRF – QoS & charging
8. Describe the operation of a Zener diode as a voltage regulator. Provide the circuit
diagram and characteristics curve. (5 marks)
Zener Diode as Voltage Regulator (5 marks)
Operation
Zener operates in reverse breakdown region.
Maintains constant output voltage despite variations in input voltage or load.
Used for DC voltage regulation.
Circuit Description
Input connected through series resistor Rs.
Zener diode connected in reverse across the load.
Rs limits current, Zener stabilizes voltage.
Characteristics Curve
Forward region like normal diode.
Sharp breakdown at Zener voltage (Vz) in reverse.
9. Explain the different types of earthing used in telecom installations. Why is earthing
mandatory for telecom towers and equipment? (5 marks)
Types of Earthing in Telecom (5 marks)
Types
1. Plate Earthing – GI or copper plate buried in soil.
2. Pipe Earthing – GI pipe used; common in towers.
3. Chemical Earthing – Uses charcoal, salt, and minerals for low resistance.
4. Ring Earthing – Copper ring around the site.
5. Tower Earthing – Dedicated earthing for tower legs.
Why Earthing is Mandatory?
Protects equipment from lightning.
Prevents electric shock.
Ensures stable reference ground.
Reduces noise and improves signal quality.
Mandatory for BTS, microwave, and power systems.
10. Differentiate between corrective, preventive, predictive, and emergency maintenance.
Explain with examples how maintenance affects QoS of telecom services. (10 marks)
Types of Maintenance & Impact on QoS (10 marks)
a) Corrective Maintenance
Repair after a fault occurs.
Example: Fiber cut repair.
Effect: Service interruption until fixed.
b) Preventive Maintenance
Planned, routine inspection.
Example: Checking battery, cleaning ODF.
Effect: Reduces failures, improves uptime.
c) Predictive Maintenance
Based on monitoring tools and trends.
Example: Monitoring OTDR signature, battery health.
Effect: Detects faults early; improves reliability.
d) Emergency Maintenance
Performed during unexpected severe faults.
Example: Tower collapse, power outage.
Effect: Immediate restoration to maintain QoS.
Impact on QoS
Proper maintenance ensures availability, reduces downtime, and improves KPIs like
latency, call drop, throughput.