Getting to know Telecommunications specific terminologies
Monday, 19 August 2019
If you haven’t been exposed to it, some of the terminology used within the telecommunications industry can be confusing. The following is a list of some general terms used within the industry to build up your knowledge!
ACMA – Australian Communications and Media Authority, is the regulatory body that oversees the telecommunications, broadcasting, radio communications and internet industry across Australia. The body also outline that cablers are required to be registered with one of the five registrars accredited by ACMA, which include;
- Australian Cabler Registration Service (ACRS)
- Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL)
- BICSI Registered Cablers Australia Pty Ltd (BRCA)
- Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia)
- TITAB Australia Cabler Registry Services (TITAB)
Restricted Cabling work (Restricted registration) – This registration restricts you to doing work where the network boundary is a simple socket or a network termination device—typically found in domestic homes and small businesses rather than large commercial buildings. Restricted registration work must not require the use of a main distribution frame.
Open Cabling work (Open registration) – is cabling work (including aerial, underground, structured, coaxial and optical fibre cabling work on private or public property) in which the customer cabling that is used, terminates or connects at the network boundary on a socket, a network termination device or a main distribution frame.
Coaxial cabling (or coax cable) – a type of copper cable that has an inner conductor surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, surrounded again by a conducting shield. This cabling is used as a transmission line for radio frequency signals.
Structured cabling – is cabling that consists of a number of standardised smaller elements, meaning there is predictable performance and flexibility to accommodate moves, additions and changes. Structured cabling is used from anything such as providing telephone service, transmitting data, video and digital broadcasting to local area networks (LAN). Wodonga TAFE’s course will enable you to complete categories 5e, 6 and 7.
Optical fibre cabling– is a high-speed data transmission network that transmits data via light waves through the tiny glass or plastic filaments. This cabling is used for long distance high-performance data networking
Network Boundary Point – Is where the legal responsibility of a Telco (telecommunications provider company) finishes, from this point on all lines connecting to the premises are privately owned and hence all maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. This point can be a simple socket, a network termination device or a main distribution frame.
Network Boundary Point (Better Telecom, n.d.)
Network Termination Device (NTD) – a device on the customer-side that connects the customer’s data or telephone to a carrier’s (Telco) line.
Main Distribution Frame (MDF) – This is where the (external) carrier’s cable terminates and is interconnected to internal equipment or floor distribution points using jumpers (a single pair of wires)
Successfully completing a traineeship through Wodonga TAFE will provide you with qualifications to apply for Open Registration including Coax, Structured and Optical Fibre endorsements.
If you want to find out more about opportunities within the Telecommunications industry pop in, or call 1300 698 233 to book an appointment with our team at the Skills and Jobs Centre. The FREE services on offer include career guidance, job advice and resume assistance, or they can assist people of all ages in finding the right career or study path for them! Now has never been a better time to call and book an appointment.