A

TECHNICAL REPORT
ON
STUDENTS INDUSTRIAL WORK SCHEME (SIWES)
UNDERTAKEN AT
IPNX NIGERIA LIMITED
13A ISAAC JOHN STREET GRA IKEJA, LAGOS
BY
UKAH PAUL .I.
CSC/09/8241
SUBMITTED TO
THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, SCHOOL OF SCIENCES
OF
THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE, ONDO STATE
IN
PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF
BACHELOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

MARCH 2014

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am highly thankful and grateful to the Almighty God Jehovah for his awesome presence
in my life and his ever present guidance and assistance. I am also grateful to my supervisors, Mr.
Chris Oputteh, Mrs. Joy Aigbe and Mr. Najite Ikutegbe for the encouraging me and guiding me
under their tutelage and mentorship even in when all seemed impossible. I also express my
profound gratitude to all members and staff of ipNX Nigeria Limited.

SUMMARY
Working at the Implementation and Support Unit of ipNX Nigeria Limited has given me
the opportunity of getting a firsthand appreciation of radio communication technology, learning
its fundamentals, learning to work with various equipment used in its network implementation and
support, and also acquiring skills in monitoring and troubleshooting network faults. I was able to
apply some of the theoretical knowledge gained during my study at the university to real life work
situations thereby bridging the gap between school work and actual practice.
I also gained experience in other fields of science, engineering, and project management. I
learnt valuable lessons on the code of conduct of big firms and it prepared me for various work
scenarios which I am likely to meet after graduation.
Personally, one of the most important skills I gained during the course of my Industrial
Attachment was commercial communication skills with major companies. During the course of
my work I had to liaise with network engineers and IT professionals from banks, manufacturing
companies, oil and gas industries, multinational companies, etc. To carry out projects I had to
work together with personnel from different departments, senior engineers from my company and
our international service partners.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE

Page No.

INTRODUCTION

1.0 SIWES Background

1.1 Objectives of SIWES

1.2 Location and Brief History Of Establishment

1.3 Objectives Of Establishment

1.4 Organizational Structure

1.5 Various Departments And Their Functions

1.5.1 Organizational Business Services and Products

11

CHAPTER TWO

14

EXPERIENCE GAINED

14

2.0

Internet Protocol (IP) Network

14

2.1 Radio Communication Technologies

14

2.2 Radio Network Link Site Survey

15

2.3 Categories Of Radios and Modems

17

2.3.1Alvarion Wimax Radios and Modems

17

2.4 Ubiquiti Point to Point Radios

20

2.5 Other High Capacity Radios

22

2.6 Configuration And Troubleshooting Of Radios

24

2.6.1 Alvarion Wimax Radios Configuration

24

2.6.2 Steps to Configure an Alvarion Wimax RD2 Radio

24

2.7 Ubiquiti Point to Point Radios

2.7.1 Steps to Configure a Ubiquiti Point to Point Radio
2.8 Radio Link Monitoring and Preventive Maintenance

26
27
29

2.8.1 Monitoring Set-Up

30

2.8.2 Preventive and Network Maintenance

30

2.9 Internet Protocol (IP) Network Utilities

32

CHAPTER THREE
CONTRIBUTION TO ESTABLISHMENT

36

CHAPTER FOUR

37

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

37

4.0 Problems Encountered During the Program

37

4.1 Suggestions for Improvements

37

BIBLIOGRAPH

38

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0

SIWES BACKGROUND

The Governments decree No. 47 of 8th October 1971 as amended in 1990 Highlighted the
capacity building of human resources in industry, commerce and government through training and
retraining of workers in order to effectively provide the much needed high quality goods and
services in a dynamic economy as ours (Jemerigbo, 2003). This decree led to the establishment of
Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in 1973/1974.
The growing concern among our industrialists that graduates of our institution of higher
learning lack adequate practical background studies preparatory for employment in industries led
to the formation of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) by ITF in 1993/1994
(Information and Guideline for SIWES, 2002). ITF has one of its key functions; to work as
cooperative entity with industry and commerce where students in institutions of higher learning
can undertake mid-career work experience attachment in industries which are compatible with the
students area of study (Okorie 2002).
The students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a skill training programme
designed to expose and prepare students of Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Science,
Medical Sciences, Pure and Applied Sciences for the industrial work situation which they are likely
to meet after graduation. Duration of SIWES is four (4) months in Polytechnics at the end of NDI,
four (4) months in College Of Education at the end of NCE II and six (6) months in the universities
at the end of 300, 400 or 500 levels depending on the discipline (Information and Guideline for
SIWES, 2002).

1.1

OBJECTIVE OF SIWES

The objective of SIWES among others includes to:

i.

prepare students for the industrial work situation which they are likely to meet after
graduation,

ii.

provide an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire industrial

skills and experience in their approved course of study,

iii.

expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and

machinery not available in their institutions,
6

iv.

provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in real work situation
thereby bridging the gap between theories and practices, and

v.

enlist and strengthen employers involvement in the entire educational process and
prepare students for employment in industry and commerce (Information and
Guideline for SIWES, 2002)

1.2

LOCATION AND BRIEF HISTORY OF ESTABLISHMENT

With its headquarters at 4 Balarabe Musa Crescent Victoria Island Lagos and several

branch offices in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt. Ipnx Nigeria Limited is a leading
provider of infrastructure-based telecommunication and information technological services based
here in Nigeria. With more than a decade of experience, the company was formed by the
divestment of the telecommunications services division of Telnet Nigeria Limited and has been in
operations for over eight (8) years.
Ipnx Nigeria Limited started business as a division of Telnet Nigeria Limited- the leading
indigenous Telecommunication and Information Technology Services Company in Nigeria. Telnet
started business in 1987 as telecommunications engineering company and grew into other areas of
information technology as technology evolved and opportunities arose. A major part of the
business of telnet was providing data communication services, mainly wide area networks and to
Corporate communities in Nigeria in the Oil and Gas and Financial Services industries. With
NITEL as a monopoly provider of telecommunication services in Nigeria due to government
regulation, these networks had to be built with NITEL facilities.
In

December

1992,

the

Federal

Government

of

Nigeria

deregulated

the

telecommunications industry, thereby opening it up to competition and other organizations were

allowed to provide telecommunications services. Telnet saw this as an opportunity to improve its
services to its customers and started to build its own communications network using radio and
VSAT (satellite) technologies.
The radio networks are utilized for communications between locations in the same
metropolitan area while VSAT networks were mainly used to provide long distance
communications. The corporate organizations used the networks provided for both private voice
and data communications.
7

In 2001 Telnet decided to separate the infrastructure based business from the engineering
(or knowledge) based business. This was done to:

To allow Telnet Nigeria Limited provide engineering services to other infrastructure

based service providers who might see Telnet as a competition.

To allow other investors to invest in the infrastructure based business, which is very
capital intensive
The infrastructure based Services Company within Telnet was therefore detached
from the group to form a new company Netco Services Limited. Some of the Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC) licenses with Telnet were transferred to Netco and
Netco obtained some additional licenses from the Nigerian Communications Commission
(NCC). In total Netco has:

Regional 3.5GHz FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) licenses in Lagos, Cross River, Bayelsa
and Abuja

National VSAT license

Internet Service Provider License

Unfortunately, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC);
the National Engineering and Technical Company had also been known in the Nigerian
environment with the acronym Netco and this caused a bit of confusion in the market
place, hence in April 2003 the name of the company was changed to ipNX Nigeria
Limited.
Ipnx has now obtained additional frequencies from the NCC to be used to provide
consumer and small businesses with Internet and Data Communications. These have been
allocated to Lagos, Abuja (FCT), Cross Rivers and Bayelsa States with an opportunity to
go to other states in Nigeria after we have started providing services in these locations.
1.3

OBJECTIVES OF ESTABLISHMENT

Ipnx currently provides a range of communication and IT services to corporate

organizations within Nigeria on its IP (Internet Protocol) based communications network using
both radio and satellite communications technologies. In the long term ipNX has determined that
it needs also to have a presence in the wire line market to ensure that they will be able to provide
future services, which require high bandwidth to the last mile.
Below are the core values of Ipnx:
8

Integrity

Consistency in what we say and do

Adhering to the firms ethics even behind closed doors

Professionalism

Adhering to the norms and regulations of ones profession and conducting self in ways that
portray the values and culture of the profession

Upholding our work and standards with pride even behind closed doors

High Quality

Going beyond the current standards

Constantly and actively improving on our services and the way we work

Respect for Individual

Treating others impartially and with dignity even behind closed doors

Listening and granting legitimacy to others point of view, work, and contribution

Innovation

Creativity in everything we do

Finding better, faster, less expensive or more efficient ways of doing things

Teamwork

Sharing knowledge, skills, the joys of success and the pains of failure

Interactive collaboration

1.4 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

Managing
Director

Executive
Director

Chief Marketing
Director
Marketing
Manager

Marketing
Services &
Promotion

Business
Development
Manager

Chief Technical
Officer
Customer
Care Manager

Head
Implementation
& Support (I&S)

Head Network
Planning &
Optimisation

Corporate
Support
Corporate
Sales
(Regional)

Advertising
& Branding

Sales
Analyst

Retail Sales
(Regional)

Direct Sales
Executives
&Channels

TeleSales

IP & RF
Transmissio
n
Regional
Head I&S
(WEST)

Customer
Care
(iWireless
Support)

Engineers

Regional
Head I&S
(EAST)

Engineers

Regional
Head I&S
(NORTH)

Engineers

Figure 1.4: ipNX Organogram

1.5

THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENT/UNITS AT IPNX AND THEIR FUNCTIONS

Ipnx has different strategic departments that assist in performing various functions in order

to achieve the desired objectives. This section explores these diverse units and shows how they
function in the ipNX network.

ADMINISTRATION: this department over sees the smooth running of daily activities and
ensures good flow of work process. Its sub divided into the following:

Human Capital Management (HCM): Here, they are committed to providing an

enabling environment where the full potentials of each and every staff can be unleashed

10

Network
Operating
Centre

to create a mastery of achievement. They are in charge of employment and code of

conduct and ethics of members of staff.

2. FINANCE: The daily inflow and outflow of cash and their proper record keeping
constitute the major aim of this department at ipNX. This unit is in charge of all the
monetary transactions carried out at ipNX. Payments, transfers, loans, etc. are all carried
out in the finance unit. Proper documentation is also done here for safety purposes.
This department deals with all financial transactions in the company. It is sub
divided into the following:

Billing: This department deals with all customer account records and any outstanding bills
or charges. They ensure customers accounts are not active if there are any pending bills.
3. PLANNING AND OPTIMISATION: This department is in charge of the ipNX

network. The personnel here are charged with the setting up of the network (on paper). They
explore new areas for expansion of the network. They are also in charge of the configuration of
network components such as the core devices. The Network Operations Center (NOC) forms
a major part of this department.

Network Operations Center (NOC): The NOC deals mainly with monitoring
network devices and the data centers (a room with network devices all connected
for network Optimisation). In essence they ensure noting goes unnoticed on the
network

4. IMPLEMENTATION AND SUPPORT: This department comprises of engineers

who carry out the actual installation of devices and equipment that make up the network.
The department is divided based on the regions.
The network structures mapped out by the planning department are handed over to
this group to carry out the needful. They see to it that the necessary base-stations are in
place. They also provide support and maintenance for the clients and various sites.

5. CUSTOMER SERVICES: People in this department (which comprises of iWireless

and Corporate Support for Retail and Corporate Customers respectively) make sure that

11

ipNX customers are satisfied with the product been delivered. They also get feedback from
such as to how to serve them better

6. MARKETING AND SALES: This department provides for the continuity of the
company by getting new customers and providing door to door services for them.

7. SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (SCM): This section of the ipNX family is in

charge of all equipment in and out of the company. They take proper records of goods
being bought and those delivered for use at ipNX locations. It is divided into two:

Purchase: they make purchases on behalf of the company by receiving requisition

from departments of the specified equipment or goods. .

Store: They are in charge of keeping any device that is not in use like spares in case
the working device develops a fault. They also stock new equipment which are to
be requested in the future.

8. MEDIA AND HOSTING: This department handles all VoIP connection, mail issues,
management of the data centers, etc.

1.5.1

ORGANIZATION BUSINESS SERVICES AND PRODUCTS

Some of the services provided by ipNX include:

1. Collocation Services
Ipnx collocation is the housing of your servers or associated devices in our Data center (DC).
These servers are either client owned (provided) or leased from our Data Warehouse (DWH).
Each ipNX collocation facility is staffed with technical experts to answer your questions
and act as your remote hands at all hours, day or night. The technical experts are
knowledgeable in various operating systems, databases, email protocols, and system
management. The data centers are connected to a resilient power supply protected by a
UPS and auxiliary generator.

2. Fiber Optic Service (FOS)

12

Ipnx FOS uses Fiber Optic technology that delivers multimedia information and
communication services. These services include Internet, Telephony, Television, and
Video Surveillance amongst other services to homes and businesses at the speed of light.
Ipnx FOS currently offers the following services:

Ipnx Fiber Broadband: delivers reliable, high speed broadband internet that is
always on (24x7). It enables you to make video conference calls, download large
files in seconds and stream video clips from the internet without buffering.

Ipnx Telephony: provides a reliable landline telephone service with crystal clear
voice calls at very competitive rates both for local and international calls.

3. Ipnx Mail
ipNX Mail is an outsourced corporate email platform designed to drastically reduce the
resource commitments required for any business wishing to have the benefit of a
customized, corporate email system by providing an affordable out sourced emessaging platform that eliminates the cost and complexity of management currently
associated with e-messaging in Nigeria.

4. Ipnx Web
Users of ipNX Web can either access the service over ipNX metropolitan
networks (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Yenagoa) for all areas outside the
previously listed locations. Ipnx These users can monitor their link usage online real
time and can share a pool of Internet bandwidth over several locations within a
metropolis. Bandwidth can also be shared between points located in different towns

13

4.

VPN
(Virtual Private Network) is one of our services that we provide for our customers
that want a very secure network connection to their offices (i.e. various branches),
connection secluded from the general public.

5. Corporate VoIP
Ipnx implements VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for customers on its network by
configuring IP phones to pass calls through its network and for customers who are on
another network. It also provides call services by configuring the calls to pass through its
own network. Customers are charged based on type of configuration done.

14

CHAPTER TWO
EXPERIENCE GAINED
2.0

IP INTERNETWORK
The internet protocol provides for the connectionless and connection-based transfer of

packets across an interconnected set of networks called the internet. In general the component
networks may use different protocols; so the objective of IP is to provide communications across
dissimilar networks.
Each device that is attached to the internet has a two-part address namely: The Host Part
and The Network Part. To transmit an IP Packet, a device sends an IP Packet encapsulated using
its local network protocol to the nearest router. The Routers are packet switches that act as the
gateway between the components of the network. The router performs a route lookup algorithm
on the network part of the destination address to determine whether the destination is in an
immediately accessible network or, if not, to determine the next router in the path to the
destination. After this the router then forwards the IP packet across the given network.
In other words IP treats the component network as data link layers whose role is to transfer
the packet to the nearest router or to the destination.

2.1

RADIO COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

Radio encompasses the electromagnetic spectrum from 3 kHz to 300 GHz. In radio

communication the signal transfer takes place in air or space using an antenna that radiates energy
at carrier frequency. Depending on the frequency and the antenna, this carrier energy can propagate
either in a unidirectional or omnidirectional direction.
In the Unidirectional, case a properly aligned antenna receives the modulated signal and
an associated receiver in the direction of the transmission recovers the original information. In the
case of the omnidirectional case any receiver with an antenna within the coverage area can pick
up the signal that is being transmitted.
Radio communication systems are subject to various transmission limitations and
challenges such as Attenuation, Multipath fading, and Interference.

15

Attenuation in radio links vary logarithmically with the distance, it also increases with rainfall
occurrence.

Multipath fading refers to the propagation phenomenon that results in radio signals reaching the
receiving antenna by two (2) or more paths. The causes of multipath fading are mainly from water
bodies and terrestrial objects such as buildings and mountains.

Interference refers to energy that appears in the receiver from other sources other than the
transmitter. Interference can be generated by other users of the same frequency band or equipment
that incidentally transmits energy outside its band into bands of adjacent channels. It also affects
the performance of radio systems and for this reason regulatory bodies apply strict regulations on
the emission of radiation by radio equipment.

2.2

RADIO NETWORK LINK SITE SURVEY

Companies that have decided to or are deciding to building and operating wireless

broadband networks have several important issues to consider in terms of how to proceed. Once
demographic, financial, competitive, commercial and or residential issues analysis is complete, the
operator must complete a thorough engineering site survey of the area to be served. Once that is
completed the data learned and gathered during the survey will aid in the preliminary network
design.

The Infield Site Survey

A site survey is carried out because the operator wants to minimize the unknowns
regarding the network prior to construction and the operator wants to develop a vision of
how the network will work once its built.

16

Client
Address Or Site Location
Height Of Building
GPS CO-ORDINATES

Latitude

Longitude

Height , Location And Structural Integrity Of

Existing Mast
Height, Location And Structural Integrity Of
Existing Pole
Detail Of Pole To Be Used (Wall Mount Or
Casted, Etc.)
Recommended Location For The Proposed
Mast/Pole
Type And Height Of Obstruction(s) On The
Line Of Sight(LOS)
List Of Base Stations With Clear Line Of Sight
Estimated Cable Length
Router / LAN Details (If Present)
Extra Tools Required e.g. Drilling Machine
Ladder, Etc.
Power Supply Audit

L-N

L-E

N-E

Description Of Existing Earth

Table 2.2 Ipnx SITE SURVEY SUMMARY DATA SHEET

17

2.3

CATEGORIES OF RADIOS AND MODEM

There are different kinds of radios used in ipNX and these radios are used according to the

bandwidth requested from clients. The following types of radios are used in ipNX

2.3.1

Alvarion WiMax Radios and Modems

Ipnx implores the use of Alvarion technology in its network integration.

Alvarion WiMax Ltd. (Alvarion) is involved in providing wireless broadband systems. The
company operates its business through a single line of business, namely, wireless broadband. The
companys products and service offerings include wireless broadband solutions and WiMax-based
solutions for top-tier carriers, internet service providers (ISPs) and other private network operators.
As a provider of WiMax and non-WiMax wireless broadband systems, Alvarion has launched
more than 250 commercial WiMAX deployments worldwide. It provides services such as
interoperability testing (IOT), analysis and planning, deployment and implementation. In addition,
the solutions being offered by the company cover a range of frequency bands with fixed, portable
and mobile applications. The company has ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications
for Quality Management system and Health and Safety system.
The following enlisted radios are used:

Alvarion CPE 4000 Radio: This type of radio could be also called a Modem; its
an indoor radio which gets strong signal strength if positioned properly. The radio
provides both voice and data communication to the user.

18

Fig 2.3.1 (a): Alvarion CPE 4000 Radio

Alvarion CPE 3000 Radio: This type of radio has both and indoor and outdoor
unit. The outdoor unit faces the nearest base station to acquire a good signal
strength, then alignment is done on the outdoor unit to obtain the best signal
strength. The radio can only be accessed by logging into the radio by connecting
the indoor unit to a PC and configuration settings are made.

Fig 2.3.1 (b): Alvarion CPE 300Radio & Antenna

19

Alvarion RD2 Radio: This type of radio is similar to the Alvarion CPE 3000; it
also has indoor and outdoor units. Its capable of passing 1Mbp/s (1Megabyte per
second) which can be accessed by connecting the indoor unit to a PC for
configuration changes and assessment

Figure 2.3.1 (c): Alvarion RD2 Radio Antenna

2.4

UBIQUITI POINT TO POINT RADIOS

Ubiquiti Power Station 5: Ubiquiti radios are mainly used for point to point links
i.e. for a link to be established the radio at the clients end must physically face the
other radio at the base station end in order to establish a link. The Ubiquiti power
station 5 is used mainly at the base station end due to its high transmitting power
(TX) and also works perfectly well if its exact replica is also at the clients end.
Its highly used in long range distances and has a bandwidth of 5 Megabyte and
above.

20

(a)

(b)

Figure 2.4: Ubiquiti Power Station 5 Radio & POE (Power over Ethernet) Adapter

Ubiquiti Nano Bridge Radio: This is also a Point to Point (PtP) radio like the
Power Station 5, and comprises of the POE (Power over Ethernet) Adapter, outdoor
unit, antenna feed, and circular dish. It has increased functionality than the Power
station 5 owing to its higher transmit power (with longer distance ranges), better
circumference of the circular dish and an antenna feed that indicates the signal
strength. The Nano Bridge can accommodate a bandwidth higher than 5 Megabyte.

(b)

(a)

Figure 2.4: (a) Ubiquiti Nano Bridge Radio and (b) Poe (Power over Ethernet) Adapter

21

2.5

OTHER HIGHER CAPACITY RADIOS

SAF CFM RADIO: SAF CFM is a safe and affordable wireless communication
point to pint system operating between 5 and 38GHz frequency bands. It provides
both voice and data communication in rural and urban areas covering a distance of
60Km between the 2 sites (the base station and the client end respectively). CFM
is available between 4/8/34Mbps data transmission rates, according to the need of
your business you may be required to use either CFM modular equipment i.e. Radio
(ODU-Outdoor Unit) and interface block (IDU-Indoor Unit) or Full Outdoor Unit
(FODU) which comprises of the Indoor and Outdoor unit all in One device.
ODU
Fig 2.5 (a): SAF CFM ODU (Outdoor Unit) and

IDU

Indoor Unit (IDU)

Figure 2.5 (b): SAF CFM FODU (Full Outdoor Unit)

22

SAF CFIP Radio: The SAF CFIP is perfect building block for modern future proof
wireless network, fixed data service operators, etc. The SAF CFIP is full outdoor
solution (which comprises of indoor and outdoor unit all in one device) (FODU)
which has a bandwidth of 108Mbps, a channel width of 7/ 14/ 28MHz with 10/100
Ethernet Capable interfaces and 4E1 interfaces and has a standard power over
Ethernet (Poe) interface. Its also referred to as a Green radio (less than 15-20W of
power consumption per terminal) allowing to use alternate power sources. The SAF
CFIP radio provides the capability to replace the SAF CFM radio by retaining the
antenna size/ distance. Its also perfect for overlaying GSM network with
3G/WiMAX and LTE services and collocated base stations.

Figure 2.5 (c)

Figure 2.5 (d)

(c)SAF CFIP Poe (Power over Ethernet) Adapter

(d) SAF CFIP Full Outdoor Unit (FODU)

23

2.6

CONFIGURATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING OF RADIOS

The different type of radios used in Ipnx requires some specific settings and configuration

on them for the radios to work as expected. The following radios are configured as follows:

2.6.1

ALVARION WiMAX RADIOS (CONFIGURATION)

To configure an Alvarion WiMax radio the following parameters are necessary for the link
to be up and running:

Username

Password

Domain Name

Firmware Upgrade

VLAN Settings

Frequencies Of Base Stations Available

IP Address (LAN and WAN)

2.6.2 STEPS TO CONFIGURE AN ALVARION WiMAX RD2 RADIO

1. Change your LAN IP Address of your PC to the default IP address of the radio (the
default IP for Alvarion WiMax is 192.168.254.X/24 )
2. Login into the default gateway IP Address of the radio through any browser
3. Upgrade the firmware to the firmware that will be compatible to that of the
connecting base station.
4. Change the username, password, domain and then click update

24

Figure 2.6.2 (a): Username, Password and Domain Change

5. Insert the accepted ipNX frequencies so that the radio locks to the available base
station.

25

Figure 2.6.2 (b): Frequencies insertion

2.7

UBIQUITI POINT TO POINT RADIOS

During the configuration of Ubiquiti radios (a Point to Point i.e. it requires a radio
at the client end to face the other radio at the base station end), hence the configuration
settings at either end must correspond with the other end unless a link will not be
established.
The following parameters must be considered:

Wireless Mode (Station or Access Point)

Country Code, SSID (Service Set Identification) and Output Power

Network mode

IP Address and DNS IP

Distance

Firmware Upgrade

26

2.7.1

STEPS TO CONFIGURE A UBIQUITI POINT TO POINT RADIO

1. Change your LAN IP address of your PC to the default IP address of the radio
according to the documentation or manual of the radio.
2. Login to the default gateway IP Address of the radio using any browser
3. Upgrade the radios firmware in order to match to that of the connecting base
station
4. Change the wireless mode to Access point when configuring the base station end
and to Station when configuring the clients end radio
5. Insert the desired SSID (Service Set Identification),Country Code, Output Power
and click Change

Figure 2.7.1 (a): Wireless Mode, SSID, Country Code and Output Power Change

6. Change Network Mode to Bridge mode, insert the desired IP Address with its
Subnet Mask and gateway IP Address, insert DNS IP and click change

27

Figure 2.7.1 (b): Network Mode, IP and Gateway IP Address and DNS IP CHANGE

7. Insert the distance between the two (2) radios so they can establish a link between
themselves.
8. Restart the unit and check their status.

28

Figure 2.7.1 (c): Status Check

2.8

RADIO LINK MONITORING AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE

All the work put forth to plan, design and install a quality a radio network can all be for
nothing if the network isnt proactively monitored or properly maintained.
In a large metro wireless network there will invariably dozens, if not hundreds of
devices to monitor. These devices includes routers, access points switches, point to point
links and other related links. The ability to manage remotely and remotely monitor these
devices varies from one manufacturer to the other. For the most part todays leading
vendors infrastructure allows for remote SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
management.
The ability to get into the network and actively monitor various items is important
to keeping

the system operational to a carrier class level. Ideally the operator or

integrator developing the network will install a remote server at the customers premises
loaded with a hardware client VPN (Virtual Private Network). This local server allows the
customers (city, school, service operator or an enterprise) to be monitored remotely.

29

2.8.1

MONITORING SET-UP

This basic monitoring advises if the network elements being monitored are operational or
not.
The baseline RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) levels for each radio should be
set in order to establish baselines of performance using RSL (Received Signal Levels).these
levels should be recorded when the radios were installed, a good integrator will know what
realistic or non-realistic received levels are for particular radios.
Next threshold traps are installed within a 25% range of peak performance and that
level is set as a trigger to create an alarm. This 25% range of peak performance allows the
radio to continue to perform, but advises of a problem before the radio link goes down.
When a trap has been triggered it typically creates a graphical impression at the NOC
(Network Operating Centre) as well as sets off alarms to required personnel for the required
alarm resolution. The out-dialling capability is common and allows personnel to be notified
24/7.
A good network integrator will also set up network collision tracking and monitor
all collision of data and data loss in the network itself. Also the beginning the NOC usually
monitor switch ports the radios are connected to in order to determine if there are problems
at that level. The NOC also provides daily, weekly, monthly views of network performance
including Packet Loss, RF (Radio Frequency) quality so the network owner has a view of
network activity, quality level, and overall performance.

2.8.2

PREVENTIVE AND NETWORK MAINTENANCE

This is the corrective measure done after the fault has occurred either via the replacement
of the radio equipment or logical troubleshooting.
Depending on the alarm error, some problems can be repaired remotely, sometimes
recycling the radio and refreshing the profiles or settings can fix the problem. There are
however, filed activities relating to maintenance that need to be planned for and
undertaken. Such items include the following:

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Proactive updating and testing of firmware

Semi-annual inspection of all network components (both indoor and outdoor ) to

ensure that weather seals, cables, ice breaks, electrical , UPS and other main
network components are operational and not at risk.

A local maintenance capability should be also available to be dispatched when

problems do occur that cannot be fixed remotely.

The local support personnel must be capable of connecting into the equipment via
serial or Ethernet connection and resolving local issues.

The personnel also has to have necessary information to gain access to the site
during off hours as well as have access to tower riggers in case of a lightning strike
or antenna failure.

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) should be developed by the city or operator to manage
the commitments of the monitoring and maintenance company. Its not uncommon for
service to be required with 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours on the critical nature of the network.

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Client
Address Or Site Location
Height of building
Co-ordinates

Latitude

Longitude

Height, Location And Structural Stability Of

Existing Mast/Pole
Possibility Of Deploying The Link On A Pole
If Its Currently On A Mast
CPE Health
RF Cable Health
RF Parameter (SNR AND RSSI)
Connecting BSID
Antenna Alignment
Indoor Cable Length
Power Supply Audit

L-N

L-E

N-E

Description Of Existing Earth

Table 2.8.2: ipNX Preventive Maintenance Data Sheet

The above table gives the necessary parameters to make sure the link is up and running.

2.9

IP NEWORK UTILITIES
1. PING: Ping is an acronym for Packet Internet Groper which is a standard
software utility (tool) used to test network connections. It can be used to determine
if a remote device (such as Web or Game server) can be reached across the network
and, if so, the connections latency. Ping tools are part of Windows, Mac OS, and
Linux as well as on some Routers and Game consoles.
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Most ping tools use Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP). They send request
messages to a target network address at periodic intervals and measure the time it takes for
a response message to arrive. The name comes from active sonar terminology which
sends pulse of sound and listens for the echo to detect objects under water.

FIGURE 2.9 (a): PING PATTERN

2. TELNET: Telnet is a user command and an underlying TCP/IP protocol for

accessing remote computers , through telnet an administrator or another user can
access someone elses computer remotely. On the web, HTTP and FTP protocols
allow you to request specific files from remote computers, but not to actually be
logged on as a user of that computer. With Telnet you log on as a regular user with
whatever privileges you may have been granted to the specific application and data
on that computer. A telnet command request looks like this :
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Telnet howtogeek.com.edu
The result of this request would be an invitation to log on with a userid and a prompt for a
password. If accepted, you would be logged on like any user who used this computer every
day.

FIGURE 2.9 (b): TELNET PATTERN

3. IPCONFIG: In computing ipconfig (Internet Protocol Configuration) in
Microsoft Windows is a console application that displays all current TCP/IP
network configuration values, can refresh DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) and DNS (Domain Name System) settings. This utility can be used to
obtain information for each IP network interface for the host, for example, DNS
hostname, IP Addresses of the servers, physical address of the network card. Its
also used to renew an IP address with a DHCP server.

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Figure 2.9 (c): IPCONFIG PATTERN

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CHAPTER THREE
CONTRIBUTION TO THE ESTABLISHMENT
I was able to add my contribution to my establishment in the following ways listed below:

Configuration and troubleshooting of radios (Alvarion WiMax and Ubiquiti)

Configuration of wireless routers (Cisco, Netgear, etc.)

Migration of FTTH (Fiber To The Home) customers from the EPON (Ethernet Passive
Optical Network) to GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) platform

Building an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Network

Installation and configuration of Grandstream Internet Protocol (IP) Cameras and Phones

Preventive and corrective maintenance at various Ipnx Base stations

Maintenance Of Fiber Optics ONT (Optical Network Terminals) modems

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CHAPTER FOUR
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.0

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE PROGRAM

During my first week, I had difficulties understanding a lot of terms and terminologies that were
used at the office because a lot of them were very new to me. This made it hard for me to follow
the procedures, fortunately most of the staff and other IT students were very patient with me and
were helpful in bringing me up to speed.

4.1

SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

Truly this scheme can be described as an eye-opener for students in general, but

improvements can be made in the following areas described below:

The search for an internship position in a well-recognized establishment still

remains a huge problem for aspiring interns. The Industrial Training Fund should
look into this and encourage industries to participate in training and equipping
students with relevant skills and knowledge.

The employers should endeavor to provide medical care for students within the
limits of the employers condition of service during attachment.

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BIBLIOGRAPH

Communication Networks- Fundamental Concepts and Key architecture (2nd Edition) by

Alberto Leon Garcia

CCNA Study Guide (7th Edition) by Todd Lammle

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