MAKING A TELEPHONE CALL

A telephone call starts when the caller lifts the handsets of the base. Once the dial tone is heard, the
caller uses a rotary or a push button dial mounted either on the handset or on the base to enter a
sequence of digits, the telephone number of called party. The switching equipment from the exchange
removes the dial tone from the line after the first digit is received and after receiving the last digit,
determines the called party is in the same exchange or a different ones. If the called is in the same
exchange, burst of ringing current is applied to the called party’s line. Each telephone contains a ringer
that responds to specific electric frequency. When the called party answers the telephone by pocking up
the handset, steady start to flow in the called party’s line and is detected by the exchange. The exchange
than stops applying ringing and sets up the connection between the caller and the called party. If the
called party is in different exchange from the caller, the caller exchange set up the connection over the
telephone network to the called party’s exchange. The called party then handles the process of ringing,
detecting an answer, and notifying the calling and billing machinery when the call is completed. When
conversation is over, one or both parties hang up by replacing their handset on the base, stopping the
flow of current. The exchange when initiates the process of taking down the connection, including
notifying billing equipment of the duration of the call if appropriate.

Basic Concept:

1. Switching equipment:

Equipment which effects interconnected of telephones is known as switching equipment. Basically it is a

device or a system that connects one telephone line to another so that 2 or more people can have a
conversation over their respective telephones or so that your computer’s modem can connect to a
remote modem such as a remote modem owned by an ISP (internet service provider ) which in turn
connects you to the internet.

2. Telephone exchange:

The switching centre, which houses the terminating and switching equipment is called telephone
exchange.

EXCHANGE LAYOUT:

Typical exchange consists of:

Ø Switch Room

Ø Operations and Maintenance (OMC) Room

Ø Input Output processor (IOP) Room

Ø Power Plant Room

Ø Battery Room

Ø Main Distribution Frame (MDF) Room

Main Distribution Frame (M.D.F) :

To connect switch (exchange) with the external environment (subscriber) i.e. it is the interface between
subscribers and exchange.

The switching equipment, common to all the subscribers of the area is located in an exchange. To make
possible for a subscriber to communicate with remaining subscribers, telephone of each and every
subscriber must be connected to theexchange. The function of MDF is to provide a means for
connecting side is terminated at OCB where the switching take place. From OCB, through
PCM connected to various sections like WLL, TAX etc.

FUNCTION OF MDF :

 A fixed means of terminating the external cables.

 A means for mounting the protective devices for incoming circuits.

 A convenient point of interception for locating of faults.

 A means for cross connecting the external circuits to the appropriate internal circuits.

 The primary function of MDF is to remove fault. It is also known as Fault Remove Section.

 The telephone numbers are also disconnected in the MDF because of some specific reason.

A line from the subscriber’s telephone set involves:

• Subscribers House wiring

• Overhead wires

• Cable Distribution Point

• Underground cables

• Exchange Main Distribution Frame

From the subscriber’s house wiring, the line is brought on overhead wires to a point called distribution
point(DP). From the DP, the pairs are extended to the exchange through underground distribution
cables, secondary cables and primary cables. At the exchange are brought through underground cables
to cable chamber. In the cable chambers, they are jointed to PVC cables for terminating at MDF. This
frame incorporates protecting devices and provides for a flexible arrangement for connecting
subscriber’s lines to exchange equipments.

SUBSCRIBERS HOUSE WIRING :

PVC aluminum twin wire 1or1.12 mm is used for wiring at subscriber’s house. Protective devices are not
necessary at the subscriber’s premises as per present standards.

UNDERGROUND CABLES :

The underground cables laid at a depth to 2.5 feet

below the ground level connect the DP post to the exchange MDF. The cabinets and pillars included in
the cable network provide flexible arrangement of interconnection between various sizes of cables.

The MDF is properly earthed for the protection of the equipment. The external pairs are area wise
terminated on the line side of the frame, while connection from the equipment is done on the exchange
side in a numerical order. By interconnections at this frame with the help of jumper wires, any
subscriber in any area can be given any exchange number.