You are on page 1of 42

STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

A TECHNICAL REPORT

BEYIOKU MARY OLUWAMAYOWA


17CK022672

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND INFORMATION ENGINEERING,


COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
COVENANT UNIVERSITY

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE


OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (B.ENG.).
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING,

COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.

OCTOBER 2021.
DEDICATION

I dedicate this completion of my SIWES to my Almighty Father in Heaven, the one whose plans
for me are forever precious and intentional, to the one who told me He indeed had a place
prepared for me and saw me to the very end of my internship successfully.

2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would want to give to first acknowledgement to my Heavenly Father, the One who saw me
through from when I was seeking for a place for internship to the very end of my internship.

I also extend my appreciation to Covenant University for intentionally securing and keeping
good relationships with prestigious companies like that of Huawei in order to assist its students
to secure placement for their internship and jobs in future times

I also extend my sincere acknowledgement to the Human Resources of Huawei Technologies,


Mr. Azuka, Mrs. Juliet, Miss Ife, for reaching out to my school and granting me the opportunity
of working in their company and also ensuring my growth and ensuring the environment was
very good for me.

I want to sincerely appreciate Dr Adewale, who functioned as the bridge between Covenant
University and Huawei Technologies, for continually protecting the relationship, and for his care
and effort in ensuring I and other students had a very good organization to do our internship.

I also want to appreciate my supervisors, Mr. Obisesan Dosumu, Mr. Agomoh for ensuring my
continues learning and giving me the opportunity to practice and also assigning task to me during
my internship, I also want to appreciate Mr Femi for the times he lectured me and made me feel
very welcomed, Mr Friday, despite his very busy schedule found time to take me to the site and
explain the procedures in bits to me.

I am also sincerely grateful for my awesome parents Mr Sunny and Mrs Lola Beyioku for their
loving support, their continuous sacrifice, also their support and help in assisting me when I was
seeking for my place of internship. I also want to appreciate my brothers Muyiwa, Moyin, Moyo
for their kindness. I am sincerely grateful to my incredibly good friend Samuel Umar for his very
kind support and assistance.

3
ABSTRACT

The Report contains an extensive information and overview, including all that I learnt in Huawei
Technologies during my internship program. The report begins with where I did my internship,
To the commencement of my internship, to the services offered by Huawei Technologies, to the
facilities available in Huawei, Contributions, Knowledge Gained, Challenges I faced, Discussion
on task I did and my Conclusion.

4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION............................................................................................................................... 2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................................ 3
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................... 4
LIST OF FIGURES ...................................................................................................................... 7
LIST OF PLATES ........................................................................................................................ 8
Chapter 1 ....................................................................................................................................... 9
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 9
1.1 COLLECTION OF SIWES LETTER AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS ......................... 9
1.2 ABOUT HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES .............................................................................. 10
1.2.1 MISSION AND VISION ................................................................................................. 11
1.3 SUBMISSION OF REQUIRED OFFICIAL LETTERS .................................................... 12
1.3.1 COMMENCEMENT OF MY INTERNSHIP ................................................................. 13
Chapter 2 ..................................................................................................................................... 16
FACILITIES AVAILABLE....................................................................................................... 16
2.1.1 Microwave Equipment ................................................................................................. 16
2.1.2 VENDOR...................................................................................................................... 17
2.1.3 MICROWAVE ODU EQUIPMENT ........................................................................... 17
2.1.4 ANTENNAS ................................................................................................................. 19
2.1.5 MICROWAVE INDOOR UNIT (IDU) ....................................................................... 20
2.1.6 Major Software Used .................................................................................................... 23
2.2 Supervision from Company-Based Supervisor ................................................................... 26
2.3 Knowledge Gained .............................................................................................................. 27
2.3.1 Human Relations .......................................................................................................... 31
Chapter 3 ..................................................................................................................................... 33
CONTRIBUTIONS..................................................................................................................... 33
3.1 APPLICABILITY OF KNOWLEDGE GAINED .............................................................. 33
3.1.1 FIELD OF STUDY AND EDUCATIONAL CAREER .............................................. 33
3.1.2 THE COMPANY’S GOALS........................................................................................ 33
3.1.3 THE LARGER SOCIETY............................................................................................ 33

5
3.1.4 COMPARISON BETWEEN PRACTICAL TRAINING AND THEORETICAL
KNOWLEDGE LEARNT IN SCHOOL ............................................................................... 34
3.1.5 COMPANY’S CULTURE AND ITS RELATION TO ATTAINING ITS GOALS. .. 34
3.2 CHALLENGES ................................................................................................................... 36
3.2.1 Challenges I faced ........................................................................................................ 36
3.3 DISCUSSION ON IDENTIFIED PROJECTS ................................................................... 37
Microwave Communication Transmission ............................................................................ 37
3.3.1 Nokia Wavence UBT.................................................................................................... 37
Chapter 4 ..................................................................................................................................... 41
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ........................................................................ 41
4.1 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................... 41
4.2 RECOMMENDATION ...................................................................................................... 41
REFERENCES............................................................................................................................ 42

6
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Huawei’s Logo ............................................................................................................... 10


Figure 2 Front View of the Building of Huawei ........................................................................... 10
Figure 3 Huawei Nigeria’s Organization Structure ...................................................................... 12
Figure 4 A Microwave Radio ....................................................................................................... 18
Figure 5 A Separate mount and Direct Mount Microwave Equipment ........................................ 19
Figure 6 Split Mount Microwave Equipment ............................................................................... 19
Figure 7 Parabolic Antenna .......................................................................................................... 20
Figure 8 Cassegrainian Antenna ................................................................................................... 20
Figure 9 Node Processing Unit (NPU1 B) .................................................................................... 21
Figure 10 NPU 1C Card ................................................................................................................ 22
Figure 11 SFP(Small Form Factor Pluggable) MODULE ........................................................... 23
Figure 12 Fusion Access ............................................................................................................... 24
Figure 13 NSP when launched ...................................................................................................... 24
Figure 14 NSP’s interface showing Links and Alarms ................................................................ 25
Figure 15 An Integration of 2G and 3G architecture .................................................................... 28
Figure 16 3G Architecture ............................................................................................................ 28
Figure 17 Huwei’s RNOC Culture ............................................................................................... 35
Figure 18 UBT-TWIN .................................................................................................................. 38
Figure 19 UBT - SINGLE............................................................................................................. 38
Figure 20 UBT-M ......................................................................................................................... 39
Figure 21 UBT-Compact .............................................................................................................. 39

7
LIST OF PLATES
Plates 1 Acceptance Letter .......................................................................................................... 13
Plates 2 A picture of me at Work. ................................................................................................. 15
Plates 3 A mast with various microwave radios belonging to different network providers. ........ 18
Plates 4 An image of NPU set up at Site with all its connections ............................................... 22
Plates 5 MiniLink Interface when it is first opened showing the Network Element .................... 25
Plates 6 An Image of iMaster NCE Web version ......................................................................... 26
Plates 7 Nokia Equipment Displaying the Alarms ....................................................................... 31
Plates 8 I and my Team members at Airtels Database................................................................. 32
Plates 9 An Image of me at a Site at Oniru, Lagos. ...................................................................... 40

8
Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 COLLECTION OF SIWES LETTER AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS


I collected my SIWES letter on the 5TH of April 2021 from the SIWES Office through
my Course Representative, before this day I started applying to various companies and
institutions related to my field of study and how it relates to the field I want to specialize in.
Gathering all the necessary data about this company I sent my Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover
Letter to the Human Resources Agents of each of the respective companies. I also was able to
leverage the LinkedIn Platform to find companies in line with what I want to specialize in.

An announcement was made during our Alpha semester Examination regarding open
slots for students who would like to do their internship in Huawei. I gave interest and went to
apply. I was later sent a form through my mail from the Human Resource Manager, requiring
details about myself, I was also informed to be at the office on the 4th of May 2021 upon
resumption.

On the 4th of May 2021, I was told to resume to the office, where I met other students
like myself from Covenant University and other universities, we were welcomed in by the
Human Resource Manager Mr. Ogagifo Azuka and Mrs. Juliet Eremonye. We had a brief
Orientation about the company and what is expected of each of us. We were also given our
Acceptance Letter and we also submitted a copy of our SIWES letter.

We were allocated into various departments and had an orientation regarding the
Cybersecurity Guide Lines of the company.

9
1.2 ABOUT HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES
Huawei Technology is a renowned multinational technology company, which is
committed itself to providing various technical solutions like designing and developing
telecommunications equipment (routers, servers), consumer electronics like a smartphone.
Huawei Technologies is a multinational company operating in over 170 countries and regions.

It was founded on the 15th of September 1987, by Ren Zhengfei in Shenzhen, China. Its
initial focus was based on manufacturing phones and switches, but it has massively transformed
a lot and emerged as the largest telecommunication equipment manufacturer in the world. It is a
private company owned by its employees.

Figure 1 Huawei’s Logo

Figure 2 Front View of the Building of Huawei

10
1.2.1 MISSION AND VISION
Huawei’s mission is to bring digital to every person, home, and organization for a fully
connected and intelligent world. Huawei is also admired by its stricken core values, one which
bounds them all is Integrity. Some of its other core values are Discipline, Hard work, Resilience,
Teamwork, Customer Satisfaction. Huawei is known to be the largest supplier of telecom
equipment and the second-largest manufacturer of smartphones

Huawei Nigeria has been able to spread itself across various States in Nigeria, but the
major branch of operation is in Lagos. Huawei Nigeria serves as a vendor for telecommunication
devices for companies like Etisalat, Airtel, Glo, and MTN, they simple terms they provide
equipment for these network providers and also help manage the network and the equipment of
the services providers. In Huawei Nigeria, they have a department for Research and
Development that helps create and provide technical solutions.

In Nigeria Huawei is located in Lagos, Abuja, Oyo, Kano, Huawei has been in Nigeria
for close to 15 years, and below are the address of the branches in Lagos where I did my
internship.

• Oriental Hotel, Building II, Lekki - Epe Expy, Victoria Island, Lagos
• Adeola Odeku St, Victoria Island, Lagos

11
Figure 3 Huawei Nigeria’s Organization Structure

1.3 SUBMISSION OF REQUIRED OFFICIAL LETTERS


When I was granted the opportunity to do my internship in Huawei, upon resumption I
sent my SIWES letter that was given to me from school to the company their Human Resource
Department, I was then given my Acceptance Letter on the 4th of May 2021, having received it I
sent it to the SIWES department through an email, I also ensured I filled the E-Siwes platform
and uploaded the necessary documents. After 2 weeks of resumption, I went to submit my SCAF
(Student Commitment Attachment Form) to the nearest branch to me which is located at Victoria
Island.

Upon the completion of my internship on the 7th of October 2021, I went to the ITF office that I
submitted my SCAF form to sign my logbook.

12
Plates 1 Acceptance Letter

1.3.1 COMMENCEMENT OF MY INTERNSHIP


I commenced my internship on the 4th of May 2021, upon resumption we were
welcomed by the Human Resource Managers, Mrs. Juliet, and Mr. Azuka Ogagifo.

We were given orientation upon the operations in the company and what would be
expected of us. We were split into groups and assigned under some HR personnel after a while
we were given a commitment letter to fill. We wrote a compliance examination and uploaded our
results; the compliance exams were mandatory for every staff working in Huawei. I was assigned
to work in the Airtel Transmission Department which is under the Regional Network Operating
Center (RNOC) of Huawei.

13
I was given an official laptop and went to the IT department for configuration. In the
Airtel Transmission department, I was assigned a supervisor whose name was Mr. Sesan, he put
me through all that I needed to thrive in the department, he also assisted me in the official
request for approval to use some official applications. I also worked under Mr. Jordan Agomoh
who had taught me all I needed to know and assigned tasks to me from time to time.

I had weekly training alongside other interns in my department, we were taught by Mr.
Femi Sunday, we were majorly trained on how to use the applications that would be used to
manage sites, the basic overview of a telecommunication Network, Equipment used in the
Microwave network and during the internship we progressed on how to solve issues on the
network.

I also got to work with Mr. Idakpo Friday, who is an expert in the field of
Telecommunications and was very familiar with the various vendor equipment like Huawei,
Ceragon, Aviat, Ericsson, etc. I was able to visit the site with him and he taught me the uses of
the various vendor equipment and I was able to gain more clarity on what was done in the office
and how to relate it to the field. I was given different transmission materials that helped me to
train and improve myself on Transmission and Microwave Equipment.

14
Plates 2 A picture of me at Work.

15
Chapter 2

FACILITIES AVAILABLE

Huawei is not just a telecommunication company but provides equipment and services as
well as the Operating and Managing of Service Provider Networks like Airtel, Etisalat, MTN,
etc. I worked in the Airtel Transmission Department under the RNOC (Regional Networking
Operating Center), our major duty was to manage the network, provide an immediate solution to
the network or any link that may be having issues providing service to its consumer, we also had
people on-site working directly with the equipment, hence causing me to divide the facilities in
my company into two because I was privileged to work both at the site and in the NOC center

I. The Microwave Equipment


• Indoor Unit (IDU)
• Outdoor Unit (ODU)
• Antennas
II. The Software’s used
• Fusion Access
• Microsoft Excel
• MiniLink
• Nokia NSP

I was assigned to work in the Airtel Transmission Department, my major duty was
extracting license bandwidth for links, dropping the Bandwidth level for links that exceeded it, I
also was assigned to Disable LLDP (Local Link D Protocol) and learning how to work on
different Vendor types of equipment.

2.1.1 Microwave Equipment


In telecommunication, there are numerous means of transmitting, sending, and sharing
data in today's age, but the two major means by which we transmit data are via Microwave and
Fiber Optics. But we would be focusing more on the Microwave Equipment because I was
trained majorly on their principles, mode of operation, and how they are used.

16
Microwave Transmission is easy to cross space over a large area, the capital invested is
low to start it up, and also quite easy to maintain compared to Fiber Optics but compared to Fiber

Optics has a low performance and low transmission capacity but is more immune to
natural disasters compared to fiber optics. The Radio Frequency Ranges from 300MHZ to
300GHz.

2.1.2 VENDOR
Before I talk about the types of Digital Microwave Equipment, I would like to inform you
that Huawei collaborates with various vendors (providers) for Equipment and there are different
ways they operate but the operations are similar to some of the Vendors used in my company:

• Huawei
• Nokia
• Ericsson
• Avait
• Ceragon

2.1.3 MICROWAVE ODU EQUIPMENT


Outdoor Microwave Equipment is equipment that is majorly mounted on the mast and is
located outdoor, most of the equipment is connected by IF cable and several types of connectors.
There is various equipment used in ODU, most of which would be discussed here are the ones
manufactured by Huawei. There are distinct types of Microwave equipment based on their
modes of propagation, multiplexing, capacity, and Structure. Based on Structure we have the:

1. Full Outdoor Microwave: The outdoor microwave equipment consists of four parts the
Antenna, RF processing Unit, the Intermediate Frequency (IF) Cable, the IF, and
Baseband Processing Unit. Service and Power Cable. The installation is very easy and
small.

17
Figure 4 A Microwave Radio

Plates 3 A mast with various microwave radios belonging to different network providers.

18
2. Split Microwave: The RF and the antenna parts are located outside while the other parts
like the AMM magazines are located indoor and are connected via cables. Huawei is very
known for its impeccable design for its RTN 600 and 900 series. The Antenna, ODU
devices IF cable, and IDU devices make up the Split Microwave Equipment.

Figure 5 A Separate mount and Direct Mount Microwave Equipment

Figure 6 Split Mount Microwave Equipment

2.1.4 ANTENNAS
Antennas play a key role in the field of telecommunications, they are used to send out
electric signals or waves to opposite antennas directly faced at each other, they tend to come in
different shapes and sizes. The two major types of Microwave Antennas are Parabolic Antennas
and Cassegrainian Antenna. The two types of Antennae have the same reflection plane but
different feeder sources. The Parabolic Antenna has its feeder source in it while the
Cassegrainian Antenna has its feeder source behind it. The Parabolic Antenna transmits over a

19
short distance while the Cassegrainian Antenna transmits over a farther distance. They usually
come in varying sizes like 0.3m, 0.6m, 1.2m, 1.8m, 2.0m, 2.4m, etc.

Figure 7 Parabolic Antenna

Figure 8 Cassegrainian Antenna

2.1.5 MICROWAVE INDOOR UNIT (IDU)


i. ACCESS MODULE MAGAZINE (AMM): This can be this described as a body frame
that houses various modules and magazines, it provides a mechanical housing and
interconnection for the plug-in units, there are different specifications of AMM
• 2P Magazine has two half-height slots, one equipped with NPU3, another
NPU3B, and the remaining half of the slot is equipped with LTU, ETU, SAU. It
comprises two MMU, One Earthen Cable, 1m, One Rack Screw.
20
• 6P Magazine there are different types of the D (4) or C (5), In general, they house
one NPU3B, TWO PFU3B, and FAU. This kit comprises One earthing Cable,
One DC Connector Kit, One FAU2, One Rack Unit, etc.
• 20P Magazine: This Magazine has 20 full-size slots, out of which 10 are
available for use as standard. This Comprises One Fan Alarm, One Earthing
Cable, One DC connector.

Note that each of the specifications listed above is based on the number of MMU
Cards available.

ii. The NODE/NETWORK PROCESSING UNIT (NPU): The Node Processing Unit
provides the main control system functions and holds a Removable Memory Module
(RMM) for storage of license and configuration of new links on-site when installed.
There are different types of NPU for different AMMs for example we have the

• NPU1 B: this provides a user’s input or output interface. This particular NPU can
be used for the AMM 20P it possesses an ethernet interface for LAN cables and a
USB port for configuration.

Figure 9 Node Processing Unit (NPU1 B)

21
• NPU 1 C: This NPU has eight (8) E1 interfaces, two ethernet SFP, a USB port for
local management. These IDU equipment are created by Ericsson, I stated above
how my company uses different vendors for their transmission equipment.

Figure 10 NPU 1C Card

Plates 4 An image of NPU set up at Site with all its connections

22
Figure 11 SFP (Small Form Factor Pluggable) MODULE

iii. COOLING SYSTEM: This is very vital in the installation of any Indoor Unit, reason
because the equipment runs throughout, and produces excess heat from them, to avoid
fire challenges it is best to install a cooling system to avoid any form of fire hazard from
the equipment.

2.1.6 Major Software Used


1. Fusion Access: This is Huawei’s Desktop Cloud. Every staff in Huawei has an account
to be able to access the Fusion Access, for since I was working in the NOC department, I
would be working with a lot of software that requires your system to be very fast in terms
of processing and efficiency.

23
Figure 12 Fusion Access

2. NSP (Network Service Platform): This is a Nokia Software used for managing Nokia
links that were used on sites for networks. It provides network operators with a better and
more efficient way of managing, troubleshooting, and optimizing across several network
connections. Providing that I work in NOC of Airtel, I got the privilege of noticing
alarms on the NSP software’s and also the degrees of the Alarms were identified in color
codes like Red- Critical, Orange- Major Alarm, and Yellow- Minor Alarm.

Figure 13 NSP when launched

24
Figure 14 NSP’s interface showing Links and Alarms

3. MINI LINK: This is another software I used while working in NOC, it assists us in
managing, controlling, and optimizing Ericsson Radios or devices remotely. Remotely
you can discover the issues, you can find fault, and also optimize a solution to put an end
to alarms. After visiting the Site, I realized that the Network Element that is shown when
the Mini link is opened is exactly how the Magazine or AMM is on-site, but remotely
with the help of the software, you can locate the faults and discover what could be the
cause of the alarm.

Plates 5 MiniLink Interface when it is first opened showing the Network Element

25
4. Microsoft Excel: I used this Application frequently to collate data of links, so that it
could be used for my colleagues later or when an issue is wrong with a site and the detail
about the site is needed it can easily be accessed on the Excel file, some of the files I
worked on had data like Design Frequency, Link Name, Path Length, etc.
5. iMaster NCE: This was a vital application that was used in optimizing, setting up a link,
Link configuration, Monitor, service, Maintaining, and also viewing the topology of a
network. Due to the fact of the privacy of data that has to be protected, I would have to
cover some details on the image that would be shown below.

Plates 6 An Image of iMaster NCE Web version

2.2 Supervision from Company-Based Supervisor


Working in Huawei I was able to gain a lot of knowledge and also learned how to work
and position myself in the professional space, all this wouldn’t have been possible without the
impact of people. I was in the Airtel Regional Network Operating Center (RNOC) a department
under the RNOC, my company-based supervisor who was a Senior Engineer in Huawei has had
a vast amount of experience working in the field of telecommunications set the foundation for
me when I started working in Huawei. I was also working most of the time under Mr. Agomoh,
he mostly gave me assignments, and anytime I had a question I could always go and meet him.

There were a lot of staff working in Huawei and mostly in the Networking Operating
Department (NOC), once every week training was always held, the training was headed by Mr.

26
Femi, he was the one that taught in most of the training and taught me the foundation for
Networking, how to use most of the software and when the task was given and I faced some
challenges I could go to him to put me through.

The time I visited the site, I was introduced to Mr. Friday from the second branch at
Huawei located at NIPOST, he was the one that took me to the site I visited, that day cannot be
easily forgotten, He explained the bits and pieces of both the Indoor and Outdoor Unit of the site
we visited, he also shared some valuable knowledge I could use in the future if I wanted to work
in the telecommunication field. Indeed, for an engineer to flourish the individual needs to
collaborate with like-minded individuals. It indeed takes a whole community of engineers and
experts to train up an engineer. Also, every experience counts and is important in the growth
process of an engineer as well.

2.3 Knowledge Gained


1. Understanding the Network Architecture: Upon just getting to the company, because I
was going to be in the NOC department a prior understanding of the GSM architecture
was vital for me to work and be able to relate to what will be taught or hands-on job I
would be asked to do. We are in the age of networking and telecommunications where
change and evolution would not stop, we have evolved from 1G to 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G,
and research is still going on 6G to fill in the space and problem that 5G has not been
able to solve. Below is the diagram of the 3G Architecture and explaining its part.

27
Figure 15 An Integration of 2G and 3G architecture

Figure 16 3G Architecture

Two Key Terms to Understand the Wireless Infrastructure


• Packet Switching: this is term is used to define networks that move data in form
of what we call packets from one host to another.
• Circuit Switching: this term is defined as when a circuit is exclusively dedicated
to a session for the duration of its usage

28
After being aware of the terms I will expand more on the parts of the 3G architecture

• Mobile Station: can also be referred to as the (UE) which stands for User Equipment, this
is the device that is connected to a cell tower or a Node for the sake of connectivity and
to receive data
• RAN: stands for Radio Access Network, it serves the purpose of connecting the mobile
stations (MS) to the other part of the network through a radio link.
• Core Network: is a core part as the name implies of the telecommunication network. It is
a part that houses the function of the packet and circuit switching of a network. It consists
of GGSN, SGSN, MSC, GMSC.
• Node 1: this term is used to represent a cell tower in UMTS Architecture.
• RNC: stands for Radio Network Controllers. This aspect of the 3G network manages the
radios and resources for the Node B, which is the cell tower, it is also directly linked to
the MSC.
• MSC: Mobile Station Controller
• GMSC: stands for Gateway Mobile Station Controller, it connects the core network to the
PSTN or ISDN.
• SGSN: stands for Serving GPRS Support Node, it works for the packet-switched traffic.
It is also responsible for the registration and collating of mobile devices data in a
network.
• GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node): it acts as an interface between the network and
an external network.
• PSTN stands for Packet-Switched Telephone Network. It is a combination of telephone
networks.
• HLR: stands for Home Location Register, it serves as storage for managing databases
belonging to subscribers of the network.
• VLR: stands for Visitor Location Register, it serves as a temporary database when a new
MS/UE enters the network.
It is important to note that over the previous years the Network architecture has become
increasingly compact and very efficient providing its users

29
2. Configuring of a New Link: To build up a new link, there are expected requirements,
after preparations have been made already on the new site.
Requirements Needed to Commission A new Microwave Link.
➢ A Laptop
➢ A USB Cable
➢ Mini Link Craft Software running on your System. (For Ericsson Radios)

Parameters Needed to Implement Configuration

➢ Transmitting (TX) and Receiving (RX) frequency of both the Far End (FE) and
Near End (Near End)
➢ Transmitting (TX) and Receiving (RX) Power (dBm) of both the Far Ends and
Near Ends
➢ Number of E1’s
➢ Modulation

It is important to note that to have a successful configuration and establishment of a new


microwave link the parameters of both the Far End and the Near Ends must be the same.

Procedures

1. After Opening Fusion Access, using iMaster software


2. Click the configuration
3. Create a New Physical Link Aggregation (PLA), this is a means of combining two
channels to make them work as one.
4. Click Ethernet Service Management, and click the E-LAN Service because it is a
point to multiple point service,

3. Alarms and Fault Management of Links: it is not enough to establish a link or a new site
but managing the site to prevent frequent occurrence of alarms and fault from occurring
is also important.

30
Major Alarms that Occurred
➢ High Temperature: This can be caused if the cooling system in the shelter
is down. But for the devices outdoor it can be due to if there is an
obstruction in the fan or vent of the equipment or heat from the sun.
➢ Weather (Heavy Rainfall):
➢ Radio ID Alarm: this happens when traffic is delivered to the wrong
terminal or when traffic is received from a terminal not matching the Far
End ID. This can be caused during configuration and a wrong ID was
inputted.

Plates 7 Nokia Equipment Displaying the Alarms

➢ RF input Loss: this can be caused if there is a total Power failure on-site,
or misalignment of antenna, and situations are extremely critical thereby
affecting the customers it is serving,

2.3.1 Human Relations


Working in such an exceptionally large establishment has helped my relational skill.
Huawei is a company with people from different countries, that as well speak a different
language, I also got to work with other students like myself from other universities, I also got to
relate with people that have a unique perspective about life than myself, I got to also work with

31
people with different culture, religion, and beliefs. But one major factor that made our
differences never clash was because we were working toward a similar goal.

Plates 8 I and my Team members at Airtel`s Database

32
Chapter 3

CONTRIBUTIONS

3.1 APPLICABILITY OF KNOWLEDGE GAINED


The Knowledge and Experience I gained from Huawei Technologies can be applied to my
field of study which is Information and Communication Engineering and also gave me the
privilege of laying a solid foundation for me in the field of Telecommunication as a career. The
sub-headings below give a thorough explanation of areas I have been able to apply the
knowledge I gained during my internship.

3.1.1 FIELD OF STUDY AND EDUCATIONAL CAREER


Regarding my Career, the knowledge I gained about Cell structure and Network Architecture has
been able to help me further my knowledge on Network Architecture, cell structure, and in
general how a call starts, and the equipment that makes the process function well. I was also able
to learn a bit from some departments and realized that the field of Information and
Communication Engineering is a very vast one, the knowledge acquired in Huawei majorly
encouraged me to always be a step ahead of the vogue of Technology and also improve as
technology improves. Working in Huawei gave, I was able to fully understand

Concerning my Educational studies, as an Information and Communication Engineering student,


the knowledge gained in Huawei I was able to relate to some of the courses I was taught in My
400-level semester, ICE 414 and EIE 418. I believe that the knowledge acquired about Mobile
Communication will give me an edge and also help me to relate the theory taught in school and
the practical I got from working in Huawei.

3.1.2 THE COMPANY’S GOALS


Huawei is a very Goal and Result Oriented company, one of its major goals is to build a fully
connected and Intelligent World. Concerning working in the African Network Operating Center,
one of their major goals was to provide a very seamless and fast network. Huawei has been able
to assist Network Providers in Nigeria in helping them manage the back end of their network,
and also ensure that the customers are well pleased.

The knowledge and practical experience during my internship, helped me assist my colleagues in
the company, thereby pushing the goals of the company forward and making it a reality.

The day-to-day task that was assigned to me, alongside the evaluation held in the meetings
assisted in forging the company’s goals forward.

3.1.3 THE LARGER SOCIETY


There is no organization, country, enterprise, or individual that would not need access to the
network in other to communicate, get data, to help their business thrive. As telecommunication is

33
fast pacing, Huawei has also been part of the development in advancing the improvement of
communication technology by ensuring faster, secured communication, two major factors that
individuals and enterprises are seeking for especially in a country like Nigeria and Africa as a
continent. I believe that the process of me trying to complete my task on time and also seeing
that I am adding value to my departments helps us deliver our goal and one of which is keeping
our Customer Satisfied.

3.1.4 COMPARISON BETWEEN PRACTICAL TRAINING AND THEORETICAL


KNOWLEDGE LEARNT IN SCHOOL
During my internship, I was able to corroborate between what was taught in school and practical
training I got from working in the Airtel Network Operating Center in Huawei. Upon starting my
internship at Huawei, I was a group project to study the evolution of GSM, I had to do my
research and the knowledge I could implement here from school was when a question was asked
during one of the times I was defending my project and I was asked a question, I recalled being
taught in one of my Information and communication Engineering lectures (ICE 414). But as time
progressed it was a whole new wave of knowledge I got, I had to be trained in the company by
some of my colleagues for me to be of assistant to the team in achieving its goals.

Upon my Training, in Huawei, some of the knowledge I gained was understanding how
Telecommunications work and the reasons to the whys behind some of the implementation of
some settings. I got to know about a term called Adaptive Modulation, it simply is a technique
that allows a radio to change its speed concerning the change of condition, for instance in like the
weather, when it is raining heavily, it supports the network from dropping to a point of really bad
connectivity.

Before I left school for my internship, some terms were used while I was working in Huwaei,
that I learned during my program in school for example Path Loss, Modulation, Link budgeting,
this was able to give me a slight of an edge when I started working and even during the training
session that was held in the company.

The opportunity to have my internship was a huge opportunity to be able to bridge the gap
between what was taught in school and what is applied in the Career world especially that of
technology, but it would be indeed splendid if some of the courses that were taught to us in
school were more streamlined to the area of study, and also help build the balance for a student
by making them very much aware to the fact that technology is moving fast pace and also
introduce them more to various fields that there are in telecommunication including the business
aspect.

3.1.5 COMPANY’S CULTURE AND ITS RELATION TO ATTAINING ITS GOALS.


Huawei Regional Network Operating Center has been able to imbibe certain cultures that have
been able to form their mode and also the result they produce as a team.

34
1. Customer Satisfaction: This is one of the cultures that guide the RNOC team. Customer
Satisfaction is very critical and each of our activities, tasks, and projects is simply
surrounded to ensure that the customer is very satisfied with the product delivered.
2. Teamwork: Within the RNOC department as a whole there were still different people
working on different projects, some support and monitor the different equipment, some
are responsible for creating accounts, and some are responsible for administration, all
these various roles work together to reach their aim.
3. Sense of Urgency: Working in the RNOC kept a sense of Urgency in me and most of my
senior colleagues. Especially in periods when we have networks down at particular
seasons like rainy seasons, everyone is always on their feet and ready to provide a
solution for our customers to be satisfied.
4. Can-Do Mindset: This is one value that has helped most individuals in the RNOC
department, especially in the face of problems, this value is very critical, and it helps to
build a level of self-esteem.
5. Create Value: The ability to create value and also add value to your company helps you
retain relevance in your company.
6. Continue to Improve: because as technology improves, new problems arise and also,
therefore, new solutions would have to be provided.
7. Integrate The ability to cope and thrive in the face of new problems and still be able to
remain relevant and be in sync with technology as it is advancing.

Figure 17 Huwei’s RNOC Culture

35
3.2 CHALLENGES
I believe strongly that challenges are part of life and also help improve the individual and
company. In Huawei, there were several challenges they encountered as a telecommunication
company,

3.2.1 Challenges I faced


Upon getting to the company one major issue, I encountered was trying to learn so many
software programs that were used in the department because the software was needed to get on
the task done. Another issue I faced was that I had to constantly ask to be taught by meeting my
senior colleagues to be taught. I also had to learn to work fast because some of the things like the
Network Architecture that I was introduced to, I knew nothing about it, so I had to build my
knowledge on the work that was given because weekly my supervisor was building my
knowledge on based on the task, he gave last.

Requesting for Approval to use some of the software was a real challenge I encountered when I
began my internship at Huawei, and requesting for approval required you follow the hierarchy of
leaders that were assigned to us and after the request has been granted you then have to send
your request with proof of it being granted to the department that will create an account for you
to access and use the software.

3.2.2 Challenges faced by Department

1. Site/ Links Outage: There were times when we had some links or sites that were having
bad networks because of the bad weather condition, during the rainy seasons we were
always getting complaints about the site being down and everyone in the department had
to be on their feet to achieve restoration of those sites or links that were down.
2. Software Issues: there were situations when we were having connectivity issues in
connecting or opening some of the software. For instance, there was a particular they that
Fusion Access application, Huawei’s Cloud Solution, was down and that is a platform
where about 90% of the work was done, therefore delaying work for the day. That
sometimes could be resolved by using the web version instead of the application.
3. Acquisition of New systems: Some of the Desktops that were given to the staff working
at the RNOC department were due for a change because it was affecting the rate at which
they were producing the result. That was one major issue we had as a department with the
IT department because most of the applications that were used in our office required a lot
of space you would therefore need a system that could also carry the task.
4. Land Acquisition: this has to do with on-site when trying to set up a new link or site,
there are usually issues in acquiring especially from men around the neighborhood
claiming the portion of the land to be owned by their forefathers.

36
3.3 DISCUSSION ON IDENTIFIED PROJECTS
During my Internship at Huawei, I and my group members were asked to make a presentation on
the Evolution of GSM, and as time went on my knowledge of it broadened. I also understood
how site configuration is done and planned for both on the site and at the backend at the Network
Operating Center.

Microwave Communication Transmission


In today’s age and time, one of the most popular means by which data is transferred is
through Microwave Transmission. Microwave transmission devices transmit at a
range of 300Mhz to 300 GHz.It is popularly known for some of its qualities like
speed and quality compared to cables.
To transmit signals on the microwave communication we make use of equipment like
Antennas and Radios to transmit them to another point. In Huawei, we have
microwave vendors that produce microwave devices that assist in transmitting micro-
waves at very high frequencies, one of the devices used is Nokia UBT (Ultra Broad-
Band Transceivers).

3.3.1 Nokia Wavence UBT


The Nokia Wavence UBT (Ultra-Broadband Transceivers) are radios that transmit at
the e-band frequencies, those are frequencies that are between the range of 60Ghz and
90GHz. It is one of the devices that can support the 5G network alongside Network
providers.
The Nokia Wavence supports 2 types of configurations or setups
1. Split Mount Indoor and Outdoor: all the parts are divided into 2 the IDU and the
ODU. The indoor unit would include switching capabilities, radio protection e.t.c.
The following configurations done are the terminal configuration, node
configuration, and repeater configuration
2. Stand Alone UBT: all the parts are located outdoor, with different configurations
for example:
• UBT s/m 1+0: this simply means it is just one radio that is set up to
transmit to another radio.
• UBT m in 2(1x0) XPIC: this is when two radios are joined together to with an
XPIC, which is used to cancel or avoid cross-interference.

The different types of Nokia UBTs are,

➢ UBT- Twin: this has a dual-frequency, meaning it can operate in two different
ranges of frequencies, it provides multi-gigabit capacity.

37
Figure 18 UBT-TWIN

➢ UBT – Single: this is a single carrier frequency, which is used for traditional
microwave frequencies. In terms of architecture, it was designed to reach a
very high capacity of 20Gbps.

Figure 19 UBT - SINGLE

➢ UBT-m is termed as the E-Band Radio System. It delivers up to 20Gbps worth


of capacity.

38
Figure 20 UBT-M

➢ UBT Compact: It is also called UBT-C, as its definition goes, it also carries
traditional microwave frequencies, but its uniqueness comes from its usage for
tail and enterprise applications only.

Figure 21 UBT-Compact

These microwave UBT devices have played a huge role in the telecommunication industry by
providing a large amount of frequency hence improving capacity for most of the network
providers.

39
Plates 9 An Image of me at a Site at Oniru, Lagos.

40
Chapter 4

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 CONCLUSION
It was indeed a huge privilege participating in my internship at Huawei Technologies. I was
given the opportunity to grow in so many areas. I was able to develop a unique set of skills and
use them to my advantage to push my career path forward. While indeed I faced some challenges
during this journey, I was able to overcome each one with personal effort, teamwork, my family,
and also everyone I was able to meet during this experience.

Furthermore, I am grateful for this opportunity because it gave me a feel for real-world
experience. In the classroom, I was able to experience theory and practical’s on many levels, but
this internship was able to give me application knowledge and a chance to evaluate my skills and
adapt to real-world situations. I am grateful to God and also to Covenant University for giving
me this platform to stand on, to represent myself and my institution in the best way possible.

4.2 RECOMMENDATION
Huawei was an amazing company that I enjoyed every moment working in. At the company, I
gained valuable experience and was able to understand the nature of their system and how things
were done in the work environment I was in. I also want to commend, Covenant University for
the opportunity of bridging the gap between the Professional world and Academia. I would
recommend that most of the courses or programs taught in school, should try to improve
relevancy and be up to date.

41
REFERENCES

[1] www.daenotes.com, "Digital Microwave Communication," [Online]. Available:


https://www.daenotes.com/electronics/microwave-radar/digital-microwave-communication-
equipment#sthash.1OIYnxCX.ZyCXVM53.dpbs.

[2] H. Technologies. [Online]. Available: https://www.daenotes.com/electronics/microwave-


radar/digital-microwave-communication-equipment#sthash.1OIYnxCX.ZyCXVM53.dpbs.

[3] Juniper. [Online]. Available: https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos-


mobility11.2/topics/concept/gateways-mobility-3g-overview.html.

[4] [Online]. Available: https://www.ques10.com/p/24346/explain-3g-architecture-and-umts/.

[5] Nokia. [Online]. Available: https://www.nokia.com/networks/products/short-haul-portfolio/.

42

You might also like