Interesting Telecom Concepts

DOCSIS is an international telecommunications standard that allows the addition of high-speed data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system. It is widely used by many cable television operators to provide internet access (over their existing hybrid fiber-coaxial infrastructure) in addition to television services. Here are key aspects of DOCSIS:

• Purpose: DOCSIS technology enables cable operators to efficiently utilize their existing coaxial cable infrastructure to deliver high-speed broadband internet access, along with voice and video services.

• Versions of DOCSIS:

  • DOCSIS 1.x: Introduced features like BPI (Baseline Privacy Interface) for security and QoS (Quality of Service).
  • DOCSIS 2.0: Improved upstream data rates suitable for voice and video applications.
  • DOCSIS 3.0: Introduced channel bonding, significantly increasing downstream and upstream data rates by combining multiple channels.
  • DOCSIS 3.1: Enhanced capacity and efficiency with OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing) and improved modulation schemes, supporting up to 10 Gbps downstream and 1-2 Gbps upstream.
  • DOCSIS 4.0: Currently in development, aiming to further increase efficiency and capacity, potentially supporting up to 10 Gbps symmetric (downstream and upstream) speeds.

• Components:

  • CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System): Located at the cable provider’s facility, this equipment routes data between the internet and local cable networks.
  • Cable Modem: Installed at the user’s premises, this device modulates and demodulates data signals to interface between the digital data network and the coaxial network used in homes and businesses.

• Advantages:

  • Utilization of Existing Infrastructure: Uses the existing coaxial cable setups, which allows cable operators to offer broadband without the need for new wiring.
  • High-Speed Internet Access: Provides high bandwidth for internet access, which is competitive with fiber-optic networks in many scenarios.
  • Scalability: The technology can be scaled by upgrading CMTS and modem equipment to newer DOCSIS standards without overhauling the entire infrastructure.

• Applications:

  • Primarily used by cable TV operators to provide high-speed internet access and VoIP services.
  • It also supports functionalities like IPTV and on-demand services, integrating seamlessly with digital TV offerings.

DOCSIS is a cornerstone technology for cable service providers, enabling them to leverage existing coaxial cable infrastructure to deliver high-speed internet and other digital services. As technology evolves with newer versions like DOCSIS 3.1 and 4.0, it continues to enhance the capacity, efficiency, and performance of cable broadband services, making it a competitive option against other types of broadband delivery technologies such as fiber optics.

CCer refers to Correctable Codeword Errors in the context of cable modems, specifically those using DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) standards.

This term is related to the way data is transmitted and maintained for integrity over cable networks. Here’s an overview:

• Purpose of CCer:

  • Correctable Codeword Errors indicate instances where data packets transmitted over the cable network have encountered errors due to noise or interference but have been corrected by the modem’s error-correction algorithms.
  • CCer is a metric used to measure the quality and reliability of a cable network connection. A high number of correctable errors might not immediately affect the user’s experience but can be an early indicator of potential issues in the network that could escalate to uncorrectable errors.

• How it Works:

  • Cable modems use a type of error correction called Forward Error Correction (FEC). This method adds redundant data to the transmitted information, which helps the receiving device (cable modem) to detect and correct errors that may have occurred during transmission.
  • CCer counts the codewords (blocks of data) that have had errors but were corrected by the FEC. It is different from UCer (Uncorrectable Codeword Errors), which refers to data errors that could not be fixed by FEC.

• Applicability to Cable Modems:

  • CCer is specifically relevant to cable modems because of their reliance on coaxial cable networks, which are susceptible to various types of interference and signal degradation.
  • In optical networks, such as those using GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) or XGS-PON technologies, data integrity issues are handled differently, often with different error correction and detection mechanisms due to the nature of optical transmission.

• Implications:

  • Regular monitoring of CCer and UCer rates is crucial for maintaining the health of a cable network. A sudden increase in error rates can signal physical issues with the cables, connectors, or interference from external sources.
  • Service providers often analyze these metrics to decide when maintenance or upgrades are necessary to prevent service degradation.

While CCer (Correctable Codeword Errors) is a critical signal metric for cable modems in DOCSIS-based networks, indicating the effectiveness of error correction in maintaining data integrity, it is not applicable to optical networks.

Optical networks use different technologies and standards, which include distinct methods for ensuring data integrity and handling errors.

• XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetric Passive Optical Network): A high-speed, high-capacity broadband standard used in telecommunication networks to deliver advanced triple-play services such as voice, video, and data.

• Speed and Capacity: Offers symmetric speeds of up to 10 Gbps, both downstream and upstream, supporting bandwidth-intensive applications like ultra-high-definition video streaming, cloud computing, and virtual reality.

• Technology Upgrade: An evolutionary step beyond older GPON technology, XGS-PON enhances both capacity and efficiency without requiring a complete overhaul of existing fiber infrastructure.

• Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Deployments: Deployed in FTTH scenarios where a single fiber from the central office is split to serve multiple homes or businesses, enabling telecom operators to provide ultra-fast internet services directly to consumer premises.

• Network Simplification and Cost Efficiency: Provides high bandwidth over a single type of connection, simplifies network architecture, reduces operational costs, supports longer distances between equipment without active components, reduces maintenance, and improves reliability.

• Future-Proofing Networks: As data demand grows, XGS-PON is seen as a future-proof technology that can accommodate next-generation network demands without immediate upgrades, providing a pathway for seamless upgrades to higher capacity systems like 25G or 50G PON.

• Application in Multiple Sectors: Applicable in residential broadband, business services, mobile backhaul, and smart city applications, providing a versatile solution for various high-speed data requirements.

• Conclusion: XGS-PON is a significant advancement in telecom fiber-optic technology, offering high-speed, symmetric bandwidth that supports a wide range of modern applications and services, pivotal for telecom operators to meet current and future data demands efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Definition: GPON is a widely used broadband access technology based on fiber optics. It primarily delivers internet, voice, and video services through optical fiber cables to residential and commercial premises.

• Speed and Capacity: GPON supports higher bandwidth compared to older PON technologies, offering downstream capacities up to 2.5 Gbps and upstream capacities up to 1.25 Gbps.

• Technology Components:

  • Optical Line Terminal (OLT): Located at the service provider’s central site, this device coordinates the fiber optic traffic from multiple premises.
  • Optical Network Unit (ONU): Installed at the user’s premises, this device converts optical signals into electrical signals suitable for use by consumer devices.
  • Splitter: This component divides the optical signal sent from the OLT, allowing a single fiber to serve multiple ONUs.

• Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: By using passive splitters in the fiber distribution network, GPON reduces the amount of fiber and central office equipment required compared to traditional point-to-point architectures.

• Service Integration: GPON is capable of delivering high-speed internet, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), and IPTV services over a single optical fiber, providing a triple-play solution that is efficient and scalable.

In telecommunications, various metrics and signals like SNR, RSSI, and T3/T4 timeouts are crucial for assessing the quality and reliability of network connections. Below is an overview of each:

SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio)

• Definition: SNR measures the ratio of signal power to noise power within a communication channel. It is a critical parameter in determining the quality of a transmission channel and its capacity to transmit data effectively without errors.
• Importance: A higher SNR indicates a clearer signal with less background noise, leading to higher data throughput and fewer transmission errors. It is particularly important in environments with potential interference, such as wireless communications and broadband over coaxial cables.

RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator)

• Definition: RSSI is a measure of the power level that a receiving device picks up from the wireless signal. It is typically measured in decibels from 0 (zero) to -120dBm (a lower or more negative number means a weaker signal).
• Usage: RSSI is used to estimate how well a device can hear a signal from a router or an access point, impacting the quality of the connection. It is crucial for setting up wireless networks to ensure sufficient coverage and performance.

T3 and T4 Timeouts

• T3 Timeout:
  • Definition: A T3 timeout occurs when a cable modem does not receive a response from the CMTS (Cable Modem Termination System) after multiple retries of sending a request. It often indicates a problem in the upstream path in cable networks.
  • Implications: Frequent T3 timeouts can lead to degraded service, increased latency, and intermittent connection issues.
• T4 Timeout:
  • Definition: A T4 timeout is declared when the cable modem has been unable to achieve upstream synchronization with the CMTS for a period extending beyond the maximum allowable time, typically 30 seconds.
  • Consequences: This is more severe than a T3 timeout and can result in the modem failing to connect or dropping the connection entirely, often requiring a restart or intervention.

Practical Applications and Monitoring

• Network Performance Monitoring: Service providers continuously monitor these parameters to manage network health. Adjustments are made based on SNR and RSSI readings to optimize performance, while T3/T4 timeouts help identify and troubleshoot connectivity issues.
• Installation and Maintenance: Proper setup and regular maintenance of network equipment are crucial to maintaining good SNR and RSSI levels, thereby minimizing T3/T4 timeouts and ensuring reliable service delivery.

Understanding and managing SNR, RSSI, and T3/T4 timeouts are fundamental aspects of maintaining high-quality and reliable telecommunications services. These metrics provide valuable insights into network conditions, helping technicians and engineers optimize infrastructure and address issues proactively.

In telecommunications, terms like 2.4G, 5G, 5GL, and 5GU refer to different wireless communication standards and frequency bands.

Each has specific characteristics that make them suitable for various applications:

2.4G (2.4 GHz Wi-Fi) 2.4G refers to the 2.4 GHz frequency band used by Wi-Fi networks (IEEE 802.11 standards). It is one of the most common frequencies for wireless networking worldwide.

• Characteristics:
  • Range: Generally offers greater coverage area than higher frequencies due to its longer wavelength, which can better penetrate walls and other structures.
  • Interference: More prone to interference as many devices (microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and other Wi-Fi networks) operate in this band.
  • Bandwidth: Typically provides slower speeds compared to the 5 GHz band due to congestion and limited channel options.

5G (5 GHz Wi-Fi) 5G in this context refers to the 5 GHz frequency band also used for Wi-Fi networks. It is not to be confused with 5G cellular technology.

• Characteristics:
  • Range: Shorter range than 2.4 GHz due to higher frequency, which has more difficulty penetrating solid objects.
  • Interference: Less congested than the 2.4 GHz band, leading to less interference and typically faster, more reliable connections.
  • Bandwidth: Supports higher data rates, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like streaming high-definition video.

5GL (5G Low Band) 5GL refers to the low-band spectrum of 5G cellular networks. These frequencies are typically below 1 GHz.

• Characteristics:
  • Coverage: Excellent wide-area coverage and building penetration due to the long wavelengths of low-band frequencies.
  • Speed: Lower data rates compared to mid-band and high-band 5G, but more consistent coverage across vast areas.
  • Application: Ideal for providing broad 5G coverage, especially in rural areas where higher frequencies may not reach effectively.

5GU (5G Ultra Wideband, often 5G High Band) 5GU often refers to the ultra-wideband or high-band spectrum used in 5G cellular networks, typically known as mmWave (millimeter wave) frequencies ranging from 24 GHz to 40 GHz and beyond.

• Characteristics:
  • Speed: Provides extremely high data rates and capacity, suitable for high-demand applications in dense urban environments.
  • Range: Very limited coverage and poor building penetration due to the high frequency and short wavelengths.
  • Application: Best used in densely populated urban areas or specific venues like stadiums and convention centers where large bandwidth is needed over a small area.

The terms 2.4G and 5G when referring to Wi-Fi indicate different frequency bands, each with its advantages in terms of range, interference, and bandwidth. In the context of cellular technology, 5GL and 5GU distinguish between the low and high ends of the 5G spectrum, affecting coverage, speed, and application suitability.

Understanding these differences is crucial for optimizing wireless network performance and selecting the right technology for specific needs.

• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol): A technology that allows voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the internet.

• Functionality:

  • Converts analog voice signals into digital data packets.
  • Data is transmitted over the internet or other packet-switched networks.
  • At the destination, data packets are converted back into voice signals.

• Advantages:

  • Cost-Effective: Reduces call costs, especially for long-distance and international calls.
  • Scalability: Easily scalable to accommodate growing business needs without significant infrastructure changes.
  • Flexibility: Allows users to make and receive calls from multiple devices, including smartphones, laptops, and VoIP-specific handsets.
  • Rich Features: Supports advanced call features like call forwarding, voicemail to email, and conference calling.

• Applications:

  • Used extensively in both personal communications and by businesses for daily operations.
  • Integral to modern unified communications solutions, integrating with other communications technologies like video conferencing and instant messaging.

• Requirements:

  • Reliable high-speed internet connection.
  • VoIP-enabled devices or software.
  • Proper configuration and maintenance to ensure quality of service (QoS) and security.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) typically involves devices or applications specifically designed to handle voice communications over internet protocols, rather than devices primarily intended for other functions like streaming media. Here are some typical devices and setups that are commonly used for VoIP:

Dedicated VoIP Phones

• Hardware-based VoIP Phones: These look similar to traditional telephones but connect to the internet instead of a standard telephone line. They have built-in IP technology to manage the routing of voice data over an internet connection.

Computers

• Softphones: Software applications installed on computers that enable voice calls over the internet using a microphone and speakers or a headset. Examples include Skype, Zoom, or Google Voice.

Mobile Devices

• VoIP Apps on Smartphones and Tablets: Mobile devices can use apps like WhatsApp, Viber, or FaceTime Audio to make voice calls over the internet. These apps use the device’s data connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to transmit voice.

Analog Telephone Adapters (ATA)

• ATA Devices: These devices allow traditional analog telephones to be connected to the internet for VoIP services. They convert analog voice signals into digital data that can be transmitted over the internet.

Specialized VoIP Adapters and Routers

• Integrated VoIP Routers: Some routers come with built-in VoIP support, allowing direct connection of traditional phones and routing of VoIP calls alongside normal internet traffic.

Not Typically VoIP Devices

• Smart TVs: While smart TVs are capable of internet connectivity and can support apps for streaming services like Netflix, they are generally not used for VoIP communications. Their primary function is media consumption rather than voice communication.

VoIP technology is versatile and can be implemented across various devices, but it primarily revolves around voice communication capabilities rather than media streaming. Devices used for VoIP need to support audio input and output, have a stable internet connection, and be equipped with the necessary software to manage voice data packets.

Set-top boxes (STBs) are primarily devices that receive and decode digital television broadcasts from satellite, cable, or broadband sources to display on a television or similar display device. They are not inherently Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) devices.

However, with the advancement in technology and integration of various services, some modern set-top boxes can support VoIP functionality if they are connected to the internet and have the necessary software and hardware capabilities to handle voice communications.

Here’s a breakdown of their functionalities:

• Primary Function of Set-Top Boxes:

  • Receive, decode, and display digital television signals.
  • Provide access to on-demand content, streaming services, and interactive television applications.

• VoIP Functionality:

  • Some advanced set-top boxes can integrate VoIP features, allowing users to make voice calls over the internet.
  • This integration typically requires the set-top box to be connected to the internet and configured with VoIP software.

• Device Integration:

  • Integration of multiple services like internet browsing, media streaming, and VoIP on a single device like a set-top box offers a unified home entertainment and communication solution.

In summary, while traditional set-top boxes are not VoIP devices, the convergence of home technology can enable them to support VoIP services alongside their primary functions.

Backhaul in the context of telecommunications refers to the intermediate links between the core network, or backbone network, and the small subnetworks at the “edge” of the entire hierarchical network. Here is a concise breakdown of what backhaul involves:

• Purpose: Backhaul is used to transport data from cell sites (cell towers) or access nodes to the central network or the internet. It is a crucial component in ensuring that data travels efficiently from local areas to high-capacity network segments capable of handling large volumes of traffic.

• Types of Backhaul:

  • Wired Backhaul: Often involves fiber optic cables or other high-capacity cabling systems capable of carrying large amounts of data. Copper lines were traditionally used but are increasingly replaced by fiber due to its superior bandwidth and reliability.
  • Wireless Backhaul: Utilizes wireless communication systems, such as microwave or satellite links, to transmit data. This is often used in areas where laying cables is impractical or too expensive.

• Importance in Mobile Networks: In mobile networks, backhaul connections are what link cell towers with the mobile operator’s main network. These connections are vital for transmitting voice, video, and data traffic from users to the internet and other networks.

• Evolution with Technology: As mobile data traffic increases exponentially, the capacity and speed of backhaul networks need to be upgraded. Technologies like 5G necessitate even more robust and higher-capacity backhaul to handle the increased data throughput and lower latency requirements.

• Backhaul in Broadband: Similarly, in broadband networks (like those using technologies such as DSL, cable, or fiber to the premises), backhaul refers to the segments of the network that connect local access networks to larger, more central networks.

In summary, backhaul is a fundamental part of the telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring that data can be transported efficiently from local networks to the broader internet, supporting everything from mobile phone calls and streaming video to high-speed internet access and cloud applications.

• Over-The-Top: The term “over-the-top” implies that these services go ‘over’ a traditional cable or satellite TV system to provide content directly to viewers via the internet.
• Types of Services:
  • Video Streaming: Services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ that offer on-demand content.
  • Audio Streaming: Platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora.
  • Communication Services: Applications like WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom that provide messaging, voice, and video calling functionalities without the need for traditional telecommunication services.

Relation to Telecom

• Data Traffic: OTT services contribute significantly to data traffic on telecom networks. As more users stream high-definition video or engage in video conferencing, the demand for robust and high-speed data services increases.
• Revenue Models: While OTT providers primarily generate revenue through subscriptions, advertisements, or pay-per-view models, telecom operators may leverage this demand by offering bundled data packages, high-speed internet plans, or partnering with OTT platforms.
• Network Infrastructure: The rising popularity of OTT services pushes telecom companies to invest in upgrading their network infrastructure to handle increased data loads and provide uninterrupted, high-quality service.

Impact and Trends

• Consumer Behavior: The convenience and variety of content offered by OTT platforms have led to a shift in consumer behavior, with more users opting for internet-based entertainment solutions over traditional TV.
• Regulatory Attention: The growth of OTT services has attracted regulatory scrutiny regarding issues like data privacy, net neutrality, and fair competition practices.
• Innovation and Competition: The OTT space is highly competitive and drives continuous innovation in content delivery technologies, such as improved compression algorithms and adaptive streaming techniques.

OTT services in telecommunications represent a significant shift in how content is delivered and consumed. They bypass traditional broadcast methods to provide direct-to-consumer streaming services via the internet. This shift not only affects consumer preferences and behaviors but also influences the strategic operations and infrastructure development of telecom companies. As OTT continues to grow, it remains a critical area for innovation, investment, and regulation in the telecom sector.

• https://jalcocert.github.io/JAlcocerT/guide-python/
• https://jalcocert.github.io/JAlcocerT/guide-python-PySpark/

#Countdistinct one column when another a certain condition

import pandas as pd
from pyspark.sql.functions import countDistinct

# List of values to filter
filter_values = ["9994", "9994", "9995", "9996", "2005"]

streamparser_kafka \
    .groupBy("modelName") \
    .agg(
        countDistinct(when(col('ErrorReport_code').isin(filter_values), col("viewerID"))).alias("dist_viewerID_witherror"),
        countDistinct("viewerID").alias("dist_viewerID")
    ) \
    .withColumn("kpi_stbmodel", col("dist_viewerID_witherror") / col("dist_viewerID")) \
    .sort(desc("kpi_stbmodel"))\
    .show(30,truncate=False)

• Pod as Root Node: For customers without a Cable Modem (CM) provided by LibG, control over these pods is not possible; only monitoring of pod behavior is feasible.

• TCID Usage: Instead of using MAC addresses, an ODH-generated ID (TCID) should be considered as a primary key for these cases.

  • Data Filtering: It may be necessary to introduce a filter in our pipelines to identify scenarios where the pods act as root nodes and no CM is present.
  • Data Collection by Plume: Pods equipped with OpenSync software can send their logs to the Plume cloud for monitoring. This includes pods that do not have a parent CM but are capable of sending data due to the presence of OpenSync software.

• RDKb - its streaming pipeline so we probably dont have HDFS paths

• To create / to groom:

  • ODH Ticket Template
    • Additional Info
  • Created: Product Deployment - Analysts pipelines
  • Groomed

• Under Development (Data Engineering):

• To be Deployed to PRD (DevOps):

  • Dev:
    • Jira-12345 which does abcd
  • Validations:
    • Unclaim pods wikikpiutilization
    • PODs never online

• Peer Review: if anything interesting

• My Tickets:

  • Template for v1.0
  • Looker:
    • Ticket abcd
      • Looker Browse
      • Template for Looker
  • Corrected & Validated Wiki Jira123456
  • An Detec Adding 999x 2005 2017

• Planning:

  • Product Owner:
    • Vision and roadmap, represents user needs - to bring the PM vision to life
    • Prioritizes features in the backlog

• MTG Notes:

  • MTG1:
    • How to have topology above the site? In streamparser the biggest we have is SITE, because tap, groupamp etc is closer to customer

• Info: something that can be useful for the future

  • Duty Engineer (Data Transformation Team):
    • Duty Engineer Info
  • DIAGRAMS:
    • Mermaid
    • Drawio

• Meeting Creation
  • How/what - Always use them!
    • The context of this meeting is ….
    • The objectives of this meeting is to … project planning, solving a problem, setting a goal, making a decision, or mapping out a customer journey…:

      • Inputs:

      • Challenges:

      • Understanding trade-offs:

        • Option A: Using existing unified pipeline
        • Option B: Using only streamparser

      • Decision to be made: @someone

        • Which of the 2 routes to take?
        • How can it be prioritized?

      • Estimations: @someone

        • What are the blockers that we might find?

• BUG - Jira-123

  • Context:

  • RCA (Root Cause Analysis):

  • Solution:

  • Next Steps:

• Meeting Details

  • Date: [Insert date]
  • Time: [Insert time]
  • Location/Platform: [Insert location or virtual platform used]
  • Attendees: [List attendees and their roles or departments]

• Objective

  • Briefly state the purpose of the meeting. [E.g., To review project progress, discuss challenges, and plan next steps.]

• Key Discussion Points

  • Topic 1: [Summary of discussion]
    • Sub-point: [Details]
  • Topic 2: [Summary of discussion]
    • Sub-point: [Details]
  • Topic 3: [Summary of discussion]
    • Sub-point: [Details]

• Decisions Made

  • Decision 1: [Details of the decision and who is responsible]
  • Decision 2: [Details of the decision and who is responsible]
  • Decision 3: [Details of the decision and who is responsible]

• Action Items

  • [Action Item 1]:
    • Assigned to: [Name]
    • Deadline: [Date]
  • [Action Item 2]:
    • Assigned to: [Name]
    • Deadline: [Date]
  • [Action Item 3]:
    • Assigned to: [Name]
    • Deadline: [Date]

• Challenges and Concerns

  • Challenge 1: [Description and proposed mitigation or solution]
  • Challenge 2: [Description and proposed mitigation or solution]

• Next Steps

  • [Next Step 1]: [Details and responsible person or team]
  • [Next Step 2]: [Details and responsible person or team]

• Additional Notes

  • [Any other information that attendees need to remember or consider]

• Follow-Up Meeting

  • Scheduled Date: [Insert date]
  • Objective: [Insert objective of the follow-up meeting]

• Feedback on Meeting

  • [Optional: Any feedback from attendees or suggestions for improving future meetings]