Convergent Technologies Course Descriptions for Arapahoe Community College in Colorado, near Denver

2010-2011 Catalog
Convergent Technologies

CTC 105 Overview of Telecommunications
3 Credits
Provides the student with the background and history of the telecommunications field. Includes transmission systems, LAN data communication, cable communication, telephone communication, and video technology.

CTC 107 Installer
3 Credits
Teaches the proper procedures for performing aerial, underground, and interior CATV drop installations. This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 108 Cable Network Overview
1 Credit
Provides technical, sales/marketing, customer service, dispatch, and management personnel with general understanding of CATV System equipment operation and terminology. This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/ or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/ NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 109 Installer Technician
4 Credits
Teaches an experienced installer the CATV signal level fundamentals, test equipment, signal leakage detection procedures, and servicing single and multiple dwelling unit drops. This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/ or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/ NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 111 Service Technician
4 Credits
This course teaches a trained Jones/NCTI Installer Technician the basic characteristics and functions of the feeder line system, active and passive devices, the fundamentals of cable powering, basic test equipment operation, signal leakage basics, coaxial cable and connectorization, and an overview of fiber optics. The study of AC electronic theory provides the foundation for understanding the lessons on coaxial cable, passive devices, amplifiers, and cable powering. This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

PREREQUISITE: CTC 109 with a grade of "C" or better.

CTC 113 System Technician
4 Credits
Teaches a trained Jones/NCTI Service Technician how to activate, test, and troubleshoot the RF trunk system. Covers RF trunk and distribution amplifier theory of operation and includes testing and measurement standards and procedures. This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/ or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/ NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 117 Computers And Broadband Modems
3 Credits
Introduces Personal Computer hardware and software to use as an interface device. Focuses on the fundamentals of Personal Computers and requires no prior technical background or experience. Explains the operation of cable modems and how they work in a broadband cable network. Covers the client-server functions of CMTS and cable modems. Provides course material that is appropriate as a reference tool to understand more about Personal Computer concepts and terminology. Enables individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of Personal Computer technology and how the PC works with broadband modems.

COREQUISITE: Employment in the Broadband Industry. This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 118 Broadband Digital Installer
3 Credits
Introduces the basics of digital video and high-speed Internet access services by presenting the typical features and functions of digital set-top terminals and cable modems. Covers computer hardware and operating certify the reliability of the drop prior to performing the extensive step-by-step installation procedures. Teaches how to effectively educate customers to use these new digital services reducing unnecessary repeat service calls and improving customer satisfaction. Covers installation procedures for twisted-pair inside wiring and constant bit rate telephony equipment. Incorporates information on communication service competitors to answer customer questions regarding competitive technologies offering similar digital services.

CTC 121 Delivering Cable Services
3 Credits
Provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of broadband technology. Includes an overview of the underlying technologies of the entire broadband network from signal source to the customer premises. Focuses on a review of digital video, telephony, and high-speed data services. Addresses safety and regulatory issues.

COREQUISITE: Employment in the Broadband Industry This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 123 Basic Troubleshooting Of Broadband Technology
3 Credits
Teaches students to diagnose and resolve technical problems for customers over the phone. Provides a thorough understanding of the drop system, interconnection between devices, and other problems faced by broadband customers. Trains customer service representatives to distinguish problems that can be solved over the phone and not require a technician to be dispatched.

CTC 125 High-Speed Data Customer Service
2 Credits
Focuses on high-speed data services, equipment, operations and troubleshooting. Covers cable modems, and personal computer hardware and software used in high-speed data services. Provides an understanding of data networking, the Internet and how cable modems interface with it, TCP/IP and the open system interconnection model, cable modem termination systems, and the return paths effect on high-speed data service.

CTC 126 Advanced High- Speed Data Customer Service
3 Credits
Covers cable modems, computer systems, and troubleshooting of personal computers. Emphasizes the boot process, software, the system board, memory management, floppy and hard drives, input/output devices, return path fundamentals, and data communications. Explores and compares the technology related to wide area networks and broadband access including packet switching, frame relay, SMDS, ISDN, SONET, and ATM.

PREREQUISITE: CTC 125 with a grade of "C" or better.

CTC 127 Testing and Maintenance for Fiber Technicians
2 Credits
Provides the student with an understanding of the application of fiber optic theory on the job. The course concentrates on the test equipment and procedures necessary to perform test and turn-up for new Fiber Optic links, troubleshoot service outages, and restore fiber optic links to their original standards. The course also describes the process of Fiber Optic restoration planning, and implementing preventive maintenance regimens in an HFC network.

COREQUISITE: Employment in the Broadband industry. This course is only available for students who are in a degree or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 128 Fiber Installation and Activation
2 Credits
Provides the student with current information on the development of fiber in optical broadband networks. The student will learn the basics of light transmission through optical fibers, how fibers are combined into optical cables and how fiber networks are designed and constructed. Network architecture, topology, and design will be covered. Training will also prepare the student to splice fibers using mechanical and fusion methods. The course teaches the topics required to provide the student with the ability to install and activate fiber optic networks. It assumes previous knowledge and experience in RF Broadband Technology.

CTC 129 Digital Technician
3 Credits
Provides students with an overview of digital technologies as they relate to the broadband industry. Specifically, digital standards, modulation techniques, digital bandwidth management, digital carrier amplitude measurements, digital carrier quality measurements, understanding MPEG theory and practice, applying digital technologies, and troubleshooting digital services will be explored.

CTC 162 Telecommunication Construction and OSHA Safety
3 Credits
Emphasizes the constant awareness of safety issues. Enables the student to understand safety issues for situations in buildings, in the field, and vehicles.

PREREQUISITES: ELT 106, ELT 110 with a grade of "C" or better or Instructor’s permission.

CTC 165 Advanced Technician
3 Credits
Trains a technician how to set up, operate, and maintain the CATV headend. Focuses on communication electronics theory and provides a foundation for understanding broadcast television, microwave, satellite, and data communication systems.

COREQUISITE: Employment in the Broadband Industry. This course is only available for students who are in a degree and/ or certificate program through the partnership between Jones/ NCTI and ACC. Additional charges may apply to these courses.

CTC 220 Regulations and Standards
3 Credits
Provides the students with an overview of the regulations and standards that pertain to technicians in the communication industries. Covers regulated as well as unregulated business operations. Addresses the function and control of local regulatory agencies.

PREREQUISITES: CTC 150, 161 or 215 with a grade of "C" or better.

CTC 275 Special Topics
3 Credits
Provides students with opportunities to study topics of special interest that are not addressed in the standard CTC program. A syllabus specifies the content of each course at the time it is offered. Contact the CTC Department Chair for additional details.