Telecommunications System Reliability Engineering, Theory, and Practice

MARK AYERS is manager of RF Engineering at GCI Communications Corp headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska. He has a broad range of telecommunications experience in fiber optics, microwave radio, and satellite network design. Mr. Ayers holds a BS degree in mathematics from the University of Alaska Anchorage and an MS degree in electrical engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He is a registered Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of Alaska, a senior member in the IEEE, and teaches a variety of courses in the Engineering Department at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

• List of Illustrations vii Preface xiiiAbout the Author xvAcronym List xviiINTRODUCTION 11 RELIABILITY THEORY 71.1 System Metrics 81.2 Statistical Distributions 181.3 System Modeling Techniques 251.4 Systems with Repair 331.5 Markov Chain Models 351.6 Practical Markov System Models 411.7 Monte Carlo Simulation Models 471.8 Repair Period Models 581.9 Equipment Sparing 612 FIBER-OPTIC NETWORKS 712.1 Terrestrial Fiber-Optic Networks 712.1 Submarine Fiber-Optic Networks 843 MICROWAVE NETWORKS 953.1 Long-Haul Microwave Networks 963.2 Short-Haul Microwave Networks 1173.3 Local Area Microwave Networks 1244 SATELLITE NETWORKS 1334.1 Propagation 1344.2 Earth Stations 1384.3 VSAT Earth Stations 1404.4 Earth Stations 1434.5 Spacecraft 1564.6 Satellite Network Topologies 1605 MOBILE WIRELESS NETWORKS 1715.1 Mobile Wireless Equipment 1725.2 Mobile Wireless Network Systems 1826 TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES 1876.1 Power Systems 1886.2 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems 2077 SOFTWARE AND FIRMWARE 2137.1 Software Failure Mechanisms 2147.2 Software Failure Rate Modeling 2167.3 Reliability and Availability of Systems with Software Components 220References 227Index 229

“For that reason, this book will be very useful for undergraduate students and practitioners who need a good introduction to, or a refresher on, the reliability aspects of the networks they work with.”  (Computing Reviews, 14 January 2013)“This well-organized  book compares and contrasts the reliabilities of corresponding components that make up today’s major networks as well as the reliability of facilities used to operate them.”  (Optics & Photonics News, 1 November 2013)