CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME
SIWES which stands for Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme was initiated b
y the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in 1973 so as to complement the theoretical
knowledge acquired in higher institutions with practical experience.
The goal of SIWES is to promote industrialization in Nigeria, and an avenue betw
een the world of teaching, learning, industry and work with reference to a field
of study.
The scheme is therefore a skill training oriented program so as to expose the st
udents on work they would meet after graduation.
1.2 THE ROLE OF THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) was established by the decree 47 of 1971 cons
titution and charged with the responsibility of promoting and encouraging the ac
quisition of industrial skills, with the view of generating a collection of indi
genous trained manpower, sufficient enough to enhance and meet the needs of the
economy so as to promote development.
Supervision of students, organizing orientation programs, and disbursing allowan
ces to students are some of the roles played by the industrial training fund in
the implementation of SIWES.
1.3 THE SCOPE AND IMPORTANCE OF SIWES
The scheme covers all science and technological based students in monotechnics,
polytechnics and universities in Nigeria, resulting in a high population of stud
ents which is easily managed because of the public and private industries that p
artake in the scheme.
SIWES enables students acquire industrial know-how in their field of study parti
cularly in technological based courses. It also enables students experience the
application of theoretical knowledge in solving real life problems.
1.4 THE ROLE OF THE STUDENT AND THE INSTITUTION
The role of the student is to partake in the program in such a way that he/she w
ill achieve maximum benefit from the program. The student is advised to ask ques
tions, be submissive, and adhere to all the rules and regulations of the organiz
ation where he is attached.
Identification of placement opportunities, funding of SIWES supervisors and asse
ssment of the student are some of the roles played by the institutions to ensure
smooth running of the program.

CHAPTER 2
THE ORGANIZATION OF ATTACHMENT
2.1 UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROVISION FUND
The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) is a department under the Nigerian C
ommunication Commission (NCC). It was established by the Communications Act of 2
003, as a political response by the government to address the ICT needs of Niger
ians wherever they may be, especially those in unserved and underserved areas.
2.2 MISSION OF THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROVISION FUND
To achieve universal access, universal coverage and universal service through a
public private partnership framework that stimulates economic and social develop
ment, private sector investment and marker-based provision of basic affordable
and quality ICT infrastructure and service to unserved and underserved areas, co
mmunities and populations.
2.3 FUNCTIONS OF THE USPF SECTRETARIAT
The Nigerian Communication Act of 2003 listed the following functions for the US
PF Secretariat:
Receiving applications for loans and grants from eligible persons such as
Community based communications operators;
Enforcing standards for quality of service in rural and underserved areas set by
the USP Board;
Evaluation of project performance and effecting such action as may be necessary
to ensure that loans recipients and grantees meet objectives for network expansi
on and provision of service;
Facilitating collaboration between activities that are funded by the USP Fund an
d other infrastructure and development efforts;
Providing loan recipients and grantees with technical and managerial assistances
, such as resolution of equipment vendor issues and setting up of billing system
s;
Preparing and recommending to the standing order to establish and regulate the s
tructure and activities of the USP secretariat and revisions to such standing or
der from time to time;
Evaluating the effectiveness of the USP in meeting policy goals as set by the go
vernment and the USP Board;
Preparing and recommending to the USP Board the Operating plans, which shall inc
lude one or more USP programs and USP project and a budget for all operations an
d expenses of the USP Board, USP Secretariat, Fund managers and all other matter
s to be financed by the USP Fund during the period of the Operating plans;
Reviewing the applications and Marketing recommendations to the USP Board as to
which applications should be funded;
Liaising with other departments of the NCC in processing licenses for funded app
lications.
2.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE USPF AIMS
With the universality of technology being the primary concern and the ordinary u
nreached folks being the fulcrum of attention USPF has quickly come up with broa
d areas of concentration in order to reach the unreached, those not so favoured
even with the most welfares’ of intentions in distribution of amenities.
They include:
School Access Programme (SAP) Project
Community Communication Centres (CCC) Project
Accelerated Mobile Phone Expansion (AMPE) Project
Rural Broadband Internet (RUBI) Project

2.4.1 School Access Programme (SAP) Project

It is a connectivity programmed focused at facilitating connectivity to Broadban
d Internet with a minimum speed of 1mbps to government school, libraries and Ins
titution in unserved, underserved and rural areas. The aim is to facilitate digi
tal lifestyles in target beneficiary institutions. Each qualified school, librar
ies or institution will receive equipment and facilities that link them to high
speed internet. The target beneficiaries are encouraged to share the facilities
with their surrounding communities, on a commercial basis. The implementation id
ea is that the program will provide a given number of desktop computers, accesso
ries and Internet connection to each select beneficiary institution for the use
of the student and a given number of laptops to the teachers. A wireless mesh wi
ll connect all the computers and the teacher’s laptop will serve as the server.
The economic and social benefit of the School Access Programme includes:
Technology enhanced learning in eligible school.
Enhanced and improved teaching capability of teachers in the participating schoo
l.
Exposed student to international and global standards in academic courses conten
t.
Generate jobs in the rural areas by improving the skills of rural dwellers.
Alleviate poverty and generate wealth.
Target Communities
Primary and secondary institutions in unserved, underserved and rural areas will
be the primary targets of the project. They are considered the localities in wh
ich the project will give the greatest benefits.
Eligibility Conditions
Minimum of 750pupils
Availability of chairs and desks
Availability of certain infrastructures school building with good roofs, secured
doors and windows
Preferably with electricity
Availability of trainable teachers
Nearness to a community, to encourage increased usage for sustainability
Secured storage for the equipment.
2.4.2 Community Communication Centres (CCC) Project
The community communication centre’s (CCCs) are design to extend voice, Internet,
ICT training and other services to unserved communities. Each CCC will provide a
public calling centre, cybercafé and ICT training courses, as well serve as a pla
tform for extending wireless Internet access to the neighboring communities. The
CCC will enable the private operator / implementing counterpart to install and
run a wireless broadband Internet point, Voice over IP (VOIP) and Remittances se
rvices in the target community.
Also, using WiMAX and Wi-Fi wireless technologies the CCC will also provide broa
dband connectivity to the communities within 5km to 15km radius of the target Co
mmunity.
The service will enable access to the Internet for individual, businesses, gover
nment offices, school, hospitals, police, rescue services providers and other co
mmunity-based organizations.
The economic and social benefit of a community communication centre includes:
Stimulating social and economic development of the unserved, underserved and rur
al areas
Promoting the communicative right of Nigerians
Creation of a knowledge-based information society
Promoting education empowerment
Promoting political, social, and economic participation
Increasing availability of quality services at just, reasonable and affordable r
ates
Facilitating the provision of ICT infrastructural development in unserved or und
erserved location, in non-discriminatory manner
Reduction in rural to urban population drift by bridging the urban-rural access
gap
Increasing online access to essential services
Generating employment in the unserved and underserviced areas
Target Communities
Unserved or underserved Local Government Areas and unserved or underserved commu
nities will be the Primary target of the CCC.

Image 1: Community Communication Network Layout

2.4.3 Accelerated Mobile Phone Expansion (AMPE) Project
The Accelerated Mobile Phone Expansion (AMPE) Project is the precursor to the Ba
sed Transceiver Station Site (BTSS) project. The AMPE project is a vehicle for f
acilitating the roll-out of mobile phone expansion in at least 5 unserved town/v
illage in each of the 774 Local Government Area (LGAs) in Nigeria.
The AMPE will accelerate the rapid expansion of mobile service to unserved areas
in Nigeria through the provision of smart subsidy, loans and incentives to exis
ting mobile phone companies. It will also enable communities, NGOs, and private
entrepreneurs to build and operate mobile telephone infrastructures (Based Trans
ceiver Station, communication Towers etc) and provide modern mobile communicatio
n services to end users in unserved areas using an existing mobile telephone ope
rator’s network (Transmission, Switching and Billing Platform).
The economic and social benefits of the accelerated mobile phone expansion proje
ct are as follows:
Accelerate the socio-economic development of unserved, underserved and rural are
as.
Bridge the digital divide between the urban and rural areas.
Create employment opportunities, help alleviate poverty and generate wealth (Mor
e particularly with the existing microfinance schemes).
Lower the cost of doing business in rural communities.
Facilitate commerce and trade in unserved, underserved and rural communities.
Leverage private sector investments in unserved, underserved and rural areas.
Target Communities
Unserved LGAs in each State of the Federation. The initial project will be sited
in the LGAs that are more likely to succeed rather than the poorest or the most
challenging.

Image 2: Topology diagram for AMPE Project

2.4.4 Rural Broadband Internet (RUBI) Project
The Rural broadband internet (RUBI) project will facilitate broadband network ro
ll-out in unserved, underserved and rural areas in line with the USP Secretariat’s
five years Strategic Management Plan, which is as follows:
Extend Broadband Internet access to at least 109 Local Government Area Headquart
ers, at least one in each senatorial district, which will enable end users withi
n 10km radius have access to the Internet.
Provide Broadband connections to Internet with at least 100mbps capacity to one
town in each senatorial district with a minimum population of 20,000 people.
The RUBI is characterized by and will provide wholesale internet bandwidth servi
ce to community communication centre’s (CCC), Cybercafé, rural internet service prov
ider (RISE), and institutions in unserved, underserved and rural communities in
Nigeria.
The benefits of the rural broadband internet project are:
Level the playing field for rural business; giving them access to wide range of
services and allowing them cut coast and improved efficiency.
Promote rural-urban socio-economic integration.
Accelerate the socio-economic development of unserved, underserved and rural com
munities.
Foster efficiency in universal access to the unserved and underserved areas.
Build and develop the non-oil economy in the rural areas.
Target Communities
RUBI will target unserved and underserved Local Government Area Headquarters and
towns with population greater than 20,000 people. The RUBI project will be loca
ted in LGA headquarters and priority will be given to LGAs with existing transmi
ssion infrastructure.

Image 3: Topology diagram of RUBI Project

CHAPTER 3
STRUCTURE OF AN ICT SYSTEM
3.1 OVERVIEW OF A TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM
The process of sharing ideas, messages and information with others in a particul
ar time and place is of great importance. Without communication business, person
al life, and education would be impossible. Communication maybe achieved by seve
ral means, but the form of communication that involves a sender of information a
nd one or more recipients linked by a technology that transmit electronic or opt
ical signals across long distances is referred to as TELECOMMUNICATION.
In telecommunications messages can be sent in a variety of ways such as point-to
-point transmission (i.e. a message is sent from one sender to a single receiver
like in a phone call) or point-to-multipoint transmission which involves one se
nder and several receivers like a radio broadcast.
Devices are used to convert different types of information, such as sound and pi
ctures, into electronic or optical signals, a process called MODULATION while th
e devices are known as TRANSDUCERS. The resulting signals are then transmitted t
hrough a medium. Glass fiber (or fiber optic cable) is the medium used for propa
gating optical signals. Whereas, the electronic signals are propagated through c
opper wire or radio waves. During the course of transmission, the signals are re
generated at regular intervals by devices called REPEATERS, so as to prevent los
s of information. On reaching its destination, the signal is converted back into
understandable information, a process termed DEMODULATION.
Telecommunications provides the key medium for delivering news, data, informatio
n, and entertainment.
Types of Communication
Based on the medium used for the transmission of signals, telecommunications may
be classified as wired and wireless communication.
Communication that involves the use of wires or electrical conductors as a mediu
m of propagation is the oldest form of telecommunication. Such telecommunication
systems, such as telephone and telegram, are uneconomical when large coverage a
rea is required. But for short distances they have the advantage of low procurem
ent and maintenance cost.
Wireless communication involves the transfer of signals without the use of elect
rical conductors. Depending on the type of electromagnetic wave used to transfer
the signal, the distances involved may be short for infrared (IR) and Infrared
Data Association (IrDA) or long for microwave and radio frequency (RF). For comm
unicating over long distances wireless communication is most suitable in terms o
f installation and maintenance.
Applications of wireless communication involve broadcasting, cellular networks,
global positioning system, two-way radios, cordless computer peripherals, and wi
reless networking of computers, but to mention a few.
3.2 THE STRUCTURE OF THE INTERNET
The internet which is a global computer network that links computer networks all
over the world by satellite and telephone is an example of a telecommunication
system.
Computer networks are created by connecting individual computers to each other.
LAN (local area network), MAN (metropolitan area network), and WAN (wide area ne
twork) are all types of computer networks, which are differentiated based on the
geographical area over which the network covers. The main difference between wi
de area and local area networks is that the former cover very large distances an
d has limited bandwidth and substantial propagation delay. Local area networks o
n the other hand cover distances up to a few kilometers such as in a home or off
ice network, and have relatively high bandwidths and low propagation delays.
Although WANs and LANs can be categorized separately, it is worth noting that ma
ny LANs have gateways to WANs, so that global communication (internet) often mak
es use of combinations of both type of network.
An internet connection consists of several devices such as computer system, mode
m, satellite, telephone wire, and router; and this devices may use either wired
or wireless communication or both to interact with another.
3.3.1 Means of Internet Access
Internet access is provided by ISP’s (Internet service providers). An ISP network
is used to access the internet by customers that subscribes to the ISP service f
or a monthly fee, in exchange the company agrees to relay data between the subsc
riber’s computer and the internet.
Accessing an ISP network may be achieved through any of the following internet a
ccess technologies such as dedicated, satellite, dial-up, and wireless.
Dedicated Internet Access
In this type of internet access, a subscriber’s computer remains directly connecte
d to the internet at all times through a permanent physical connection, such as
digital subscriber line (DSL) or cable modems.
DSL uses telephone wires, and cable modems uses television cables to send data a
cross. In both cases, data is sent through separate frequencies or channels that
do not interfere with other signals on the wires, thus while data is being sent
phone calls or television signals may be received simultaneously.
This form of internet access is common in developed countries with existing tele
phone or television cable networks.
Satellite Internet Access
It involves the use of an outdoor satellite dish to grab internet signals from o
rbiting satellites, after which the signals are transmitted to a computer.
Satellite internet access is very popular is this country, due to the fact that
wired telephone networks hardly exist.

Dial-up Internet Access

This type of internet access technology is the least expensive and least conveni
ent. It involves the use of a telephone modem (a device that is capable of conve
rting digital data into tones and tones back into data), to connect the computer
to the telephone system.
To access the internet, the user uses a software which causes the dial-up modem
to place a telephone call to the ISP. A modem at the ISP answers the call, and t
he two modems uses audible tones to send data in both directions.
The major setback in using dial-up modem is that the telephone line cannot be us
ed for regular telephone calls, at the same time the dial-up modem is sending da
ta.
Wireless Internet Access
This technology involves the use of cell phones and handheld computers to access
the internet through wireless cellular telephone networks.
In the past such means of accessing the internet was the slowest means. But with
the recent development of 3G (third generation) cellular networks, the internet
can be accessed on the go, and at DSL-like speeds.
3.3.2 Means of Data Transfer over the Internet
Information is transmitted across the internet in small units of data called PAC
KETS. A packet is a block of data transmitted from a source to a destination. On
the sending computer, software split a file into many packets and on the receiv
ing computer, software merges incoming packets to create the original file.
Packets consist of two parts; a body containing the data being sent, and a heade
r which specifies the computer to which the packet should be delivered and how t
he data in the packet should be combined with subsequent data on reception.
The Transmission Control Protocol and Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a set of rul
es that specify how packet headers are formed and how packets are processed. TCP
protocols also enable the internet to detect and correct transmission problems.
A computer connected to the internet is assigned a unique number, known as its
IP (Internet Protocol) address. Each packet sent over the internet contains the
IP address of the computer to which it is being sent. IP protocols are followed
by IP routers, which are hardware devices that connect networks in the internet.
A router use the IP address contained in a packet to determine, either to delive
r the packet to the destination computer across a local area network or to forwa
rd the packet to another router that is closer to the final destination. Hence,
a packet may travel from router to router as it passes through the internet.
3.3 COMPONENTS OF A SATELLITE INTERNET ACCESS SYSTEM
In Nigeria, satellite internet access is the most common means of accessing the
internet at reasonable speed.
The satellite uses wireless communication (in this case radio frequency is the t
ransmission medium) to communicate with an orbiting satellite, the resulting dat
a is transferred to the gateway Indoor Unit (IDU) and from the gateway IDU to th
e router using high grade coaxial cables. Finally, the router communicates with
the computer system via Ethernet cables (RJ45).
Fig 1: Satellite Internet Access System Architecture
The tools and equipment required to setup an internet connection via satellite d
epends on the manufacturers of the equipment. The common brand of internet satel
lite includes Shiron, Linkstar, Mweb, and Galileo. The equipments required for G
alileo being as follows:
Satellite / Antenna
Gateway Indoor Unit (IDU)
Router
Installer Laptop
Coaxial Cable
Ethernet Cable
Global Positioning System (GPS) Device
3.3.1 The Satellite / Antenna
The satellite consists of a 1.2m elliptical reflector and a radio unit which is
mounted outside. The elliptical reflector is made up of a wire mesh covered by w
hite plastic surface. It acts to reflect outbound signals from the transmitter i
n the radio unit, and focus and redirect inbound signals towards the low noise b
lock in the radio unit.
The radio unit consists of several components: the feed horn which is cone-shape
d cuts down ambient signals, the 2 watt transmitter sends signals to the orbitin
g satellite, and the Low Noise Block (LNB) receives the very low level microwave
signal from the satellite, amplifies and changes the signals to a lower frequen
cy band and sends it to the indoor receiver.
Image 4: Outdoor Unit

3.3.2 Gateway Indoor Unit

The gateway IDU as the name implies is a device that serves as the satellite mod
em i.e. it converts data into RF signal and RF signals into data. It also serves
as a link between the dish, the router, and the installer laptop.
As shown in the diagram, the gateway IDU consists of two coaxial cable ports, us
ed to communicate with the satellite and an ethernet port for communicating with
both the installer laptop and the IP router.
Image 5: The Gateway Indoor Unit (IDU)
3.3.3 IP Router
The IP router or client router is a device that uses the IP address contained in
 a packet header to determine, either to deliver the packet to the destination c
omputer across a local area network or to send the packet to the gateway IDU for
subsequent modulation and then transmission.
The router consists of an input ethernet port that will be connected to the gate
way IDU and several output ports (depending on the make) that will be connected
to users computer system or hubs (a hub is a network adapter that offers multipl
e output ports, and is used in LAN with large number of computers).
Image 6: The Linksys 100Mbps Router
3.3.4 Installer Laptop
On the laptop that will be used in the configuration of the satellite and the ga
teway IDU the following application software are required:
CPE Installation Wizard; used to activate the Galileo System.
Any Web Browser Application; used to verify the satellite is online
The laptop is connected to the gateway IDU using a crossover ethernet cable.
Image 7: Installer Laptop and Crossover Ethernet Cable
3.3.5 Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables are used to connect the outdoor unit (satellite and radio unit) t
o the indoor unit (gateway IDU). The RG 6 type coaxial cable may be used if the
cable length will not exceed 30m, while for longer distance the RG 11 type coaxi
al cable is preferred.
Two coaxial cables are used to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit; one
carries the outbound signal from the output (TX) terminal of the IDU to the tran
smitter. While the other carries the inbound signal and the 24VDC for the LNB.
Image 8: RG 11 Type Coaxial Cable
3.3.6 Ethernet Cable
In setting up a local area network, ethernet cables is the link between the comp
uters in the network. Ethernet cables may be classified into two types; the stan
dard straight through cables and the crossover ethernet cables.
Straight through cables are made in such a way that both connectors at each end
are identical. While in crossover cables as the name implies is made by crossing
over some of the wires (for further information refer to section 3.X.X) which w
ill enable one machine to communicate directly with another, without a hub or sw
itch.
Fig 2: A chart that shows the arrangement of wires at each end of a cross over e
thernet cable. Image 9: An Ethernet Cable
3.3.7 Global Positioning System (GPS) Device
This is a handheld wireless device that enables one to determine his exact geogr
aphical location (i.e. in terms of longitude and latitude) on the earth.
3.4 INSTALLATION OF AN INTERNET ACCESS SATELLITE
For the purpose of this paper, the process of installing an internet access sate
llite may be divided into two stages; the site preparatory stage, and the connec
tion stage.
3.4.1 Site Survey
Prior to installation, a field operations engineer should visit the site that th
e satellite is to be installed. During such visit the engineer performs the foll
owing activities:
Ensure the absence of high-rise buildings, trees etc, which may block the signal
path.
Ensure the absence of interference by using a gun and a field meter.
Check for the existence of AC power.
Acquire the longitude and latitude using GPS.
Check for the existence of a LAN network near the IDU.
 Estimate of the maximum cable length.
Determine if there is free access to the roof of the building.
3.4.2 Connection Stage
This involves the mounting and physical connection of all the components require
d for accessing the internet via satellite.
The antenna (elliptical reflector) is mounted on the roof if penetrating the roo
f is allowed, and secured in place with large bolts and concrete. In cases where
penetrating the roof is not allowed, a non-penetrating mount (the dish is held
by pouring concrete on an angle iron frame) would be used.
After the antenna has been set to the appropriate elevation angle, the LNB and t
ransmitter are assembled to form the outdoor unit (ODU) which is attached on the
antenna support arm with the aid of nuts.
The IDU may be placed on top of a bench or on a shelf in a rack. The IDU should
be placed in a well ventilated and easily accessible location, to allow proper a
irflow and easy access by a technician during maintenance.
After the above components have been set in place, the ODU is connected to the I
DU using two coaxial cables. The first cable is connected from the transmitter t
o the RF OUT port of the IDU, the second cable goes from the RF IN port of the I
DU to the LNB.
Finally the installer laptop will be connected to the ethernet port of the IDU u
sing an RJ45 ethernet cable. After which the system is now ready for configurati
on.

3.5 MAKING ETHERNET CABLES

Ethernet cables are the medium with which data is transmitted from the IDU throu
gh the router to the computer system, thus, to prevent disrupting the data flow
process cables should be properly attached to the connected.
In general, ethernet cables are made by attaching RJ45 connectors to the each en
d of a cable with an ethernet crimper. Making proper fittings on the ends of eth
ernet cables require a bit of training, and the steps involved are described bel
ow:

Image 10: Ethernet Cables

Image 12: RJ45 and Ethernet Crimper
Firstly, the ½ inch of the insulation covering the back of cable is peeled off as
shown in figure 1 above.
Secondly, similar colours are unwind, arranged and cut straight across as shown
in figures 2 and 3 respectively.
Thirdly, the wires are pushed into the RJ45 connector until they reach the end o
f the connector, and the blue plastic shielding reaches a position as shown in f
igure 4 above.
Finally, the connector is placed into the ethernet crimper. Copper splicing tabs
enters into each of the cables when the handles of the crimper is pressed down.
On removal of the cable from the crimper it will be ready for use.
3.6 MAINTENANCE OF AN ICT SYSTEM
Like any other system an ICT system requires regular maintenance (the act of res
toring failed items into working conditions) which will improve overall reliabil
ity, availability, and cost of operation. For the purpose of this paper, the maj
or maintenance actions carried out on an ICT system (using satellite internet ac
cess system as a case study) have been grouped as shown below:
3.6.1 Protection of a Satellite Internet Access System
This consists of all the safety precautions taken during the process of installi
ng the satellite, and they include:
 Ensure that all cables are connected to the correct terminal and are firmly tigh
tened.
Leave Extra cable at the antenna.
Ensure that all outdoor connections are weatherproofed after all necessary testi
ng have been completed.
Place the Indoor Unit away from electromagnetic field emitting devices.
Ensure that the IDU is not in an unventilated environment.
3.6.2 Maintenance of a Computer System
In view of the fact that computer system is the interface that users will use to
communicate on the internet, it is of optimum importance that it should be in g
ood working condition. And this may be achieved by carrying out planned and unpl
anned maintenance actions.
Planned Maintenance
Planned maintenance actions consist of the activities that are conducted to ensu
re that the computer system is readily available for use. Below is a list of suc
h maintenance actions.
Maintenance Actions Daily Weekly Monthly Yearly
Disk Backup ••
Disk Cleanup ••
Virus Scanning ••
Disk Defragmenting ••
Operating System Reinstallation ••
Unplanned Maintenance
This involves maintenance actions that are carried to repair a faulty system. It
includes:
Replacement of faulty accessories
Repair of corrupted operating system software
Replacement of faulty ethernet cables
CHAPTER 4
VERIFICATION OF A COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION CENTRE PROJECT
4.1 INTRODUCTION
In order to reduce the growing gap between the information rich (people with eas
y access to information) and the information poor (people with less access to in
formation), reduce rural-urban drift, and enhance commerce, the USPF has embarke
d on the implementation of CCC (Community Communication Centres).
These centres will serve as a platform through which surrounding communities wil
l have access to wireless connectivity, and presently there are 218 of such cent
res across the country at various level of completion.
4.2 LOCATION OF THE COMMUNITY COMMUNICATION CENTRE
The community communication centre in question is located in Potiskum local gove
rnment area of Yobe state. Potiskum is classified as an underserved area due to
the fact that service is almost unavailable and the existence of low level of co
mpetition in the area.
4.3 REASON FOR THE CHOICE OF THE BENEFITING COMMUNITY
The USPF has a rule of choosing communities that are more likely to succeed rath
er than the poorest and most challenging communities.
Potiskum was chosen as one of the beneficiaries of the community communication c
entres project, because it has access roads, power supply and a more learned pop
ulation when compared to other unserved and underserved communities in the north
-eastern part of the country. Thus, it is most likely that the project will be s
uccessful there.
4.4 VERIFICATION EXERCISE
The inspection of the community communication centre in Potiskum local governmen
t area of Yobe state was aimed at determining whether or not the equipment insta
lled meets the minimum standard set by the USPF.
4.4.1 Inventory of Equipment Installed
Detailed information of the infrastructure and equipment inspected are shown bel
ow.
S/N Item Description Quantity Remarks
A Building 20.02m2 Total Floor Area
1 The space provided is adequate to accommodate the twelve (12) co
mputers and LAN access (data access) terminals provided.
B Computer Systems Pentium (4) 2.80 GHz Chip
512 MB RAM
40 GB Hard Disk Drive
15” Flat LCD VDU
CD ROM Drive
Windows XP SP2 OS 12
C Internet Access Satellite System
1 Satellite 3.2m dish (C-Band 2w BUC, Model NJT5667F)
Input
3.4 – 4.2 GHz
Lo Freq 5.15GHz Stability +/-500KHz
Gain 600dB
Temp 20K (i.e. 293oC)
Output
5.850 – 6.425GHz
DC Input +15v to 30v 1 The satellite was installed using a non-penetrat
ing mount, whereby its base was held firmly in place with contrete.
2 Gateway IDU i-Direct 3000 series satellite modem 1 The IDU
/ modem was placed on a wall mounted iron rack, in a well ventilated location.
3 Structured Cabling / Data Access Points Structured cabling with PVC trun
king and Data Access Point was provided 12 Cabling and trunking were in pla
ce and data access point terminated appropriately.
4. 3 Com Switch / Hub 16 port 16 Port switch translate to 16 d
ata access points for connection of 16 computers. But only 12 was used.
5 Cisco Ethernet IP Router 4 port The Cisco Router has por
ts (FXO & FXS) that support and can be used for VOIP calls.
D Power Supply System
1 Primary Source of Power National Grid provided by PHCN
240V nominal - Electricity supply service cable was connected from the
service pole to the building and terminated appropriately.
2 Back-up Power Source 200KVA Cummins Basic Gen-set 1 The gene
rator output power is adequate to power the equipment including the two A.C wind
ow units. Moreover, the generator is brand new; manufacturing date is may, 2007.
3 Lighting Adequate lighting and was provided.
E Furniture and Ventilation
1 Furniture U-shaped tables with 15 partitions. 3 One part
ition was used for each computer, and three were extras.
2 Air Conditioning System 1.5 HP National Air conditioning unit 1
3 Rack and Cooling Fan Unit. 60cmx80cm wall mounted metal rack
1 The dimension of the Rack mounted is adequate to support and house the h
ub, gateway IDU, and router.
F Other Equipment
1 Bandwidth 256/128 Kbps (Shared )
2 IP Phones Analogue Phones Analogue phones were used to int
erface with (FXS) ports begin provided on the router , it was tested for dial to
ne and also tested to connect to PSTN and GSM Networks with relatively good voic
e quality.

4.4.2 Report Presentation

On completion of the verification exercise in Potiskum a report on was written a
nd presented in the following Wednesday’s departmental meeting, which is headed by
the Secretary of the USPF Mr. Funso Fayomi.
The report contained the technical details of all the equipment inspected, which
were able to measure up to the USPF minimum standards. The only setback experie
nced by the community communication centre in Potiskum, was the inability to suc
cessfully connect to the internet, and this was as a result of technical hitches
.
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 CONCLUSION
During the course of the six months period of SIWES (Student Industrial Work Exp
erience Scheme) at the USPF (Universal Service Provision Fund) Secretariat in th
e NCC building, on the 7th Floor, Plot 423 Aguyi Ironsi Street Maitama District
Abuja, I have acquired technical skills in the field of telecommunications, non-
technical skills such as managerial and secretarial skills, and have had the opp
ortunity to experience the application of theoretical knowledge acquired in the
classroom to solve real problems.
Thus, SIWES has been a success, because I have gained knowledge that ordinarily
would not be obtained in the lecture hall.
5.2 RECOMMENDATION
As a result of difficulties experienced during the six months SIWES program, I w
ould like to recommend the following changes:
o The duration of SIWES should be extended so as to enable students be mor
e experienced.
o The ITF should make monthly allowance available for students, so as to p
ut an end to financial difficulties that may arise as a result of transport prob
lems.
o The Institutions and ITF should help students to get a place of attachme
nt so that the program may commence as planned.