Jaromir Hrad

Optimal position of external node for very-high-bitrate digital subscriber line

This paper describes a specific variant of very-high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL) for access network in the Czech Republic under the terms of frequency bands released by Telefonica O2 CR. The spectral profiles are characterized by alternating bands for upstream and downstream directions when using frequency duplex. Further discussion deals with achievable bitrates under different conditions and the expected profiles that should be offered to subscribers. The resulting bitrates are calculated with respect to the length of the line with a copper core diameter of 0.4 mm and the number of disturbance sources for upstream and downstream directions. The analysis was performed using real distribution of subscriber line lengths in the Czech Republic. Higher penetration can be achieved with optical-metallic hybrid network. The optimal position of external node for very-high-speed digital subscriber line is deduced and proposed.

Multilanguage e-Learning Course for Industrial Automation

Compared to traditional forms of education, we can find many advantages for increasing the qualification with the help of interactive e-learning courses. Let us mention for example lower training costs, almost unlimited capacities (concerning the number of students taking the course simultaneously) and the possibility to return (even repeatedly) to already studied topics. The e-learning methods also bring opportunity to choose the most appropriate pace of training.

Benefits of collaboration between a university and a vocational college

The paper describes the ways of collaboration between a technical university and a vocational college, its results in pedagogy, coordinated building of technical background, as well as sharing of facilities and lectures. We are focusing on the response from vocational college students and teachers who are involved in the shared education; the results are based on the survey performed during the current academic year. We are also going to mention strategic consequences with respect to the need for increasing attractiveness of technical disciplines and informatics in the society. The project involves many different activities. The first one consists in making the university laboratories open to vocational college students and teachers. Other planned activities include extended education of vocational college teachers at the university, so that they get the most recent knowledge in their areas of interest. Then there is the plan for joint building of laboratories - experts from the university will prepare a set of laboratory workplaces and tasks in the premises of the vocational college and provide the necessary training to its teachers. The international dimension of the collaboration is reflected in a visit of vocational college students and teachers at the European NGN Centre in Bratislava, Slovakia - thanks to a traditional cooperation between CTU in Prague and STU in Bratislava. In order to introduce the university approach to education, there is prepared a special activity: supervising of students individual and graduation projects by university lecturers. Students can hereby get new knowledge and dynamic impulses that may result in substantially higher quality of the projects. Students can also compete for special scholarships offered to the authors of the best projects. Another topic of the paper is related to the benefits that the described collaboration brings for the university.

Improved chances for entering technical universities

In recent years we have been facing substantial decrease in the number of young people who are interested in study at technical universities, including the branches of electrical and information engineering. One of the promising ways is establishing of close contacts with secondary schools, or even directly with their students. Our objective is to win their interest and motivate them, so that they decide to study technical disciplines. The paper uses an example of a case study to describe possible ways for increasing of secondary students interest in studying at technical universities and provides some interesting results of their pilot testing.

Progressive Approaches to Education of Modern Modulation Methods

This paper analyzes modern education methods used in subjects dealing with data communications, more specifically with modulation methods.

EIE education restructuring due to social changes

The present paper describes the causes and consequences of falling population in the Czech Republic and its impact on higher education institutions, forcing them to make some important changes. Several solutions are suggested with respect to maintaining the quality of education, employing modern methods and meeting actual students needs and requirements.

Laboratory education of communication technologies

The paper describes a concept of a modern laboratory dedicated to education in the area of data communications. The laboratory is being built according to an analysis of pedagogical needs with respect to the recent trends, attempting to make the most of e-learning, access to virtual processes, flexible personal attendance and lectures on demand.

On specific problems related to communication over middle-voltage distribution lines

The paper is focused on specific topologies of middle-voltage (MV) power distribution lines with respect to their properties influencing the transmission of communication signals. The following parameters have been measured in the rural-area 22kV distribution network of CEZ Distribuce, a.s.: channel frequency response, interference and background noise. On this basis we have set up models and computed the estimated data throughputs for narrowband PLC (Power Line Communication) technology using OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex) modulation. Crucial experience for further implementation and operation of systems for communication support of Smart Grids has been obtained and presented.

Modelling of impulse noise in subscriber lines

This paper is dedicated to modelling of impulse noise. It presents a new model based on the application of general mathematical distributions. The new model has been verified by measurements of the impulse noise generated by home electrical appliances.

Modeling of impulse noise in access networks

This paper describes a new model for studying impulse noise in metallic lines and offers theoretical base for modeling of impulse noise in digital communication systems intended for use with medium-voltage power distribution lines.