Telecommunications Technical Operations

About Us | Network Map | Switch Description | Call Distribution | Conference Services

About Us:

The Primary Mission of the Telecommunications Technology Group is ensure the correct and efficient operation of the campus telecommunication services to provide the means for the University to maintain voice communications with the world. Providing the campus with reliable telecommunication service requires the skillful integration of several major technologies — wireless, landline, and increasing convergence of the data networks with the advent of VoIP and SIP. The Telecommunications Technology Group monitors the operation of these components, diagnoses and resoles problems, supports Public Safety on as needed bases, works closely with outside plant technicians for daily MAC work and service troubles, evaluates new products and technologies and develops future network designs and strategies.

The group's goals for 2007 are:
• Investigate ways of increasing the value of the campus communications infrastructures and associated applications to the campus community.
• Work closely with other departments such as Dining Services, Facilities, and Public Safety on the deployment of new network-based applications and telecommunication services.
• Participate in the communications infrastructure planning for new buildings including the new OIT building and machine room.
• Develop, test and improve the disaster recovery plans for the campus telecommunication.
• Prompt the wider use of available telecommunication services such as Automatic Call Distribution (ACD), and conference bridging,
• Continue the process of improving the campus cellular telephone service and integrating personal cellular telephones into a campus communication plan.
• Replace the aging Telecommunications Management System with a new Information Technology Management System.
• Increase the group's expertise in technologies such as VoIP, firewalls, and SIP.

Staff members are:

Dave Wirth

Owen Tidwell

Vincent LaPrete

David McCarthy

Switch Description:

Princeton Telecom group prides itself in providing Princeton’s campus with reliable telephone service using the latest technologies and state of the art equipment.
Our Northern Telecom, VoIP ready TDM Class 5 Central Office Switch runs the latest software available, and has provided dependable, worry-free service for nearly 18 yrs.

Our dedicated switchroom staff consists of three, highly trained switch technicians with over 65 years combined experience.
We maintain over 12,500 active analog/digital lines and 490 PRI and digital ports, 24hrs/day, 365 days/year
Our switch handles an average call volume in excess of 900,000 calls per month, with 99.9999% reliability.

Equipment:

1 Nortel CS-2100 XA-Core Class 5 central office switch with PRI /digital ports, analog/digital, VoIP lines
1 Battery Plant with 12 hours of back-up, also with back-up generator
2 Nortel Option 11C remote switches supports office’s off campus
1 MCS 5100 Multimedia Communications Server capable of providing SIP telephony connectivity
1 RLCM (Remote Line Concentrating Module) supports Forrestal Campus
1 Real Time Monitor (Switch Expert)
2 Western Telematic PollCat’s (collects all call details records for billing)
T-Metrics ACD’s system providing service to 3 areas on campus

Call Distribution Services:

UCD Services:

Uniform Call Distributor (UCD) systems help a department handle large volume of callers by placing the callers in queue where they can listen to an announcement. As soon as a representative is available, the next caller can be answered. There is no provision for special handling or reports. Any changes need in the design of the system must be made by the switch room staff.

ACD Services:

Automatic Call Distributor (ACD) systems help a department manage incoming calls by distributing them to the people that can best handle the call. This is determined by the number called, caller ID, and by stored instructions that react to the callers responses to menus. The call is given to the department representative with the best match of skills to the needs of the caller. The system is able to hold callers in queue until a representative is available. Other options are available to the caller while on hold including being transferred to another number, listening to a prerecorded announcement or leaving a message.

There are numerous reports available to the department on demand and the department administrator can adjust parameters as needed to meet the changing needs during the day.

If you are interested in learning how an ACD or UCD system may help your operation, contact Dave Wirth dwirth@princeton.edu 8-6626

Conference Services:

A Meet-Me Conference is a way for a number of people to call into a prearranged telephone number to attend a conference call. We can accommodate groups up to 30 people in house and arrange larger groups with advanced notice.

Meet-Me Conferences can be arranged by using the online form;  just fill in all required information and submit. You’ll receive an e-mail message with a phone number for all callers to call into.


Last modified 12/10/07