The main goal of the new laboratory is to provide students with the opportunity to study fundamental concepts and principles of specific network technologies and to create and apply cutting-edge solutions. The laboratory was built jointly by "A1 Bulgaria" and the Faculty of Telecommunications at the Technical University – Sofia. It will be at the core of preparing students in the field of communication networks and systems. It has workstations for training groups of up to 15 students. It is equipped with connectivity (Ethernet and Wi-Fi) to the university's IP network and additional educational and methodological tools.
Classes with students enrolled in Bachelor's and Master's degree programs will be held there, covering the following subjects: "Fundamentals of Network Technologies", "Mobile Networks", "Industrial Network Technologies", "Cloud Technologies and Services", "Teletraffic Engineering and Network Planning".
The laboratory is equipped with specialized equipment and laboratory models: optical communication systems, digital transport, and line coding. The levels of transmission in telecommunications, telecommunications via IP networks, voice transmission over IP network technologies, and the creation and operation of solutions in the field of "Internet of Things" can also be studied. It also features: high-end measuring instruments and "All-in-one" computers, which have specialized software products and network equipment installed. Currently, the focus will also be on developing new laboratory setups covering solutions from "Industrial Internet of Things" and its integration with cellular technologies.
Thanks to the collaboration with "A1 Bulgaria", a 2G/3G/4G/NB-IoT/5G Base Station has been installed and commissioned in the laboratory, operating as an independent unit. Students will have the opportunity to become familiar in detail with the main functional elements and to work on equipment that is part of the architecture of modern mobile networks.
The rector of TU – Sofia, Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov, vice-rectors of TU – Sofia, the Chairman of the General Assembly, Corresponding Member Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Todorov, the Dean of the Faculty of Telecommunications, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Agata Manolova, deputy deans, and representatives of the company "A1 Bulgaria" were present at the official ceremony.
