HAWASSA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER

ENGINEERING
COMMUNICATION STREAM

MONTHLY INTERNSHIP REPORT

(JIJIGA’S ETHIO TELECOM BRANCH)

NAME: AHMEDYASIN KHELIF ESSA

ID: MEECER/0004/12

MENTOR: MR. LULSEGED T.

JIJIGA, ETHIOPIA
 The first week of my internship was an introductory period where I gained insight into the overall scope
and expectations of my upcoming tasks over the following weeks and months. My initial responsibilities
involved completing various company formalities to begin my role officially. On my first day, I visited
the main branch of Ethio Telecom located in Jijiga, where I acquired a temporary ID through the
company’s HR department. This step was essential as it marked the official commencement of my
internship journey. Starting on October 22, 2024, I was assigned to the IP Backhaul domain department,
where I would be stationed for the next three weeks, until November 7, 2024. My primary task in this
department was to learn how to monitor the main fiber backbone network within the Somali region,
focusing specifically on the operation and maintenance of ATN devices. To help facilitate my learning,
the company provided me with an array of documents tailored to my development as a communication
engineer.

During the second week of my time at the IP Backhaul domain department, I had the opportunity to visit
multiple sites equipped with ATN devices. These sites were integral to the backbone network, which
forms a ring structure surrounding the city and connects to Ethio Telecom’s core site from two directions.
Each ATN device was connected via fiber cables, creating a robust and interconnected system. Initially, I
found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of cables and struggled to understand their purposes.
However, after a few days, I received comprehensive guidance on how to identify and differentiate the
cables by examining their labels. This knowledge laid the foundation for my first hands-on assignment:
resetting a malfunctioning ATN device using the DIP switches located on its control board. Although I
encountered some initial challenges, I managed to reset the device successfully, reintegrating it into the
network and restoring its proper function. This experience was both enlightening and rewarding, as it
allowed me to apply my learning in a practical setting.

The third week was particularly valuable as I delved deeper into the provided technical documents and
engaged in detailed discussions with the team. One of the most significant experiences of this week was
my visit to Ethio Telecom’s core site in the Somali region, where all regional network traffic converges
before being routed to its respective destinations. The site itself was highly secure, requiring all visitors to
sign in and obtain an electronic access card to pass through three successive doors. Additionally, cameras
were strategically positioned throughout the site to ensure comprehensive surveillance. This core site was
equipped with a range of sophisticated devices essential for maintaining seamless network operations.
Witnessing this setup firsthand reinforced my understanding of how data traffic is managed on a large
scale and emphasized the importance of the rigorous security measures in place.

In the fourth week, my internship took a new direction as I was reassigned to the WN RAN operation and
maintenance department. This department plays a critical role in overseeing the RTN (Radio
Transmission Network) devices, which constitute the microwave transmission network. Their
responsibilities include monitoring and managing various mobile communication services, such as voice
and data services across 2G, 3G, 4G, and in certain locations, 5G. The WN RAN team acts as the first line
of support when there are disruptions in phone services within the region. I will be collaborating with this
team over the next several weeks, during which I aim to broaden my technical knowledge and deepen my
practical skills by observing their workflow and engaging with their daily operations. Whenever possible,
I plan to ask questions to clarify any uncertainties and enrich my learning experience.
Reflecting on my experiences so far, I am confident that all activities I undertook were appropriate and
well-suited for my learning objectives. The structured progression from theoretical knowledge to hands-
on practice has greatly contributed to my development as an aspiring communication engineer. I am
satisfied with how the internship is unfolding and would not change much about the tasks I performed.
Each day has reinforced my passion for the field of communication, fueling my excitement for what lies
ahead. The professionals I have encountered have been remarkably supportive, ensuring my smooth
integration into their teams. Their dedication and expertise have left a lasting impression on me, further
motivating me to pursue excellence in my future career.