Assessor Resource

ICTTEN810
Investigate the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop strategies to accommodate shortfalls in capacity and functionality for a switching network. It also covers how to develop solutions for network growth using emerging technologies, including cloud computing.

It applies to individuals with excellent technical and strategic management skills working as telecommunications planning engineers and senior technical staff.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Evaluate current physical network infrastructure

1.1 Analyse scalability, functionality, cost, security and energy consumption of existing physical network infrastructure

1.2 Report on shortfalls and risks of existing physical infrastructure in accommodating network growth and increased functionality

1.3 Investigate capacity and functionality shortfalls of existing physical infrastructure to highlight limitations of the existing switching network

1.4 Document estimated costs and issues associated with meeting capacity and functionality shortfalls using existing physical infrastructure

2. Investigate the application of cloud networks

2.1 Analyse trends in cloud networks (infrastructure-as-a-service), technologies and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) architectures against rapid changes in the landscape

2.2 Determine applicability of cloud networks (infrastructure- as-a-service) to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network

2.3 Assess risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network

2.4 Evaluate a range of cloud network solutions and justify selection of an optimum network switching solution

2.5 Develop solution elements using a series of small project elements

2.6 Produce a cloud network alternative solution to emulate the existing core network of a service provider

3. Analyse the impact of the cloud network solution for system integration and across business domains

3.1 Prepare a plan for organisational change control processes and integration of cloud network solutions within a complete network infrastructure

3.2 Prepare a test scenario and produce a test management schedule for the testing process of system elements and interfaces using simulation

3.3 Use integration document software to replicate issues exhibited in test environment

3.4 Certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance to requirements using the web-based test management tool (quality centre) to conduct performance evaluation tests

3.5 Analyse test reports to evaluate load balancing and network security issues in test environment

3.6 Document and resolve conflicts detected in simulation testing

4. Develop a business case for implementation of a cloud network

4.1 Prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution as a business case to evaluate the return on investment (RoI)

4.2 Investigate staging of the solution and timing implementation of project elements as a scenario for real life implementation

4.3 Research and report on key features of cloud network implementation in a business case study

Evidence of ability to:

evaluate the current physical network infrastructure’s capacity and functionality shortfalls

investigate application of cloud networks and plan architectural design

develop components of cloud networking solution for meeting capacity and functionality requirements of the network

assess risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network

analyse impact of integration of cloud network solution on network

prepare a test plan with test scenario and produce a test management schedule

use integration document and software test management tools to replicate issues exhibited in test environment

certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance

prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution

develop a business case for implementation of a cloud network.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

analyse components of infrastructure-as-a-service solutions

summarise existing digital switching technology in service provider’s core network

outline information required to develop architectural solutions

explain integration document software

explain new cloud network technologies

provide a detailed summary of cloud networking transmission, transmitter and receiver architecture and their associated infrastructure

outline performance and integration requirements

prepare and/or interpret technical documentation

outline protocols as used on multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and infrastructure-as-a-service

provide a detailed explanation of network components and their functions

explain specific organisational requirements relating to computer systems

summarise typical issues and challenges that occur with system changes.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications networks engineering field of work and include access to:

a site where the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching may be investigated

software tools currently used in industry

vendor products, specifications, equipment and enterprise policy required for the activity.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Evaluate current physical network infrastructure

1.1 Analyse scalability, functionality, cost, security and energy consumption of existing physical network infrastructure

1.2 Report on shortfalls and risks of existing physical infrastructure in accommodating network growth and increased functionality

1.3 Investigate capacity and functionality shortfalls of existing physical infrastructure to highlight limitations of the existing switching network

1.4 Document estimated costs and issues associated with meeting capacity and functionality shortfalls using existing physical infrastructure

2. Investigate the application of cloud networks

2.1 Analyse trends in cloud networks (infrastructure-as-a-service), technologies and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) architectures against rapid changes in the landscape

2.2 Determine applicability of cloud networks (infrastructure- as-a-service) to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network

2.3 Assess risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network

2.4 Evaluate a range of cloud network solutions and justify selection of an optimum network switching solution

2.5 Develop solution elements using a series of small project elements

2.6 Produce a cloud network alternative solution to emulate the existing core network of a service provider

3. Analyse the impact of the cloud network solution for system integration and across business domains

3.1 Prepare a plan for organisational change control processes and integration of cloud network solutions within a complete network infrastructure

3.2 Prepare a test scenario and produce a test management schedule for the testing process of system elements and interfaces using simulation

3.3 Use integration document software to replicate issues exhibited in test environment

3.4 Certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance to requirements using the web-based test management tool (quality centre) to conduct performance evaluation tests

3.5 Analyse test reports to evaluate load balancing and network security issues in test environment

3.6 Document and resolve conflicts detected in simulation testing

4. Develop a business case for implementation of a cloud network

4.1 Prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution as a business case to evaluate the return on investment (RoI)

4.2 Investigate staging of the solution and timing implementation of project elements as a scenario for real life implementation

4.3 Research and report on key features of cloud network implementation in a business case study

Evidence of ability to:

evaluate the current physical network infrastructure’s capacity and functionality shortfalls

investigate application of cloud networks and plan architectural design

develop components of cloud networking solution for meeting capacity and functionality requirements of the network

assess risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network

analyse impact of integration of cloud network solution on network

prepare a test plan with test scenario and produce a test management schedule

use integration document and software test management tools to replicate issues exhibited in test environment

certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance

prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution

develop a business case for implementation of a cloud network.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

analyse components of infrastructure-as-a-service solutions

summarise existing digital switching technology in service provider’s core network

outline information required to develop architectural solutions

explain integration document software

explain new cloud network technologies

provide a detailed summary of cloud networking transmission, transmitter and receiver architecture and their associated infrastructure

outline performance and integration requirements

prepare and/or interpret technical documentation

outline protocols as used on multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) and infrastructure-as-a-service

provide a detailed explanation of network components and their functions

explain specific organisational requirements relating to computer systems

summarise typical issues and challenges that occur with system changes.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications networks engineering field of work and include access to:

a site where the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching may be investigated

software tools currently used in industry

vendor products, specifications, equipment and enterprise policy required for the activity.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Analyse scalability, functionality, cost, security and energy consumption of existing physical network infrastructure 
Report on shortfalls and risks of existing physical infrastructure in accommodating network growth and increased functionality 
Investigate capacity and functionality shortfalls of existing physical infrastructure to highlight limitations of the existing switching network 
Document estimated costs and issues associated with meeting capacity and functionality shortfalls using existing physical infrastructure 
Analyse trends in cloud networks (infrastructure-as-a-service), technologies and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) architectures against rapid changes in the landscape 
Determine applicability of cloud networks (infrastructure- as-a-service) to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network 
Assess risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network 
Evaluate a range of cloud network solutions and justify selection of an optimum network switching solution 
Develop solution elements using a series of small project elements 
Produce a cloud network alternative solution to emulate the existing core network of a service provider 
Prepare a plan for organisational change control processes and integration of cloud network solutions within a complete network infrastructure 
Prepare a test scenario and produce a test management schedule for the testing process of system elements and interfaces using simulation 
Use integration document software to replicate issues exhibited in test environment 
Certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance to requirements using the web-based test management tool (quality centre) to conduct performance evaluation tests 
Analyse test reports to evaluate load balancing and network security issues in test environment 
Document and resolve conflicts detected in simulation testing 
Prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution as a business case to evaluate the return on investment (RoI) 
Investigate staging of the solution and timing implementation of project elements as a scenario for real life implementation 
Research and report on key features of cloud network implementation in a business case study 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTTEN810 - Investigate the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching
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ICTTEN810 - Investigate the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching

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