ICAB4239C
Build a small wireless local area network

This unit defines the competency required to build and arrange connectivity to a basic wireless local area network (WLAN).No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Select, install and configure wireless access point

1.1. Select access point device based on current and future needs of the client

1.2. Install and configure access point to provide wireless access to network

1.3. Configure services

1.4. Test access point and verify wireless connection

2. Install and configure wireless card

2.1. Select appropriate wireless card

2.2. Install and configure wireless card

2.3. Configure security and other key parameters consistent with commercial and business requirements

3. Monitor and administer wireless network

3.1. Monitor wireless network performance using diagnostic tools

3.2. Debug networking issues to maintain trouble-free wireless connection

3.3. Document current settings and store securely

Required Skills

Required skills

Design, development and implementation of various wireless network solutions

Ability to implement wireless networking strategies and configure wireless network software and hardware

Implementing LANs

Cost-benefit comparison

Troubleshooting and debugging

Required knowledge

Security threats

Network protocols and operating systems

Security protocols, standards and data encryption

Factors affecting signal quality

Wireless topologies

Wireless security strategies

SOHO and enterprise LANs

Layer 2 and layer 3 design issues

Bandwidth and quality of service

WLAN and WAN solutions

TCP/IP protocols and applications

Auditing and penetration testing techniques

Audit and intrusion detection systems

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

Assessment must confirm the ability to develop, implement and maintain wireless networks.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the following resources will be needed:

Network technical requirements

Network infrastructure, including wireless hardware and software

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.

Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should to be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process.

Guidance information for assessment

The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario. Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts

Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems

Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas

Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources

Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards

Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Client may include but is not limited to:

internal departments

external organisations

individuals

internal employees

Networks may include:

domestic and small enterprise WLANs

Security may include but is not limited to:

IPSec

SSL

PKM

LEAP

WEP

WPA

AAA

Diameter

Tokens

smart cards

Commercialandbusinessrequirements may include:

Back-up and recovery of data

Remote access to internal network

Password logons

Firewalls

Hacking prevention

Confidentiality

Integrity

Availability

Tools may include but are not limited to:

network performance software

data and voice integration measurements

Documentation may follow:

ISO/IEC/AS standards

audit trails

naming standards

version control

project management templates and report writing

maintaining equipment inventory

client training

satisfaction reports

Organisational requirements may include but is not limited to:

how and what the organisation wants in regard to work environment

problem solution processes

preventative maintenance and diagnostic policy

roles and technical responsibilities in network management

vendor and product service-level support agreements

Hardware may include but is not limited to:

mobile equipment

workstations

personal computers

modems wireless access points

power controllers

UPS

antennae and other connectivity devices

networks

DSL modems

remote sites

servers

Cabling may include but is not limited to:

Category 5e, 6, 7 coaxial and fibre


Sectors

Unit sector

Build


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor