Application
This unit applies to individuals in senior roles in the networking area who are required to plan the most appropriate topology for a proposed network.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine user needs | 1.1 Identify the different segments of the proposed network based on business requirements 1.2 Determine segment needs, using network functional analysis 1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes based on business requirements 1.4 Develop a prioritised organisational network functional matrix |
2. Develop local area network specification | 2.1 Determine the resource requirements for each network segment on the basis of functional analysis 2.2 Analyse features of the physical environment for the effect on network design 2.3 Conduct a costing process for possible topology options 2.4 Consider topology options with reference to available resources and network functional matrix 2.5 Select and document appropriate network topology based on business requirements and functional analysis |
Required Skills
Required skills
analytical skills to determine features of the physical environment for the effect on network design
literacy skills to produce network recommendations
numeracy skills to conduct a costing process
technical skills to:
conduct basic traffic analysis
connect networks and keep cables tidy
use LAN functional matrices
use network protocols
use traffic simulation tools.
Required knowledge
detailed knowledge of:
adaptor cards
bridges
constraints, including costs and queuing
ethernet
gateways
growth projections and capacity planning
high and low-speed links
hubs
protocols
redundancy paths
response time and reliability requirements
routers
scope of operation
security
transmission control protocol or internet protocol (TCP/IP)
traffic flow patterns
traffic load
users applications requirements
overview knowledge of:
cabling, particularly unshielded twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP) or optic fibre
characteristics and relative strengths and weaknesses of LAN network topologies
features and capabilities of current industry-accepted hardware and software products
features of line sharing protocols.
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 ability to: analyse business or organisational needs identify the most appropriate LAN, VPN or WLAN topology document the recommendation. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: business requirements equipment specifications organisational and industry costing appropriate learning and assessment support when required modified equipment for people with special needs. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: verbal or written questioning to assess knowledge of: network segments network traffic different topologies review of candidate’s network functional matrix evaluation of candidate’s documented topology recommendation. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support. In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. |
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.
Network may include: | data large and small LANs private lines public switched telephone network (PSTN) for dial-up modems only VLANs VPNs voice WANs WLANs. |
Requirements may be in reference to: | business network people in the organisation system. |
Traffic may include: | data video voice. |
Sectors
Networking
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.