Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to design, install and test a server in a complex network environment.
It applies to individuals who are employed in network or systems engineering roles, such as network engineers who are required to design and build network servers in a complex computing environment of medium-to-large organisations.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Plan and design network servers to meet business requirements | 1.1 Consult with client and key stakeholders to identify requirements 1.2 Assess business problems, opportunities, scope, objectives and budget, confirming details with appropriate person 1.3 Analyse and document data migration requirements 1.4 Review requirements to identify network server specifications 1.5 Produce detailed documentation for the design and configuration of the network services, server applications, security and redundancy 1.6 Prototype design and update documentation as necessary 1.7 Produce installation checklists as part of the quality assurance process 1.8 Develop the test plan to ensure that the system meets client requirements, performance standards and quality expectations 1.9 Obtain client sign-off for the design report |
2. Prepare for network server installation | 2.1 Prepare for work according to site specific safety requirements and enterprise workplace health and safety (WHS) processes and procedures 2.2 Identify safety hazards and implement risk control measures in consultation with appropriate personnel 2.3 Consult appropriate personnel to ensure the task is coordinated effectively with others involved at the worksite 2.4 Back up local data in preparation for installation |
3. Build and configure the servers according to design | 3.1 Install network operating system to design specifications using installation checklists 3.2 Install additional tools or third-party software applications as required by the design 3.3 Patch the operating system and applications to ensure maximum security and reliability 3.4 Configure network services and applications 3.5 Implement security design to prevent unauthorised access to system 3.6 Reconnect and reconfigure connectivity devices 3.7 Configure update services to provide automatic updates for operating system and applications 3.8 Restore local data to new server 3.9 Implement backup and recovery methods to enable restoration capability in the event of a disaster |
4. Test and reconfigure network servers | 4.1 Test server for benchmarking against client specification and requirements according to test plan, and record outcomes 4.2 Analyse the error report and make changes as required 4.3 Use troubleshooting tools and techniques to diagnose and correct server problems 4.4 Test required changes or additions 4.5 Validate changes or additions against specifications |
5. Complete and document network design and installation | 5.1 Make and document server configuration and operational changes 5.2 Complete client report and notify of server status 5.3 Clean up and restore worksite to client’s satisfaction 5.4 Secure sign-off from appropriate person |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
produce a design report for a server (or servers) with complex user and network service requirements
install and configure the server according to the produced design
monitor and test the server
troubleshoot server and network failures
configure a wide range of server network and security services, including:
domain name system (DNS)
dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
web and proxy mail
file transfer protocol (FTP)
firewall.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe the key features of current network operating systems (NOS)
identify and describe current server applications compatibility issues and resolution procedures
discuss network service configuration, including:
domain name system (DNS)
dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
file transfer protocol (FTP)
network time protocol (NTP)
proxy
server messages block (SMB)
web
describe common network service management, including:
start
stop
restart
start on boot
identify and describe network service security features, including server firewall configuration
identify and summarise troubleshooting tools and techniques, including network diagnostic utilities
describe common operating system installation and operation issues, including:
installation media:
CD
DVD
universal serial bus (USB)
boot disk
network and script (automated install)
deployment services
boot process and diagnosing boot failures
operating system rescue environment
operating system help and support utilities
performance monitoring tools and tuning options
compatibility issues and resolution procedures
high availability options for servers
file and print management
describe data security and storage measures required on a networked server, including:
user authentication and directory services
best practice procedures for implementing backup and recovery
error and event logging and reporting
storage options, including file systems and disk partitioning schemes
describe the process of managing a project, including:
documentation skills required for networks
process or task management
task scheduling utilities.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the network industry, and include access to:
a site where server installation may be conducted
relevant server specifications
cabling
networked (LAN) computers
server diagnostic software
switching equipment
client requirements
wide area network (WAN) service point of presence
workstations
relevant regulatory documentation that affects installation activities.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.4, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5 | Gathers and interprets enterprise procedures, manuals and specifications to determine requirements |
Writing | 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2 | Prepares workplace documentation that incorporates an evaluation of technical information and specialised language in a format and style appropriate for a specific audience |
Oral Communication | 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3, 5.2 | Uses active listening, observational and questioning techniques in order to identify information and confirm, clarify or revise understanding Articulates requirements clearly and distinctively, using technical language appropriate to audience and environment |
Numeracy | 1.2, 4.2 | Analyses numerical information to take measurements, interpret results and evaluate performance and interoperability of network Uses mathematical formulas and calculations to estimate and plan project costs within a defined budget |
Navigate the world of work | 2.1, 2.2, 5.3 | Understands the nature and purpose of own role and associated responsibilities, and how it contributes to the work of others in the immediate work context Keeps up to date with current legislation and regulations relevant to own rights and responsibilities, and considers the implications of these when planning and undertaking work |
Interact with others | 1.9, 5.4 | Selects the appropriate form, channel and mode of communication for a specific purpose relevant to own role |
Get the work done | 1.2, 1.3, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 3.1- 3.9, 4.1-4.5, 5.1 | Reflects on the ways in which digital systems and tools are used or could be used to achieve work goals and begins to recognise strategic and operational applications Uses digital technologies and systems safely and securely when implementing and monitoring a system, with a growing awareness of the permanence and transparency of all activities Uses a combination of formal, logical planning processes and an increasingly intuitive understanding of context to plan, prioritise and monitor own work Uses formal and informal processes to monitor implementation of solutions and reflect on outcomes Makes decisions in relatively complex situations, taking a range of factors into consideration |
Sectors
Networking