Application
Telecommunications engineers and senior technical officers apply the skills and knowledge in this unit to analyse and manage cellular mobile networks and prepare to upgrade to Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMG). |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Research mobile network systems and interfaces to interconnected networks | 1.1. Analyse the interfaces between a cellular mobile network and customers, including the public switched telephone network (PSTN) and internet to validate the interoperability of the individual systems 1.2. Research the latest generation of mobile radio systems and develop a plan for integration of emerging cellular technologies to meet future demands and customer expectations |
2. Analyse constraints imposed by frequency spectrum allocations | 2.1. Analyse techniques to increase system capacity for a fixed spectrum bandwidth 2.2. Plan the frequency allocation for a cellular network from the derived specifications 2.3. Develop a simulation that plots the carrier to interference radiation pattern for a given cell geometry in a reflective environment |
3. Analyse the operations of the major subsystems of a cellular network | 3.1. Evaluate the major subsystem functions of the cellular network and analyse the subsystemcomponents to determine capability for upgrades 3.2. Research and report how the major subsystems interface to other network subsystems 3.3. Simulate the transmission path for a cellular network |
4. Analyse system capability | 4.1. Simulate traffic flow measurements in a microcellular environment. 4.2. Produce an analytical report on cellular mobile convergence with a plan for cellular mobile system integration to existing networks |
Required Skills
Required skills |
communication skills to: liaise with internal and external personnel on technical issues work effectively within group literacy skills to: interpret technical documentation prepare documents in agreed format numeracy skills to: take measurements interpret results PC skills to: carry out desktop research do word processing use statistical data planning and organisational skills to plan simulations to aid analysis problem solving and contingency management skills to: adapt testing procedures to requirements of particular sites modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments research skills to: evaluate different types of technical data and compare with theoretical values and approved specifications gather and record data from measurements gather data, observe and analyse interfacing issues task management skills to: adhere to all safety requirements work systematically with required attention to detail technical skills to: enable 'login' into cellular network elements for tests and analysis recognise and interrogate cellular network elements alarms recognise different transmission techniques record fault conditions select and use appropriate test equipment and practices to suit different network applications |
Required knowledge |
allocations and bandwidth requirements of cellular systems approved specifications efficiency and system capacity given the spectrum allocation, number of channels required and Grade of Service equipment subsystem diagnosis and repair procedures features and differences between major frequency bands and their allocation of licenses features and operating requirements of cellular test equipment interworking with existing systems key features of cellular mobile radio systems major element functions of a mobile radio system major frequency bands and their allocation of licenses microcellular systems minimising latency network components and their functions overview knowledge of transmission lines, transmitter and receiver architecture radio spectrum in use, specifying restrictions and characteristics radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic energy (EME) hazards specific knowledge related to antenna performance and mobile components and their impact on mobile spectrum interference spectrum efficiency system configuration procedures testing network components the types of adjustments that need to be made when measuring cellular transmission the types of networks that will influence the transmission either on the radio path and/or transmission line |
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: plan a frequency allocation for a cellular network analyse techniques to increase system capacity for a fixed spectrum bandwidth develop a plan for integration of emerging cellular technologies analyse the interfaces between a mobile network and customers research and report the interfacing of major subsystems to other network subsystems produce an analytical report on cellular mobile convergence with a plan for cellular mobile system integration to existing networks. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: sites on which cellular network analysis, research and simulation may be conducted use of test equipment currently used in industry manufacturer's and enterprise technical documentation. |
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: evaluation of reports prepared by the candidate review of test documentation and reports completed by the candidate oral questioning or written questioning to assess required. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example: ICTPMG8143A Manage a telecommunications project. Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required. Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs. |
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. | |
Interfaces may include: | A Abis Iu Iur Iub Iu-CS (circuit switch) Iu-PS (packet switch) S1 |
Latest generation may include: | 3G high speed packet access (HSPA) |
Emerging cellular technologies may include: | 2 x 2 multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) 4 x 4 MIMO 4G long term evolution (LTE) SF-frequency division multiple access (FDMA) |
Increase system capacity may include: | cellular re-use orthogonal frequency division multiple access - multiple input-multiple output (OFDM - MIMO) OFDMA overlay underlay. |
Frequency allocation may include: | patterns: 7/21 4/12 3/9 1/1. |
Carrier to interference radiation may include: | carrier interference: carrier to adjacent (C/A) carrier to interference (C/I) carrier to reflection (C/R). |
Subsystem functions may include: | cellular elements: AUC base station controller (BSC) base transceiver station (BTS) eNode B node B home location register (HLR) HSS mobile station (MS) mobile services switching centre (MSC) SAE transcoder visitor location register (VLR) burst timing and content logical channels multiplexing radio path signal protocols. |
Sub-systems components may include: | alarm gathering unit charging unit clocking unit common channel signalling unit gateway gprs support node (GGSN) HSS MME operation and maintenance unit SAE gateway serving GPRS support node (SGSN) statistical unit. |
Interface to other network sub-systems may include: | application parts: Base Station System Application Part (BSSAP) integrated services user parts (ISUP) managed application provider (MAP) SYGTRAN. |
Sectors
Unit sector | Telecommunications |
Competency Field
Radio frequency networks |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor