Officers who carry out installation, maintenance and upgrade of ICT networks apply the skills and knowledge in this unit. They would be employed by telecommunications companies and IT networking provisioning companies.

They will gain knowledge of hardware and software installations, routing and switching protocols and diagnostics required for integrating new and converging functionalities to the network.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to install an IP network

1.1. Prepare for given work according to relevant legislation, occupational health and safety (OHS), codes, regulations and standards

1.2. Arrange access to the site according to required procedure

1.3. Review existing network design documentation to ensure it is current and complete

1.4. Select the components and network elements required to be installed to meet the technical requirements

1.5. Contact vendors and service suppliers to obtain specifications and availability of identified components

1.6. Develop plans, with prioritised tasks and contingency arrangements, for installation of components with minimum disruption to client

1.7. Liaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the plans, including security clearance and timing

2. Install and configure an IP network

2.1. Install and configure server hardware and software according to organisational and industry standards, following plans

2.2. Install and configure computer, other hardware and software according to organisational and industry standards and plans

2.3. Install and configure other software required for the network to operate with security and integrity according to the plan

3. Test and reconfigure the IP network

3.1. Test the installed software and hardware, utilising available technical tools, to ensure that all components are functioning as expected

3.2. Test the network to ensure it is functioning according to specifications

3.3. Resolve problems identified in the modified network

4. Complete documentation and clean up worksite

4.1. Complete hardware and asset recording document in line with organisational requirements

4.2. Document installation, boot-up and configuration procedures according to organisational requirements

4.3. Tabulate test results and complete all user reports

4.4. Complete client report and notify of status of the network

4.5. Clean up and restore worksite to client's satisfaction

4.6. Secure sign-off from appropriate person

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with internal and external personnel on technical, operational and business related matters

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation and write reports in required formats

numeracy skills to take test measurements, interpret results and evaluate performance and interoperability of network

planning and organisational skills to plan, prioritise and monitor own work and coordinate the process in liaison with others

problem solving and contingency management skills to adapt configuration procedures to requirements of network and reconfigure depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

research skills to interrogate vendor databases and websites to implement different configuration requirements to meet security levels

technical skills to select and use router test software and hardware to suit different network applications

Required knowledge

client business domain, business function and organisation

current industry-accepted hardware and software products

data and voice transmission technologies and protocols

networking technologies incorporating substantial depth in some areas

router-based network architectures

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 and prepare for the IP network installation task

select network elements to meet the client business specifications

install, configure and test the network elements to ensure interoperability within the network

apply network topologies, protocols and security issues

apply solutions to defined network problems.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

site where network installation may be conducted

use of field measurement equipment currently used in industry

network design documentation

equipment specifications

network components

hardware and software

live network

organisational guidelines

networked (LAN) computers

WAN service point of presence.

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:

direct observation of the candidate installing, configuring and testing a new or updated network

evaluation of report prepared by the candidate outlining testing procedures, test results, recommendation to network changes and completion records

oral or written questioning of required knowledge.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTTEN4199A Install, configure and test a router

ICTTEN5201A Install, configure and test a server.

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.

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

internet

internet protocol private branch exchange (IP PBX)

IPTV

large and small local area networks (LAN)

national wide area networks (WAN)

radio frequency identification (RFID)

storage area network (SAN)

voice

voice over internet protocol (VoIP)

virtual private network (VPN).

Documentation may include:

audit trails

client training

equipment inventory

ISO, IEC, AS standards

naming standards

project management templates and report writing

satisfaction reports

version control.

Components may include:

CD, DVD and Blu-ray drives

central processing unit (CPU)

complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) battery

central processing unit (CPU) upgrades

fax and modem cards

hard drives (internal and external)

hardware

interface cards

motherboards

RAM upgrades

software

wireless adaptors.

Network elements may include:

adaptors

communications cables and connectors

hubs

routers

servers

switches.

Requirements may refer to:

business

network

people in the organisation

system.

Client may include:

external organisations

individuals

internal departments

Internal employees.

Appropriate person may include:

authorised business representative

client

supervisor.

Hardware may include but is not limited to:

cables:

Category 5e, 6, or 7

crossover

fibre

shielded twisted pairs (STP)

straight through

unshielded twisted pairs (UTP)

digital subscriber line (DSL) modems

modems and other connectivity devices

network elements

personal computers

remote sites

workstations.

Software may include:

commercial software applications

in-house or customised software

open software

organisation-specific software

packaged software.

Standards may include:

ISO, IEC, IEEE, IETF, ITU, AS standards

organisational standards

project standards.

Computer may include:

laptops

mobile equipment

netbooks

other devices

servers

smart phones

workstations.

Technical tools may include:

diagnostic software

hyperterminal

LAN Cat tester.

Organisational requirements may include:

preventative maintenance and diagnostic policy

problem solution processes

roles and technical responsibilities in the network management

vendor and product service level support agreements

work environment.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Telecommunications networks engineering

This unit contains employability skills.