Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor, analyse and improve network performance for the purpose of effectively managing traffic flow in telecommunications networks.
It applies to individuals working as field officers, technicians or technical supervisors for carriers, contractors or other service providers, who manage network traffic and make recommendations for capacity planning switching and transmission networks.
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. Evaluate network capacity and traffic problems | 1.1 Interrogate network alarms to identify areas of route and circuit unavailability 1.2 Assess planned and unplanned outages to determine network unavailability and verify restoration times 1.3 Interrogate system to identify traffic status using network management system 1.4 Analyse system alert to identify real and potential traffic problems 1.5 Analyse customer complaints and traffic measurement data to identify network problems 1.6 Activate and deactivate semi-permanent controls active in the network on a regular basis to simulate irregular traffic |
2. Develop strategies to overcome network traffic problems | 2.1 Conduct traffic measurements across all identified routes 2.2 Analyse results including historical data to make assessment of traffic volume requirements 2.3 Determine specific thresholds, loading and grading levels to alter traffic flows 2.4 Liaise with personnel to determine amendments to plan, based on funding parameters and budgeted levels 2.5 Develop strategies, based on traffic analysis and patterns, to control traffic and prevent congestion or other traffic problems 2.6 Develop strategies for recovery where traffic congestion occurs 2.7 Develop contingency plans to allow for problems during network changes |
3. Apply short and long term solutions | 3.1 Implement software changes according to planned strategy 3.2 Develop short-term ad hoc solutions where only a temporary solution is required 3.3 Ensure reversal action can be initiated in cases of temporary solutions 3.4 Implement contingency plan where required 3.5 Undertake monitoring of changes and take measurements to assess outcomes of variations 3.6 Prepare a report based on analysis of measurements for appropriate personnel with recommendations for further changes or actions 3.7 Review and monitor strategies regularly and initiate corrective action where required |
4. Detect and take action on potential traffic congestion | 4.1 Measure and analyse traffic loads to assess potential congestion problems and determine possible impact 4.2 Control traffic flow to prevent processor overloads 4.3 Evaluate potential traffic increases for impact on the network and develop contingencies to control traffic flow if required |
5. Provide traffic indicators for capacity planning | 5.1 Predict future potential traffic trends and requirements using data on current and historical traffic patterns 5.2 Identify potential network traffic problems and make recommendations to network planners 5.3 Complete reports with recommendations and forward to enterprise planners and account managers |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of ability to:
implement a contingency plan
conduct traffic measurements
develop contingencies to control traffic flow
identify potential network traffic problems and make recommendations
provide information for capacity planning.
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:
explain customer policies and service level agreements
outline network management planning principles
summarise traffic blocking, congestion and dimensioning principles
explain traffic engineering
summarise traffic patterns
outline transmission type and signals that may be encountered
clarify typical network topologies, switching, routing and transmission techniques
summarise various network management systems suitable for conducting traffic evaluations.
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 should be typical of those experienced in the telecommunications networks engineering field of work and include access to:
a network and equipment for traffic monitoring and management
equipment and systems manuals, specifications and enterprise policy.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
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 | 1.5, 2.2, 5.1 | Organises, evaluates and interprets technical specifications and related documentation from a range of complex texts |
Writing | 2.5-2.7, 3.6, 5.3 | Prepares clear and concise workplace documentation, including reports and recommendations incorporating technical language, to communicate complex information clearly and effectively |
Oral Communication | 2.4 | Participates in verbal exchanges using specific and relevant language suitable to audience Employs listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding |
Numeracy | 1.5, 2.1-2.4, 3.5, 4.1, 5.1 | Uses mathematical formulas to interpret data and make projections about traffic flow Uses mathematical formulae to estimate and plan project costs within business budgets |
Interact with others | 2.4, 5.2, 5.3 | Collaborates with others to achieve joint outcomes Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with personnel in a range of work contexts |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 1.6, 2.5-2.7, 3.1-3.4, 3.7, 4.2, 4.3 | Uses a combination of formal, logical planning processes and an increasingly intuitive understanding of context for complex, high-impact activities with strategic implications Approaches problem-solving in diverse ways, recognising that there is no single formula that applies in all situations Uses formal processes to monitor implementation of solutions and reflect on outcomes Uses digital systems and tools to enter, store and analyse data |
Sectors
Telecommunications – Telecommunications Networks Engineering