Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to specify design of the required mobile cellular general packet radio service (GPRS), third-generation (3G) and fourth-generation (4G) network architectures.
It applies to individuals with high-level technical skills who design and operate mobile wireless systems that meet the industry implementation of wireless convergence in telecommunications.
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 prepare for design of cellular mobile networks | 1.1 Analyse requirements of the mobile network 1.2 Examine technical characteristics of the GPRS systems 1.3 Develop network architecture for a GPRS network, in addition to the circuit-switched domain of 2G (Generation) 1.4 Review 3G structure and identify network requirements to provide a wide variety of services ranging from voice and paging services to interactive multimedia, including teleconferencing and internet access 1.5 Examine technical characteristics, data rates, operating frequencies and multiplexing schemes of the 3G system 1.6 Establish positioning and types of antennas, terminals, processors, required protocols and architecture, based on technical specifications and requirements |
2. Design a GPRS (2.5G) cellular network | 2.1 Investigate how 2.5G GPRS overlays the GSM network to transmit and receive transmission control protocol (TCP) and/or internet protocol (IP) based data to and from GPRS mobile devices |
3. Design a 3G cellular network | 3.1 Develop network architecture for a 3G network and explain functions of the network elements 3.2 Integrate a 3G network with a wireless local area network (WLAN) |
4. Research and evaluate design features of proposed 4G cellular network | 4.1 Investigate how a fully IP-based 4G system will provide an end-to-end IP integrated solution for voice, data and streamed multimedia to end-users roaming anytime and anywhere 4.2 Investigate access schemes of a 4G network 4.3 Investigate the implication for Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) in relation to 4G support of a greater number of IP-based wireless devices with applications for improved multicast, security and route minimisation capabilities 4.4 Investigate use of advanced antenna systems to enable 4G with high rate, high reliability and long range communications |
5. Produce reports for architectural design for cellular networks | 5.1 Present a report on the impact of competing technologies on each other and get consensus on concepts 5.2 Investigate potential interoperability and global roaming issues that may be faced by GSM, 2.5G, 3G and 4G cellular technologies |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of ability to:
provide a detailed summary of the client’s business domain when designing network
provide a detailed summary of current industry-accepted network hardware and software products and their general features and capabilities, when designing a general packet radio service (GPRS) (2.5G) and 3G network
design viable GPRS (2.5G) and 3G network solutions to meet particular business needs
research design features of 4G cellular networks.
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:
outline general features and capabilities of current industry security products, devices and procedures
provide detailed information regarding global system for mobile (GSM), GPRS (2.5G) and 3G network design
provide a detailed summary of current industry-accepted cellular mobile network protocols
summarise technical characteristics of GPRS systems including:
capability classes and multi-slot classes
coding schemes
data rates
management systems when evaluating roaming features
operating frequencies and modulation schemes
remote user issues when establishing siting and types of antennas, terminals, processors, required protocols and GPRS (2.5G) and 3G network architecture, based on technical specifications and user requirements
explain concepts of three or more current industry network development and design methodologies used when designing networks.
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:
cellular mobile network structures
client requirements
expected traffic volume
information on a range of IT business solutions
technical specifications
vendors and vendor offerings and pricing.
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 | 1.1, 4.1-4.4, 4.6, 5.2 | Comprehends and evaluates technical specifications to plan and prepare for complex cellular design work |
Writing | 1.3, 5.1 | Prepares clear and concise workplace documentation, including reports and recommendations, incorporating technical language to communicate complex information clearly and effectively |
Oral Communication | 5.1 | Uses specific and relevant language to clearly articulate technological issues |
Numeracy | 1.5 | Extracts and evaluates technical data, including equipment specifications during testing phase |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.6, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1-4.4, 5.2 | Plans strategic priorities and outcomes within a flexible, efficient and effective context in a diverse environment exposed to competing demands Considers strategic and operational potential of digital trends to achieve work goals, enhance work processes and create opportunities Uses systematic, analytical processes in complex, non-routine situations, setting goals, gathering relevant information, and identifying and evaluating options against agreed criteria Uses formal, analytical and lateral thinking techniques for diagnosing problems and generating and evaluating possible solutions |
Sectors
Telecommunications – Telecommunications Networks Engineering