ICTTEN801
Plan a transmission network


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse requirements and plan a new or upgraded telecommunication transmission network or convergence to Next Generation Networks (NGN).

It applies to individuals with high-level technical skills working as technical officers, supervisors and engineers working with optical, dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), fibre networks and wireless 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. Scope the project

1.1 Obtain and interpret relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards including work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements for the given work

1.2 Obtain project brief from appropriate person

1.3 Evaluate potential transmission options and select most suitable type of transmission network that meets criteria outlined in project brief

1.4 Analyse limitations of transmission path characteristics and develop solutions for transmission impairments

1.5 Produce a report outlining reasons for selection of a transmission network, together with a shortlist of suitable equipment vendors and products

1.6 Obtain traffic load from network information sources or forecasts, and then dimension the proposed network service

1.7 Produce brief on relationship between transmission network architecture components and overall network, and their impact on the work

1.8 Evaluate equipment type and technologies to determine availability, cost and compatibility with existing network equipment

1.9 Determine resources and equipment needed for work according to enterprise procedures and check for correct operation and safety

1.10 Assess capacity limitation of various platforms in context of the work to optimise maximum network performance

1.11 Determine product capability and calculate allowable capacity of transmission network to allow for network growth

2. Produce link budget

2.1 Critically analyse transmission system using equipment and vendor’s specifications to produce a link budget and assess resulting margin

2.2 Document results of link budget analysis

3. Produce deployment plan for transmission network

3.1 Conduct planning work using current equipment components and complying with transmission network deployment rules and exemption process criteria

3.2 Produce preliminary plan on network deployment that maintains transmission network integrity

3.3 Establish a solution to unexpected situations through discussion with appropriate personnel, with consideration to job specifications, safety and enterprise procedures

3.4 Review plan to ensure it complies with all standards and codes required when working on network access, and make adjustments where appropriate

4. Complete work

4.1 Produce final deployment plan including recommendations agreed with customer

4.2 Provide report on network management and performance monitoring system to be incorporated in the transmission network to ensure network is performing at optimum level

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

evaluate potential transmission options and select most suitable type of transmission network

analyse effect of transmission path characteristics on transmission systems

develop solutions for transmission impairments

select appropriate testing regimes for transmission technologies

determine key multiplexing features of transmission technologies

develop transmission network work plan.

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 impact of relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards involved with planning networks

explain alternating current and transmission line theory

compare emerging telecommunications switching and transmission technologies

define network capacity and capability management

outline capacity limitation of various platforms

explain commercial considerations of Access Network deployment

outline common switching and transmission support services

explore compatibility issues for new technologies and equipment

evaluate currency of technology and equipment under consideration

explain data transmission

summarise digital multiplexing techniques and hierarchies

clarify enterprise deployment rules

explain exemption process criteria

outline network topologies

formulate product capability and availability that are allowable within a transmission network

establish aspects of telecommunications when planning a network, including:

alarm management

bearers

performance monitoring systems

transmission:

architectures and geographical categorisation

information sources

technology and equipment

determine a cost analysis for a planned network.


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 – Telecommunications Networks Engineering field of work and include access to:

a site to plan transmission network

equipment and system manuals and specifications

legislation and documentation to plan a transmission network.

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

1.1, 1.9, 3.4

Organises, evaluates and interprets complex technical and non-technical information including legislative, enterprise and policy documentation

Writing

1.5, 1.7, 2.2, 3.2, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2

Prepares clear and concise workplace documentation, including reports and recommendations, incorporating technical language to communicate complex information clearly and effectively

Oral Communication

1.2

Uses highly developed listening, observational and questioning skills to understand project scope and clarify and explore meaning

Numeracy

1.8, 1.11, 2.1

Interprets numerical information to determine business costs and undertake link budget calculations, interpret results and evaluate different types of technical data

Navigate the world of work

1.1, 1.9, 3.3, 3.4

Monitors adherence to organisational policies and protocols and legal and regulatory requirements of self and others

Interact with others

1.6, 3.3

Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with stakeholders in various work contexts

Collaborates with others to achieve joint outcomes, taking the lead in identifying all issues and facilitating agreement

Get the work done

1.3, 1.4, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 2.1, 3.1, 3.3

Uses combination of formal, logical planning processes and an increasingly intuitive understanding of context for complex, high impact activities with strategic implications

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of principles, concepts, language and practices associated with the digital world and uses these to understand uses and potential of technology

Implements actions according to a predetermined plan, making adjustments if necessary

Takes responsibility for high-impact decisions in complex situations involving many variables and constraints

Uses formal analytical and lateral thinking techniques for identifying issues, generating and evaluating possible solutions


Sectors

Telecommunications Networks Engineering