This unit defines the competency required to install and manage networks consisting of multiple components and connectivity options.
The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:
ICAS5122C Identify and resolve network problems
ICAS5123C Manage network security
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
ICAI4097C
Install and configure a network
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
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 following is essential:
Assessment must confirm the ability to install, configure and test components in a complex network.
Assessment must confirm the ability to manage a complex network that consists of multiple components and connectivity options.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the following resources will be needed:
Network design documentation
Equipment specifications
Live network
Hardware and software components for complex networks
Context of and specific resources for assessment
The installation and management of complex networks is a critical business function. As organisations rely more heavily on electronic internal communications, commercial e-business transactions with customers and virtual supplier partnerships, complex networks which enable and support such relationships are critical. The uninterrupted, efficient and secure operation of ICT networks is a primary objective of network specialists working to support business objectives. The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.
The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.
Assessment must ensure:
Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.
Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.
Competency in this unit should to be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.
Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process.
Guidance information for assessment
The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario. Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters
Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
Plain English literacy and communication skills in relation to dealing with clients and team members (e.g. when asset/inventory recording documentation is completed in line with organisational requirements)
Report writing skills for business requiring depth in some areas, analysis and evaluation of information in a defined range of areas (e.g. when procedures are developed to ensure regular network reporting and administration in accordance with organisational policies and procedures)
Questioning and active listening skills in relation to clients and team members (e.g. when impact of the changes being implemented is conveyed to users)
Project planning skills
Problem solving skills for a defined range of unpredictable problems
Required knowledge
Current industry-accepted hardware and software products, with broad knowledge of features and capabilities
Broad knowledge of the client business domain, business function and organisation (e.g. when implementing multiple servers)
Broad knowledge of networking technologies, with substantial depth in some areas
Broad knowledge of OH&S requirements in relation to work safety, environmental factors and ergonomic considerations
Broad knowledge of supporting documentation systems (e.g. when procedures are developed to ensure regular network reporting and administration in accordance with organisational policies and procedures)
Knowledge of the Open Systems Interconnection OSI reference model
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.
Servers may include:
Application/web servers
BEA Weblogic servers
IBM VisualAge and WebSphere
Novell NDS servers
Email servers
File and print servers
Voice servers
FTP servers
Firewall servers
Proxy/cache servers
Client may include but is not limited to:
internal departments
external organisations
clubs
individual people
internal employees
Organisational requirements may include but is not limited to:
how and what the organisation wants in regard to work environment
problem solution processes
preventative maintenance and diagnostic policy
roles and technical responsibilities in network management
vendor and product service-level support agreements
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates and report writing
maintaining equipment inventory
client training
satisfaction reports
User may include:
a person within a department
a department within the organisation
a third party
Cabling may include but is not limited to:
UTP
STP
Category 5e, 6, 7
fibre
Network may include but is not limited to:
large and small LANs
national WANs
VPNs
the internet
the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only
private lines
data
voice
Network topology may include:
cabled ring
star
bus
hierarchical and hybrid or wireless networks
Firewalls may include:
hardware appliances
proxy servers
individual PC solution
also: varying functionality, including network address translation (NAT)/IP Masquerading, routing to specific machines as well as Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI), Denial of Service (DOS) detection and blocking, spoofing, unauthorised associations
Components may include:
motherboards
CMOS battery
central processing unit (CPU)
CD and DVD drives
interface cards
drives
fax/modem cards
RAM upgrades
CPU upgrades
Hardware may include but is not limited to:
mobile equipment
workstations
personal computers
modems
wireless access points and other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers
Tools may include but are not limited to:
network performance software
data and voice integration measurements
policing and shaping tools
frequency analysers
cable testing
equipment testing
carrier connection tests
Security may include but is not limited to:
IPSec
LEAP
WEP
WPA
AAA
Diameter
tokens
smart cards
Standards may include:
ISO/IEC/IEEE/IETF/ITU/AS standards,
organisational standards
project standards
Software may include but is not limited to:
commercial software applications
organisation-specific software, packaged software, in-house or customised software
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Review client and organisationalrequirements in order to assess the benefits of employing multiple servers to provide required services
Design network topology that makes use of multiple servers, acting individually or in concert, to meet organisational requirements
Develop plans, with prioritised tasks and contingency arrangements, for the implementation of the network design, with minimum disruption to client
Liaise with relevant personnel to obtain approval for the plans, and revise plans if necessary
Notify the user of the expected impact of the planned changes
According to plan, implement and configure the multiple servers in accordance with vendor and organisation-specifications
Test network configuration and performance to ensure the expected services are provided to the user and appropriate security is maintained
Review user and organisationalrequirements in order to assess the need for network communication devices and remote access services
Plan, install and configure network communication devices to provide network services to meet user requirements, in accordance with vendor and organisation-specifications
Check and install cabling and associated components in accordance with industry standards
Plan, install and configure remote access services to meet user requirements, in accordance with vendor and organisation-specifications
Gather data about user network access needs for work requirements and organisational approval for user access
Evaluate user access data to determine and implement user access levels for network resources
Investigate the need for firewalls, as per security requirements
Plan and implement the required firewalls
Undertake ongoing monitoring of the viability and reliability of the network security, through testing and the use of technical tools
Continually monitor internal and external network access for security breaches
Develop and maintain appropriate documentation on the security policy for technicians and the user
Review user and organisationalrequirements for host connection
Evaluate current system hardware, cabling, components and software in terms of requirements necessary to enable host connection to meet user needs
Obtain, install and configure the hardware, cabling and software required to update the system to provide host connectivity
Test the updated system and the host connectivity options, and reconfigure if necessary
Identify and evaluate appropriate network management tools to assist in the administration of the complex network
Select and install network management tools in accordance with industry and organisational standards
Test tools to ensure they are operational
Gather and analyse user feedback about using the changed system
Prepare and deliver relevant training in a manner appropriate to the audience
Develop and maintain procedures to ensure regular network reporting and administration in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
Complete documentation of complex network, in line with organisational requirements
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
ICAI5098C - Install and manage complex networks
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
Student ID:
I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
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Result: Competent Not yet competent
Feedback to student
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Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
ICAI5098C - Install and manage complex networks
Student name:
Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
(add lines for each task)
Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent