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 build an ATM LAN that provides the required services and communication standards.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Local area network infrastructure

Switches with various interfaces: fast-, one-, 10 gigabit- Ethernet

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This Unit focuses on configuring high-speed (high-bandwidth) channels between high-end switches. The two main methods in current use are to use One- or 10-Gigabit Ethernet connections and Ether-Channel architecture, in which up to eight Fast Ethernet or Gigabit channels (cables), are configured or trunked as a single logical channel.

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.

Assessment must ensure:

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.

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 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. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICAI5152B Implement risk management processes

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

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of ATM transfer modes, with depth in some areas

Apply solutions to a clearly defined range of problems

Identify and apply skill and knowledge to install and configure ATM infrastructure

Identify, analyse and evaluate information related to ATM

Take responsibility for outputs in relation to ATM configuration

Required skills

Implementing optic fibre and Ether-Channel technologies

Installation of Ethernet switches with gigabit and 10 gigabit interfaces

Configuring trunking on uplink ports

Basic cabling

Required knowledge

OSI layer model

LAN and WAN network topologies (three-layer LAN hierarchy: core distribution and access)

Routers

Ethernet switches

Bandwidth limitations, measuring and testing

NICs (Fast Ethernet, gigabit and 10-gigabit Ethernet (token ring is less common))

Ethernet switch functions (frame switching: store-and-forward, fast-forward, fragment-free)

Virtual LANs

Internetworking protocol suites, such as TCP/IP, IPX, DECnet, AppleTalk, IPV6

MAC addresses, network layer protocols

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.

Client may include but is not limited to:

internal departments

external organisations

clubs

individual people

internal employees

Technical requirements may be in reference to:

business

system

platform

database

network

people in the organisation

Network may include but is not limited to:

large and small LANs

the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only

private lines

VPNs

Data

voice

Network protocol suites may include:

TCP/IP (IPX/SPX, DECnet, AppleTalk are legacy protocols)

IPV6 (layer 3 protocol only)