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.
Element | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Evaluate basic IP network architecture | 1.1 Produce a layout of the topology of an IP network showing network elements and application of the 7-layer open system interconnect (OSI) model 1.2 Determine purpose of routers and switches and use of routing protocols 1.3 Determine different types of generic resiliency and redundancy that can be applied in network architectures and when they should be applied 1.4 Evaluate benefits of IP networks compared to circuit-based networks and the impact on modern telecommunications networks |
2. Evaluate synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) transport architectures | 2.1 Produce a layout of the topology of SDH transport networks showing structure and role of rings in the networks 2.2 Determine purpose of SDH switching and its function within the transport architecture 2.3 Assess key capacity and distance limitations in SDH networks 2.4 Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be used within SDH transport networks 2.5 Evaluate compatibility of SDH transport architectures with other transport architectures |
3. Evaluate broadband architectures | 3.1 Produce a layout of the topology structure of the asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) edge network and the hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable edge network in providing broadband access to customer 3.2 Determine purpose of point-to-point protocol (PPP) and function of the digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), broadband remote access server (BRAS) and layer2 network protocol network server (LNS) in the ADSL network 3.3 Assess arrangement of carrier channels connecting the HFC cable customer 3.4 Determine the function of the CMTS and the purpose of DOCSIS, and key capabilities of its different versions in the HFC network 3.5 Assess resiliency considerations for ADSL and HFC cable network architectures 3.6 Evaluate benefits of providing cable broadband access to wireless broadband from a network security aspect |
4. Evaluate data architectures | 4.1 Produce a layout of the topology of key structures of a data network showing the IP network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) structures 4.2 Determine the purpose of internal and external routing protocols in an IP network outlining reasons for the creation of a virtual private network (VPN) 4.3 Determine the purpose of label distribution protocol (LDP) in an MPLS network 4.4 Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be used within data networks 4.5 Evaluate compatibility of IP and MPLS networking |
5. Evaluate metropolitan ethernet architectures | 5.1 Produce a layout of the topology structure of a metropolitan ethernet network showing optimum siting of the ethernet switch 5.2 Determine types and limitations of the varieties of ethernet transmission 5.3 Assess scaling limitations of ethernet networks 5.4 Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be used within metropolitan ethernet networks 5.5 Evaluate the need for creation of virtual local area networks (VLAN) in metropolitan ethernet architecture for improved performance |
6. Evaluate voice architectures | 6.1 Produce a layout of the topology of a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network and a wireless voice network showing the network elements 6.2 Determine the function of local exchange and transit exchange switches in the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 6.3 Determine the function of a secure broadband connection (SBC) and the purpose of session initiation protocol (SIP) in wireless networking 6.4 Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be applied in design of voice networks 6.5 Evaluate benefits of VoIP networks compared to circuit based networks and the impact on modern telecommunications networks |
7. Evaluate media and content architectures | 7.1 Determine structure, elements and purpose of hosting networks in data centres and a content distribution network 7.2 Evaluate the impact of high speed broadband for wide deployment of media and content architectures |
8. Prepare evaluation report | 8.1 Assess compatibility and interoperability of competing core network architectures 8.2 Prepare an evaluation report outlining core network solutions using emerging technologies |
Evidence of ability to:
determine first three layers of the open system interconnect (OSI) model
determine the role of switches and routers in the core network and different types of routing protocols
evaluate synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) switching and transmission and its ability to create resiliency in the network through various redundant configurations
evaluate benefits, purpose and structure of ADSL networks and other broadband products
determine and compare data networks with specific reference to internet protocol (IP) and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS)
evaluate the most important routing protocols of internal and external MPLS and the resilience built into them
evaluate limitations of an ethernet network and how VLAN can be incorporated in them
compare various voice protocols
determine the purpose of various hosting in data centres and media and distribution platforms.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
outline the following features of core network architectures:
client business domain, business function and organisation
networking technologies
theoretical concepts of three or more current industry network development and design methodologies
transmission technologies and protocols
outline MPLS and IP architectures across a core network environment
outline current industry-accepted hardware and software products
identify and describe relevant protocols, such as routing information protocol (RIP), enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP), open shortest path first (OSPF), and border gateway protocol (BGP) operations
identify VLANs and VPN tunnels and describe how they may be implemented in an ethernet/MPLS environment.
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the Telecommunications – Network Planning field of work and include access to:
network design documentation
site-related documentation
equipment specifications
live network or training facilities
organisational guidelines
networked computers
networked telecommunications components.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.