Assessor Resource

ICTNPL603
Undertake network performance analysis

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake and manage monitoring, analysis and improvement of network performance, and involves analysing problems and organising repairs as well as coordinating software and hardware upgrades.

It applies to individuals with a high level of specialist technical skills and knowledge in optical telecommunications and IT networks using internet protocol (IP) systems.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



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.

Element

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Analyse network performance to determine service levels

1.1 Establish network type and quality of service (QoS) standard levels required, in conjunction with equipment suppliers and customer opinion, to determine the benchmark for network performance standards

1.2 Analyse trend analysis data and statistical data to assess level and type of network degradation

1.3 Conduct performance tests according to established performance checklist to systematically evaluate QoS levels using appropriate performance analysis tools

1.4 Analyse test results and determine QoS levels and network problems

1.5 Establish restoration times in the event of service breakdown

1.6 Determine, organise and allocate resources necessary to monitor service levels

2. Monitor integrity of the network

2.1 Monitor alarm panels and verify message retrieval system on an ongoing basis to maintain network integrity

2.2 Undertake real time analysis of data from all sources to determine network health

3. Manage delivery of quality service

3.1 Conduct monitoring activities to maintain QoS levels and network integrity

3.2 Analyse trouble reports and performance data including customer feedback on a regular basis as an indicator of network performance

3.3 Analyse drive test data as an input to performance and optimise the network to improve network level of service

4. Analyse problems and organise repair

4.1 Analyse performance results regularly and initiate investigations when performance levels are below specified standards and recommend network changes

4.2 Analyse causes of problems by testing specific network components

4.3 Isolate problems where possible and escalate repair according to enterprise policy

4.4 Undertake evaluation testing after repair to ensure the problem has been rectified

5. Coordinate upgrade of software and hardware

5.1 Develop strategies to affect changes according to recommendations and produce a plan to coordinate activities

5.2 Produce a cost estimate of proposed change and submit a cost-benefit study for approval

5.3 Confirm shortcomings in hardware and software and negotiate with planners for network modifications

5.4 Evaluate modifications to ensure network compatibility and use of appropriate protocols providing QoS in the network

5.5 Produce a plan for software and hardware changes to be initiated with minimum network downtime and customer impact

5.6 Undertake tests following upgrade to ensure the level of performance planned as a result of the upgrade has been achieved

5.7 Produce documentation including configuration details and tests results and submit to network planner

Evidence of ability to:

interpret current network performance data accurately

monitor integrity of the network

manage delivery of quality service efficiently

conduct accurate performance tests using appropriate performance analysis tools

analyse problems and organise repair applying escalation procedures, if required, within service assurance guidelines

coordinate upgrade of software and hardware efficiently.

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:

explain the process for cost estimation

outline the following aspects of customer interaction:

customer policies

expectancies

service level agreements

explain the following features of the network:

alarms

compatibility and interoperability

operations

performance analysis methodologies

performance analysis tools

performance tests

planning and design principles

explain protocols providing QoS

describe QoS standard levels

describe software and hardware upgrades

outline the following technologies and architectures:

switching network

transmission network

describe technologies for the customer network.

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:

a site where network performance analysis may be conducted

data from organisations involved in planning initiatives

a range of current software

relevant regulations

specifications that impact service measures

forecasting activities.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


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.

Element

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Analyse network performance to determine service levels

1.1 Establish network type and quality of service (QoS) standard levels required, in conjunction with equipment suppliers and customer opinion, to determine the benchmark for network performance standards

1.2 Analyse trend analysis data and statistical data to assess level and type of network degradation

1.3 Conduct performance tests according to established performance checklist to systematically evaluate QoS levels using appropriate performance analysis tools

1.4 Analyse test results and determine QoS levels and network problems

1.5 Establish restoration times in the event of service breakdown

1.6 Determine, organise and allocate resources necessary to monitor service levels

2. Monitor integrity of the network

2.1 Monitor alarm panels and verify message retrieval system on an ongoing basis to maintain network integrity

2.2 Undertake real time analysis of data from all sources to determine network health

3. Manage delivery of quality service

3.1 Conduct monitoring activities to maintain QoS levels and network integrity

3.2 Analyse trouble reports and performance data including customer feedback on a regular basis as an indicator of network performance

3.3 Analyse drive test data as an input to performance and optimise the network to improve network level of service

4. Analyse problems and organise repair

4.1 Analyse performance results regularly and initiate investigations when performance levels are below specified standards and recommend network changes

4.2 Analyse causes of problems by testing specific network components

4.3 Isolate problems where possible and escalate repair according to enterprise policy

4.4 Undertake evaluation testing after repair to ensure the problem has been rectified

5. Coordinate upgrade of software and hardware

5.1 Develop strategies to affect changes according to recommendations and produce a plan to coordinate activities

5.2 Produce a cost estimate of proposed change and submit a cost-benefit study for approval

5.3 Confirm shortcomings in hardware and software and negotiate with planners for network modifications

5.4 Evaluate modifications to ensure network compatibility and use of appropriate protocols providing QoS in the network

5.5 Produce a plan for software and hardware changes to be initiated with minimum network downtime and customer impact

5.6 Undertake tests following upgrade to ensure the level of performance planned as a result of the upgrade has been achieved

5.7 Produce documentation including configuration details and tests results and submit to network planner

Evidence of ability to:

interpret current network performance data accurately

monitor integrity of the network

manage delivery of quality service efficiently

conduct accurate performance tests using appropriate performance analysis tools

analyse problems and organise repair applying escalation procedures, if required, within service assurance guidelines

coordinate upgrade of software and hardware efficiently.

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:

explain the process for cost estimation

outline the following aspects of customer interaction:

customer policies

expectancies

service level agreements

explain the following features of the network:

alarms

compatibility and interoperability

operations

performance analysis methodologies

performance analysis tools

performance tests

planning and design principles

explain protocols providing QoS

describe QoS standard levels

describe software and hardware upgrades

outline the following technologies and architectures:

switching network

transmission network

describe technologies for the customer network.

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:

a site where network performance analysis may be conducted

data from organisations involved in planning initiatives

a range of current software

relevant regulations

specifications that impact service measures

forecasting activities.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

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
Establish network type and quality of service (QoS) standard levels required, in conjunction with equipment suppliers and customer opinion, to determine the benchmark for network performance standards 
Analyse trend analysis data and statistical data to assess level and type of network degradation 
Conduct performance tests according to established performance checklist to systematically evaluate QoS levels using appropriate performance analysis tools 
Analyse test results and determine QoS levels and network problems 
Establish restoration times in the event of service breakdown 
Determine, organise and allocate resources necessary to monitor service levels 
Monitor alarm panels and verify message retrieval system on an ongoing basis to maintain network integrity 
Undertake real time analysis of data from all sources to determine network health 
Conduct monitoring activities to maintain QoS levels and network integrity 
Analyse trouble reports and performance data including customer feedback on a regular basis as an indicator of network performance 
Analyse drive test data as an input to performance and optimise the network to improve network level of service 
Analyse performance results regularly and initiate investigations when performance levels are below specified standards and recommend network changes 
Analyse causes of problems by testing specific network components 
Isolate problems where possible and escalate repair according to enterprise policy 
Undertake evaluation testing after repair to ensure the problem has been rectified 
Develop strategies to affect changes according to recommendations and produce a plan to coordinate activities 
Produce a cost estimate of proposed change and submit a cost-benefit study for approval 
Confirm shortcomings in hardware and software and negotiate with planners for network modifications 
Evaluate modifications to ensure network compatibility and use of appropriate protocols providing QoS in the network 
Produce a plan for software and hardware changes to be initiated with minimum network downtime and customer impact 
Undertake tests following upgrade to ensure the level of performance planned as a result of the upgrade has been achieved 
Produce documentation including configuration details and tests results and submit to network planner 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTNPL603 - Undertake network performance analysis
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ICTNPL603 - Undertake network performance analysis

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