Assessor Resource

ICTNWK517
Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify the best way computers and local area networks (LANs) can be connected to make a wide area network (WAN).

It applies to individuals with excellent planning and information and communications technology (ICT) skills in networking areas who are required to research and recommend the most appropriate topology for a WAN.

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. Identify WAN needs

1.1 Identify the different LAN, wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed WAN

1.2 Determine segment needs using functional analysis

1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes according to expected organisational usage, by examining telecommunications infrastructure

1.4 Develop an organisational WAN functional matrix

2. Create WAN specification

2.1 Determine resource requirements for each LAN, WLAN or VPN segment on the basis of functional analysis

2.2 Consider and report how features of the physical environment affect WAN design

2.3 Choose a WAN service appropriate to the amount and type of traffic expected to access the WAN

2.4 Include redundant links in the proposed WAN connectivity for link backup purposes, in case the main link is disrupted

2.5 Document appropriate WAN service

Evidence of the ability to:

consider budget constraints and business needs

identify the configuration for connecting a local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) into a wide area network (WAN)

document the configuration.

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:

summarise the typical network topologies for the following networks:

large and small LANs

WANs

VPNs

virtual local area networks (VLANs)

WLANs

identify and describe the typical components and technologies required for a WAN, including:

concepts and types of modems

internet protocol (IP) addressing

packet switching

routed or routable protocols, including IP, IPX and AppleTalk

router operations, including double data rate (DDR)

routing protocols, including routing information protocol (RIP), enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP) and open shortest path first (OSPF)

transmission control protocols or internet protocols (TCPs/IPs)

relationship of asynchronous and synchronous communication

use of microwave and satellite communication in networking

describe the business consideration for establishing a WAN, including:

constraints and costs

features of telecommunications infrastructure, including the difference between digital and analogue networks

growth projections and capacity planning

high or low speed links

protocols

redundancy paths

response time and reliability requirements

scope of operation

security

traffic flow patterns

traffic load

users and the applications expected.

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 network industry, and include access to:

design documents relating to LANs to be incorporated into the WAN

equipment specifications

vendor product catalogues and costs.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

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. Identify WAN needs

1.1 Identify the different LAN, wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed WAN

1.2 Determine segment needs using functional analysis

1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes according to expected organisational usage, by examining telecommunications infrastructure

1.4 Develop an organisational WAN functional matrix

2. Create WAN specification

2.1 Determine resource requirements for each LAN, WLAN or VPN segment on the basis of functional analysis

2.2 Consider and report how features of the physical environment affect WAN design

2.3 Choose a WAN service appropriate to the amount and type of traffic expected to access the WAN

2.4 Include redundant links in the proposed WAN connectivity for link backup purposes, in case the main link is disrupted

2.5 Document appropriate WAN service

Evidence of the ability to:

consider budget constraints and business needs

identify the configuration for connecting a local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) into a wide area network (WAN)

document the configuration.

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:

summarise the typical network topologies for the following networks:

large and small LANs

WANs

VPNs

virtual local area networks (VLANs)

WLANs

identify and describe the typical components and technologies required for a WAN, including:

concepts and types of modems

internet protocol (IP) addressing

packet switching

routed or routable protocols, including IP, IPX and AppleTalk

router operations, including double data rate (DDR)

routing protocols, including routing information protocol (RIP), enhanced interior gateway routing protocol (EIGRP) and open shortest path first (OSPF)

transmission control protocols or internet protocols (TCPs/IPs)

relationship of asynchronous and synchronous communication

use of microwave and satellite communication in networking

describe the business consideration for establishing a WAN, including:

constraints and costs

features of telecommunications infrastructure, including the difference between digital and analogue networks

growth projections and capacity planning

high or low speed links

protocols

redundancy paths

response time and reliability requirements

scope of operation

security

traffic flow patterns

traffic load

users and the applications expected.

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 network industry, and include access to:

design documents relating to LANs to be incorporated into the WAN

equipment specifications

vendor product catalogues and costs.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
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
Identify the different LAN, wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed WAN 
Determine segment needs using functional analysis 
Estimate traffic content and volumes according to expected organisational usage, by examining telecommunications infrastructure 
Develop an organisational WAN functional matrix 
Determine resource requirements for each LAN, WLAN or VPN segment on the basis of functional analysis 
Consider and report how features of the physical environment affect WAN design 
Choose a WAN service appropriate to the amount and type of traffic expected to access the WAN 
Include redundant links in the proposed WAN connectivity for link backup purposes, in case the main link is disrupted 
Document appropriate WAN service 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTNWK517 - Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network
Assessment task 1: [title]

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Assessment Record Sheet

ICTNWK517 - Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network

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Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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