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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Determine specifications for switch
  2. Select appropriate hardware
  3. Install switch and supporting peripherals
  4. Configure switch
  5. Test and troubleshoot switch and network

Required Skills

Required skills

Methods for troubleshooting switches eg knowing how to stop user access ports flapping when two switches try to autoconfigure their port speed and duplex setting to match each others settings but are not able to synchronise with each other

Cabling skills to follow a hierarchical network design

Implementation and configuration of networks

Configuring a workstation within a network environment

Required knowledge

Differences between standard and intelligent ie configurable switches and between switches and hubs

Documentation skills for networks eg labelling of cable terminations and developing a cut sheet or cabling map

Common network cable types and connectors

Common network topologies

Implementation and configuration of networks

Advantages and disadvantages of switches over hubs

Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics

Evidence Required

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 switches without the network losing connectivity or failing

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

Switches

Network devices

Workstations and servers

Cabling

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Setting up switches is an important task for most organisations and with a diverse range of switches care should be taken to ensure security is managed effectively

The breadth depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical andor management requirements evaluation and coordination would be characteristic

Assessment must ensure

The demonstration of competency may also require selfdirected 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 ICA Section

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 andor 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

ICAAB Determine bestfit topology for a local network

ICAA5144B Determine best-fit topology for a local network

ICAIB Install highend switches in multiswitched local area networks

ICAI5174B Install high-end switches in multi-switched local area networks

ICAIB Install and configure router

ICAI5176B Install and configure router

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 andor 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 knowledge in a welldeveloped range of switch configurations

Apply solutions to a variety of switchrelated problems

Interpret and apply available technical and network information


Range Statement

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.

Network capacity

LAN topology support (e.g. Ethernet, AppleTalk, Token Ring, FDDI)

port bandwidth capabilities (e.g. 100 megabits per second)

hardware reliability

expandability (e.g. number of available uplink ports)

redundant power supply (AC/DC)

Topology may include:

ring

star

bus

hierarchical

hybrid

Switch produced by the following vendors:

Accton

Cisco

DLink

Intel

3Com

NetGear

System 3000 Ethernet

Bay

Computer may include:

laptops

workstations

servers

other devices

Peripherals may include but are not limited to:

Printers, scanners, tape cartridges

Speakers, multimedia kits

Personal computer fax, modems

Input equipment may include mouse, touch pad, keyboard, pens

Mobile phones, palmtops and personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops and desktop computers

Bluetooth devices, universal serial bus (USB), Firewire (IEEE 1394)

User may include:

a person within a department

a department within the organisation

a third party

Cable may include but is not limited to:

UTP

STP

fibre

Standard may include:

EIA/TIA 568A

EIA/TIA 568B