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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Identify required switch specifications
  2. Install and configure switches and routers
  3. Test switches

Required Skills

Required skills

Installing and configuring simple computer components

Ability to record testing results

Ability to critically analyse details

Ability to understand specification sheets

Ability to organise and assess importance and relevance of product information

Ability to analyse and synthesise information

Ability to diagnose performance deviations

Required knowledge

The operation of switches in relation to the open systems interconnect OSI layer ie protocol stack model switches operate at layer two of the OSI model

Functions and features of network interface card NIC eg MAC and IP addresses

Network design in relation to physical constraints and role of switches and how to overcome constraints in terms of traffic isolation and network utilisation eg microsegmentation VLANs

Operation of a relevant network operating system eg UNIX Linux Novell Microsoft

Functions and features of switches including various filtering and forwarding modes eg storeandforward cutthrough fastforward switching tables bridge learning spanning tree algorithm STA and spanning tree protocol STP

Advantages and disadvantages of switches in relation to network architecture and client requirements eg switches offer dedicated fullbandwidth service to users

Basic functions of checksums ie cyclic redundancy check CRC

Functions and features of transparent switching

Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics

Networks bridges and switches

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 configure and test network switches

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

Network devices including configurable Ethernet LAN switches needed to support features such as STP VLANs and frame forwarding modes PCs routers

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Generally switches have replaced bridges in modern network design The high port density of a switch eg to ports offers much more value than the few ports available in a typical bridge Furthermore switches offer many other performance and securityenhancing features

The main focus of this unit is on installing and configuring LAN not WAN switches Although both LAN and WAN switches are used extensively in many networked environments the predominant use lies with LAN switches WAN switches usually operate at the edge of a LAN and as such are mainly installed and configured by telecommunications service providers

A current trend is the use of Virtual LANs VLANs VLANs logically segment a network as opposed to physically segmenting the network via simple nonprogrammable switches or hubs The benefits of VLANs include increased network security and a more convenient method for grouping an organisations employees into logical workgroups even though they may work in separate physical locations of the company

Highend switches in a multiswitched LAN imply the use of trunking where traffic from many users flows up major arterial connections in the LAN hierarchy Thus a trunking protocol must be implemented

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

ICABC Build a security shield for a network

ICAB5159C Build a security shield for a network

ICABB Build and configure a server

ICAB5160B Build and configure a server

ICAIB Install and maintain a server

ICAI4188B Install and maintain a server

ICAIB Implement backbone technologies in a local area network

ICAI5172B Implement backbone technologies in a local area network

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 theoretical knowledge of bridges and switches

Apply solutions to a variety of problems

Perform processes that require a range of skills

Interpret available 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.

Software may include but is not limited to:

commercial software applications

organisation-specific software

packaged software

in-house or customised software.

Equipment may include but is not limited to:

workstations

personal computers

modems and other connectivity devices

printers

DSL modems

hard drives

monitors

switches

hubs

personal digital assistant (PDA)

other peripheral devices

Network may include but is not limited to:

large and small LANs

national WANs

the internet

VPNs

the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only

private lines

data

voice

Client may include but is not limited to:

internal departments

external organisations

clubs

individual people

internal employees

Network topology may include:

star

extended star campus networks

ring

bus

hierarchical

hybrid