Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Identify WAN needs
   • 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
2. Create WAN specification
   • 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

Performance Evidence

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.

---

Knowledge Evidence

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.

---