• ICAA5145B - Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network

Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICAA5145B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICAA5145B - Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network
Description This unit defines the competency required to identify the best way computers and local area networks (LANs) can be connected to make a wide area network (WAN).Options may involve the purchase of a WAN connection or service from a telecommunications provider.The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:ICAA5144B Determine best fit topology for a local networkICAA5151B Gather data to identify business requirementsNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Identify WAN needs
  • Identify the different local area network (LAN)/wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed wide area network (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
       
Element: 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 back-up purposes, in case the main link is disrupted
       


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.

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 clearly identify the configuration for connecting a LAN/WLAN or VPN into a WAN, given budget constraints and business needs.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will need access to:

Design documents relating to LANs to be incorporated in the WAN

Equipment specifications

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Assessment must ensure:

self-directed 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 ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should to 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 and/or 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:

ICAA5144B Determine best-fit topology for a local network

ICAA5151B Gather data to identify business requirements

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 and/or 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


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Required skills

Use of functional matrices

Use of LAN functional matrices

Use of traffic simulation tools

Basic traffic analysis

Use of network protocols

Required knowledge

Telecommunications infrastructure, including the difference between digital and analogue networks

Modems: concepts and types

Asynchronous and synchronous communication

Use of microwave and satellite communication in networking

Packet switching

Router operations (e.g. DDR)

TCP/IP protocols

IP addressing

Routing protocols (e.g. RIP, EIGRP, OSPF)

Routed (routable) protocols (e.g. IP, IPX, AppleTalk)

General knowledge so that the learner can define the requirements covering areas such as:

Scope of operation, redundancy paths, high/low-speed links, protocols, security, traffic flow patterns, traffic load, response time and reliability requirements, types of users/applications, growth projections and capacity planning, constraints and costs

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.

Resource requirements includes:

number of users

average transaction and file transfer size

type of applications using the link

nature of WAN traffic (i.e. constant, steady, flows or communication in bursts)

telecommunications links

WAN service may include:

bandwidth

reliability

cost structure

Telecommunications infrastructure

switched circuits (permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) and switched virtual circuits (SVCs)

leased lines

T-carriers, synchronous optical network (SONET) technologies

asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL)

integrated services digital network (ISDN)

symmetrical digital subscriber line (SDSL)

high speed digital subscriber line (HDSL)

Traffic may include:

data

voice

video

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 local area network (LAN)/wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed wide area network (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 back-up purposes, in case the main link is disrupted 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICAA5145B - Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ICAA5145B - Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: