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

ICANWK517A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICANWK517A - Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, 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).
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to individuals in networking areas who are required to research and recommend the most appropriate topology for a wide area network.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
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 LAN, or 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
       
Element: Create WAN specification
  • Determine resource requirements for each LAN or 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
       


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 ability to:

consider budget constraints and business needs

identify the configuration for connecting a LAN or WLAN or VPN into a WAN

document the configuration.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

design documents relating to LANs to be incorporated into the WAN

equipment specifications

costings

appropriate learning and assessment support when required

modified equipment for people with special needs.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:

network segments

telecommunications infrastructure

review of candidate’s WAN functional matrix

evaluation of documented recommendation.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

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

analytical skills to identify WAN needs

literacy skills to compile reports

numeracy skills to estimate traffic needs and compare costs

technical skills to use:

functional matrices

LAN functional matrices

network protocols

traffic simulation tools.

Required knowledge

detailed knowledge of:

concepts and types of modems

internet protocol (IP) addressing

packet switching

routed or routable protocols, including IP, IPX and AppleTalk

router operations, including DDR

routing protocols, including RIP, EIGRP and OSPF

transmission control protocols or internet protocols (TCPs/IPs)

relationship of asynchronous and synchronous communication

use of microwave and satellite communication in networking

overview knowledge of:

constraints and costs

features of telecommunications infrastructure, including the difference between digital and analog 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.

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.

Traffic may include:

data

video

voice.

Telecommunications infrastructure may include:

asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL)

high speed digital subscriber line (HDSL)

integrated services digital network (ISDN)

leased lines

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

symmetrical digital subscriber line (SDSL)

T-carriers, synchronous optical network (SONET) technologies.

Resource requirements may include:

average transaction and file transfer size

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

number of users

telecommunications links

type of applications using the link.

WAN service may include:

bandwidth

cost structure

reliability.

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, or 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 or 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

ICANWK517A - Determine 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

ICANWK517A - Determine 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: