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.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify WAN needs | 1.1 Identify the different LAN, or wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed WAN 1.2 Determine segment needs using functional analysis 1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes according to expected organisational usage, by examining telecommunications infrastructure 1.4 Develop an organisational WAN functional matrix |
2. Create WAN specification | 2.1 Determine resource requirements for each LAN or WLAN or VPN segment on the basis of functional analysis 2.2 Consider and report how features of the physical environment affect WAN design 2.3 Choose a WAN service appropriate to the amount and type of traffic expected to access the WAN 2.4 Include redundant links in the proposed WAN connectivity for link backup purposes, in case the main link is disrupted 2.5 Document appropriate WAN service |
Required Skills
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.
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 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. |
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.
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. |
Sectors
Networking
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.