This unit applies to information technology (IT) professionals who work in the complex computing environment of medium-sized to large companies to provide network services and resources.
Not applicable.
1. Plan and design a complex network to meet business requirements | 1.1 Review network design, business requirements and latest vendor technical specifications for network components 1.2 Research options available for providing the network functionality required 1.3 Plan network implementation to provide network services and resources to meet business requirements |
2. Design and implement a security strategy | 2.1 Analyse requirements for internal and external security 2.2 Design security strategy to meet requirements 2.3 Implement security strategy 2.4 Undertake ongoing monitoring of the viability and reliability of network security, through testing and use of technical tools 2.5 Continually monitor internal and external network access for security breaches |
3. Install and configure a complex network to meet business requirements | 3.1 Check and install cabling and associated components according to industry standards 3.2 Install and configure servers, routers, switches or other devices to provide internet protocol (IP) addressing and routing 3.3 Install and configure servers, routers, switches or other devices to provide name resolution 3.4 Install and configure servers, routers, switches or other devices to provide network services 3.5 Install and configure remote access services 3.6 Install and configure devices to provide data management services |
4. Provide integrated network services across a complex network | 4.1 Integrate multiple network services across network 4.2 Analyse and resolve interoperability issues 4.3 Optimise performance 4.4 Rectify security conflicts arising from integrating services |
5. Plan, design and implement voice and video business communications system | 5.1 Install software and configure and test voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and videoconferencing services 5.2 Incorporate the use of a communications server to provide real-time multimedia communications 5.3 Select common voice and videoconferencing codecs according to standards and practices |
6. Manage and support a complex network | 6.1 Identify and evaluate appropriate network management tools to assist in the administration of the complex network 6.2 Select and install network management tools according to industry and organisational standards 6.3 Set and monitor alerts and logs 6.4 Capture and analyse network performance data 6.5 Implement automated server updates 6.6 Implement desktop management policies 6.7 Implement automated virus checking 6.8 Use remote management tools |
7. Test network functionality and obtain sign-off | 7.1 Test network functionality and record results 7.2 Record results of network functionality test 7.3 Complete network documentation according to organisational standards |
Required skills
analytical skills to use complex technical data to develop network designs
communication skills to consult with customers
literacy skills to:
interpret technical documentation
write reports
numeracy skills to:
take test measurements
interpret results
evaluate performance and interoperability of network services
problem-solving skills to solve a range of predictable network problems
research skills to identify, analyse and evaluate broad features of a particular business domain and best practice in networking technologies, including hardware and software to be installed
technical skills to:
implement dynamic name system (DNS), IP addressing and secure virtual private network (VPN) tunnels
install and configure application software to provide specific services
install, configure and secure server operating systems
install, configure and secure switches and routers
integrate multiple network services without conflict
set up and use network monitoring and management tools
test network functionality.
Required knowledge
firewall configuration
IP addressing and network configuration
network:
infrastructure
load-balancing for applications
security
server operating systems
service configuration, including:
DNS
dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
file transfer protocol (FTP)
network time protocol (NTP)
proxy
server messages block (SMB)
web
service management
troubleshooting tools and techniques, including network diagnostic utilities
user authentication and directory services
VoIP
VPN.
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: design and implement a complex network that involves integrating multiple network services to meet business requirements design and implement an appropriate security strategy for a complex network monitor and test the performance of aspects of the solution provide ongoing management and support of the network. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to: network design and business requirements documents a complex network or hardware and software required to build a network involving multiple servers, multiple physical locations (or simulation of) and a combination of network services appropriate learning and assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified 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: review of report that outlines design process undertaken, including challenges faced and how these were addressed direct observation of the candidate installing and configuring components of a complex network technical documentation detailing configuration of the complete network verbal or written questioning of candidate to assess required skills and knowledge evaluation of report that outlines testing procedures, test results and changes made as a result of testing evaluation of system designed and implemented in terms of performance and suitability for business needs. |
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. |
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.
Network components may include: | cables digital subscriber line (DSL) modems local area network (LAN) modems routers servers switches WAN wireless access point. |
Network services may include: | database service DHCP DNS FTP firewall hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP, HTTPS) internet message access protocol (IMAP) network file system (NFS) NTP post office protocol (POP) print services proxy SMB simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP) simple network management protocol (SNMP) transmission control protocol or internet protocol (TCP/IP). |
Network resources may include: | backup and data security business applications collaboration tools conferencing data storage databases internet services printers, faxes and scanners streaming video VoIP. |
Security strategy may include: | automated updates: Red Hat Network (RHN) Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) encryption Firewall - demilitarised zone (DMZ) proxy public key infrastructure (PKI) and secure socket layer (SSL) certificates secure remote access server hardening smart cards tokens user authentication virus checking VPN. |
Tools may include: | cable testing carrier connection tests data and voice integration measurements equipment testing frequency analysers network performance software packet tracers policing and shaping tools. |
Data management services may include: | backup and recovery disk quotas distributed file systems indexing online and offline storage storage area networks (SANs). |
Integrate multiple network services may include: | Kerberos lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) Samba seamless access to Linux and Windows hosted data and services single login to gain access to multiple services (federated authentication) VoIP over VPN. |
Networking
This unit contains employability skills.
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.