Technicians who work remotely locating and identifying telecommunications cable faults in access networks apply the skills and knowledge in this unit.

It may be done at a centralised testing office and make use of computer test routines and databases.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Verify fault report

1.1. Locate source of fault using available information and contacts to verify nature of fault as reported

1.2. Perform preliminary operational testing according to type of fault presentation, fault environment and enterprise guidelines to verify nature of fault

1.3. Analyse historical data to identify possible causes and solutions

2. Conduct remote testing to diagnose network fault

2.1. Evaluate cable fault details and plan strategy to conduct remote testing

2.2. Conduct appropriate remote diagnostic test to isolate and diagnose the network fault

2.3. Determine the urgency and impact of fault and identify the required response time frame

2.4. Evaluate the diagnostic tests to determine the type, location and nature of network fault

3. Dispatch fault-finding field personnel

3.1. Prepare a fault report and forward to appropriate staff according to enterprise guidelines

3.2. Notify fault centre and arrange for the dispatch of technician to rectify fault

3.3. Notify customer of fault progress and arrange for fault clearance time

Required skills

communication skills to liaise with internal and external personnel on technical and operational matters

literacy skills to interpret technical documentation, such as equipment manuals and specifications

numeracy skills to take and analyse measurements

planning and organisational skills to organise and maintain equipment

problem solving skills to solve equipment and logistics problems

task management skills to work systematically with required attention to detail and adherence to all safety requirements

technical skills to:

perform fault clearance

use diagnostic equipment

use hand and power tools

Required knowledge

features and operating requirements of test equipment

information required to operate equipment according to a test specification

legislation, codes of practice and other formal agreements that impact on the work activity

manufacturer's requirements for safe operation of equipment

specific occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to the activity and site conditions

test methods and performance requirements

typical issues and challenges that occur on site

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 o f assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

methodically approach fault identification

conduct tests appropriate to the type of fault identified

interpret test results

provide instructions to staff engaged in on site repair.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

sites where remote investigation of cable network faults may be conducted

use of fault-finding equipment currently used in industry

relevant documentation that impact on cable network and fault-finding activities.

Methods 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 a hands-on project completed by the candidate

review of an oral and written report, including test results and fault-finding methodologies

direct observation of the candidate remotely locating and identifying cable system faults.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICTCBL4057A Test cable bearers

ICTTEN4087A Undertake remote diagnosis and repair of network faults.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

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

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

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.

Available information may be provided by:

customer reporting

maintenance team

network fault centre

network management printout

site installation and maintenance records.

Nature of fault may include:

cable or equipment

customer or service provider

static or intermittent

urgent or non-urgent.

Operational testing may include:

data transfer performance

electrical performance

frequency response performance

signal processing.

Type of fault may include:

cable:

metallic

optical fibre

equipment:

access network

customer

Ethernet

transmission

network:

access

core

data network

wavelength division multiplexing (WDM)

Ethernet

system:

customer

service provider

vendor.

Fault environment may include:

access

core

customer

service provider

vendor.

Historical data may refer to:

customer interaction

equipment type

fault records

fault statistics

name of previously involved staff

service records.

Impact of fault may refer to:

urgent:

congestion on emergency services route

loss of connectivity

loss of service

non-urgent:

loss of billing or toll

poor performance

poor quality of service (QoS)

poor service.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Cabling

This unit contains employability skills.