Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to determine the most appropriate way of networking computers to meet user needs and business requirements.
It applies to individuals in senior networking roles who are required to plan the most appropriate topology for a proposed network.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine user needs | 1.1 Identify the different segments of the proposed network based on business requirements 1.2 Determine segment needs, using network functional analysis 1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes based on business requirements 1.4 Develop a prioritised organisational network functional matrix |
2. Develop local area network specification | 2.1 Determine the resource requirements for each network segment on the basis of functional analysis 2.2 Analyse features of the physical environment for the effect on network design 2.3 Conduct a costing process for possible topology options 2.4 Consider topology options with reference to available resources and network functional matrix 2.5 Select and document appropriate network topology based on business requirements and functional analysis |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
analyse business or organisational needs
identify the most appropriate local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) topology
document recommendations.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
summarise the typical network topologies for the following:
large and small LANs
wide area networks (WANs)
VPNs
virtual local area networks (VLANs)
WLANs
identify and describe the typical components of a local network, including:
adaptor cards
bridges
Ethernet hardware
gateways
hubs
routers
describe the software and programming requirements of a local network, including:
security protocols
transmission control protocol or internet protocol (TCP/IP)
describe the business consideration for establishing a local network including:
growth projections and capacity planning
costs and queuing constraints
high and low speed links
redundancy paths
response time and reliability requirements
scope of operation
traffic flow patterns
traffic load
application requirements of users
outline of installation requirements for local area networks:
cabling, particularly unshielded twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP) or optic fibre
characteristics and relative strengths and weaknesses of LAN network topologies
features and capabilities of current industry accepted hardware and software products
features of line sharing protocols.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the network industry, and include access to:
business requirements
equipment specifications
organisational and industry costing.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.3, 2.5 | Interprets textual information obtained from a range of sources and determines how content may be applied to organisational requirements |
Writing | 2.5 | Develops material for a specific audience, using clear and detailed language to convey explicit information, requirements and recommendations |
Numeracy | 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4 | Interprets numerical information and applies mathematical calculations to determine resource expenditure within predetermined constraints Interprets numerical data to estimate traffic needs |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5 | Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of principles, concepts, language and practices associated with the digital world Uses digital tools to access and organise complex data and analyse multiple sources of information for strategic purposes May operate from a broad conceptual plan, developing the operational detail in stages, regularly reviewing priorities and performance during implementation, and identifying and addressing issues |
Sectors
Networking