Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to effectively install and test telecommunications network equipment. It includes processes for checking plans, obtaining equipment, and handling equipment and supplies.
It applies to field officers, technicians or technical supervisors employed by carriers, contractors or other service providers, who install new, or replace old, switching, transmission and radio networks and various transmission paths – including cable, optical fibre, radio, microwave and satellite telecommunications equipment.
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. Plan for installation of telecommunications network equipment | 1.1 Prepare for given work according to relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements 1.2 Notify customer to arrange site access if necessary 1.3 Assess existing and potential site hazards 1.4 Verify location of proposed network equipment installation according to appropriate plans obtained from authorised personnel 1.5 Develop installation plans to ensure minimal workplace disruption and according to relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards 1.6 Obtain tools and test equipment required for safe work practice 1.7 Notify affected parties of possible network outage, if required |
2. Install network hardware and cabling | 2.1 Install network equipment according to the plan and manufacturer’s instructions, using safe industry practices 2.2 Insert equipment cards and modules 2.3 Install all interconnecting cables to specification 2.4 Confirm service interruption is within limits agreed with customer 2.5 Document all installation drawings for customer |
3. Install equipment accessories | 3.1 Install alarms according to instruction manuals and specifications 3.2 Install operations administration and maintenance system according to specification 3.3 Install communication facilities for operational staff according to specification, taking into account any special needs of the site and operational staff 3.4 Install operator communication facilities according to needs and specifications |
4. Configure and test system | 4.1 Install software and configuration instructions according to system specifications, if required 4.2 Test to verify system performance according to customer requirements 4.3 Recommend any possible changes and confirm with customer 4.4 Record all test results |
5. Clean up worksite and complete documentation | 5.1 Remove and dispose of installation waste and debris from worksite according to environmental requirements 5.2 Restore changes made to work area during installation, to customer’s satisfaction 5.3 Complete all installation documents and present to customer 5.4 Declare asset ready for commissioning and integration 5.5 Notify customer and obtain sign-off |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of ability to:
plan and install network hardware and cabling according to equipment or system manuals and customer specifications
configure and test installation
verify cable continuity
comply with all related work health and safety (WHS) requirements and work practices
notify customer of work progress and obtain sign off.
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:
select appropriate cabling types, connectors and cabling structures
identify connections to carrier infrastructure or equipment
recognise electrical and/or optical properties of installation
describe network and transmission equipment principles
outline power requirements and electrical safety
explain typical performance parameters and faults that may be encountered in customer equipment and related connection and transmission media
describe various test equipment types suitable for tests to be made
identify handling and environmental compliances for waste disposal.
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 telecommunications networks engineering field of work and include access to:
sites where installation of telecommunications network equipment may be conducted
network testing equipment currently used in industry
relevant regulatory and equipment documentation that impact telecommunications network equipment installation activities.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
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 | 1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1-3.4, 4.1, 4.2 | Interprets information from plans, specifications and manufacturers' instruction manuals |
Writing | 1.5, 2.5, 4.4, 5.3, 5.5 | Uses clear and specific terminology to produce installation plans and instructions appropriate for audience Records results of tests in required format using industry-specific language |
Oral Communication | 1.2, 1.4, 1.7, 2.4, 4.3, 5.5 | Uses appropriate strategies to establish and maintain dialogue, notify parties of disruptions and changes to planned work |
Numeracy | 1.4, 1.5 | Accurately interprets measurements from plans and applies results to installation plans and documents Calibrates test equipment and calculates and compares results with specifications |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1, 1.4, 2.4, 5.1 | Takes personal responsibility for following explicit and implicit policies, procedures and legislative requirements Identifies and acts on issues that contravene relevant policies, procedures and legal requirements |
Interact with others | 1.2, 1.4, 5.4 | Follows accepted communication practices and protocols Uses a range of strategies to establish a sense of connection and build rapport with clients/workmates |
Get the work done | 1.3-1.6, 2.1-2.4, 3.1-3.4, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, 5.4 | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes, occasionally negotiating changes Maintains required records and reports according to organisational requirements Makes routine decisions and implements standard procedures for routine tasks, using formal decision-making processes for more complex and non-routine situations |
Sectors
Telecommunications – Telecommunications Networks Engineering