This unit applies to the design, installation and configuration of a smart grid network suitable for domestic or industrial enterprises using IP networking technology.

Relevant job roles include designer and installer of smart grid networks, IP networks, and sustainable networks. This includes maintaining and supporting smart grid networks.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for the design and installation of a smart grid network

1.1. Prepare for given work according to occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements with appropriate personnel from the enterprise

1.2. Identify safety hazards and implement risk control measures in consultation with appropriate personnel

1.3. Determine nature and scope of the smart grid network from customer specifications and appropriate personnel

1.4. Obtain operating instructions, manuals, hardware and software testing methodologies

1.5. Consult appropriate personnel to ensure the task is coordinated effectively with others involved at the worksite

2. Design a customer smart grid network

2.1. Produce a smart grid network topology that is interoperable and scalable after considering customer requirements, technical specifications, physical and financial constraints and expansion projections

2.2. Determine network devices and network resources according to enterprise procedures

2.3. Produce the smart grid network design including network security and network element configurations to meet design specifications and enterprise procedures

3. Install and configure a designed smart grid network

3.1. Install smart grid network hardware to topology design plan according to enterprise procedures

3.2. Determine network addressing scheme for network connectivity and verify using calculations

3.3. Configure network elements to perform the logical connection of the smart grid network topology with the network security features required

3.4. Conduct connectivity and performance tests to verify that the network installation meets the design specification

3.5. Troubleshoot the smart grid network and internet connectivity according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise procedures

4. Complete and document network design and installation

4.1. Restore worksite to safe condition according to established safety procedures

4.2. Record and store essential design and installation information according to enterprise procedures

4.3. Notify appropriate personnel about the completion of the task according to enterprise procedures

Required skills

communication skills to liaise and negotiate with customers and peers to achieve design specifications

literacy skills to:

develop network documentation and maintain network records

read and interpret enterprise procedures, manuals and specifications

numeracy skills to interpret technical data

planning and organisational skills to plan and prioritise own work

problem solving skills to:

deal with unexpected situations on the basis of safety and specified work outcomes

troubleshoot common network problems according to help desk procedures

safety awareness skills to:

apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

follow enterprise OHS procedures

work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

technical skills to:

analyse the impact of applications on traffic flow in the network

apply network design methodologies to design networks that provide a range of services and applications found in larger networks

conduct a wireless site survey

determine customer requirements and a design specification

determine the impact of upgrading hardware and software on network functionality

identify the technical requirements, constraints and manageability issues for a given customer network requirement

install a network design

use tools and equipment

Required knowledge

enterprise OHS procedures

network design concepts:

business requirements

network topologies

physical and financial constraints

security

wired or wireless options

network requirements:

applications

lifecycle

manageability

quality of service

open systems interconnect (OSI) layered communication model

tool and equipment use

troubleshooting:

impact of network failure

maintenance

troubleshooting methodology

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:

determine customer requirements

design a smart grid network that uses advanced networking techniques

install a smart grid network according to design specification

configure network devices to meet design functionality

document smart grid network design, installation and configuration.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

a site where design and installation of a smart grid network may be conducted

use of tools, equipment and materials currently used in industry

relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

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:

direct observation of the candidate designing, installing and configuring a smart grid network

review of documents prepared by the candidate detailing design and installation

oral or written questioning to assess required knowledge.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICTTEN2207A Install and configure a home or small office network

ICTTEN2208A Install and configure a small to medium business network

ICTTEN4210A Implement and troubleshoot enterprise routers and switches.

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.

OHS may include:

hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes

legislation

local safe operation procedures

material safety management systems

protective equipment.

Environmental requirements may include:

dust

excessive energy and water use

excessive noise

fume

gas

liquid waste

smoke emissions

solid waste

vapour.

Appropriate personnel may include:

customer

manager

network manager

site engineer

supervisor.

Smart grid network may refer to:

domestic:

home automation:

climate control

light switches

power

thermostats

window shade

wireless control

in-home patient monitoring

internet protocol TV (IPTV)

home computer network

home security

smart sprinkler

industrial:

building automation

commercial lighting (wireless control)

heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) energy management

industrial security

plant monitoring:

infrared

pressure settings

temperature control

smart sprinkler

warehousing.

Smart grid network topology may refer to:

physical and logical interconnection between network devices:

bus

mesh

ring

star

tree.

Network devices may include:

interface units

IP network

router

sensors

server

switch.

Network resources may include:

files

printers

software.

Enterprise procedures may include:

enterprise security specifications

instructions:

designs

drawings

job sheets

plans

manufacturer's specifications

operational procedures

reporting and communication

use of tools and equipment.

Network addressing scheme may include:

dynamic

static

subnet.

Calculations may include:

binary addition

binary conversion

binary division

binary multiplication

binary number system

binary subtraction.

Essential design and installation information may include:

configuration

design

installation

installation software

IP addressing schemes

logical and physical diagrams

network administrator codes

passwords

security access codes

troubleshooting reports.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Telecommunications networks engineering

This unit contains employability skills.