Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:38 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:38 PM AWST
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Evaluate core network architectures
Evaluate core network architectures
Unit of competency
National Code
ICTNPL4112A
ICTNPL4112A
State Code
D3354
D3354
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/04/2014
Field of Education
031307 - Communications Technologies
Original Release Date
15/04/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess the roles and evaluate the benefits of competing core network architectures. Core networks use convergent internet protocol (IP) based technologies with conventional technologies.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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Evaluate basic IP network architecture
- 1.1. Produce a layout of the topology of an IP network showing the network elements and the application of the 7-layer open system interconnect (OSI) model
- 1.2. Determine the purpose of routers and switches and the use of routing protocols
- 1.3. Determine the different types of generic resiliency and redundancy that can be applied in network architectures and when they should be applied
- 1.4. Evaluate the benefits of IP networks compared to circuit-based networks and the impact on modern telecommunications networks
2. Evaluate synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) transport architectures
- 2.1. Produce a layout of the topology of SDH transport networks showing the structure and the role of rings in the networks
- 2.2. Determine the purpose of SDH switching and its function within the transport architecture
- 2.3. Assess key capacity and distance limitations in SDH networks
- 2.4. Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be used within SDH transport networks
- 2.5. Evaluate the compatibility of SDH transport architectures with other transport architectures
3. Evaluate broadband architectures
- 3.1. Produce a layout of the topology structure of the asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) edge network and the hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable edge network in providing broadband access to the customer
- 3.2. Determine the purpose of point-to-point protocol (PPP) and the function of the digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), broadband remote access server (BRAS) and layer2 network protocol network server (LNS) in the ADSL network
- 3.3. Assess the arrangement of carrier channels connecting the HFC cable customer
- 3.4. Determine the function of the CMTS and the purpose of DOCSIS, and the key capabilities of its different versions in the HFC network
- 3.5. Assess resiliency considerations for ADSL and HFC Cable network architectures
- 3.6. Evaluate the benefits of providing cable broadband access to wireless broadband from a network security aspect
4. Evaluate data architectures
- 4.1. Produce a layout of the topology of key structures of a data network showing the IP network and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) structures
- 4.2. Determine the purpose of internal and external routing protocols in an IP network outlining the reasons for the creation of a virtual private network (VPN)
- 4.3. Determine the purpose of label distribution protocol (LDP) in an MPLS network
- 4.4. Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be used within data networks
- 4.5. Evaluate the compatibility of IP and MPLS networking
5. Evaluate metropolitan ethernet architectures
- 5.1. Produce a layout of the topology structure of a metropolitan ethernet network showing the optimum siting of the ethernet switch
- 5.2. Determine the types and limitations of the varieties of ethernet transmission
- 5.3. Assess the scaling limitations of ethernet networks
- 5.4. Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be used within metropolitan ethernet networks
- 5.5. Evaluate the need for the creation of virtual local area networks (VLAN) in metropolitan Ethernet architecture for improved performance
6. Evaluate voice architectures
- 6.1. Produce a layout of the topology of a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) network and a wireless voice network showing the network elements
- 6.2. Determine the function of local exchange and transit exchange switches in the public switched telephone network (PSTN)
- 6.3. Determine the function of an secure broadband connection (SBC) and the purpose of session initiation protocol (SIP) in wireless networking
- 6.4. Assess resiliency and redundancy techniques that can be applied in the design of voice networks
- 6.5. Evaluate the benefits of VoIP networks compared to circuit based networks and the impact on modern telecommunications networks
7. Evaluate media and content architectures
- 7.1. Determine the structure, elements and purpose of hosting networks in data centres and a content distribution network
- 7.2. Evaluate the impact of high speed broadband for the wide deployment of media and content architectures
8. Prepare evaluation report
- 8.1. Assess compatibility and interoperability of competing core network architectures
- 8.2. Prepare an evaluation report outlining core network solutions using emerging technologies
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
IP network may include:
gateways
routers
servers
switches.
SDH transport networks may include:
add-drop multiplexers (ADM)
synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) switch
synchronous transport module - level1 (STM-1).
HFC cable edge network may include:
ADM
broadband amplifier
cable modems
DSLAMS
fibre network
multiplexer.
Data network may include:
access
backbone
edge
MPLS protocols
routers
routing protocols
switches.
Routing protocols may include:
BGP
EIGRP
interior gateway routing protocol (IGRP)
intermediate system-to-intermediate system (IS-IS)
OSPF
RIP.
Ethernet network may include:
applications
gateways
LAN switch
routers
servers
switches
transmission equipment
VLAN.
VoIP network and a wireless voice network may include:
access points
adapters
antennas
gateways
routers
servers
switches
voice managers.
Media and content architectures may include:
central processing unit (CPU)
media managers
multiplexers
routers
servers.
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.
IP network may include:
gateways
routers
servers
switches.
SDH transport networks may include:
add-drop multiplexers (ADM)
synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) switch
synchronous transport module - level1 (STM-1).
HFC cable edge network may include:
ADM
broadband amplifier
cable modems
DSLAMS
fibre network
multiplexer.
Data network may include:
access
backbone
edge
MPLS protocols
routers
routing protocols
switches.
Routing protocols may include:
BGP
EIGRP
interior gateway routing protocol (IGRP)
intermediate system-to-intermediate system (IS-IS)
OSPF
RIP.
Ethernet network may include:
applications
gateways
LAN switch
routers
servers
switches
transmission equipment
VLAN.
VoIP network and a wireless voice network may include:
access points
adapters
antennas
gateways
routers
servers
switches
voice managers.
Media and content architectures may include:
central processing unit (CPU)
media managers
multiplexers
routers
servers.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 the first three layers of the OSI model
determine the role of switches and routers in the core network and the different types of routing protocols
evaluate SDH switching and transmission and its ability to create resiliency in the network through various redundant configurations
evaluate the benefits, purpose and structure of ADSL networks and other broadband products
determine and compare data networks with specific reference to IP and MPLS
evaluate the most important routing protocols of internal and external MPLS and the resilience that is built into them
evaluate the limitations of an Ethernet network and how VLAN can be incorporated in them
compare various voice protocols
determine the purpose of various hosting in data centres and media and distribution platforms.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
network design documentation and other site related documentation
equipment specifications
live network or training facilities
organisational guidelines
networked computers
networked telecommunications components.
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:
direct observation of the candidate performing an evaluation of core network architectures
review of evaluation report completed by the candidate outlining compatibility and interoperability of competing core network architectures
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of planning various core networks.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTNPL4113A Plan the deployment of core network.
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 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 the first three layers of the OSI model
determine the role of switches and routers in the core network and the different types of routing protocols
evaluate SDH switching and transmission and its ability to create resiliency in the network through various redundant configurations
evaluate the benefits, purpose and structure of ADSL networks and other broadband products
determine and compare data networks with specific reference to IP and MPLS
evaluate the most important routing protocols of internal and external MPLS and the resilience that is built into them
evaluate the limitations of an Ethernet network and how VLAN can be incorporated in them
compare various voice protocols
determine the purpose of various hosting in data centres and media and distribution platforms.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
network design documentation and other site related documentation
equipment specifications
live network or training facilities
organisational guidelines
networked computers
networked telecommunications components.
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:
direct observation of the candidate performing an evaluation of core network architectures
review of evaluation report completed by the candidate outlining compatibility and interoperability of competing core network architectures
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of planning various core networks.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTNPL4113A Plan the deployment of core network.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWE42 | ICTNPL406 | Evaluate core network architectures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J821 | ICT40713 | Certificate IV in Telecommunications Network Design | Qualification |
| W810 | ICT40510 | Certificate IV in Telecommunications Network Planning | Qualification |