Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Software may include but is not limited to:
commercial software applications
organisation-specific software
packaged software
in-house or customised software.
Equipment may include but is not limited to:
workstations
personal computers
modems and other connectivity devices
printers
DSL modems
hard drives
monitors
switches
hubs
personal digital assistant (PDA)
other peripheral devices
Network may include but is not limited to:
large and small LANs
national WANs
the internet
VPNs
the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only
private lines
data
voice
Client may include but is not limited to:
internal departments
external organisations
clubs
individual people
internal employees
Network topology may include:
star
extended star campus networks
ring
bus
hierarchical
hybrid

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 following is essential:
Assessment must confirm the ability to install, configure and test network switches.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:
Network devices, including configurable (Ethernet LAN) switches (needed to support features such as STP, VLANs and frame forwarding modes), PCs, routers
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Generally, switches have replaced bridges in modern network design. The high port density of a switch (e.g. 24 to 48 ports), offers much more value than the few ports available in a typical bridge. Furthermore, switches offer many other performance- and security-enhancing features.

The main focus of this unit is on installing and configuring LAN, not WAN switches. Although both LAN and WAN switches are used extensively in many networked environments, the predominant use lies with LAN switches. WAN switches usually operate at the edge of a LAN and as such, are mainly installed and configured by telecommunications service providers.

A current trend is the use of Virtual LANs (VLANs). VLANs logically segment a network (as opposed to physically segmenting the network, via simple, non-programmable switches or hubs). The benefits of VLANs include increased network security and a more convenient method for grouping an organisation's employees into logical workgroups, even though they may work in separate physical locations of the company.

High-end switches in a multi-switched LAN imply the use of trunking, where traffic from many users flows up major arterial connections in the LAN hierarchy. Thus, a trunking protocol must be implemented.

The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.

Assessment must ensure:
The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.

Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.
Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICAA5144B Determine best-fit topology for a local network
ICAB5159C Build a security shield for a network
ICAB5160B Build and configure a server
ICAI4188B Install and maintain a server
ICAI5172B Implement backbone technologies in a local area network
ICAI5176B Install and configure router

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters
Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of bridges and switches
Apply solutions to a variety of problems
Perform processes that require a range of skills
Interpret available information