Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

May include:
Cisco 700 to the 2600 Series routers
Linksys Etherfast router
Cisco uBR7200 universal broadband routers
3Com OfficeConnect Remote 810 ADSL
3Com SuperStack 400
CISCO 760 Series with integrated services digital network (ISDN) interfaces
Netopia routers
D-Link routers
Motorola Vanguard Series
Intel express Series

Peripherals may include but are not limited to:
Printers, scanners, tape cartridges
Speakers, multimedia kits
Personal computer fax, modems
Input equipment may include mouse, touch pad, keyboard, pens
Mobile phones, palmtops and personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops and desktop computers
Bluetooth devices, universal serial bus (USB), Firewire (IEEE 1394)

May include but is not limited to workstations, personal computers, modems and other connectivity devices, DSL modems, networks, remote sites, servers

May include but not limited to large and small LANs, VPNs, national WANs, the internet, the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only, private lines, data and voice.

Novell Protocol suite; internetwork packet exchange (IPX), sequenced packet exchange (SPX), NetBIOS emulator, netware core protocol
TCP/IP; internet control message protocol (ICMP) see router protocols above, Net BT
Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)
AppleTalk protocol - Phase 2 (1989)
WAN protocols (encapsulations): synchronous data link control (SDLC) (generally not used, as superseded by point-to-point protocol (PPP); binary synchronous control (BSC) high-level data link control (HDLC), advanced data communications protocol (ADCP)

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.
Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm the ability to install and configure a router for optimum performance and operate the LAN, WLAN or WAN

Knowledge and skills
Router functions
Router-based network architectures
Broadcast traffic and bandwidth
Redundant paths
Intelligent packet forwarding
Routing tables
Routing protocols and how they operate
Dynamic routing
Router firewalls
Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics
Configuring router protocols
Configuring network peripherals
Selecting and installing a router
Network testing and troubleshooting (e.g. using Ping, telnet commands)

Assessment guidance
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.

In the case of this unit, it could be assessed in a holistic manner with:

ICAI5172B Implement backbone technologies in a local area network
ICAI5173B Install and configure a single-segment local area network switch
ICAI5174B Install high-end switches in multi-switched local area networks

Resources

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

A network environment
A router (preferably two or more)
Documentation on the network topology

Role context
Routers are devices or sometimes software in a computer that directs information packets to the next point in their destination. Routers are generally located at any juncture of networks, including each internet point of presence. Poorly configured routers can have significant negative consequences and care must be taken to reduce risk associated with router settings and security.
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.
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.

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.
Demonstrate knowledge and competencies of configuration issues
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of routers
Apply solutions to defined routing problems
Identify and evaluate information from a variety of sources