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.

Data and information, intellectual property, physical assets

May include domestic, small, medium and large enterprise WLANs

May include:
IEEE 802.11 protocol standard for secure wireless local area network products
AAA security
IP security protocol
Domain name system security extensions
Standby
Quality of service
Proxy mobile IP
WEP
LEAP

Most likely to be packaged software but may be supplied from a variety of vendors and include operating systems and diagnostic software

May include the following:
Firewall devices
Routers
Switches
Wired and wireless networks
Antennas (ceiling, mast, pillar, integrated, Yagi and dish)
Lightning arrestors
Bridges
Amplifiers
Wireless NICs
Desktop and laptop computers

May include the following:
Back-up and recovery of data
Remote access to internal network
Password logons
Firewalls
Encryption
Hacking prevention
Confidentiality
Integrity
Availability

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 assess wireless network performance and produce wireless network designs.

Knowledge and skills
Security threats
Network protocols and operating systems
Security protocols, standards and data encryption
Factor affecting signal quality
Wireless topologies
Wireless security strategies
SOHO and enterprise LANs
Layer 2 and layer 3 design issues
Bandwidth and quality of service
WLAN and WAN solutions
TCP/IP protocols and applications
Auditing and penetration testing techniques
Audit and intrusion detection systems
The design, development and implementation of various wireless network solutions
Ability to implement wireless networking strategies and configure wireless network software and hardware
Implementing LAN
Cost-benefit comparison
Analysing wireless network performance
Producing wireless network designs

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 to 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.

Resources

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will need access to:

Network technical requirements
Real or simulated wireless networks
Network infrastructure, including wireless hardware and software

Role context
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
Maintain knowledge of industy products and services