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, in-house, packaged or customised software
Hardware may include but is not limited to:
workstations
personal computers
modems or other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers
Architecture may include but is not limited to:
Operating system: Novell NetWare 5 or above or other operating system that has multi-user ability, Linux, Mac OS, Windows 2000 or above
Database software: Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL server, Ingres, DB2, Informix, mSQL, MySQL, SQL server
Configuration: small memory model, large memory model, requests per second
Security plan may include:
theft
viruses
standards (including archival, back-up, network)
privacy
audits
alerts
usually relates directly to the security objectives of the organisation
Firewalls may include:
hardware appliances
proxy servers or individual PC solutions, with varying functionality, including network address translation (NAT)/IP masquerading and routing to specific machines
Client may include but is not limited to:
internal departments
external organisations
individual people
employees
Network may include but is not limited to:
large and small LANs
VPNs
WANs
the internet
the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only
private lines
data
voice
Connection type may include:
dial-up
dedicated or proxy connections

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 connect network hardware devices to an internet gateway and configure and test them.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
Network with internet access
Personal computer
Context of and specific resources for assessment
An internet gateway is the hardware or software set-up that translates between two dissimilar protocols and which provides a system for converting messages between TCP/IP and other protocols. Using internet gateways, various networks around the world can effectively become one large network. By reviewing a variety of internet gateways and talking with ISPs, a better understanding of gateway products and their applications will be achieved.

Any internet gateway needs to be configured according to the needs of the client and consideration should be given to redundancy with reference to fault tolerance and back-up links.

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.

Assessment must ensure:
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.

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