Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:35 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:35 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Investigate the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching
Investigate the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching
Unit of competency
National Code
ICTTEN8194A
ICTTEN8194A
State Code
D3517
D3517
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
031309 - Communications Equipment Installation And Maintenance
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to investigate the application of cloud networks (infrastructure-as-a-service) in telecommunications switching.Most infrastructure-based services are embedded in physical infrastructure. Cloud computing and infrastructure-as-a-service changes the focus from the physical infrastructure to the new world of virtual infrastructure. No longer are services built around floor space, servers or ports, but rather around virtual machine (VM) images, application instances, and virtualised storage and networks.Scalability, cost savings, security, flexibility of infrastructure and energy consumption are significant factors when business considers cloud networks. Applications involving cloud networks are developed to support business strategies.Cloud network solutions support the application of Next Generation Technologies (NGN).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 current physical network infrastructure
- 1.1. Analyse the scalability, functionality, cost, security and energy consumption of existing physical network infrastructure
- 1.2. Report on the shortfalls and risks of existing physical infrastructure in accommodating network growth and increased functionality
- 1.3. Investigate capacity and functionality shortfalls of existing physical infrastructure to highlight the limitations of the existing switching network
- 1.4. Document estimated costs and issues associated with meeting capacity and functionality shortfalls using existing physical infrastructure
2. Investigate the application of cloud networks
- 2.1. Analyse trends in cloud networks (infrastructure-as-a-service) technologies and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) architectures against the rapid changes in the landscape
- 2.2. Determine the applicability of cloud networks (infrastructure-as-a-service) to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network
- 2.3. Assess the risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network
- 2.4. Evaluate a range of cloud network solutions and justify the selection of an optimum network switching solution
- 2.5. Develop solution elements using a series of small project elements
- 2.6. Produce a cloud network alternative solution to emulate the existing Core Network of a service provider
3. Analyse the impact of the cloud network solution for system integration and across business domains
- 3.1. Prepare a plan for organisational change control process and the integration of cloud network solutions within a complete network infrastructure
- 3.2. Prepare a test scenario and produce a test management schedule for the testing process of system elements and interfaces using simulation
- 3.3. Use integration document software to replicate issues exhibited in test environment
- 3.4. Certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance to requirements using web based test management tool (quality centre) to conduct performance evaluation tests
- 3.5. Analyse test reports to evaluate load balancing and network security issues in test environment
- 3.6. Document and resolve conflicts detected in simulation testing
4. Develop a business case for implementation of a cloud network
- 4.1. Prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution as a business case to evaluate the return on investment (RoI)
- 4.2. Investigate staging of the solution and timing implementation of the project elements as a scenario for real life implementation
- 4.3. Research and report on the key features of cloud network implementation in a business case study
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.
Cloud networks refers to:
delivery of internet protocol (IP) infrastructure (typically a platform virtualisation environment) as a service
overlays the IP network using MPLS.
multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) refers to:
encapsulating packets of various network protocols
use in creating virtual links between distant nodes
use in high-performance telecommunications networks which direct and carry data from one network node to the next
using layered protocols using the OSI 7 layer model.
Infrastructure-as-a-service may include:
computer hardware (typically set up as a grid for massive horizontal scalability)
computer network:
firewalls
gateways
load balancing
MPLS switch
servers
internet connectivity
platform virtualisation environment for running client specified virtual machines
service level agreements
utility computing billing:
per instance hour.
Integration of cloud network solutions may include:
hardware compatibility
no contentions
platform compatibility
protocol compatibility
signalling contention
software compatibility
system interoperability
technology compatibility.
Test management schedule may include:
post-installation test procedures
pre-installation test procedures
produces test summary report
profiling of software solution
risk defects report
simulation testing
test process is testable for network software built.
Integration document software may include:
fine-tuning capabilities in multi-operating environments
integration with existing system
links to legacy systems.
Performance evaluation tests may include:
defects (defects detected are logged and mapped to failed cases)
releases (manage software releases and iterations)
requirements (traceability and management)
test lab (execute test cases from test plan)
test plan (creating and updating test cases).
Key features may include:
bandwidth on demand
distribution
enhanced rate
transmission.
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.
Cloud networks refers to:
delivery of internet protocol (IP) infrastructure (typically a platform virtualisation environment) as a service
overlays the IP network using MPLS.
multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) refers to:
encapsulating packets of various network protocols
use in creating virtual links between distant nodes
use in high-performance telecommunications networks which direct and carry data from one network node to the next
using layered protocols using the OSI 7 layer model.
Infrastructure-as-a-service may include:
computer hardware (typically set up as a grid for massive horizontal scalability)
computer network:
firewalls
gateways
load balancing
MPLS switch
servers
internet connectivity
platform virtualisation environment for running client specified virtual machines
service level agreements
utility computing billing:
per instance hour.
Integration of cloud network solutions may include:
hardware compatibility
no contentions
platform compatibility
protocol compatibility
signalling contention
software compatibility
system interoperability
technology compatibility.
Test management schedule may include:
post-installation test procedures
pre-installation test procedures
produces test summary report
profiling of software solution
risk defects report
simulation testing
test process is testable for network software built.
Integration document software may include:
fine-tuning capabilities in multi-operating environments
integration with existing system
links to legacy systems.
Performance evaluation tests may include:
defects (defects detected are logged and mapped to failed cases)
releases (manage software releases and iterations)
requirements (traceability and management)
test lab (execute test cases from test plan)
test plan (creating and updating test cases).
Key features may include:
bandwidth on demand
distribution
enhanced rate
transmission.
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:
evaluate the current physical network infrastructure's capacity and functionality shortfalls
investigate the application of cloud networks and plan the architectural design
develop components of cloud networking solution for meeting capacity and functionality requirements of the network
assess the risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network
analyse impact of integration of cloud network solution on the network
prepare a test plan with test scenario and produce a test management schedule
use integration document and software test management tools to replicate issues exhibited in test environment
certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance
prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution
develop a business case for implementation of a cloud network.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
site where the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching may be investigated
software tools currently used in industry
vendor products, specifications, equipment and enterprise policy required for the activity.
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 investigating the application of cloud networks and planning the architectural design
review of reports, plans and business case for a cloud network solution prepared by the candidate
oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess knowledge of cloud networks.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTTEN8197A Produce engineering solutions using numerical computations and simulation.
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:
evaluate the current physical network infrastructure's capacity and functionality shortfalls
investigate the application of cloud networks and plan the architectural design
develop components of cloud networking solution for meeting capacity and functionality requirements of the network
assess the risks in using cloud networks to meet capacity and functionality requirements of the network
analyse impact of integration of cloud network solution on the network
prepare a test plan with test scenario and produce a test management schedule
use integration document and software test management tools to replicate issues exhibited in test environment
certify cloud network solution compatibility and compliance
prepare a cost-benefit analysis of the cloud network solution
develop a business case for implementation of a cloud network.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
site where the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching may be investigated
software tools currently used in industry
vendor products, specifications, equipment and enterprise policy required for the activity.
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 investigating the application of cloud networks and planning the architectural design
review of reports, plans and business case for a cloud network solution prepared by the candidate
oral or written questioning of the candidate to assess knowledge of cloud networks.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTTEN8197A Produce engineering solutions using numerical computations and simulation.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWC90 | ICTTEN810 | Investigate the application of cloud networks in telecommunications switching | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWF8 | ICT80515 | Graduate Diploma of Telecommunications and Strategic Management | Qualification |
| AWE9 | ICT80415 | Graduate Diploma of Telecommunications Network Engineering | Qualification |
| W820 | ICT80110 | Graduate Diploma of Telecommunications Network Engineering | Qualification |