Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:49 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:49 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.
Develop planning strategies for core network design
Develop planning strategies for core network design
Unit of competency
National Code
ICTNPL5071A
ICTNPL5071A
State Code
D3359
D3359
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/04/2014
Field of Education
080315 - Project Management
Original Release Date
15/04/2014
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop specifications for core networks to be used by network designers. It involves gathering information on anticipated demand and business requirements for the core network to determine design criteria to meet current and future needs.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 the core network requirements and infrastructure capability
- 1.1. Estimate likely growth in core network use by analysing forecasting market intelligence data on customer demand
- 1.2. Analyse current traffic and growth trends in edge and backbone networks to forecast the traffic growth and capacity demand for the core network
- 1.3. Compare available capacity, capability and parameters of current core infrastructure deployment against the researched demand data to identify infrastructure shortfalls
- 1.4. Quantify the network requirements for any upgrades or network augmentation
- 1.5. Determine relevant standards and regulatory requirements to be considered in core network planning
- 1.6. Formulate justification to proceed by analysing the business requirements and benefits to the business
2. Prepare a strategic plan and scoping document
- 2.1. Determine appropriate technologies and network elements for core nnetwork deployment, including new or alternative solutions to meet business requirements
- 2.2. Select commercially viable technology compatible with the existing network to deploy with existing and future network
- 2.3. Prepare a planning document and supporting documentation with recommendations that complies with deployment standards and regulatory requirements
- 2.4. Provide estimated costs and schedule for a planning solution
3. Produce the project brief
- 3.1. Evaluate and summarise project scope into the required briefing format with supporting documentation that complies with core network deployment rules
- 3.2. Plan project delivery to suit business requirements and practical limitations
- 3.3. Produce the core networks specifications with approvals and present to the design section to produce detailed design specifications
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.
Core network may include:
billing
broadband
data
Ethernet
media and content
network management
NGN
switching
transport (synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) optical networking)
voice.
Market intelligence data may refer to:
customer request
development area plans
development triggers
market research:
external triggers may include:
government initiatives
local councils
local government planning
property developers
market surveys
planning approvals
planning commission
service delivery
telecommunication databases:
capacity assessment
network performance
traffic dimensioning
zoning.
Capacity may refer to:
available ports
ability to augment
technical limitations of port provision.
Capability may refer to:
ability to deliver desired products
meeting design specifications
meeting technical limitations.
Parameters may include:
asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) network:
bandwidth utilisation of broadband remote access server (BRAS)-digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) trunks
bandwidth utilisation of BRAS- layer 2 network protocol network server (LNS) trunks
BRAS memory and central processing unit (CPU) load
number of available BRAS ports
number of internet protocol (IP) addresses in use
number of point-to-point protocol (PPP) sessions in use
hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable broadband network:
cable modem termination system (CMTS) memory and CPU load
IP address availability
number of services connected to a segment
upstream/downstream bandwidth utilisation
IP or multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) data network:
available and utilised bandwidth and ports
network latency
packet loss rates
router or switch card slots available
router or switch CPU load
router or switch memory
media and content hosting and distribution network:
available and utilised bandwidth
available and utilised ports
router CPU load
router memory
router slots available
metropolitan Ethernet network:
available and utilised bandwidth
available and utilised ports
available and utilised virtual local area networks (VLAN)
packet loss rates
switch card slots available
switch CPU load
switch memory
SDH network:
bandwidth provisioned
number of add-drop multiplexers (ADM) connected to a ring
number of card slots and ports available
number of circuits provisioned
voice network:
available and utilised bandwidth
available and utilised ports
echo cancellation considerations
network jitter
network latency
number and duration of calls
packet loss rate
quality of service (QoS)
signalling capacity
traffic.
Core infrastructure may refer to:
building facilities and services
equipment:
billing
cable
customer
data networking
network management
network operations centre
optical
switching
test and monitoring
transmission
wireless
power requirements.
Network requirements may refer to:
appropriate equipment
compatibility
interoperability
scalable network
suitable technology
upgradeable network.
Standards and regulatory requirements may include:
company specific policy and standards
design standards
deployment rules
regulatory body requirements:
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Telecommunications Act.
Business requirements may refer to:
complying with standards and regulations
deployment of infrastructure in a commercially viable way
meeting customer demands on the network.
Technologies may include:
carrier Ethernet
dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems
IP core
IP private branch exchange (IP PBX)
IPTV
IPv6 networks
MPLS networks
optical routing
optical switching
optical transmission systems
virtual networks.
Network elements may include:
access points
adapters
antennas
CPU
data network:
backbone
edge
MPLS
routers
switches
Ethernet network:
applications
gateways
LAN switch
routers
servers
switches
transmission equipment
VLAN
HFC cable:
ADM
broadband amplifier
cable modems
DSLAMs
fibre network
multiplexer
IP network:
gateways
routers
servers
switches
media and content network
media managers
routers
servers
SDH transport:
add/drop multiplexer (ADM)
SDH switch
STM-1
VoIP and wireless voice network:
gateways
routers
servers
switches
voice managers.
Supporting documentation may include:
briefing documents
business justifications
demand data
government initiatives
market surveys.
Estimated costs may refer to:
comparable past project costs
costing models
unit rates.
Project scope may include:
costing
details of requirements to build
justification
materials
resource allocation
timing.
Core network deployment rules may refer:
compatibility with other Core Networks
interoperability with other Core Networks
maintain network integrity
minimal impact on network disruption
scalable technology
upgradeable technology.
Practical limitations may include:
accessibility of project site
material delivery and installation times
resource availability
resource skill set.
Approvals may include:
compliance
contract delivery
financial delegation
governance
quality assurance.
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.
Core network may include:
billing
broadband
data
Ethernet
media and content
network management
NGN
switching
transport (synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) optical networking)
voice.
Market intelligence data may refer to:
customer request
development area plans
development triggers
market research:
external triggers may include:
government initiatives
local councils
local government planning
property developers
market surveys
planning approvals
planning commission
service delivery
telecommunication databases:
capacity assessment
network performance
traffic dimensioning
zoning.
Capacity may refer to:
available ports
ability to augment
technical limitations of port provision.
Capability may refer to:
ability to deliver desired products
meeting design specifications
meeting technical limitations.
Parameters may include:
asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL) network:
bandwidth utilisation of broadband remote access server (BRAS)-digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) trunks
bandwidth utilisation of BRAS- layer 2 network protocol network server (LNS) trunks
BRAS memory and central processing unit (CPU) load
number of available BRAS ports
number of internet protocol (IP) addresses in use
number of point-to-point protocol (PPP) sessions in use
hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable broadband network:
cable modem termination system (CMTS) memory and CPU load
IP address availability
number of services connected to a segment
upstream/downstream bandwidth utilisation
IP or multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) data network:
available and utilised bandwidth and ports
network latency
packet loss rates
router or switch card slots available
router or switch CPU load
router or switch memory
media and content hosting and distribution network:
available and utilised bandwidth
available and utilised ports
router CPU load
router memory
router slots available
metropolitan Ethernet network:
available and utilised bandwidth
available and utilised ports
available and utilised virtual local area networks (VLAN)
packet loss rates
switch card slots available
switch CPU load
switch memory
SDH network:
bandwidth provisioned
number of add-drop multiplexers (ADM) connected to a ring
number of card slots and ports available
number of circuits provisioned
voice network:
available and utilised bandwidth
available and utilised ports
echo cancellation considerations
network jitter
network latency
number and duration of calls
packet loss rate
quality of service (QoS)
signalling capacity
traffic.
Core infrastructure may refer to:
building facilities and services
equipment:
billing
cable
customer
data networking
network management
network operations centre
optical
switching
test and monitoring
transmission
wireless
power requirements.
Network requirements may refer to:
appropriate equipment
compatibility
interoperability
scalable network
suitable technology
upgradeable network.
Standards and regulatory requirements may include:
company specific policy and standards
design standards
deployment rules
regulatory body requirements:
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
Telecommunications Act.
Business requirements may refer to:
complying with standards and regulations
deployment of infrastructure in a commercially viable way
meeting customer demands on the network.
Technologies may include:
carrier Ethernet
dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems
IP core
IP private branch exchange (IP PBX)
IPTV
IPv6 networks
MPLS networks
optical routing
optical switching
optical transmission systems
virtual networks.
Network elements may include:
access points
adapters
antennas
CPU
data network:
backbone
edge
MPLS
routers
switches
Ethernet network:
applications
gateways
LAN switch
routers
servers
switches
transmission equipment
VLAN
HFC cable:
ADM
broadband amplifier
cable modems
DSLAMs
fibre network
multiplexer
IP network:
gateways
routers
servers
switches
media and content network
media managers
routers
servers
SDH transport:
add/drop multiplexer (ADM)
SDH switch
STM-1
VoIP and wireless voice network:
gateways
routers
servers
switches
voice managers.
Supporting documentation may include:
briefing documents
business justifications
demand data
government initiatives
market surveys.
Estimated costs may refer to:
comparable past project costs
costing models
unit rates.
Project scope may include:
costing
details of requirements to build
justification
materials
resource allocation
timing.
Core network deployment rules may refer:
compatibility with other Core Networks
interoperability with other Core Networks
maintain network integrity
minimal impact on network disruption
scalable technology
upgradeable technology.
Practical limitations may include:
accessibility of project site
material delivery and installation times
resource availability
resource skill set.
Approvals may include:
compliance
contract delivery
financial delegation
governance
quality assurance.
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:
use data to interpret growth patterns and develop options for core network design which satisfy customer and enterprise financial goals
develop a clearly documented network plan within specification and including merging technological developments and product implementation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
computer assisted design (CAD)
computer networks
data for network planning
network equipment deployment plans
planning models
standards and regulations.
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 undertaking core network evaluation and planning
review of reports completed by the candidate for planning the development and growth of the ore network
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the various aspects of planning for a core telecommunications network.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTNPL4112A Evaluate core network architectures
ICTNPL4113A Plan the deployment of Core Network
ICTNPL5096A Develop planning strategies for Access Network design
ICTNPL5154A Develop planning strategies for building environment design.
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:
use data to interpret growth patterns and develop options for core network design which satisfy customer and enterprise financial goals
develop a clearly documented network plan within specification and including merging technological developments and product implementation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
computer assisted design (CAD)
computer networks
data for network planning
network equipment deployment plans
planning models
standards and regulations.
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 undertaking core network evaluation and planning
review of reports completed by the candidate for planning the development and growth of the ore network
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the various aspects of planning for a core telecommunications network.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTNPL4112A Evaluate core network architectures
ICTNPL4113A Plan the deployment of Core Network
ICTNPL5096A Develop planning strategies for Access Network design
ICTNPL5154A Develop planning strategies for building environment design.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWE36 | ICTNPL501 | Develop planning strategies for core network design | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W816 | ICT50510 | Diploma of Telecommunications Planning and Design | Qualification |
| J822 | ICT50513 | Diploma of Telecommunications Planning and Design | Qualification |