Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Prepare to install an medium enterprise switch

1.1 Prepare for given work according to legislation, OHS, codes, regulations and standards

1.2 Arrange access to the site according to required procedure

1.3 Review existing network  design documentation  to ensure it is current and complete

1.4 Select the network elements  required to be installed to meet the technical requirements 

1.5 Contact vendors and service suppliers to obtain specifications and availability of identified components

1.6 Develop plans, with prioritised tasks and contingency arrangements, for installation of components with minimum disruption to client 

1.7 Liaise with appropriate person  to obtain approval for the plans, including security clearance and timing

2. Configure basic switch operation

2.1 Describe network segmentation, basic traffic management and basic switching concepts

2.2 Perform, save and verify initial switch configuration tasks

2.3 Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect switches to other network devices and hosts

2.4 Perform, save and verify initial switch configuration tasks

2.5 Upgrade firmware on a switch

2.6 Save and back up switch configuration files

2.7 Implement basic switch security 

3. Configure and verify advanced switching functions

3.1 Describe enhanced switching technologies 

3.2 Configure and verify virtual local area networks (VLANs)

3.3 Configure and verify trunks between switches

3.4 Configure and verify inter-VLAN routing

3.5 Configure and verify spanning tree protocol (STP) and rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP) operation

4. Troubleshoot medium enterprise switches

4.1 Troubleshoot device configuration and network connectivity using basic utilities 

4.2 Identify and resolve common switched network issues 

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of the ability to:

• prepare for the installation of an enterprise switch
• install, configure and test the network elements to ensure interoperability within the network
• apply network topologies, protocols and security issues
• apply solutions and troubleshoot defined network problems.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• site where network installation may be conducted
• enterprise switches and operating systems
• equipment specifications
• hardware and software
• organisational guidelines
• appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

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 installing, configuring and testing a new or updated network
• evaluation of documentation that outlines testing procedures, test results, recommendation to network changes and completion records
• verbal or written questioning of required knowledge.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Network  may include:

• data
• internet
• large and small local area networks (LAN)
• national wide area networks (WAN)
• virtual private network (VPN).

Documentation  may include:

• equipment inventory
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Australian Standards (AS) standards
• naming standards
• project management templates and report writing
• satisfaction reports
• version control.

Network elements  may include:

• adaptors
• communications cables and connectors
• hubs
• routers
• servers
• switches.

Requirements  may refer to:

• application
• business
• network
• people in the organisation
• system.

Client  may include:

• external organisations
• individuals
• internal departments
• internal employees.

Appropriate person  may include:

• authorised business representative
• client
• supervisor.

Basic switch security  may include:

• port deactivation
• port security
• secure shell (SSH).

Enhanced switching technologies  may include:

• 802.1q
• per-VLAN spanning tree protocol (PVSTP)
• RSTP
• trunking
• VLAN.

Basic utilities  may include:

• debug commands
• ipconfig
• ping
• secure shell (SSH)
• Telnet
• traceroute.

Common switched network issues  may include:

• auto-negotiation
• configuration issues
• media issues
• switch hardware failures
• VLAN
• STP and RSTP
• trunking.