Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design a high capacity dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) optical network suitable for a metropolitan area network (MAN) or long haul applications. It involves link budget design and providing specification details for configuration and commissioning teams. DWDMs use optical multiplexing techniques to increase the carrying capacity of a fibre network by transmitting multiple optical wavelengths each carrying high speed data stream over a single fibre. DWDM systems offer up to 128 wavelengths, with each wavelength carrying up to 100 Gbps. 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. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
Technical officers and supervisors apply the skills and knowledge in this unit when designing DWDM systems for the deployment of high capacity networks using optical technologies. Optical networks using DWDM provide services in Next Generation Networks (NGN) using emerging technologies. NGN services include internet protocol TV (IPTV), video on demand (VoD), interactive TV and cloud computing. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare to produce a DWDM system design |
1.1. Obtain the planning document from appropriate person and determine site details 1.2. Obtain the service type and the number of channels required between customer traffic sources and destinations and the type of protection required 1.3. Obtain specifications of the optical fibre between sites 1.4. Determine the fibre loss between sites |
2. Calculate link budget for each wavelength path |
2.1. Use vendor's engineering design rules, specifications and data to calculate link budget and link margin for each DWDM wavelength and path 2.2. Evaluate link budget and assess the calculated margin and make recommendations for improvement if warranted 2.3. Analyse the specifications of the installed optical fibre and determine if dispersion will limit the maximum traffic data rate 2.4. Generate options for system design that are realistic for the enterprise and network 2.5. Evaluate and select preferred option based on enterprise business strategy outcomes, service policy and compliance with relevant legislation 2.6. Discuss and confirm selected option with customer |
3. Prepare detailed configuration documents for the DWDM system |
3.1. Outline the detailed requirements of the DWDM system for configuration document 3.2. Prepare a configuration document according to the customer's traffic needs 3.3. Prepare an internet protocol (IP ) address allocation for all DWDM shelves and associated routers and gateways 3.4. Submit documentation to appropriate person for approval and sign off |
4. Investigate upgrade options using emerging technologies |
4.1. Investigate the option of using a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) and make recommendations outlining the benefits 4.2. Investigate the feasibility of a future upgrade up to 100 Gbps system using optical transport network (OTN)-DWDM technology |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Evidence of the ability to:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment must ensure:
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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:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
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. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Appropriate person may include: |
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Site details may include: |
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Service type may include: |
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Protection may include: |
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Specifications may include: |
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Optical fibre may include: |
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Detailed requirements may include: |
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Configuration document may include: |
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IP address allocation may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Telecommunications |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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Competency field
Competency field |
Optical networks |