Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This unit covers setting up, configuring and maintaining operation of personal computer based data communications systems. It encompasses safe working practices, installing data communications hardware, installing and configuring data communications software and documenting set-up parameters.

Note:

This unit applies to all aspects of Electrotechnology - engineering applications only. For general competencies related Information Technologies refer to the latest endorsed IT Training Package.

Application of the Unit 

2) 

This unit is intended for competency development entry-level employment based programs incorporated in approved contracts of training.

License to practice 

3)  

The skills and knowledge described in this unit do not require a license to practice in the workplace. However, practice in this unit is subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Prerequisite Unit(s) 

4)  

Competencies 

4.1) 

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

UEENEED102A

Assemble, set-up and test computing devices

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Literacy and numeracy skills 

4.2)  

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 ‘Literacy and Numeracy’

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Employability Skills 

5)  

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6)  Elements describe the essential outcomes of a competency standard unit

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to set up and configure basic data communication systems.

1.1

OHS processes and procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood.

1.2

The extent of set-up and configuration work is determined from job specifications and in consultation with appropriate person(s).

1.3

Appropriate personnel are consulted to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others involved on the work site.

1.4

Hardware and software needed for the work are obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked against job requirements.

1.5

Preparatory work is checked to ensure no damage has occurred and that it complies with requirements.

1.6

OHS processes and procedures for a given work area are identified, obtained and understood.

2

Set up, configure and maintain basic data communication equipment.

2.1

OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed.

2.2

Layout of data communications hardware, cabling and outlets is determined from job specifications or in consultation with appropriate person(s).

2.3

Hardware is installed in accordance with the data communications system requirements. (Note 1)

2.4

Data communications software is in installed and configured in accordance with network requirements. (Note 2)

2.5

Data communications operations are tested and anomalies identified and corrected.

2.6

Reported data communications failures and faults are responded to and appropriate tools and methods are used.

2.7

Identified causes of reported problems are rectified and the data communications link is tested in accordance with established procedures.

2.8

Unexpected situations are dealt with safely and with the approval of an authorised person.

2.9

Set-up configuration and maintenance are carried out efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus and the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy practices.

3

Complete work and document activities.

3.1

OHS risk control work completion measures and procedures are followed.

3.2

Work site is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures.

3.3

Data communications configuration and maintenance records are maintained in accordance with established procedures.

3.4

Service report is completed and forward to appropriate person(s) in accordance with established procedures.

Notes.

1. Examples of hardware include cables and connectors, dial up modems, and cable modems.

2. Examples of configuration include data communications protocols, user options and permissions, security, driver software.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

8)  This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and in setting up and configuring basic data communications systems.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-EF114A Data communication fundamentals 

Evidence shall show an understanding of data communication fundamentals, applying safe working practices and relevant Standards, Codes and Regulations to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1. Process of data transmission encompassing:

• codes used in data communications
• asynchronous and synchronous transmission
• bits per second and baud rate
• DCEs and DTEs.
• error control, parity and CRC.

T2. Characteristics and limitations of the types of transmission media encompassing:

• information as a quantity.
• information content of symbols.
• redundancy in communications.
• common types of media used in data communications: twisted pair, coaxial.
• other communication systems: HF radio, satellite and cellular.

T3. Simple protocols encompassing:

• reason for protocols.
• simple protocols: teletype, X modem, half-duplex and full duplex.

T4. Types, characteristics and limitations of modems and interface standards encompassing:

• operation and types of modems
• Note: Examples include serial, parallel, USB, firewire, broadband, ADSL, cable modems
• modulation techniques: FSK, PSK and QAM.
• interface and signalling standards:

• Note: Examples include RS232, V.24, Current loop, RS422, RS423, RS449, RS485, V35, X21 and G703.

• Limitations interface standards, speed and distance.

T5. Types, characteristic specifications and limitations of fibre optic systems encompassing:

• fundamentals of light and how it travels in a fibre.
• typical fibre composition, multimode and single mode propagation
• laser and other light sources and detectors.
• fibre cable and splice fibre cable.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9)  This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of the unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9.1) 

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accordance with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its ‘richness’. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9.2) 

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the ‘Assessment Guidelines – UEE11’. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

• Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

• Set up and configure basic data communications systems as described in 8) Range: and including:

A

Establishing the extent of work schedule.

B

Obtaining specified hardware and software according to the work.

C

Laying out network in accordance with requirements.

D

Installing hardware as specified.

E

Installing and configuring software to requirements.

F

Identifying and correcting anomalies.

G

Finding the cause of faults/malfunctions.

H

Rectifying the cause of malfunctions.

I

Documenting network configurations and activity results for future referencing.

J

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in a holistic assessment with the above listed items.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9.3) 

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit.

Resources required to assess this unit are listed above in context of assessment’, which should also be used in the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to setting up and configuring basic data communications systems.

Method of assessment 

9.4) 

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 ‘Assessment Guidelines’.

Note:

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this competency standard unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9.5) 

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit.

RANGE STATEMENT 

10)  This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit shall be demonstrated in relation to setting up and configuring basic data communications systems that include:

• Standard serial and parallel ports
• High-speed ports (e.g. USB, Firewire)
• 1 dial-up modem
• 1 broadband modem

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

Competency Field 

11)  

Computer Systems