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. Describe the operation of data networks

1.1 Describe the purpose and functions of various network elements 

1.2 Use the open system interconnections (OSI) and transmission control protocol or internet protocol (TCP/IP) models to explain how data flows in a network

1.3 Describe the purpose and basic operation of the protocols in the OSI and TCP/IP models

1.4 Identify and correct common network problems at layers 1, 2, 3 and 7 using a layered model approach

2. Implement a small switched network

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

2.2 Explain network segmentation, basic traffic management and basic switching concepts

2.3 Perform, save and verify initial switch configuration tasks

2.4 Verify network status and switch operation using basic utilities 

2.5 Implement and verify basic security for a switch 

3. Implement an IP addressing scheme and IP services to meet network requirements

3.1 Describe the need and role of addressing in a network

3.2 Create and apply an addressing scheme to a network

3.3 Assign and verify valid IP addresses to hosts, servers and networking devices in a local area network (LAN) environment

3.4 Describe the operation and benefits of using private and public IP addressing

3.5 Implement static and dynamic addressing services for hosts in a LAN environment

3.6 Enable network address translation (NAT)  for a small network with a single internet service provider (ISP) and connection and verify operation

3.7 Configure dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) and domain name system (DNS)  operation on a router

4. Implement a small routed network

4.1 Select the appropriate media, cables, ports, and connectors to connect routers to other network devices and hosts

4.2 Describe basic routing concepts

4.3 Perform, save and verify basic router configuration tasks

4.4 Configure and verify a classless routing protocol

4.5 Verify device configuration and network connectivity using basic utilities

4.6 Implement password and physical security

5. Implement and verify WAN links

5.1 Describe different methods for connecting to a WAN

5.2 Configure and verify basic WAN serial connection

6. Troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network

6.1 Identify and resolve common switched network issues 

6.2 Identify and correct IP addressing issues

6.3 Troubleshoot DHCP, NAT and DNS operation on a router

6.4 Identify and resolve common routing problems 

6.5 Troubleshoot basic WAN connection problems 

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• design an IP addressing scheme to suit requirements
• 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
• small enterprise routers and switches
• network design documentation
• equipment specifications
• hardware and software
• organisational guidelines
• computers
• 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 prepared 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 elements  may include:

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

Basic utilities  may include:

• ping
• traceroute (tracert)
• Telnet
• secure shell (SSH)
• ipconfig.

Basic security for a switch  may include:

• port security
• port deactivation.

NAT, DHCP and DNS  may include:

• calling line identification (CLI) configuration
• graphical user interface (GUI) configuration.

Switched network issues  may include:

• auto-negotiation problems
• configuration issues
• media issues
• switch-hardware failures.

Common routing problems  may include:

• configuration issues
• dynamic-routing protocols
• hardware failures
• media issues
• static routes.

WAN connection problems  may include:

• configuration issues
• hardware failures
• incorrect passwords
• media issues
• protocol mismatches.