Modification History
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Release |
Comments |
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Release 2 |
This version first released with ICT10 Integrated Telecommunications Training Package Version 3.0. References to other units updated. Outcomes deemed equivalent. |
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Release 1 |
This version first released with ICT10 Integrated Telecommunications Training Package Version 1.0. |
Unit Descriptor
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to test optical communication systems and components in the field using portable test instruments.
It covers testing of point-to-point networks as well as next generation optical fibre networks which use passive optical network (PON) technologies in fibre to the home (FTTH) deployment.
Application of the Unit
Installation contractors, technical staff and field officers from telecommunications service providers or other private and public organisations or regulatory authorities apply the skills and knowledge in this unit.
They combine technical skills with organisational and administrative skills to perform tests on broadband passive optical networks (PON), fibre to the x (FTTx) networks, hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) networks and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) systems during installation, maintenance, commissioning and troubleshooting phases.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements apply to working at heights. If an elevated work platform (EWP) is required, verify state or territory law requirements for a licence to operate an EWP. Users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.
If working at heights, achievement of the unit ‘CPCPCM2015A Work safely on roofs’ from the CPC08 Construction and Plumbing Services Integrated framework training Package fulfils this requirement.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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Element |
Performance Criteria |
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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
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1. Prepare to use optical measuring instruments |
1.1 Obtain relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards and prepare for the given work 1.2 Notify customer for site access, security arrangements and location details of optical system and test purpose 1.3 Identify site hazards and notify appropriate personnel to make site safe 1.4 Devise and implement risk control measures of hazards with handling optical fibres and lasers in consultation with appropriate personnel 1.5 Prepare a testing plan indicating the type of measurement at the nominated wavelength and seek approval from customer 1.6 Select the appropriate tools and test instruments according to the required measurement and enterprise practice |
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2. Conduct optical measurements |
2.1 Set up test instrument according to manufacturer’s instructions according to occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements 2.2 Perform measurement using knowledge of appropriate testing techniques and in a safe manner to assess the performance of optical system and component 2.3 Record test results and compare with standard test specifications from manufacturer and enterprise guidelines 2.4 Evaluate the test results and report on the functionality of the optical component or equipment and the performance of the optical system |
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3. Document measurement results |
3.1 Document test results for future reference and make recommendations on optimising component and system performance 3.2 Clean work site and make safe according to the enterprise requirements and to customer satisfaction 3.3 Notify appropriate personnel of job completion for sign off and present test documentations |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
- communication skills to liaise with customers and enterprise staff
- literacy skills to read and interpret work instructions and document work
- numeracy skills to gather and record data from measurements
- planning and organisational skills to plan, prioritise and manage own work
- safety awareness skills to:
- apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities
- select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OHS standards
- work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment
- technical skills to:
- clean an optical connector to an acceptable industry standard
- safely inspect an optical connector for contamination and determine if cleaning is necessary
- safely operate:
- optical loss test set (OLTS)
- optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR)
- PON power meter.
Required knowledge
- consequences of mating contaminated optical connectors
- downstream and upstream signals
- DWDM metro and long haul system architecture
- HFC architecture (optical section)
- logarithmic power levels (decibels, dBm)
- optical connector types
- optical fibre safety, practices, handling and theory
- optical spectrum limits, wavelengths used in various applications and International Telecommunications Union (ITU) grid
- optical transmitters and receivers
- PON architecture
- safe handling procedures with optical fibres
- transmission system line rates:
- optical Ethernet
- synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH)
- wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and DWDM principles and optical multiplexers.
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.
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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
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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Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include: |
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Customer may be: |
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Optical system may contain: |
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Hazards may include: |
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Testing plan may include: |
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Type of measurement may include: |
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Wavelengths may include: |
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Tools may include: |
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Test instruments may include: |
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OHS and environmental requirements may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Telecommunications - Broadband and wireless networks
