Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:19 PM AWST
21/07/2026 11:19 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Analyse optical transmission systems
Analyse optical transmission systems
Unit of competency
National Code
ICTOPN6129A
ICTOPN6129A
State Code
D3381
D3381
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
031307 - Communications Technologies
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to analyse optical transmission systems deployed by service providers in core and access networks. Network service providers adapt their existing optical networks to meet the demand for higher bandwidths for Next Generation Networks (NGN). Upgrading to 128 channels at transmission rates of up to 100 Gbit/s has a significant effect on the network's tolerance to optical impairments, such as noise level, chromatic dispersion and polarisation mode dispersion (PMD).Before an existing network is upgraded, its characteristics must be characterised and verified to ensure it will support the new modulation requirements of the equipment. 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to conduct characterisation tests on existing optical network
- 1.1. Obtain relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standardsrelevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards and follow occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements for the given work
- 1.2. Identify hazards and work safely according to relevant safety legislation and company work practices using personal protective equipment
- 1.3. Construct test procedures for each test to be conducted
- 1.4. Notify customer and arrange for site access
2. Conduct link characterisation tests and analyse existing optical network
- 2.1. Perform optical tests to characterise the existing fibre link
- 2.2. Analyse the results of the optical tests, and determine the extent and nature of future upgrades based on the tests
3. Document the analysis of optical network with recommendations
- 3.1. Produce final drawings and plans of proposed upgrade requirements for optical transmission and submit to project manager according to enterprise policy
- 3.2. Prepare a report on the measured performance of the network and recommendations on future upgrades
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.
Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include:
Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes
AS Communications Cabling Manual (CCM) Volume 1
Australian building codes and regulations
compliance with appropriate Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) technical standard requirements for underground, aerial, Category 5 or Category 6, 6A, 7 or 7A, and unshielded twisted pairs (UTP)
Environmental Protection Acts
fire regulations
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC):
IEC 61282-3 Technical report on calculation of PMD
IEC 61290-1 Gain of optical amplifiers
IEC 61290-2 Power measurements on optical amplifiers
IEC 61291 Generic specs for optical amplifiers
IEC 61291-4 Performance template for multi-channel optical amplifiers
IEC 61941 Standard on PMD measurement for single mode optical fibre
OHS
relevant international standards
technical standards AS/ACIF S008:2006 and AS/ACIF S009:2006.
OHS and environmental requirements may relate to:
decommissioning and isolating worksite and lines prior to commencement
flashing lights
gas and other hazard detection equipment
identifying other services, including power and gas
safe working practices, such as the safe use and handling of:
asbestos
chemicals
materials
tools and equipment
work platforms
safety barriers
safety equipment
special access requirements
suitable light and ventilation
trench guards
warning signs and tapes
witches hats
environmental considerations:
clean-up protection
noise, dust and clean-up management
stormwater protection
waste management.
Hazards may include:
infra-red laser light at transmitter ports and fibres
needle stick injuries from fractured optical fibres.
Personal protective equipment may include:
dust protection
earmuffs
eye protection
gloves
hard hats
personal reflecting jackets
safety boots
safety glasses
traffic signs
warning signs and tapes.
Test procedures may include:
expected measurement results
test conditions
test instrument settings
test instruments required
test setup.
Optical tests may include:
tests:
CD
non-linearity (four wave mixing)
optical loss test set (OLTS)
ORL
OSNR
OTDR testing from both ends
PMD
wavelength:
1310 nm
1550 nm
1625 nm.
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.
Relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards may include:
Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) standards and codes
AS Communications Cabling Manual (CCM) Volume 1
Australian building codes and regulations
compliance with appropriate Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) technical standard requirements for underground, aerial, Category 5 or Category 6, 6A, 7 or 7A, and unshielded twisted pairs (UTP)
Environmental Protection Acts
fire regulations
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC):
IEC 61282-3 Technical report on calculation of PMD
IEC 61290-1 Gain of optical amplifiers
IEC 61290-2 Power measurements on optical amplifiers
IEC 61291 Generic specs for optical amplifiers
IEC 61291-4 Performance template for multi-channel optical amplifiers
IEC 61941 Standard on PMD measurement for single mode optical fibre
OHS
relevant international standards
technical standards AS/ACIF S008:2006 and AS/ACIF S009:2006.
OHS and environmental requirements may relate to:
decommissioning and isolating worksite and lines prior to commencement
flashing lights
gas and other hazard detection equipment
identifying other services, including power and gas
safe working practices, such as the safe use and handling of:
asbestos
chemicals
materials
tools and equipment
work platforms
safety barriers
safety equipment
special access requirements
suitable light and ventilation
trench guards
warning signs and tapes
witches hats
environmental considerations:
clean-up protection
noise, dust and clean-up management
stormwater protection
waste management.
Hazards may include:
infra-red laser light at transmitter ports and fibres
needle stick injuries from fractured optical fibres.
Personal protective equipment may include:
dust protection
earmuffs
eye protection
gloves
hard hats
personal reflecting jackets
safety boots
safety glasses
traffic signs
warning signs and tapes.
Test procedures may include:
expected measurement results
test conditions
test instrument settings
test instruments required
test setup.
Optical tests may include:
tests:
CD
non-linearity (four wave mixing)
optical loss test set (OLTS)
ORL
OSNR
OTDR testing from both ends
PMD
wavelength:
1310 nm
1550 nm
1625 nm.
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
conduct four of the following measurements:
OTDR testing from both ends
OLTS loss test
ORL
CD
PMD
non-linearity (four wave mixing)
OSNR
analyse complex optical measurement results
recommend the most appropriate upgrades for the existing system.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
sites on which link characterisation testing may be conducted
use of test equipment currently used in industry
test equipment and manufacturer's technical documentation.
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 performing integration
review of test documentation completed by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of test and commissioning procedures.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTOPN5118A Plan and configure dense wavelength division multiplexing systems
ICTOPN5119A Perform acceptance test and commission an optical network
ICTOPN5120A Plan for an optical system upgrade and cut over
ICTOPN5122A Test the performance of specialised optical devices.
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.
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
conduct four of the following measurements:
OTDR testing from both ends
OLTS loss test
ORL
CD
PMD
non-linearity (four wave mixing)
OSNR
analyse complex optical measurement results
recommend the most appropriate upgrades for the existing system.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
sites on which link characterisation testing may be conducted
use of test equipment currently used in industry
test equipment and manufacturer's technical documentation.
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 performing integration
review of test documentation completed by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of test and commissioning procedures.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
ICTOPN5118A Plan and configure dense wavelength division multiplexing systems
ICTOPN5119A Perform acceptance test and commission an optical network
ICTOPN5120A Plan for an optical system upgrade and cut over
ICTOPN5122A Test the performance of specialised optical devices.
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.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWE15 | ICTOPN604 | Analyse optical transmission systems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W817 | ICT60110 | Advanced Diploma of Optical Networks | Qualification |