Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:16 PM AWST
23/07/2026 6:16 PM AWST
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Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network
Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network
Unit of competency
National Code
ICANWK517A
ICANWK517A
State Code
D7967
D7967
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
020113 - Networks And Communications
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the best way computers and local area networks (LANs) can be connected to make a wide area network (WAN).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify WAN needs
- 1.1 Identify the different LAN, or wireless local area network (WLAN) or virtual private network (VPN) segments of the proposed WAN
- 1.2 Determine segment needs using functional analysis
- 1.3 Estimate traffic content and volumes according to expected organisational usage, by examining telecommunications infrastructure
- 1.4 Develop an organisational WAN functional matrix
2. Create WAN specification
- 2.1 Determine resource requirements for each LAN or WLAN or VPN segment on the basis of functional analysis
- 2.2 Consider and report how features of the physical environment affect WAN design
- 2.3 Choose a WAN service appropriate to the amount and type of traffic expected to access the WAN
- 2.4 Include redundant links in the proposed WAN connectivity for link backup purposes, in case the main link is disrupted
- 2.5 Document appropriate WAN service
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.
Traffic may include:
data
video
voice.
Telecommunications infrastructure may include:
asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL)
high speed digital subscriber line (HDSL)
integrated services digital network (ISDN)
leased lines
switched circuits (permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) and switched virtual circuits (SVCs)
symmetrical digital subscriber line (SDSL)
T-carriers, synchronous optical network (SONET) technologies.
Resource requirements may include:
average transaction and file transfer size
nature of WAN traffic (i.e. constant, steady, flows or communication in bursts)
number of users
telecommunications links
type of applications using the link.
WAN service may include:
bandwidth
cost structure
reliability.
Traffic may include:
data
video
voice.
Telecommunications infrastructure may include:
asymmetrical digital subscriber line (ADSL)
high speed digital subscriber line (HDSL)
integrated services digital network (ISDN)
leased lines
switched circuits (permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) and switched virtual circuits (SVCs)
symmetrical digital subscriber line (SDSL)
T-carriers, synchronous optical network (SONET) technologies.
Resource requirements may include:
average transaction and file transfer size
nature of WAN traffic (i.e. constant, steady, flows or communication in bursts)
number of users
telecommunications links
type of applications using the link.
WAN service may include:
bandwidth
cost structure
reliability.
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:
consider budget constraints and business needs
identify the configuration for connecting a LAN or WLAN or VPN into a WAN
document the configuration.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
design documents relating to LANs to be incorporated into the WAN
equipment specifications
costings
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment 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:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:
network segments
telecommunications infrastructure
review of candidate’s WAN functional matrix
evaluation of documented recommendation.
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
consider budget constraints and business needs
identify the configuration for connecting a LAN or WLAN or VPN into a WAN
document the configuration.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
design documents relating to LANs to be incorporated into the WAN
equipment specifications
costings
appropriate learning and assessment support when required
modified equipment 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:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of:
network segments
telecommunications infrastructure
review of candidate’s WAN functional matrix
evaluation of documented recommendation.
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D0022 | ICAA5145B | Identify best-fit topology for a wide area network | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUV07 | ICTNWK517 | Determine best-fit topology for a wide area network | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D567 | ICA50111 | Diploma of Information Technology | Qualification |
| W817 | ICT60110 | Advanced Diploma of Optical Networks | Qualification |
| W818 | ICT60210 | Advanced Diploma of Telecommunications Network Engineering | Qualification |