Course Title: Undertake network traffic management

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2009

Course Code: EEET6725C

Course Title: Undertake network traffic management

School: 130T Vocational Engineering

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6080 - Advanced Diploma of Telecommunications Engineering

Course Contact: Program Manager

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4468

Course Contact Email: engineering-tafe@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 150

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There are no prerequisites

Course Description

This unit relates to the maximisation of all available network capacity in real time. This unit may apply to switching, transmission and radio (both fixed and mobile) network and the various transmission paths i.e. cable, optic fibre, radio, microwave and satellite. This unit applies to computer systems including Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs).


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

ICTTC043C Undertake network traffic management

Element:

1. Check availability of all installed network capacity

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Network alarms are interrogated to identify any areas of route/circuit unavailability
1.2 Planned and unplanned outages are assessed to determine network unavailability and checks are made as to restoration times

Element:

2. Detect network traffic problems

Performance Criteria:

2.1 System is interrogated to identify traffic status
2.2 System alert is analysed to identify traffic problems both real and potential
2.3 Controls are activated either automatically or manually and monitored where applicable
2.4 Traffic measurement data is used to assist identify problems
2.5 Customer complaints are analysed as appropriate
2.6 Semi permanent controls active in the network are activated and deactivated on a regular basis

Element:

3. Analyse traffic volumes

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Circuit allocation is measured in real time in accordance with specification
3.2 Routes to be measured and the specific measurements to be undertaken are identified
3.3 Traffic measurements are undertaken across all identified routes
3.4 Measurement results including historical data is collected
3.5 Results are analysed and conclusions reached
3.6 Traffic patterns are established or updated as required

Element:

4. Develop strategies to overcome network traffic problems

Performance Criteria:

4.1 All relevant data both current and historical is gathered and analysed
4.2 Predetermined thresholds are established
4.3 Loading/grading levels are determined
4.4 Actions necessary to alter traffic flows are determined
4.5 Funding parameters are sought and amendments to plans initiated to fit budgeted levels
4.6 Liaison is established with other involved areas both within and without the enterprise
4.7 Interim traffic controls are determined and allied prior to any action
4.8 Strategies based on traffic analyses and patterns are developed to control traffic and prevent congestion or other traffic problems
4.9 Develop strategies for recovery where traffic congestion/problems occur
4.10 Contingency plans are developed to allow for problems during network changes

Element:

5. Apply solutions both short and long term where required

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Software changes are implemented in accordance with planned strategy
5.2 Network controls are activated and monitored
5.3 Short term ad hoc solutions are developed and implemented where temporary solution only is required
5.4 Action is implemented to ensure that reversal action is initiated in the case of temporary solution
5.5 Contingency plan is implemented where required
5.6 Monitoring of change is undertaken on a continual basis
5.7 Measurements are undertaken to assess the outcome of variations
5.8 Results of change are analysed and a report prepared for the appropriate authorities with recommendations for further immediate change or for later action
5.9 Continually review and monitor strategies and initiate corrective action where required

Element:

6. Detect and take action on potential traffic congestion

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Traffic loads are measured and analysed
6.2 Potential congestion problems are identified and possible impact determined
6.3 Processor overloads are prevented by controlling traffic
6.4 Potential traffic increases are assessed for impact on the network and contingencies developed to control traffic flow if required

Element:

7. Provide traffic indicators for capacity planning

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Relevant data on traffic patterns both current and historical are gathered
7.2 Data is assessed and conclusions as to necessary action are made
7.3 Reports complete with appropriate recommendations are completed and forwarded to enterprise planners/account managers


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

See Student Drive


Teaching Schedule

See Student Drive


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include:

Assignment based reports

Laboratory Exercises

Project or Written Test


Assessment Tasks

Assignment Based reports 30%
Laboratory Exercises 30%
Project of Written Test 40%


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview