networks
Level 7 Credits 10
Purpose People credited with this unit standard are able to: describe network types and standards; explain local and wide area network architectures; investigate local area networks (LAN);
explain wide area network (WAN) architectures; evaluate a wide area network; and explain network administration. The performance of all outcomes is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area.
Classification Computing > Computer Support
Available grade Achieved
Entry information Critical health and safety prerequisites
Open. The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person has the prior knowledge and skills to describe data communications.
Explanatory notes Glossary of terms
a Local area computer network (LAN) refers to a single network of personal computers within the same area, e.g. office or building.
b Wide area computer network (WAN) refers to a network of computers that are physically remote from each other and connected via third party data
communications providers (carriers).
c Current industry practice refers to a practice used and recommended by an organisation involved in the computer industry.
Outcomes and evidence requirements Outcome 1
Describe computer network types and standards.
Evidence requirements
1.1 The description distinguishes types of networks.
Range homogeneous, heterogeneous, wide area, local area, internetwork.
1.2 The description compares network topologies.
Range centralised star, distributed, ring.
1.3 The description outlines and distinguishes the features of node addressing methods.
Range circuit switching, message switching, packet switching, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), frame relay, cell relay.
1.4 The description outlines the standards for industry standard network architectures.
Range International Standards Organisation (ISO) - Open Systems Interconnect (OSI), Systems Network Architecture (SNA), Digital Network Architecture (DNA), Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Outcome 2
Explain local area network architectures.
Evidence requirements
2.1 The explanation outlines channel utilisation techniques and distinguishes their features.
Range baseband, broadband.
2.2 The explanation compares the principles of access protocols.
Range Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detect (CSMA/CD), token passing.
2.3 The explanation identifies the purpose of LAN components.
Range server, workstation, network interface cards, cabling, repeaters, terminators, hubs, Network Operating Software (NOS),
workstation software.
2.4 The explanation explains network configuration and installation issues with reference to current industry practice.
Investigate local area networks.
Range a minimum of two local area networks of different types, e.g. different network operating systems.
Evidence requirements
3.1 The investigation identifies the method of implementation of the local area network.
3.2 The investigation identifies the make, category, and function of network components.
Range hardware, software, communications media.
3.3 The investigation identifies and explains the features and constraints of the network from a functional perspective.
3.4 The investigation explains the principles of how the network and workstation operating systems cooperate.
Outcome 4
Explain Wide Area Network architectures.
Evidence requirements
4.1 The explanation distinguishes switching techniques.
Range circuit, packet.
4.2 The explanation compares switching techniques.
Range implementation, cost, performance, reliability, security.
4.3 The explanation compares the features of available switching services.
4.4 A discussion of wide area network management issues outlines and explains the issues.
Range strategic control, growth control, day-to-day operation, cost, performance, account control, reliability, security.
Outcome 5
Evaluate a wide area network.
Evidence requirements
5.1 The evaluation identifies the method of implementation of the wide area network.
5.2 The evaluation distinguishes categories of the network components, outlines their functions, and identifies examples.
Range hardware, software, communications media, carriers.
5.3 The evaluation identifies and explains the features and constraints of the network from a functional perspective.
5.4 The evaluation assesses the suitability of the network for its use.
5.5 The evaluation proposes and compares alternative network designs.
5.6 The evaluation recommends a network design based on a cost-benefit justification.
Outcome 6
Explain network administration.
Evidence requirements
6.1 The explanation identifies the tasks involved and outlines their requirements.
Range technical control, performance monitoring.
6.2 The explanation outlines, for a range of factors, how response times are affected.
Range speed of devices, bandwidth, alternate routing, queuing,
processing time, message size, transmission overheads, priority at host and nodes, quality of transmission.
6.3 The explanation outlines the principles of network interconnections.
Range internetwork protocols, gateways.
6.4 The explanation outlines and explains network security administration procedures.
Range generation, distribution and storing of encryption keys; passwords, security logs, access control, audit.
6.5 Network administration documentation is completed according to organisation requirements and current industry conventions.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process Version Date Last Date for Assessment
Registration 1 8 July 1996 31 December 2015
Revision 2 28 November 2000 31 December 2015
Review 3 17 October 2008 31 December 2015
Rollover 4 21 July 2011 31 December 2015
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference 0011
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
