Assessment Task 2: Enterprise WLAN Project
Task summary
The assessment tasks in this unit require students to design a WLAN for a client based on their needs and a site survey.
This assessment is to be completed in the simulated work environment in the RTO.
Required
• Access to textbooks and other learning materials
• Computer with Microsoft Office and internet access
• Access to a network
• Network simulation software (such as CISCO packet tracer)
Timing
Advise the student of the due date of these submissions.
Submit
• Client Needs Report
• WLAN Design
• Final WLAN Design
• Vendor Products Report
• Implementation Plan
Assessment Criteria
Students must complete all of the activities listed and will be assessed against the assessment criteria included in the checklist included with this task.
Re-Submission Opportunities
If a student submits work that is not satisfactory, the assessor will provide written feedback explaining why, as well as timelines for resubmission.
Assessment Task 2 Instructions as Provided to Students
Carefully read the following:
You will complete this activity within your RTO. Assume that due to expansion, the RTO owners have leased an additional floor in the building in which it is located. Based on this the RTO wishes to implement a WLAN and has contracted you to design the WLAN.
You will participate in a meeting with the client (your assessor) to find out information about the current network and use this information to document client needs. Following this you will conduct a site survey and then design the WLAN.
Complete the following activities:
1. Identify client needs and current network configuration.
The first part of this assessment requires you to meet with the client (your assessor) to discuss their needs in relation to the WLAN.
At the meeting, you will need to:
• Discuss needs in relation to the WLAN. This should include their current needs, as well as any future needs that may impact on the design of the WLAN.
• Obtain details of the current network layout and associated parameters including:
o Number of users/computers o Current server o Operating system o Network topology o Connected devices o Router, Switches, Gateways o Configuration layout o Firewall/Security o Server names o IP address information
o System specifications such as CPU, Memory (RAM), Bandwidth consumption o Internet server provider
o Backup o Target data rates o Coverage areas required.
• Obtain information on any other relevant factors that may impact on the WLAN.
Take notes during the meeting as required.
During the meeting, you are required to demonstrate effective communication skills including:
• Speaking clearly and concisely
• Using non-verbal communication to assist with understanding
• Asking questions to identify required information
• Responding to questions as required
• Using active listening techniques to confirm understanding
2. Develop a Client Needs Report.
Following the meeting you are to prepare a short report that includes:
• Details of the current network configuration, network topology and links to the carrier. You should present this as a diagram.
• Client’s current needs in relation to the WLAN.
• Client’s future needs that impact on the design of the WLAN.
Use Client Needs Report Template to guide your work.
Submit your Client Needs Report to your assessor.
3. Prepare to conduct a site survey.
Assume that the client has now given approval to proceed with the design of the WLAN. You are to conduct a site survey that includes both the internal building, as well as outside of the building. The purpose of the site survey is to collect information on the following:
• building type to assess possible interferences
• physical infrastructure, for example , number and type of walls, room size.
• power and cabling in place.
• building aesthetics that may impact on network performance
• barriers that may act as interferences both in and outside of the building
• physical assessment of existing network infrastructure • quality of radio frequency • any other relevant issues.
Prior to the site survey you are to select the diagnostic tools and measurement processes relevant to the site survey, as well as the test equipment.
You are also required to explain to your assessor your choice of tools and measurement processes, as well as test equipment.
You are also required to demonstrate that you can calibrate test equipment. Your assessor will provide you with test equipment and then observe you calibrating the equipment.
Finally, prior to your site survey, explain to your assessor how you will ensure that you complete your survey to ensure minimum disruption to the client, as well as a safe working environment for both the staff, as well as self.
You do not have to submit anything for this task. However, you will need to clearly explain the above.
4. Conduct site survey.
You are now required to conduct the site survey including:
• Using the diagnostic tools, measurement processes and test equipment you identified previously.
• Applying safe working practices as previously identified.
• Ensuring minimum disruption to staff as previously identified.
• Identifying radio frequency interference issues and sources of such.
• Identifying other interference issues including topographic barriers, climate, obstacles, transmission distances and construction materials.
• Considering solutions for radio frequency and other interference issues.
• Assessing the optimum location and position of the wireless access points to be installed, as well as repeaters, routers and other equipment required for the WLAN.
Make notes as you complete your site survey as you will use these to provide a WLAN design to the client
5. Develop WLAN design.
You are to use the information you have identified from the client and your site survey to develop a WLAN design. Use the WLAN design template to document your design. Your design should be clear and logical to facilitate understanding.
Your WLAN design document is to include:
• Summary of client needs and current network configurations and topology. This should also include the estimated network traffic and planned growth as per the client’s future needs identified.
• Results of the site survey specifically issues that impact on the design of the WLAN.
• An outline of the interference issues identified during the site survey and how the WLAN will accommodate these
• Specifications for the upgrade of the WLAN including equipment required.
• Diagrams that show the best location and position for access points, repeaters, routers and other equipment included as part of the WLAN.
• Cabling plans and repeater links, including power requirements.
• Required frequency based on client needs.
• Required test and modelling routines for the WLAN.
Use WLAN Design Template to guide your work.
Save your WLAN design for submission at the completion of all activities.
6. Test network.
You are to test the design you have developed for the WLAN. As a minimum you should test:
• Coverage
• Performance
• Security
Take screenshot of your test and results.
Based on the outcome of the tests, revise your design as required. You will present your design to the client (your assessor) in Activity 8.
7. Network components recommendations report and implementation plan.
Assume that the client has asked for your advice on vendor products and equipment to meet your WLAN design.
For each of the products and equipment you have identified, provide the client with at least three options.
Provide information on:
• Key features
• Costs
• Comparison with other products/equipment you have selected.
For each item give your recommendations on the product/equipment you consider most suitable.
You should also identify a relevant industry body and conduct research to identify the running cost of a WLAN, sustainability of WLAN components and connectivity access.
Document your findings in a Vendor Products Report. Use Vendor Products Report template to guide your work.
As part of providing advice on products and equipment, you should also prepare an implementation plan.
Create a Gantt chart that lists all the activities and sub-tasks that will take place, along with the duration of tasks.
8. Present design
You are required to present your WLAN design to the client. Ensure that you clearly present your reasons for your WLAN design.
Go through your WLAN design, as well as the products and equipment choices and your recommendations and the implementation plan.
As you explain the WLAN design to the client, clearly inform them of limitation of the design, performance that can be expected and potential unexpected outcomes such as security threats.
Seek the client’s feedback on your design.
During the presentation, you are required to demonstrate effective communication skills including:
• Speaking clearly and concisely
• Using non-verbal communication to assist with understanding
• Asking questions to identify required information
• Responding to questions as required
• Using active listening techniques to confirm understanding
9. Finalise design
Use the feedback from the client and make modifications to your design.
Submit your final design to the client as an attachment to an email.
The text of the email should be in grammatically correct English, written in an appropriate (polite, business-like) style.
It should introduce and summarise the contents of the attachment and seek their endorsement