ICTPMG611 - Prepare a Detailed Design Brief - Engineering Assignment

Assessment 1 - Knowledge Assessment (Written Tasks)

1.1 Aden was contracted recently by ABC Inc in order to upgrade their entire network for next generation network (NGN) capabilities. Currently their system provides Voice Telephony, Data, and Multimedia services. They have public Wi-Fi hotspots as well and would like their employees to be able to securely access confidential data through them. For that purpose, Aden proposed using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

What is the NGN and why is it important? Explain it briefly. What changes, if any, would Aden need to make in order to get the job done? Briefly explain those services, and whether Aden made a good choice or not.                      

1.2 During a project for XYZ International John realises that the company would save more money by switching to a different carrier network. After getting the approval he contacts a few providers who explain what XYZ’s responsibilities would be in the entire process which include connectivity equipment. To reduce the equipment costs John decides he will have to procure the equipment himself rather than have the carrier provide them.

What devices would John have to consider? What purpose do they serve? Does the type of internet service matter?

1.3 During the initial meeting between Miranda and her client for a new telecommunications project, the client kept mentioning how the budget is limited and they are looking for “cost-effective” solutions. This is Miranda’s first project, so she decided to be cautious and do some research. She asks you, her co-worker, for help understanding how she should tackle her problem.

What would you say to her?

1.4 During the planning phase for her project, Samantha realised she forgot the first step involved with any project which was to consult the relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards applicable to the project. Luckily, she had not done too much work and could just make the necessary changes rather than start all over.

Identify and explain the major legislation, codes of practice, regulations and standards relating to telecommunications projects in Australia that Samantha should consider.

1.5 Edward was hired as a project manager by XYZ International to overhaul their entire network to make it NGN ready. One of his tasks involve setting up a new connection to Optus, an internet service provider (ISP) in Australia.

While speaking to a representative of Optus, Edward is asked about the client premises equipment. He was surprised to hear the term and, due to his lack of knowledge, rescheduled a call later. How would you explain client premises equipment to him? Are there any specific pieces of equipment he should know about for his project?

1.6 During a department head meeting for Smith Ltd., the CEO reviews a report on their carbon footprint. It’s come to the board’s attention that Smith Ltd. may face legal repercussions if they don’t do anything to get it under control.

According to various reports of their company, a fairly large portion, approximately 30% of their energy usage is due to the ICT department. The head of ICT explains that most of the machines are required to run 24/7 otherwise it would lead to huge losses in revenue.

This meeting takes place nearly a week before a scheduled project to update their entire system for which you were hired as a project manager. Your client mentions the meeting and explains that this should be the top priority. What options would you consider?

1.7 Charley starts a project with IJK Communications to do a complete overhaul of their network. Their current network is too slow and highly susceptible to network failures which causes them to lose a lot of money. For that purpose, they asked Charley to start over from scratch. They have approximately 3 buildings which will need to be connected using a fibre optics cables, each building will have multiple floors where each floor will be a separate subnetwork.

Charley is given 24 hours to come up with a list of equipment along with how he could ensure network traffic security. What would he include in that list, and what are they used for?

1.8 Within IJK, Charley proposed the list of devices and now needs to determine how the devices within the networks themselves will be connected. He will also need to justify why he chose the method that he did in terms of cost, and availability.

What different methods would Charley consider for connecting hardware? What are interfaces and what is their importance? Are there any special considerations to be made when connecting multiple networks together?

1.9 Samantha is working with a telecommunications network provider to make them ready for the next generation networking. Before she went to the actual sites, she’s reminded to keep an eye out for any potential threats to health and safety of the workers and technicians who will be involved in this project.

What are some things she should look out for?

1.10 Charley’s POC from IJK Communications approaches him with some questions. He informs Charley that although the things he’s planning will stay within a proper budget they are concerned about operation and maintenance costs. One of the factors for maintenance cost being the safety requirements for not only the workers involved but the equipment as well.

For that purpose, the POC asks for an estimate of the cost of operation and any special requirements that may be involved. What should Charley do?

1.11 Another issue brought to Charley’s attention by his POC at IJK Communications was the new telephones. Again, although it is within the budget, they can’t understand the need for new telephones when they already have ones that work perfectly fine.

Charley explains that one of the project requirements was to upgrade all the hardware to make it a next gen network (NGN) and how the old telephones were outdated and needed to be replaced. Similarly, the upgrades made to their network would allow them to add additional services without making any changes to the network architecture.

In the next meeting Charley decides to explain what NGN is. What would he say?

1.12 As the work nears completion Charley finds that the company does not have any tools or equipment to test various aspects of the network. This includes testing network stability and performance under heavy network load or testing physical components.

What tools exist for the purpose of testing the network and what are they used for?

1.13 Consultation period is the third stage of The Land Access Process. Discuss in details about carrier consultation process for affected private property owner. Suppose you are a register cabler and installed new telecommunication cabling inside a private property, fill up a TCA1 (Compliance form - telecommunications customer cabling TCA1 form provided in additional material section)

1.14 Research and list some physical obstruction and hazards that you may fetch in telecommunication construction field. Propose the way to manage them. While undertaking the contracted cabling work, few issues have been identified with the pre-existing cable installation, which may require your attention, fill up a Telecommunications cabling advice (TCA2) form provided in additional material section.