NZQA Expiring unit standard
6742 version 5
Page 1 of 4
Title
Administer a wide area computer network
Level
6
Credits
15
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: maintain the
performance of a wide area computer network (WAN); execute
procedures on a WAN; administer security, maintain the supply
of consumables, and plan capacity for a WAN; maintain the
availability of a WAN; and control changes to a WAN. The
performance of all outcomes is to a standard that is expected in
a professional environment.
Classification
Computing > Computer Operations
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 apply
the principles of administering a wide area network.
Explanatory notes
1
Glossary of terms
a
b
This unit standard is
expiring
Procedures refers to programs of computer operating commands.
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).
2
Performance of all outcomes is to be carried out in accordance with organisation
standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and
procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication,
health and safety, and personal behaviour. An example of the standards expected is
the standards found in ISO 9000 Certified Organisations.
3
Performance of all outcomes is to be completed within the normal range of time that
would be expected in a professional environment, e.g. in a commercial or
government organisation.
4
Performance of all outcomes is to be within the normal range of cost, or cost
estimate, that would be expected in a commercial environment.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
5
6742 version 5
Page 2 of 4
Performance of all outcomes complies with the laws of New Zealand, especially with
regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Maintain the performance of a wide area computer network.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Monitoring and tuning of the network ensures the operation and performance
meets the manufacturer’s, carriers’, and organisation specifications.
1.2
Network performance problems are resolved according to organisation
specifications.
Outcome 2
Execute procedures on a wide area computer network.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Computer output is produced according to organisation specifications.
2.2
Procedure messages are identified during execution, and actions are taken
according to organisation specifications.
2.3
Problems with procedures are identified, and action is taken according to
organisation specifications.
2.4
Potential improvements to procedures are identified, and action is taken
according to organisation specifications.
2.5
Startup and shutdown of the network are in accordance with the manufacturer’s,
carriers’, and organisation specifications.
Outcome 3
This unit standard is
expiring
Administer security systems for a wide area computer network.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Security exposures and violations are identified, and action is taken according
to organisation requirements.
3.2
Access is provided according to organisation requirements.
Outcome 4
Maintain the supply of consumables for a wide area network.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
6742 version 5
Page 3 of 4
Evidence requirements
4.1
A forecast of the consumption of computer system consumables is justified
using measurements of historical consumption, and anticipated events.
4.2
Supply agreements are established and maintained so the consumables are
available to meet demand.
4.3
Stocks of consumables meet forecasted demand.
Outcome 5
Plan capacity for a wide area network.
Evidence requirements
5.1
Documentation of current network resource utilisation and historical growth
allows a forecast to be made.
5.2
A forecast of future usage is justified on current usage, historical growth, and
expected events.
5.3
Recommendations for network changes allow the network to meet the future
capacity requirements.
5.4
A review of a capacity plan compares actual resource usage with forecast
usage according to organisation requirements.
Outcome 6
Maintain the availability of a wide area network.
Evidence requirements
6.1
6.2
This unit standard is
expiring
Network availability problems are resolved according to organisation
The network is available and accessible according to organisation
requirements.
specifications.
Outcome 7
Control changes to a wide area network.
Evidence requirements
7.1
A review of a proposed change predicts the impact and risks to the organisation
associated with the change, and establishes when the change should occur to
minimise those impacts and risks.
7.2
A contingency plan allows the network to be restored to a status acceptable to
the user in the event of a problem with the change.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
6742 version 5
Page 4 of 4
7.3
Testing establishes the success of the installation and of the changes.
7.4
People affected by the change are notified to minimise disruption to their
activity.
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
Rollover
5
16 April 2015
31 December 2017
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.
This unit standard is
expiring
Requirements for consent to assess and an
outline of the moderation system that applies
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.
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.
NZQA National Qualifications Services
SSB Code 130301
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016