Implement on-premises network infrastructure

This standard is about implementing on-premises network infrastructure.

Network engineers develop and manage network systems. They turn design plans into physical networks by setting up hardware, software, and protocols in line with the network requirements.

This involves installing cables, configuring devices like routers and switches, and setting up secure communications. They ensure network security, test operations, fix issues, and improve performance. They also document configurations and procedures.

This standard is for those who need to implement on-premises network infrastructure as part of their duties.

1. Install and configure both wired and wireless network hardware and software in line with specified network designs
2. Secure internal and external aspects of the network to safeguard unauthorised access to information
3. Establish access control permissions to regulate entry to network resources
4. Configure network settings including IP addresses, subnet masks, and default gateways to enable network communications
5. Implement failover mechanisms to ensure continuous network operation during device failures or disruptions
6. Conduct thorough testing of networks to validate performance and functionality
7. Monitor post-implementation network performance, to identify issues, analyse traffic patterns, and optimise performance
8. Troubleshoot network issues to maintain performance levels in line with Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
9. Verify proper sign-off of network infrastructure implementation and handover by relevant stakeholders, in line with organisational procedures
10. Monitor the lifecycle of network devices to verify that supportable versions are maintained
11. Test and deploy network upgrades in line with organisational procedures
12. Produce accurate network documentation and reports, including network topology, device configurations, IP address schemes, and virtual local area network (VLAN) setups in line with organisational procedures
13. Produce accurate network documentation and reports, covering network topology, device configurations, and IP addressing schemes in line with organisational procedures

1. The primary purposes of on-premises networks
2. Fundamental principles of network communications
3. The role of network operating systems in supporting multiple users.
4. Common industry-standard network topologies such as star, mesh, ring, and bus, both logically and physically
5. Wired and wireless network communications
6. Industry-standard network components including switches, routers, and servers, their installation and configuration
7. The different network layers, including transport, network, application and data
8. The main Internet services including Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Domain Name System (DNS)
9. Software-defined networking (SDN) concepts
10. How to configure IP addresses, subnet masks, default gateways, and other essential parameters required to enable smooth communication between devices
11. The importance of failover mechanisms in maintaining network operation during device failures
12. The steps involved in monitoring network device lifecycles and their application
13. The process of testing networks to assess performance, connectivity, and reliability
14. How to address identified network issues or bottlenecks to optimise functionality and performance
15. The main factors affecting network performance
16. Common network faults and troubleshooting methods
17. The purpose of firewalls in network security and their configuration
18. Network security fundamentals, including passwords, access control and management
19. How to set network access permissions for authorised users
20. What is meant by software-defined networking (SDN)
21. The importance of network acceptance and sign off procedures
22. How to produce and maintain accurate and up-to-date network documentation required for networking operations