MODULE DETAILS

Wireless LANs and Mesh Networks DMNWLN612

Nominal duration: 60 hours total time commitment

This time commitment includes the structured activities, preparation reading, and attendance at each webinar, completing exercises, practical assessments and proctored assessments.

It is also expected that students spend additional time on readings, personal study, independent research and learning, practicing on remote labs and required software and working on any projects and assignments.

This module covers IEEE802.11 wireless Local Area Networks as employed in mining applications, both below and above ground, including the basic attributes, standards, security, wireless mesh networks, deployment, design considerations, versions and applications.

MODULE PURPOSE

The purpose of this module is for participants to develop knowledge of the principles and applications of wireless LANs and wireless mesh networks in mining industries.

MODIFICATION HISTORY

Original module approved in 2011 (52438WA); December 2014 (52727WA).  This version is Version 3.

PREREQUISITE AND/OR CO‑REQUISITE MODULES

Modules that must be delivered and assessed before this module:

Data Communications DMNDCO607

TCP/IP and VoIP DMNTCP609

Modules that must be delivered concurrently with this module:

N/A

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1.    Identify and explain basic attributes of WLANs

2.    Identify and summarise attributes of the IEEE802.11 WLAN standards and amendments applicable to mining

3.    Analyse WLAN security considerations

4.    Identify and explain attributes and applications of industrial WLANs

5. Explain basic characteristics of mesh networks

6. Compare features of open and proprietary mesh implementations.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Learning outcomes specify what students will be able to do as a result of the learning.

Assessment criteria provide the criteria by which achievement of the learning outcomes will be judged.

1

Identify and explain basic attributes of WLANs

1.1

Identify and define key WLAN terminology

1.2

Explain the following WLAN concepts:

(a) wireless bridging

(b) wired and wireless Distribution Systems

(c) client roaming (both MAC-and IP-level)

(d) forced roaming

(e) association and authentication

2

Identify and summarise attributes of the IEEE802.11 WLAN standards and amendments applicable to mining

2.1

Outline the IEEE802.11 family of specifications relevant to mining, and amendments

2.2

Outline central features of the (ISM band) 2.4 and 5 GHz channels, frequencies and spacing

2.3

Identify and explain attributes, relevant to mining, of the following IEEE802.11 variants:

(a) IEEE802.11a

(b) IEEE802.11b

(c) IEEE802.11g

(d) IEEE802.11n

(e) IEEE802.11ac

2.4

Explain implications of co-existence between IEEE802.11 variants

3

Analyse WLAN security considerations

3.1

Identify modes of unauthorised access to WLANs

3.2

Outline essential features of IEEE802.11i and its relationship to WPA2

3.3

Compare common encryption services supplied by WPA2

3.4

Outline authentication processes supported by WPA2

4

Identify and explain attributes and applications of industrial WLANs

4.1

Outline characteristics of industrial WLAN components relevant for mining applications

4.2

Explain the process for creating redundant wireless rings

4.3

Outline issues related to real-time operation of WLANs

4.4

Analyse the design of a sample wireless VLAN

4.5

Outline applications for WLANs in the mining industry

5

Explain basic characteristics of mesh networks

5.1

Outline basic features of mesh networks

5.2

Identify and explain basic mesh network components

5.3

Outline mesh deployment modes

5.4

Summarise mesh design considerations

5.5

Explain considerations for the co-existence of mesh with wired and wireless LANs

5.6

Outline mesh routing algorithms

6

Compare features of open and proprietary mesh implementations

6.1

Explain the features of routing of IPv6 over mesh (6LoWPAN)

6.2

Compare characteristics of the following standardized mesh implementations relevant to mining:

(a) IEEE802.11s

(b) IEEE802.15.4

(c) ISA 100 Wireless

6.3

Compare characteristics of proprietary mesh implementations by at least 4 vendors such as Motorola, Cisco, Strix and Proxim

6.4

Outline applications of mesh networks in mining industries

DELIVERY MODE

Online and/or face-to-face.

SPECIALISED RESOURCES

N/A

ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, structured assessments, samples and questioning. This will include short answer questions on the knowledge content, the use of remote and virtual labs, and writing tasks to apply the learning to academic tasks.

CONDITIONS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessor Requirements:

Assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the standards for registered training organisation (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.

Assessors must also hold a tertiary qualification in engineering or related field.

The RTO must also ensure that trainers and assessors keep their industry knowledge up to date through ongoing professional development.

Assessment Conditions:

Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this module. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required.

The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessments may be open book assessment and may be completed off campus. Invigilation software will be used for some assessments to ensure authenticity of work completed.

Model answers must be provided for all knowledge-based assessments to ensure reliability of assessment judgements when marking is undertaken by different assessors.