Interested in a simple Skills Scan and Learning Progress Tracker tool for the Radio network technician standard?
Knowledge
K1: The basics of radio propagation including path profile analysis and the behaviour of radio waves as they travel from one point to another covering line of sight and different band frequencies
K2: The characteristics of digital communication including differences to how analogue networks behave.
K3: The causes and impact of radio interference and noise in a network
K4: Basic electricity theory for antenna
K5: The different types of cabling and connectivity and their relative merits
K6: Network architectures, the specification of a network's physical components and their functional organisation and configuration; its operational principles, procedures, protocols and related management tools.
K7: The need for and the principles of spectrum re-use in networks and an understanding of manual and automated methods of frequency planning for narrow band networks
K8: The existence of uplink and downlink channels in networks and their uses
K9: Constraints to spectrum which can be used on a given radio site based on information about spectrum already in use on it and nearby
K10: Impact of harmonics in radio frequency and how to reduce this
K11: The relationship between capacity demands and spectral usage in networks and to frequency re-use requirements
K12: The differences between wide-band and narrow band networks, the use of simplex and duplex techniques in networks, methods of frequency hopping and their benefits in narrow band networks and manual and automated methods of code planning in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks.
K13: Techniques and systems used in testing to identify the location and cause of faults in complex and/or non-standard radio telecommunications networks; including observation, simulation, measurement, identification of function loss comparison, and previous fault data. Previous fault data includes frequency of occurrence, manufacturers' documentation including user guides and diagnostic data, maintenance records, trending, built-in diagnostics, alarm priority, comparison with commissioning results.
K14: What equates to good voice and data network performance
K15: The fault finding process and how to measure performance against targets, including an awareness of service level agreements
K16: The types of fault which may occur, the main factors affecting network performance including typical faults, and approaches to error control
K17: The importance of following relevant health and safety requirements
K18: Basic security principles, policies and procedures including general relevant data protection, software, access, encryption and regulation and how to report security breaches and an awareness of digital infrastructure
K19: Existence of network vulnerabilities and how they are assessed
K20: The security process for accessing field based sites
K21: How to use data ethically and the implications for wider society, with respect to the use of data and automation.
K22: The need for accessibility for all users and diversity of user needs
K23: Roles within a multidisciplinary team and the interfaces with other areas of an organisation
K24: Information available in data sources, how to access these and commonality and difference between them
K25: How their occupation fits into the wider digital landscape and any current or future regulatory requirements
Skills
S1: Operate the planning process including selection of appropriate equipment
S2: Select appropriate location as part the planning process
S3: Install or support installation of equipment and termination of cabling
S4: Install, or support the installation, positioning equipment according to manufacturer's specifications, design detail and perform administrative tasks including installation reports and test results
S5: Identify the causes of issues relating to frequency re-use and other noise sources
S6: Prioritise, plan and organise work activity using a methodical approach
S7: Select the right frequency or code planning method for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) in a given scenario
S8: Access and use the appropriate test system
S9: Report faults and use the appropriate escalation process
S10: Collate and input fault data and statements into the fault management system
S11: Rectify faults within own area of control or escalate as appropriate
S12: Utilise tools to review, audit and modify network element parameters
S13: Configure and maintain Internet Protocol (IP) based Radio Frequency (RF) telecommunications network
S14: Gather network performance information and user insight through feedback or user experience
S15: Implement procedures to enhance the performance of the network
S17: Use equipment and technology responsibly and effectively
S18: Locate and apply organisational security polices
S19: Arrange access to sites according to required procedure
S20: Create a written work plan & communicate plan to team members
S21: Use customer feedback to process, prioritise and resolve issues effectively
S22: Work in agile, multi-disciplinary delivery teams, taking a flexible, collaborative and pragmatic approach to delivering tasks
S23: Keep up to date with developments in technologies, trends and innovation using a range of sources
S24: Review own development needs
Behaviours
B1: Adheres to required work practices and conducts all work in a manner which is safe
B2: Aligns work activities and priorities to organisational objectives
B3: Is responsible for own continued professional development
B4: Uses initiative to take ownership and responsibility for their work
B5: Demonstrates a pragmatic and logical approach to problem solving
B6: Is a positive role model to others in attitude to work and how it is undertaken
Duty 1
DUTY: Select new cell site locations and design new cell sites in relation to network planning which is required to meet site specific targets including containment of coverage. This should also include consideration of Health & Safety procedures and applicable national and international legislation and regulations. This may include sites to be permanently part of the network or for a temporary purpose.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Meets specific geographic coverage and quality targetsCell sites successfully implemented Complies with Health & Safety procedures, and applicable national and international legislation and regulations.
K1
K3
K5
K7
K9
K11
K12
K17
K20
S1
S2
S5
S15
S17
S22
B1
B2
B6
Duty 2
DUTY: Perform user level maintenance and testing on the digital radio and data network using associated test equipment e.g. TEMS (testing mobile systems tool) or CW (constant carrier wave testing) or other testing systems such as built in test facilities for digital radios and user data terminals. Test and monitor the network performance and signal, analyse log files to identify faults and key issues. Inspect and test internal and external distribution systems of static sites and mobile network platforms.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Effective testing and monitoring of network performance carried out within set timescales Proficient use of proprietary generic log file tools to correctly identify, locate, rectify or report issue/faults is demonstrated within timescales to ensure optimisation. Faults are correctly analysed using all available tools including network applications and on line support in compliance with equipment care directives and policy. After action review has taken place to analyse and identify trends or common factors affecting network performance. Log files shared with support teams others who need them in accordance to defined timescales; Insight gathered and signed off for quality to specifications.
K2
K3
K13
K14
K15
K17
S4
S7
S8
S9
S10
S14
S15
B1
B2
B4
B5
B6
Duty 3
DUTY: Report on the information contained in generic log files or system generated fault codes and how this information provides insight into the performance of their own network and that of their competitors. React and correct issues within their control. Identify issues that require support from other people or teams and request network support at the correct level following process.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Reports any areas of concern and raises any potential hazards/risks to the relevant people
K2
K10
K12
K13
K22
K24
S7
S11
S14
S15
S16
S22
B1
B2
B6
Duty 4
DUTY: Follow security policies relating to people security, information and process security, physical security and computer and network security policies, current data protection regulations and non-disclosure agreements
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Faults correctly identified and managed. Meets targets for service availability and consistent and reliable network provided for customers use.
K18
K19
K20
K21
S17
S18
B1
B2
B6
Duty 5
DUTY: Manage faults using fault management systems and state the responsibilities of the team to support this.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Reacts appropriately to triggers in the required timescale.Takes action or makes recommendations following process. Records recommendations accurately.network services meets company objectives for area under this employees control.
K13
K15
K16
K22
K24
S8
S10
S11
S16
S17
S22
B1
B2
B6
Duty 6
DUTY: Monitor network statistics, identify where changes can be made and make adjustments or corrections to improve the network. Complete any further changes based on reviews which could include reversal of changes. Escalate any adjustments or corrections outside of their control to the appropriate areas.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Records and reports recommendations or requests made to others where the fix is outside of employee’s direct control.Takes action or makes adjustments and recommendations following process.Network Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) meet minimum standard for area under employee’s direct control.
K2
K6
K12
K13
K14
K16
K22
K24
S8
S11
S12
S14
S15
S16
S17
B2
B5
B6
Duty 7
DUTY: Review customers’ feedback and make adjustments to improve the network by monitoring sources of input (including customer complaints via customer care, social media, customer satisfaction surveys) and recognise which issues can and should be addressed.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Network equipment built to plan specification within timescales required.Once complete, work signed off by technical lead.
K2
K13
K15
K16
K19
K21
S8
S11
S12
S14
S15
S16
S17
S21
B2
B5
B6
Duty 8
DUTY: Install and commission radio network equipment and systems.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Deliver level of capacity required to meet customer expectations.Optimisation efforts agreed and signed off by technical expert.
K4
K5
K6
K10
K17
S1
S2
S4
S13
S17
S19
S22
B1
B5
B6
Duty 9
DUTY: Support frequency and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) code planning for radio networks to ensure optimisation of network capacity available to customers.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Deadlines of work activity and duties met Priorities are achieved
K1
K3
K7
K8
K9
K10
K11
K12
S5
S7
S17
B2
B6
Duty 10
DUTY: Independently create and implement a prioritised plan of own workload to meet deadlines and company priorities
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE: Technical expert signs off that area under employees control following any guidance set in place.
K17
S6
S20
S22
B1
B2
B4
B6
Duty 11
DUTY: Recognise the purpose of networking settings and parameters and ensures that the network continues to adhere to any controls for these parameters.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE:
K2
K24
S12
S13
S16
S17
B1
B6
Duty 12
DUTY: Practice continuous self-learning to keep up to date with technological developments to enhance relevant skills and take responsibility for own professional development.
CRITERIA FOR MEASURING PERFORMANCE:
K25
S23
S24
B3
B4
Duty 13
DUTY: Collaborate with people both internally and externally at all levels with a view to deliver a network that meets customer’s needs.
