SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Demonstrate an understanding of different computer network architectures and standards 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114074  Demonstrate an understanding of different computer network architectures and standards 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Information Systems and Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended :
  • To provide fundamental knowledge of the areas covered
  • For those entering the workplace in the area of Data Communications & Networking.
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe network types and standards
  • Explain local and wide area network architectures
  • Explain wide area network (WAN) architectures

    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit is based on a person having prior knowledge and skills to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental mathematics (at least NQF level 3).
  • Demonstrate PC competency skills (End-User Computing unit Standards, at least up to NQF level 3.).
  • Describe data communications. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe computer network types and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description distinguishes types of networks. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Homogenous, Heterogeneous, WAN, LAN, Inter-network (at least 3).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description compares network topologies. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Centralised, Star, Distributed, Ring.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description outlines and distinguishes features of node addressing methods. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Circuit switching, Message switching, Packet switching, Frame relay, Cell relay, ATM (at least 3).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The description outlines the standards for industry network architectures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    ISO, OSI, SNA, DNA, TCP/IP. (at least 3).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    The explanation outlines channel utilisation techniques and their features. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation outlines channel utilisation techniques and their features. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Baseband, Broadband.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation compares the principles of access protocols. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    CSMA/CD, Token passing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation identifies the purpose of LAN components. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Server, Workstation, Network interface cards, Cabling, Repeaters, Terminators, Hubs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The explanation illustrates network configurations and installation issues. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain LAN architectures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation identifies switching techniques. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Circuit, Packet.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation compares switching techniques. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Implementation, Cost, Performance, Reliability, Security.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation outlines WAN management issues. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Strategic control, Growth control, Day-to-day operations, Costs, Security.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programs of education and training assessed against unit standards.

    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Performance of all elements 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.

    2. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.

    3. All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.

    4. Performance of all elements should be performed with a solid understanding of the use of development tools needed in the areas applicable to the unit standard. Examples of such tools are, but is not limited to CASE tools, programming language editors with syntax checking, program source version control systems systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of an organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/her self and his/her activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exists in isolation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to his/her full personal development and the social and economic development of the society at large by being aware of the importance of: reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively, exploring education and career opportunities and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:

    1. "LAN" refers to a single network of personal computers within the same areasuch as an office or building.

    2. "WAN" refers to a network of computers that are physically remote from eachother and are connected via third party data communication carriers.
    3. "Current Industry Practice" refers to a practice used and recommended by anan organisation involved in the computer industry. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48573   National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  83446   National Certificate: Electronics  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. A4 Consultancy Pty Ltd 
    2. Academy of Training and Allied Services Pty Ltd 
    3. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    4. Advanced Assessments and Train 
    5. Affirmations Training 
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    7. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    8. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Amilak Training Center 
    10. Angie Technologies 
    11. Answer The Call Skills ands En 
    12. APEXEA 
    13. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    14. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    15. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    16. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Balefile Trading and Services 
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    33. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
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    38. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
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    40. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    41. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    42. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    43. Fourways Private College 
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    46. Gert Sibande FET College 
    47. Gijima Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    48. Global Institute for Capacity 
    49. Growth Management Consulting cc 
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    51. HCLS HUMAN CAPITAL LEARNING SOLUTIONS 
    52. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    53. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    54. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    55. Ikusasalethu Youth Development 
    56. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    57. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    58. Ingomsotech Solutions and Trai 
    59. INSIGHTTECH COMMUNICATIONS Pty 
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    61. ISOLVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PTY LTD 
    62. IT Academy 
    63. IT Labs Consulting 
    64. Ithemba IT Solution 
    65. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    66. Jonda Learning Academy 
    67. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    68. Kgolo Institute 
    69. KT Mobile Services 
    70. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    71. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    72. LINKINGNOTES 
    73. MASITHUTHUKE HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 
    74. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    75. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    76. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    77. MND Training and Projects 
    78. Mogapi Education Group 
    79. MOKALENG IT 
    80. Mothusi Management Consultants 
    81. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    82. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    83. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    84. NCC - Vereeniging 
    85. Netcampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    86. New Trend Computers cc 
    87. Nkoka Training Cc 
    88. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    89. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    90. Nyathela Business College 
    91. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    92. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    93. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    94. Petcon Capacity Building Solut 
    95. PLATINUM PEAK CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    96. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    97. Pretoria Technical College 
    98. Progressive School of Business 
    99. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    100. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    101. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    102. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    103. RAKGAKALA INSTITUTE OF EDUCATI 
    104. Rasinkhu Investment (Pty) Ltd 
    105. Revival Technologies and Academy 
    106. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    107. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    108. SA College of Technology (PTY) 
    109. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    110. Siyafunda CTC 
    111. Sokwanya Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    112. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute(SAAI) 
    113. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    114. Spina Consultancy 
    115. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    116. Supreme ICT Consultants 
    117. Synergy Transformation Solutio 
    118. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    119. Tau Ya Mariri Consulting 
    120. TBL Empowerment Hub 
    121. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    122. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    123. Terry Computer Services cc 
    124. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    125. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    126. TIC-IT Telecoms 
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    131. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    132. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
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    138. Visionary Skill Academy 
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    141. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    142. Wavelengths Technology Training Institute 
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    144. Whitestone College 
    145. Woosh Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    146. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    147. Working Solution International 
    148. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    149. YAB Business Solutions (Pty)Ltd 
    150. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    151. Youth Media Movement 
    152. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    153. ZJ Africa Learn 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.