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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  83446   National Certificate: Electronics  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "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. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    2. Balefile Trading and Services 
    3. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    4. Elchees Software Solutions 
    5. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    6. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    7. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Fourways Private College 
    9. Global Institute for Capacity 
    10. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    11. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    13. IT Academy 
    14. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    15. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    16. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    18. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    19. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    20. Progressive School of Business 
    21. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    22. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    23. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    24. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    26. Spina Consultancy 
    27. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    28. Titan Trade Technologies 
    29. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    30. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    31. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    32. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    33. Whitestone College 
    34. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 


    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.