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:

Explain the principles of computer networks

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14913	Explain the principles of computer networks
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-Fundamental	Level 3	NQF Level 03	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 working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Data Communication & Networking

as additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered

People credited with this unit standard are able to:

Describe data communication.

Demonstrate knowledge of main features of LAN`s

Demonstrate knowledge of main features of WAN`s.
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

Open.
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.)

Demonstrate competence to resolve technical computer problems (SGB-ID=DC301/ 302).

Demonstrate an understanding of local and wide area networks, and their installation.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Describe data communication.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The description explains the roles of key elements in data communication.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Computer, Sender, Receiver, Transmission media.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The description differentiates between LAN's and WAN's.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Speed, Control, Access, Media, Cost, Distance.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Demonstrate knowledge of main features of LANs.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The demonstration identifies the uses of LAN's with respect to current practice.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Local sharing of data, programs, peripherals and communications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The demonstration identifies the main types of LAN media.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Twisted pair, Coaxial, Optic fiber, Wireless.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The demonstration describes the main LAN configurations.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Star, Bus, Ring.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The demonstration describes LAN bandwidth.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Baseband, Broadband.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. The demonstration describes LAN protocols.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Ethernet, Token ring, TCP/IP.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Demonstrate knowledge of main features of WANs.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The demonstration explains the uses of WAN's with respect to current practice.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Remote sharing of data, programs, peripherals and communications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The demonstration explains the uses, hardware requirements and advantages of WAN's.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Voice, Data, Packet switched, ISDN.

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 behavior. 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.

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.

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 area,such as an office or building.
2. "Industry Recommended Procedure" refers to a procedure used and recommendedby an organisation involved in the computer industry.

Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
Data Communications and Networking

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	67609	National Certificate: Mechatronics	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Reregistered	2023-06-30	MERSETA
Core	24294	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2010-01-23	Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement
Core	78965	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Reregistered	2023-06-30	MICTS
Core	78964	Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Reregistered	2023-06-30	MICTS
Core	24293	National Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support	Level 4	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2010-01-23	Was MICTS until Last Date for Achievement
Elective	20184	National Certificate: Banking	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Reregistered	2023-06-30	BANKSETA
Elective	61591	National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Reregistered	2021-06-30	As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual

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.	Abetech
2.	Academy of Training and Development
3.	AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD
4.	Acol Computer Training PTY LTD
5.	Act of Grace 97
6.	Added Advantage Academy (Durban)
7.	Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd
8.	Affirmations Training
9.	AFRICALEADS ACADEMY
10.	All Connections cc
11.	Amitek Business College
12.	Anderson College (Pty) Ltd
13.	Ankalite (Pty) Limited
14.	Arise Business Centre
15.	Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd
16.	Aspirations Communication Training CC
17.	ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd
18.	AUM IT Solutions
19.	Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies
20.	Best Information Solutions
21.	Beth Horner & Associates
22.	Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited
23.	BMW SA (Pty) Ltd (ROSSLYN) (TP)
24.	Bokamoso Competence (Pty) Ltd
25.	Bonalesedi Computer Training
26.	Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd
27.	Broadband College of Technology
28.	BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd
29.	Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd
30.	Calandra Trading 523(PTY)
31.	Cape Innovation Technology Initiative
32.	Cape Town Society for the Blind
33.	Careers IT (Pty) Ltd
34.	Certified Workforce Trainers cc.
35.	Claas Illustration
36.	College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd
37.	Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd
38.	CompEd IT Training
39.	Competence computer and business management
40.	Compuscan Academy
41.	CTU Training Solutions
42.	Cyber College of Business and Technology
43.	CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED
44.	Daily Training Cc
45.	DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd
46.	Denwin's Computer & Business School
47.	Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc
48.	DVG Property (Pty)Ltd
49.	Eagle Computer Training
50.	Eastcape Midlands Public FET College - Uitenhage (High Street)Campus
51.	Eastern Cape Academy of Technology
52.	Egsibit Training and Development
53.	Ekasi IT Solutions CC
54.	Ekukhanyeni Community Development Centre
55.	Ekurhuleni Computer College
56.	Elangeni Training Institute
57.	Elchees Software Solutions
58.	Fakazani Management Services
59.	Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd
60.	Far North Education & Training Trust (FNETT)
61.	Far North Youth Development Initiative
62.	Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc
63.	Firstrand Bank - Benmore
64.	Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd
65.	Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD
66.	Foster-Melliar
67.	Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre
68.	Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD
69.	GDE Science Education Centre
70.	Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc
71.	Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd.
72.	Goldfields TVET College
73.	Goodwill Institute Of Technology
74.	Gurandbuilt Management Development
75.	Hazyview Computer College
76.	Hectic Productions cc
77.	IALE School of Advanced Learning and Education (Pty) Ltd
78.	iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD
79.	Indonsa Consulting and Training cc
80.	Information Technology Resource Centre
81.	Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building
82.	ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE
83.	iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
84.	IT Certification Academy
85.	IT SA Computer Services Solutions (Pty) Ltd
86.	Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies
87.	Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology
88.	John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust
89.	Jonda Learning Academy
90.	Keybase Training Solutions Cc
91.	Kezla Investments
92.	Khuphulanani Training Institute (Pty) Ltd
93.	King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College
94.	Konani Training and Development Institute
95.	Kondi Computer Training
96.	Kumani Computer College
97.	Kylix Information Systems
98.	LA Gomme Training Centre
99.	Leading Edge Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd
100.	Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd
101.	Lesedi Consulting
102.	Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd
103.	LGIT Smart Solutions
104.	Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd
105.	Loja Trading cc
106.	M-cot Corporate Training
107.	Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd
108.	Makhophila Business Enterprise
109.	Malope IT Solutions
110.	Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc
111.	Mash Computer Training
112.	Mass Computer Training And Printers
113.	MasterGrade IT
114.	Mkoneni Consulting (Pty) Ltd
115.	Mokk Consultants Cc
116.	Mosadikago Trading Cc
117.	Motheo TVET College
118.	Mourema Computer Training Centre
119.	Mpisholo Training Solutions
120.	Mthonyama Technologies cc
121.	National Computer College Carletonville
122.	National Computer College Cc
123.	NCM Computer and Business Academy
124.	Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute
125.	Nedbank Ltd
126.	NET2G Technologies (Pty) Ltd t/a IT SCHOOL
127.	NetCampus (Pty) Ltd.
128.	New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC)
129.	Ngubeni Corporation
130.	Nicoflora Computers & PC Engineering (Pty) Ltd
131.	Ntamunde Investment
132.	Nyankwavi Inverstment
133.	Ocule IT cc
134.	On the Ball College Pty ltd
135.	Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd
136.	Pillays Computer and Careers
137.	Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd
138.	PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD
139.	Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd.
140.	Qhakaza Management Services
141.	Rand Training College
142.	Reaithuta Computer Academy
143.	Regent-Comp
144.	Rivoni Training N Communications
145.	Ron and Becky Trading
146.	Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd
147.	Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd
148.	Sas Institute Pty Ltd
149.	Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited
150.	Sed General Trading Enterprise
151.	SEDIBENG
152.	Setlagole Telecentre
153.	Simation (Pty) Ltd
154.	Sivile Housing Association RSA
155.	Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre
156.	Siyafunda Community Technology Centre
157.	Smart Byte Training Cc
158.	South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd
159.	Southern Africa Youth Project NPC
160.	Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty)
161.	Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd
162.	Star Light Consulting
163.	Success Christian Training Centre
164.	Taal-Net Training Institute
165.	Tekmation (Pty) Ltd T/A Tekmation Training Institute (DURBAN) (TP)
166.	Terry Computer Services cc
167.	The Graduate Institute of South Africa
168.	THE SAJ COMPETENCY TRAINING INSTITUTE CC
169.	The Ulwazi Computer Training Center
170.	Tira Telecoms
171.	Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd
172.	Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd
173.	Toyota Academy Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd (ISIPINGO) (TP)
174.	Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer
175.	Tumelo Education and Training
176.	Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd
177.	Umbrella Training and Development
178.	Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd.
179.	Umzinyathi Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd
180.	Volkswagen of South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Technical Learning Academy (UIT
181.	Vukani Solutions
182.	Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD
183.	Waterberg TVET College
184.	Whitestone College
185.	Xtensive ICT Academy (Pty) Ltd
186.	Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd
187.	Y2K COLLEGE
188.	Zealot Business College cc
189.	Zinjiva Trading
190.	ZJ Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd