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  78965   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 
    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  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. All Connections cc 
    10. Amitek Business College 
    11. Anderson College (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Ankalite (Pty) Limited 
    13. Arise Business Centre 
    14. Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    16. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    17. AUM IT Solutions 
    18. Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies 
    19. Best Information Solutions 
    20. Beth Horner & Associates 
    21. Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited 
    22. BMW SA (Pty) Ltd (ROSSLYN) (TP) 
    23. Bonalesedi Computer Training 
    24. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Broadband College of Technology 
    26. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    27. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    28. Calandra Trading 523(PTY) 
    29. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    30. Cape Town Society for the Blind 
    31. Careers IT (Pty) Ltd 
    32. Certified Workforce Trainers cc. 
    33. Claas Illustration 
    34. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    35. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    36. CompEd IT Training 
    37. Competence computer and business management 
    38. Compuscan Academy 
    39. CTU Training Solutions 
    40. CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED 
    41. Daily Training Cc 
    42. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd 
    43. Denwin's Computer & Business School 
    44. Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc 
    45. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    46. Eagle Computer Training 
    47. Eastcape Midlands Public FET College - Uitenhage (High Street)Campus 
    48. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    49. Egsibit Training and Development 
    50. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    51. Ekukhanyeni Community Development Centre 
    52. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    53. Elangeni Training Institute 
    54. Fakazani Management Services 
    55. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    56. Far North Education & Training Trust (FNETT) 
    57. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    58. Firstrand Bank - Benmore 
    59. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    60. Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD 
    61. Foster-Melliar 
    62. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    63. Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD 
    64. GDE Science Education Centre 
    65. Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc 
    66. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    67. Goldfields TVET College 
    68. Goodwill Institute Of Technology 
    69. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    70. Hazyview Computer College 
    71. Hectic Productions cc 
    72. IALE School of Advanced Learning and Education (Pty) Ltd 
    73. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    74. Indonsa Consulting and Training cc 
    75. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    76. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    77. ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE 
    78. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    79. IT Certification Academy 
    80. IT SA Computer Services Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    81. Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies 
    82. Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology 
    83. John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust 
    84. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    85. Kezla Investments 
    86. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    87. Kondi Computer Training 
    88. Kumani Computer College 
    89. Kylix Information Systems 
    90. Leading Edge Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    91. Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    92. Lesedi Consulting 
    93. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    94. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    95. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    96. Loja Trading cc 
    97. Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd 
    98. Malope IT Solutions 
    99. Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc 
    100. Mash Computer Training 
    101. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    102. MasterGrade IT 
    103. Mokk Consultants Cc 
    104. Mosadikago Trading Cc 
    105. Mourema Computer Training Centre 
    106. Mpisholo Training Solutions 
    107. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    108. National Computer College Carletonville 
    109. National Computer College Cc 
    110. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    111. Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute 
    112. Nedbank Ltd 
    113. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    114. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    115. Ngubeni Corporation 
    116. Nicoflora Computers & PC Engineering (Pty) Ltd 
    117. Ntamunde Investment 
    118. Ocule IT cc 
    119. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    120. Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    121. Pillays Computer and Careers 
    122. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    123. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    124. Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd. 
    125. Qhakaza Management Services 
    126. Rand Training College 
    127. Reaithuta Computer Academy 
    128. Regent-Comp 
    129. Ron and Becky Trading 
    130. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    131. Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd 
    132. Sas Institute Pty Ltd 
    133. Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited 
    134. SEDIBENG 
    135. Setlagole Telecentre 
    136. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    137. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    138. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre 
    139. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    140. Southern Africa Youth Project NPC 
    141. Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty) 
    142. Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd 
    143. Star Light Consulting 
    144. Success Christian Training Centre 
    145. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    146. Tekmation (Pty) Ltd T/A Tekmation Training Institute (DURBAN) (TP) 
    147. Terry Computer Services cc 
    148. The Graduate Institute of South Africa 
    149. THE SAJ COMPETENCY TRAINING INSTITUTE CC 
    150. The Ulwazi Computer Training Center 
    151. Tira Telecoms 
    152. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    153. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    154. Toyota Academy Toyota SA Motors (Pty) Ltd (ISIPINGO) (TP) 
    155. Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer 
    156. Tumelo Education and Training 
    157. Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd 
    158. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd. 
    159. Umzinyathi Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd 
    160. Volkswagen of South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Technical Learning Academy (UIT 
    161. Vukani Solutions 
    162. Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD 
    163. Waterberg TVET College 
    164. Whitestone College 
    165. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    166. Y2K COLLEGE 
    167. Zealot Business College cc 
    168. Zinjiva Trading 
    169. ZJ Africa Learn (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.