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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Describe Synchronous/ Asynchronous Communication with computers 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14932  Describe Synchronous/ Asynchronous Communication with computers 
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  6 
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 a fundamental knowledge of the areas covered.
  • For those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Systems Support.
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered.

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe past, present and emerging developments in data communication.
  • Describe synchronous and asynchronous data communication characteristics.
  • Describe communication with computers using telephone networks.
  • Describe synchronous and asynchronous communication with local and remote computers.

    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.) 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe past, present and emerging developments in data communication. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to:
  • Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols.
  • Synchronous/ Asynchronous communication: Physical interface, Modes of operation.
  • Telephone network services: Lease, VAN, ISDN, Packet switch. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description explains the origin of current data communications with an outline of past developments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to:
  • Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols.
  • Synchronous/ Asynchronous communication: Physical interface, Modes of operation.
  • Telephone network services: Lease, VAN, ISDN, Packet switch.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description provides a taxonomy for current systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to:
  • Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols.
  • Synchronous/ Asynchronous communication: Physical interface, Modes of operation.
  • Telephone network services: Lease, VAN, ISDN, Packet switch.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description identifies and mentions trends from emerging developments in data communications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to:
  • Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols.
  • Synchronous/ Asynchronous communication: Physical interface, Modes of operation.
  • Telephone network services: Lease, VAN, ISDN, Packet switch.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe synchronous and asynchronous data communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description outlines the characteristics of each form of data communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description explains the features of data communications equipment with respect to synchronous and asynchronous data communication. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe communication with computers using telephone networks. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    As per Assessment Criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description distinguishes types of telephone network services and outlines their features and costs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to : Leased line, VAN, ISDN, Packet switch.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description outlines the functions of telephone network components. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to : Source, Medium, Sink.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description outlines the types of problems encountered in digital transmission. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Attenuation, Attenuation distortion, Noise.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The description outlines the options available as distance increases. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Dial-up, Leased line, Direct connect, Packet switch.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe asynchronous and synchronous communication with computers. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    As per Assessment Criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description outlines the interface of the physical layer for synchronous and asynchronous communication. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Voltages, Timing, Interchange circuits.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description outlines the application and operation of protocols. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Bit-oriented protocol (bop), Character oriented protocols (cop)
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description outlines the delays incurred in transmissions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reaction time, Propagation delay, Timing delay.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The description outlines the operation of link control protocols. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Polling, Character-based, Flow control, In-band.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation Process:

    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 Process:

    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 
  • 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.
  • Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
  • 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.
  • 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 ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/her self and his/her activities responsibly and effectively. 

    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:
  • None.

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
  • Hardware and Infrastructure Support 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  78964   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  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 


    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. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Affirmations Training 
    3. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    5. Amilak Training Center 
    6. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    8. Bells Technical College 
    9. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    10. Careers IT 
    11. Clean Heat Academy 
    12. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    13. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    14. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    15. CSL Accountants 
    16. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Delight Computer Training 
    18. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    19. ED-U Options Academy 
    20. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    21. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    22. Elchees Software Solutions 
    23. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    24. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    25. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    26. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    27. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    28. Fourways Private College 
    29. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    30. Global Institute for Capacity 
    31. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    32. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    34. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    35. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    36. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    37. IT Academy 
    38. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    39. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    40. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    41. KT Mobile Services 
    42. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    43. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    44. Loomee Group 
    45. Makhophila Training 
    46. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    47. Mash Computer Training 
    48. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    49. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    50. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    51. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    52. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    53. Mpande Technologies cc 
    54. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    55. NBC Technologies 
    56. NCC - Vereeniging 
    57. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    58. Nyathela Business College 
    59. Olrich Home of Technology 
    60. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    61. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    62. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    63. Pretoria Technical College 
    64. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    65. Progressive School of Business 
    66. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    67. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    68. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    69. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    70. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    71. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    72. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    73. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    74. Spina Consultancy 
    75. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    76. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    77. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    78. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    79. Terry Computer Services cc 
    80. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    81. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    82. Titan Trade Technologies 
    83. Tlou Foundation College 
    84. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    85. TSP COLLEGE 
    86. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    87. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    88. Visionary Skill Academy 
    89. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    90. Vukani Solutions 
    91. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    92. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    93. Whitestone College 
    94. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    95. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    96. Yonet Training Academy 
    97. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    98. Zikode Development Trust 


    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.