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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of computer network communication 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14942  Demonstrate an understanding of computer network communication 
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 4  NQF Level 04  9 
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 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:
  • Explain computer network transmission security and integrity problems and solutions.
  • Describe public switching computer network protocols.
  • Monitor a computer network.
    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 1).
  • Demonstrate PC competency skills (All End-User Computing unit Standards.)
  • Demonstrate competence to resolve technical computer problems (DC301/ 302). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain computer network transmission security and integrity problems and solutions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Analog and Digital networks; Modems; Bandwidth; Quality; Noise; Group Delays;
    Transmission media; Packet-Switching; Protocols. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation outlines current problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Analog and Digital networks; Modems; Bandwidth; Quality; Noise; Group Delays;
    Transmission media; Packet-Switching; Protocols.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation identifies the requirements to address the problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Analog and Digital networks; Modems; Bandwidth; Quality; Noise; Group Delays;
    Transmission media; Packet-Switching; Protocols.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation outlines strategies to address the problems and provides examples used in the industry. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Analog and Digital networks; Modems; Bandwidth; Quality; Noise; Group Delays;
    Transmission media; Packet-Switching; Protocols.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe public switching computer network protocols. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    As per Assessment Criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description outlines the features of typical data link protocols. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to : Physical level; Link level; Packet level.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description outlines the features of a data link protocol. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but not limited to: Frame format;Transparency;Error control;Frame analysis.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description outlines the features of a network layer protocol. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but not limited to : Packet format; Routing methods; Packet analysis.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Monitor a computer network. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    As per assessment criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Monitoring is performed by using computer network monitoring tools. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A minimum of 2 tools are used to monitor performance, security and integrity.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Monitoring describes activities by means of a report. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but not limited to: Usage patterns; Response times; Traffic volumes.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Monitoring identifies common network problems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but not limited to: Performance; Integrity; 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 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 
    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.

    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 is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (eg. In a commercial or government organisation. 

    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:
    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.

    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
    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 
    Elective  60549   National Diploma: Aeronautical Information Management Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 


    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. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    7. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    9. Bells Technical College 
    10. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    11. Careers IT 
    12. Clean Heat Academy 
    13. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    15. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    16. CSL Accountants 
    17. CTU Training Solutions 
    18. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Delight Computer Training 
    20. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    21. ED-U Options Academy 
    22. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    23. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    24. Elchees Software Solutions 
    25. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    26. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    27. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    28. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    29. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Fourways Private College 
    31. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    32. Global Institute for Capacity 
    33. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    34. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    35. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    36. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    37. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    38. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    39. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    40. IT Academy 
    41. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    42. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    43. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    44. KT Mobile Services 
    45. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    46. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    47. Loomee Group 
    48. Makhophila Training 
    49. Malope It Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    50. Mash Computer Training 
    51. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    52. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    53. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    54. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    55. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    56. Mpande Technologies cc 
    57. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    58. NBC Technologies 
    59. NCC - Vereeniging 
    60. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    61. Nyathela Business College 
    62. Olrich Home of Technology 
    63. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    64. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    65. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    66. Pretoria Technical College 
    67. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    68. Progressive School of Business 
    69. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    70. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    71. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    72. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    73. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    74. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    75. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    76. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    77. Spina Consultancy 
    78. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    79. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    80. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    81. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    82. Terry Computer Services cc 
    83. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    84. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Titan Trade Technologies 
    86. Tlou Foundation College 
    87. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    88. TSP COLLEGE 
    89. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    90. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    91. Visionary Skill Academy 
    92. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    93. Vukani Solutions 
    94. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    95. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    96. Whitestone College 
    97. Working Solution International 
    98. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    99. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    100. Yonet Training Academy 
    101. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    102. 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.