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 the basic equipment and components used in a telecommunications environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246656  Demonstrate an understanding of the basic equipment and components used in a telecommunications environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Telecommunications 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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 will contribute to the full development of any learner within the telecommunications environment at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7. 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 Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology.
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered.

    A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Define communication with respect to telecommunication.
  • Identify and define components and functions/characteristics relating to the Telecommunications Network.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts of telecommunications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of a telephone by making a call.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the operations and use of technologies used in the telecommunications sector (Access, Voice, Non-Voice and Transmission).
  • Explain the principles of the internet and the world-wide-web.
  • Explain the principles of the Next Generation Networks (NGN).
  • An understanding of converged networks.
  • An understanding of the reasons required to converged networks.
  • An understanding of the legislation required for a converged network.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the telecommunications environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the telecommunications environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learning assumed to be in place should be on the same level of this unit standard or higher.

    The following knowledge, skills attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Communication and language principles. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard includes but is not limited to:
  • A broad range of Telecommunication equipment used in the network (Access, Voice, Non-Voice and Transmission networks).
  • Additional services as applied in the networks. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify and define components and functions/characteristics relating to Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Communication is defined with respect to telecommunication theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Public Switched Telephone Network technologies are listed according to telecommunication theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Customer connection to the network and the inter-working of the different technologies are explained according to telecommunication theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Underlying telecommunication concepts are described in simple non-mathematical terms with reference to their relevance to telecommunication theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • Concepts: Sound; Frequency; Wavelength; Bandwidth; Modulation; Attenuation; Bits.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the operation of a telephone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The functionality of a telephone with reference to components, signalling and transmission of speech are explained in accordance with telecommunication theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Call routed through the network is explained with reference to telecommunication numbering schemes. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying technologies used in the telecommunications sector. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Modulation and the principle of multiplexing as used in telecommunication systems are described according to telecommunication theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process, input and output waveforms, advantages and applications.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The concepts of impedance, termination, reflection, crosstalk and noise, are explained in non-mathematical terms and in relation to the transmission media in accordance with telecommunication transmission theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Digital transmission of data to analogue transmission is compared according to telecommunication transmission theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signal waveforms; Bandwidth requirements; Errors; Tolerance to noise; Line coding.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The basic components and concepts of a data network, with reference to the operation of the network are described according to telecommunication data network theory. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and use of networks and systems in telecommunication networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) operation and services provided are explained according to telecommunication theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Switching plan and topology; PABX; Bandwidth limitations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Computer networks operation and the services provided are explained with reference to computer network theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Including but not limited to:
  • LAN`s; WAN`s.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Transmission media employed in telecommunications are described according to telecommunication theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Untwisted shielded pair; Coaxial; Fibre Optic; Analogue and Digital Microwave relay systems; Cellular radio.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Data network services, their operation and key are explained in accordance with telecommunication data network theory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Leased data services; Packet switch network; ISDN; Frame relay.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain the principles of the internet and the world-wide-web. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The origin and history of the internet are explained with reference to internet theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Major applications of the internet are identified according to internet theory. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of the internet applications are demonstrated according to internet theory. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate and understanding of ICT converged networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The Convergence of the TMN and ICT networks are explained in accordance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Networks comprising of TMN network architecture are described in accordance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) guidelines. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Demonstrate and understanding of the legislation required ICT converged networks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    ICT license requirements are explained with reference to Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The regulatory role players are named and described with reference to Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) documentation. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA by SAQA.
  • 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 
  • Knowledge of Access, Voice, Non-Voice, and Transmission systems.
  • Knowledge of the inter-working relationship between the different technologies.
  • Knowledge about the internet and NGN.
  • Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated.
  • 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, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
  • Apply decision-making and problem solving skills before and during operations, maintenance and fault clearance.
  • Demonstrate understanding of product facilities and operations.
  • Follow employer's policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify telecommunication equipment and use the knowledge in his/her daily activities. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of an organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise activities and manage oneself responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with other team members within the organisation (Describe equipment as used in a telecommunication network). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners are able to demonstrate an understanding of the telecommunication equipment as a set of interrelated processes. 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 
    Comment on this unit standard should reach SAQA no later than 26 October 2007.
    The Level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the learner:
  • Has basic knowledge of some main areas of a discipline/field.
  • Has basic understanding of a discipline/field's key term, rules, concepts, principles and theories.
  • Is familiar with some of the essential methods, procedures and techniques of the discipline/field.
  • Has a basic information gathering, analysis and presentation skill.
  • Has the ability to communicate information reliably and accurately in the required medium of instruction.
  • Learn within a well-structured and managed environment.
  • Evaluate own performance against given criteria.

    Legal Requirements:

    Compliance to the following legal requirements and standards are mandatory:
  • Employer's Policies and Procedures.
  • Environmental Management System.
  • Independent Communications Authority of South Africa.
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • National and International Standards.
  • Local Metropolitan Council Regulations.

    Notes to Assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable and then focuses assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Ensure that the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgments should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the Assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means Assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.
  • Requirements for a portfolio are that it should be valid, reliable and authentic evidence (presented as a portfolio of evidence) from past achievements and experience, which serves to supplement the assessment of applied competence.

    The portfolio may include:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager, external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Journals/logbook. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  59057   Further Education and Training Certificate: Telecommunication Network Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  80306   Further Education and Training Certificate: Electronics  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    2. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    3. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    4. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    5. Mpande Technologies cc 
    6. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    7. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    8. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    9. Progressive School of Business 
    10. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    11. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    12. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    13. TELKOM SA SOC LIMITED 
    14. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    15. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    16. Victor Optic Fibre Solutions 
    17. Wellinkwise 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.