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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of Data Protocols principles and applications 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246684  Demonstrate an understanding of Data Protocols principles and applications 
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 3  NQF Level 03  4 
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, more specifically within Data backbone environment by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field. This skill forms the basis for the performance of duties in the day to day operations of data in specific occupations at NQF Levels 4, 5 and 6.

The knowledge, skills and understanding demonstrated in this unit standard are essential for upliftment, social and economic transformation in the Telecommunications environment.

The qualifying learner is capable of demonstrating:
  • Describe synchronous and asynchronous data communication.
  • Describe computer network types and standards.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of main features of LANs.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of main features of WANs.

    The learning outcomes in this unit standard contribute to the Exit Level Outcomes which provide qualifying learners with access to a range of further learning in this field at NQF Level 4 and above, in the form of workplace based learning programmes for occupationally focused qualifications. Qualifying learners also have an understanding of the science and technology which underpins these activities. 
    		•

    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:
  • Telematics: Products and Services.
  • Fundamental mathematics (at least NQF Level 1).
  • PC competency skills (End-User Computing).
  • Competence to resolve technical computer problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical scope of this unit standard includes but is not limited to:
  • Telematics Maintenance.

    The context of this unit standard is performed within structures where stationery, transportation, support structure, communication media, company policies and procedures, cultural ethics, business ethics, work environment, professional conduct and quality standards. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe synchronous and asynchronous data communication. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Synchronous and asynchronous data communication is described in terms of the characteristics of each form of data communication. 

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe computer network types and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The description reflects the current types of networks completely and accurately as indicated by the industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The description reflects and compares the current network topologies accurately as indicated by the industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The description accurately reflects the standards for industry network architectures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of main features of LANs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The three main LAN topologies are explained correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Three LAN transmission media are correctly named. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The operation of LAN technologies Ethernet, Token-ring and FDDI are described correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The functionality of any three LAN devices is described correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of main features of WANs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The three main WAN topologies are explained correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Three WAN transmission media are correctly named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The operation of WAN technologies Ethernet, Token-ring and FDDI are described correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The functionality of any three WAN devices are described correctly. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Only ETQA registered assessors with specific expertise in data principles and applications systems may assess a learner against this unit standard.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant SETA/ETQA.
  • 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 
  • Framing.
  • Layering of data protocols.
  • Error checking.
  • WAN, LAN, Inter-network.
  • OSI model.
  • LAN protocols.
  • Frame Relay, ATM, X.25.
  • Ethernet, Token ring, FDDI.
  • TCP/IP.
  • Bridges.
  • Routers.
  • Brouters.
  • Gateways. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Learners are able to work effectively with others as a member of an organisation. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Learners are able to organise and manage their activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Learners are able to collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Learners are able to demonstrate an understanding of the data protocols principles as a set of interrelated processes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any program of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to gain more learning.
  • Effectively participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities learners with applied competence and a basis for further learning.
  • The learner contribute to his/her own development. 
    		•

    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.
    Legal Requirements:

    Compliance to the following legal requirements and standards are mandatory:
  • Employer's Policies and Procedures.
  • National and International Standards.
  • "LAN" refers to a single network of personal computers within the same area such as an office or building.
  • "WAN" refers to a network of computers that are physically remote from each other and are connected via third party data communication carriers.

    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.
  • Assessing outcomes related to the demonstration of the understanding of principles/concepts.
  • Develop an assessment which uses prior evidence as produced in written examinations.
  • Develop additional written assessment tools to supplement undependable sources of evidence in the previous bullet.
  • Assessment activities should be as close to the real workplace practical performance as possible, and where classroom simulations 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 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. 
    		•

    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 


    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. Mpande Technologies cc 
    4. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    5. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    6. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    7. Progressive School of Business 
    8. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    9. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    10. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    11. TELKOM SA SOC LIMITED 
    12. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    13. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    14. Victor Optic Fibre Solutions 
    15. 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.