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: 

Support a local area computer network 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114043  Support a local area computer network 
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  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
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
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 for people responsible for the provision of day-to-day network administration and support, including resolution of network user problems, data backup and restore, production of network performance statistics, provision of network diagnostic information, and site surveys in a local area network (LAN) environment:
  • As fundamental knowledge of the areas covered,
  • For those working in the Information Technology industry in the area of Network Administration,
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered.

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Maintain the performance of a local area computer network (LAN);
  • Execute procedures on a LAN;
  • Administer security, maintain the supply of consumables, and plan capacity for a LAN;
  • Maintain the availability of a LAN, and
  • Manage changes to a LAN.
    The performance of all outcomes is to a standard that allows for further learning in this environment. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Open. The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person has the prior knowledge and skills to apply the principles of administering local and wide area networks. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    A "local area computer network" (LAN) is a single network of personal computers within the same area, e.g. an office or building.
    "Procedures" are programmes of computer operating commands. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Maintain the performance of a local area network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Monitoring and tuning of the network ensures operation and performance meets the manufacturer`s and organisation specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Network performance problems are resolved according to organisation specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Accurate and up-to-date documentation is maintained of network resource utilisation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Execute procedures on a local area computer network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The execution ensures that computer output is produced according to organisation specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Procedure messages are identified during execution, and actions are taken according to organisation specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Problems with procedures are identified, and action is taken according to organisation specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Potential improvements to procedures are identified, and action is taken according to organisation specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Startup and shutdown of the network are in accordance with the manufacturer`s and organisation specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Administer security systems for a local area network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Security exposures and violations are identified, and action is taken according to organisation policies, procedures and requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Back-ups are made according the organisations policies, procedures and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Access to the network is provided according to organisation policies, procedures and specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Maintain the supply of consumables for a local area network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. A forecast of the consumption of computer system consumables is justified using measurement of historical consumption and anticipated events. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Supply agreements are established and maintained so that the consumable supplies are available to meet demand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Stocks of consumable supplies meet forecasted demand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Overstocks of consumable supplies are avoided. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Plan capacity for a local area network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The plan includes a forecast based on documentation of current network resource utilisation, historical growth and future plans. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The plan includes recommendations for network changes that allow the network to meet the future capacity requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The plan identifies and explains the feasibility of the recommendations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The plan includes a comparison of actual resource usage with forecast usage according to organisation requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Maintain the availability of a local area network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The network is available and accessible according to organisation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Network availability problems are resolved according to organisation specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Manage changes to a local area network. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The management ensures that a plan of a proposed change predicts the impact and risks to the organisation associated with the change. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The management ensures that a plan of a proposed change establishes when the change should occur to minimise the impacts and risks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The management includes a contingency plan that allows the network to be restored to a status acceptable to the user in the event of problems with the change. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Testing establishes the success of the installation and of the changes according to user and organisation requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The plan ensures that people affected by the change are notified to minimise disruption to their activity. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programmes of education and training assessed against unit standards.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner`s competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions.

    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
  • Moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF. 

  • UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Familiar with Networking and Communications. The planning and management of the interaction between two or more networking systems, computers or other "intelligent" devices. E.g.: ISDN, ATM, Ethernet, TCP/IP.
  • Familiar with Operating Infrastructure. Knowledge of the ICT infrastructure (hardware, databases, operating systems, local area networks etc) used within own organisation.
  • Aware of Telecommunications Protocols. Rules for the inter-operation of networking components. E.g.: TCP/IP, Q931, DASS, QSIG, xDSL.
  • Aware of Network Traffic Analysis. Methods and techniques for the capture of traffic information and the analysis of this information into its constituent elements.
  • Familiar with Desktop Software. The use of everyday desktop software. E.g.: word processing, spreadsheets, graphics.
  • Aware of Report Writing Techniques. Methods and techniques for writing effective reports. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display decisions using critical and creative thinking by acquiring understanding of a problem or situation by breaking it down systematically into its component parts and identifying the relationships between these parts. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and/or community by working co-operatively (rather than competitively) with others to achieve a common goal. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by identifying gaps in the available information required to understand a problem or situation and devising means of remedying such gaps. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of organ and/or written presentation by establishing relationships and maintaining contacts with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by applying quality standards to all tasks undertaken and ensuring that nothing is overlooked. 

    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 
    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. An example of the standards expected is the standards found in ISO 9000 Certified Organisations.

    2. Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time that would be expected in a professional environment, e.g. in a commercial or government organisation.

    3. Performance of all elements is to be within the normal range of cost, or cost estimate, that would be expected in a commercial environment.

    4. Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48573   National Certificate: Information Technology: Systems Support  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    2. Affirmations Training 
    3. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    5. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    6. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Amilak Training Center 
    8. Angie Technologies 
    9. Answer The Call Skills and Entrepreneurship 
    10. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    11. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    12. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    13. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Balefile Trading and Services 
    15. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    16. Bells Technical College 
    17. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    18. Careers IT 
    19. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    20. CTU Training Solutions 
    21. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    22. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    23. Delight Computer Training 
    24. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    25. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    26. Elchees Software Solutions 
    27. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    28. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    29. Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    30. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    31. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    32. Fourways Private College 
    33. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    34. Global Institute for Capacity 
    35. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    36. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    37. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    38. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    39. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    40. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    41. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    42. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    43. IT Academy 
    44. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    45. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    46. KT Mobile Services 
    47. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    48. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    49. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    50. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    51. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    52. MND Training and Projects 
    53. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    54. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    55. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    56. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    57. NCC - Vereeniging 
    58. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    59. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    60. Nyathela Business College 
    61. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    62. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    63. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    64. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    65. Pretoria Technical College 
    66. Progressive School of Business 
    67. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    68. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    69. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    70. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    71. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    72. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    73. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    74. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    75. Spina Consultancy 
    76. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    77. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    78. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    79. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    80. Terry Computer Services cc 
    81. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    82. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    83. Tinotel Communications 
    84. Titan Trade Technologies 
    85. Tlou Foundation College 
    86. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    87. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    88. TSP COLLEGE 
    89. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    90. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    91. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    92. Visionary Skill Academy 
    93. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    94. Vukani Solutions 
    95. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    96. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    97. Whitestone College 
    98. Woosh Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    99. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    100. Working Solution International 
    101. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    102. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    103. Youth Media Movement 
    104. ZA WIT (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.