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 Wide Area Computer Networks (WAN`s), comparing them with Local Area Networks (LAN`s) 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114061  Demonstrate an understanding of Wide Area Computer Networks (WAN`s), comparing them with Local Area Networks (LAN`s) 
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 
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 entering the workplace in the area of Data Communications & Networking.
  • As additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered.

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Explain wide area computer networks (WAN`s)
  • Evaluate a wide area network (WAN)
  • Explain network administrationThe 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.).
  • Describe data communications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of local area computer networks, by installing a networked workstation. 

  • UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain wide area computer networks (WAN`s). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation identifies the components of a WAN and outlines their purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Cables, cards, terminators, connectors, boot ROM, hubs, repeaters, servers. (at least 3).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation identifies the purpose of a WAN. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation identifies and compares WAN configurations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Star, Bus, Ring
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The explanation identifies and compares WAN protocols. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ethernet, TCP/IP, SNA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The explanation identifies and compares WAN transport media. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Twisted pair; Coaxial cable; Optic fibre; Wireless (at least 2).
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Evaluate a wide area computer network (WAN). 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Network must include multiple sites connected via circuit / packet switching. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The evaluation identifies the method of implementation of the WAN. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The evaluation distinguishes categories of the network components, their functions & examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hardware, software, communications media, carriers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The evaluation identifies and explains features and constraints of the network from a functional perspective. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The evaluation assesses the suitability of the network for its use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The evaluation proposes and compares alternative network designs. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain Network Administration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The explanation identifies the tasks involved and outlines their requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Technical control, performance monitoring.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The explanation outlines, for a range of factors, how response times are affected. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Speed of devices, bandwidth, routing, queuing, processing time, priorities at host and nodes, message size.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The explanation outlines the principles of network interconnections. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Inter-network protocols, gateways.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The explanation outlines and explains network security administration procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Generation, encryption, keys, passwords, logs, audits.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Network administration documentation is completed. 


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

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage him/her self and his/her activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information. 

    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 areasuch as an office or building.
    2. "WAN" refers to a network of computers that are physically remote from eachother and are connected via third party data communication carriers.
    3. "Current Industry Practice" refers to a practice used and recommended by anan organisation involved in the computer industry.
    4. Where not specified otherwise, all options in the range statement must be covered to confirm that a learner is competent in the specific outcome.

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
    Computer Operations. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  83446   National Certificate: Electronics  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Core  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 
    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. 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 IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    11. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    12. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    13. Balefile Trading and Services 
    14. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    15. Bells Technical College 
    16. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    17. Careers IT 
    18. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    19. CTU Training Solutions 
    20. CYBAX SYSTEMS 
    21. Delight Computer Training 
    22. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    23. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    24. Elchees Software Solutions 
    25. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    26. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    27. Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    28. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    29. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Fourways Private College 
    31. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    32. Global Institute for Capacity 
    33. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    34. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    35. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    36. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    37. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    38. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    39. Innovative Shared Services 
    40. IT Academy 
    41. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    42. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    43. KT Mobile Services 
    44. Learning Exchange Pty (Ltd) 
    45. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    46. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    47. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    48. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    49. MND Training and Projects 
    50. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    51. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    52. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    53. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    54. NCC - Vereeniging 
    55. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    56. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    57. Nyathela Business College 
    58. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    59. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    60. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    61. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    62. Pretoria Technical College 
    63. Progressive School of Business 
    64. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    65. QUALITATIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 
    66. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    67. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    68. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    69. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    70. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    71. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    72. Spina Consultancy 
    73. Staffing Logistics 
    74. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    75. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    76. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    77. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    78. Terry Computer Services cc 
    79. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    80. Titan Trade Technologies 
    81. Tlou Foundation College 
    82. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    83. TSP COLLEGE 
    84. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    85. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    86. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    87. Visionary Skill Academy 
    88. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    89. Vukani Solutions 
    90. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    91. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    92. Whitestone College 
    93. Woosh Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    94. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    95. Working Solution International 
    96. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    97. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    98. 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.