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: 

Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of telecommunications 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14928  Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of telecommunications 
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 2  NQF Level 02  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
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 those entering the workplace in the area of Manufacturing and AssemblyPeople credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts of telecommunications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of a simple telephone and a basic fax machine.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying technologies used in telecommunications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and use of networks and systems in telecommunications.

    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 
    Open.

    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.) 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts of telecommunications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The demonstration describes underlying concepts in simple non-mathematical terms and with reference to their relevance to telecommunications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Concepts: Sound; Frequency; Wavelength; Bandwidth; Modulation; Attenuation; Bits
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the operation of a simple telephone and a basic fax machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The demonstration explains the use of a simple telephone with the aid of a diagram and with reference to components, signaling and transmission of speech. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components: Microphone; Receiver; Tone signaling; Ringing; Anti-sidetone control
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The demonstration explains the use of a simple facsimile with the aid of a diagram and with reference to components, signaling and transmission of pictures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components: Signaling; Tone detection; Paper path; Scanning; Modulation; Receiving; Printing
     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The demonstration describes types of modulation and the principle of multiplexing as used in telecommunication systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Process, input and output waveforms, advantages and applications
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The demonstration describes concepts of impedance, termination, reflection, crosstalk, noise, and signal level, in non-mathematical terms and in relation to transmission media. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The demonstration describes the transmission media employed in telecommunications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Untwisted shielded pair from audio thro to category 5; Coaxial; Fibre Optic; Analog and Digital Microwave relay systems; Cellular radio; Microcell networks
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The demonstration compares digital transmission of data to analog transmission. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Signal waveforms; Bandwidth requirements; Errors; Tolerance to noise; Line coding
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. The demonstration describes basic components and concepts of a data network, with reference to the operation of the network. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Computer; File server; Modem; Channel access; Collision avoidance; Bus; Star; Ring
     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The demonstration describes Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN) in terms of its operation and the services provided. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Switching plan and topology; PABX; Bandwidth limitations
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The demonstration describes data network services in terms of their operation, the services provided and the key features of each. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Leased data services; Packet switch network; ISDN; Frame relay.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The demonstration describes computer networks in terms of their operation and the services provided. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    LAN's; WAN's; Internet
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation Process:

    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 
  • 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.
  • 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 involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements. 
    		•

    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:
  • All measurements are to be expressed in SI units, and converted from Imperial units to SI where necessary.

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):
  • Telecommunication Systems 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  22865   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2005-10-09  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  59569   National Certificate: Electronics  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Elective  78964   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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 


    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 of Training and Development 
    2. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    3. Amitek Business College 
    4. Arise Business Centre 
    5. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    6. AUM IT Solutions 
    7. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Broadband College of Technology 
    9. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Calandra Trading 523(PTY) 
    11. Careers IT (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Claas Illustration 
    13. CTU Training Solutions 
    14. Daily Training Cc 
    15. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd 
    16. Denwin's Computer & Business School 
    17. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    18. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    19. Fakazani Management Services 
    20. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    21. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    22. Foster-Melliar 
    23. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    24. Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc 
    25. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    26. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    27. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    28. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    29. IT SA Computer Services Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies 
    31. Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology 
    32. Jonda Learning Academy 
    33. Kezla Investments 
    34. Khuphulanani Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    35. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    36. Konani Training and Development Institute 
    37. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    38. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    39. M-cot Corporate Training 
    40. Malope IT Solutions 
    41. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    42. MasterGrade IT 
    43. Mosadikago Trading Cc 
    44. National Computer College Carletonville 
    45. National Computer College Cc 
    46. Ngubeni Corporation 
    47. Ocule IT cc 
    48. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    49. Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    50. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    51. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    52. Qhakaza Management Services 
    53. Rand Training College 
    54. SEDIBENG 
    55. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    56. Smart Byte Training Cc 
    57. Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd 
    58. Star Light Consulting 
    59. Success Christian Training Centre 
    60. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    61. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    62. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    63. Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer 
    64. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd. 
    65. Umzinyathi Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd 
    66. Xtensive ICT Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    68. ZJ Africa Learn (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.