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. A4 Consultancy Pty Ltd 
    2. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    3. Academy of Training and Allied Services Pty Ltd 
    4. Academy of Training and Development 
    5. Acorser Corporate & Business Consulting t/a Acorser Academy 
    6. Advanced Assessments and Train 
    7. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty 
    8. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Affirmations Training 
    10. Afric Training Centre and Security Studies PTY LTD 
    11. Afrika Tikkun 
    12. All Nation Group Five Trading and Projects 
    13. Amadi Institute of Management And Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Amilak Training Center 
    15. Amitek Business College 
    16. Angie Technologies 
    17. Answer The Call Skills ands En 
    18. APEXEA 
    19. ATTI (Advanced Technonogy Training Institute) 
    20. ATTI IT SOLUTIONS (Bloemfontei 
    21. ATTI Kimberley 
    22. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    23. Atvance Academy Pty Ltd 
    24. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Atvance Learning PTY LTD 
    26. Aurora IT & Security Solutions 
    27. Awona Technologies cc 
    28. AWRISE 
    29. Bacom Computers 
    30. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    31. BDCE (Pty) Ltd 
    32. Bells Technical College 
    33. Blue Ora Pty Ltd 
    34. Boland College 
    35. Bonitas Unversity College 
    36. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    37. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    38. Bristol Training College 
    39. BYTES PEOPLE SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    40. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    41. Capenexis Data Solutions 
    42. Careers IT 
    43. City College 
    44. Claas Illustration 
    45. Clean Heat Academy 
    46. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    47. COLUMBUS TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD 
    48. Comfortable Tech 
    49. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    50. Compus training institution 
    51. Creatividad Consulting CC 
    52. CSL Accountants 
    53. CTU Training Solutions 
    54. CYBER-CITY IT SOLUTIONS 
    55. DAB Health Care Centre 
    56. DC Dynamic College of Commerce 
    57. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    58. Delight Computer Training 
    59. Dibana Business Consultants 
    60. Dicla Training and Projects (p 
    61. Digital Media Arts College 
    62. DOGOODCIRCLE 
    63. DVG Media Training 
    64. DYNAMIC DNA (PTY) LTD 
    65. Dynamic Dyvention Trading and 
    66. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    67. ED-U Options Academy 
    68. Edging Forward Training and Co 
    69. EHLANZENI TVET COLLEGE 
    70. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    71. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    72. Elchees Software Solutions 
    73. Embroser Solutions Pty Ltd 
    74. Epitome Villa (Pty)Ltd 
    75. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    76. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    77. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    78. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    79. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    80. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    81. Four Stars Communication 
    82. Fourways Private College 
    83. Fullimput108 (Pty) Ltd 
    84. Future Africa Consulting t/a Future Africa Consulting & Training 
    85. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    86. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    87. Gauteng City College 
    88. Gauteng College of Engineering 
    89. GCABS 
    90. Genii Institute PTY LTD 
    91. Gert Sibande FET College 
    92. Gijima Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    93. Global Institute for Capacity 
    94. Gold Class Group 
    95. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    96. Goldman College (Pty) Ltd 
    97. Greenview Training and Development Skills Centre 
    98. Growth Management Consulting cc 
    99. Guest Resource Services 
    100. Guildford College 
    101. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    102. HCLS HUMAN CAPITAL LEARNING SOLUTIONS 
    103. Heartlines College 
    104. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    105. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    106. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    107. HOPE TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE (PTY) LTD 
    108. HUAWEI Technologies Africa (PTY) LTD 
    109. Icebolethu Academy 
    110. iCollege College 
    111. Ikusasa Technology Solutions 
    112. Ikusasalethu Youth Development 
    113. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    114. Impact Sourcing Academy - NPO 
    115. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    116. Ingomsotech Solutions and Trai 
    117. Initium 
    118. INSIGHTTECH COMMUNICATIONS Pty 
    119. Institutional Higher Education 
    120. Isivande Projects 
    121. ISOLVE BUSINESS SOLUTIONS PTY LTD 
    122. iStudent Academy 
    123. IT Academy 
    124. IT Labs Consulting 
    125. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    126. Ithemba IT Solution 
    127. ITI 
    128. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    129. Johannesburg Institute of Engi 
    130. Jonda Learning Academy 
    131. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    132. Keep The Dream 285 
    133. Kgolo Institute 
    134. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    135. Kingswood Academy 
    136. KMT Training and Business Solutions 
    137. KT Mobile Services 
    138. Kundani Trading 
    139. KVR Training and Business Solutions 
    140. Lamus Training Academy 
    141. Learnfast Training Solutions ( 
    142. LEPHAILA PRINTERS 
    143. Lephalale Business & Technical 
    144. Leseding Computer Systems 
    145. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    146. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    147. Limptech Computer Training 
    148. Limsa Training Institute 
    149. LINKINGNOTES 
    150. Loomee Group 
    151. Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd 
    152. Makhophila Training 
    153. Malope IT Solutions 
    154. Mamelodi Digital Centre cc 
    155. MANAGED OUTSOURCED TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS PTY LTD 
    156. Mapubo Consulting 
    157. Mash Computer Training 
    158. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    159. Mcebo Technologies 
    160. Mecer Inter-ED 
    161. Mentec Group PTY LTD 
    162. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    163. Mmamohule General Traders 
    164. Mmanape Private Technical Coll 
    165. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    166. MND Training and Projects 
    167. Mo Afrika Ithlokomele Education Projects 
    168. Mogapi Education Group 
    169. MOKALENG IT 
    170. MORTERBOARD TRAINING SOLUTIONS 
    171. Mothusi Management Consultants 
    172. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    173. Mpande Technologies cc 
    174. MSC Business College 
    175. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    176. Multi Tech College 
    177. Nape Angwato Trading 
    178. Nashua (Pty)Ltd 
    179. NBC Technologies 
    180. NCC - Vereeniging 
    181. Nchebeko Skills Consultancy (PTY) LTD 
    182. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    183. Nemja Security and Projects Pty Ltd 
    184. Netcampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    185. New Trend Computers cc 
    186. NEWLEIGH BUSINESS COLLEGE 
    187. Nkangala Skills Centre 
    188. Nkoka Training Cc 
    189. Nolwazi Stem Education for The 
    190. Nyankwavi Inverstment 
    191. Nyathela Business College 
    192. Ocule IT 
    193. Olrich Home of Technology 
    194. OMNIVISION INSTITUTE 
    195. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    196. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    197. Overcomers Training College (P 
    198. PACE Academia College (Pty) Lt 
    199. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    200. Phumelela Consulting Pty Ltd 
    201. PHUTHUMA TEL PTY LTD 
    202. PLATINUM PEAK CONSULTING (PTY) LTD 
    203. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    204. Pretoria Technical College 
    205. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    206. Progressive School of Business 
    207. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    208. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    209. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    210. Rand Training College 
    211. Rasinkhu Investment (Pty) Ltd 
    212. Resisa Logistics cc 
    213. Revival Technologies and Academy 
    214. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    215. Rivoni Training N Communicatio 
    216. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    217. SA College of Technology (PTY) 
    218. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    219. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    220. Schauenburg Systems Pty Ltd 
    221. Sead Training and Learning Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    222. Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pt 
    223. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    224. SILVER SOLUTIONS 
    225. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    226. SM SAFETY AND TECHNICAL LEARNI 
    227. Sokwanya Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    228. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute(SAAI) 
    229. Southern Africa Youth Project 
    230. Sparrow FET Enterprises (Pty) Ltd 
    231. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    232. Spina Consultancy 
    233. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    234. Star Light Consulting 
    235. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    236. Success Christian Training Cen 
    237. Successors Training Institute 
    238. Supreme ICT Consultants 
    239. Synergy Transformation Solutio 
    240. T-SYSTEMS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    241. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    242. Tau Ya Mariri Consulting 
    243. TBL Empowerment Hub 
    244. Tech-Com Solutions cc 
    245. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    246. Terry Computer Services cc 
    247. Thasullulo F.E.T College (Pty) Ltd 
    248. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    249. THE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CORPORA 
    250. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    251. Thubelihle Graduate Institute 
    252. TIPP ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    253. Titan Trade Technologies 
    254. Tlatlana Trading (PTY) LTD 
    255. Tlou Foundation College 
    256. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    257. Tshiredo Training Academy 
    258. Tshwane College of Commerce an 
    259. Tsima Consulting Development S 
    260. TSP COLLEGE 
    261. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    262. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd. 
    263. Urban Journey 
    264. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    265. Vastratech Pty) Ltd 
    266. VERGE PTY LTD 
    267. Visionary Skill Academy 
    268. Vodacom (Pty) Ltd 
    269. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    270. Vuselela TVET College 
    271. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    272. Wavelengths Technology Training Institute 
    273. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    274. Westrand Youth Development 
    275. Whitestone College 
    276. WORK SKILLS RESOURCES CC 
    277. Working Solution International 
    278. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    279. YAB Business Solutions (Pty)Ltd 
    280. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    281. Yonet Training Academy 
    282. Youth Media Movement 
    283. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    284. Zikode Development Trust 
    285. ZJ Africa Learn 


    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.