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: 

Describe data communications 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14947  Describe data communications 
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 3  NQF Level 03  4 
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:
  • to provide fundamental knowledge of the areas covered
  • for those working in, or entering the workplace in the area of Data Communication & Networking
  • as additional knowledge for those wanting to understand the areas covered.

    People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe past, present and emerging developments in data communication.
  • Describe synchronous and asynchronous data communication.
    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 1).
  • Demonstrate PC competency skills (End-User Computing unit Standards, at least up to NQF level 3.)? Demonstrate competence to resolve technical computer problems (DC301/ 302). 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe past, present and emerging developments in data communication. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols, Media. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description explains the origin of current data communications with an outline of past developments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols, Media.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description provides a taxonomy for current systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols, Media.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The description identifies and projects trends from emerging developments in data communications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Signal characteristics, Components, Standards, Protocols, Media.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe synchronous and asynchronous data communications. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Physical interface, Modes of operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The description outlines the characteristics of each form of data communication. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Physical interface, Modes of operation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The description explains the features of data communication equipment with respect to synchronous and asynchronous data communication. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes, but is not limited to: Physical interface, Modes of operation.
     


    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

    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 systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    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 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: None.

    Sub-Sub-Field (Domain):Data Communications and Networking. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  20907   National Certificate: Customer Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-02-19  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  20903   National Certificate: Marketing Communications  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-02-19  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  20899   National Certificate: Marketing Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-02-19  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  20894   National Certificate: Marketing Research  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-02-19  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2021-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    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. Abetech 
    2. Academy of Training and Development 
    3. AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD 
    4. Acol Computer Training PTY LTD 
    5. Act of Grace 97 
    6. Added Advantage Academy (Durban) 
    7. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Affirmations Training 
    9. All Connections cc 
    10. Amitek Business College 
    11. Anderson College (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Ankalite (Pty) Limited 
    13. Arise Business Centre 
    14. Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    16. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    17. AUM IT Solutions 
    18. Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies 
    19. Best Information Solutions 
    20. Beth Horner & Associates 
    21. Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited 
    22. Bonalesedi Computer Training 
    23. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    24. Broadband College of Technology 
    25. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    26. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    27. Calandra Trading 523(PTY) 
    28. Cape Innovation Technology Initiative 
    29. Cape Town Society for the Blind 
    30. Certified Workforce Trainers cc. 
    31. Claas Illustration 
    32. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    34. CompEd IT Training 
    35. Competence computer and business management 
    36. CTU Training Solutions 
    37. CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED 
    38. Daily Training Cc 
    39. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd 
    40. Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc 
    41. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    42. Eagle Computer Training 
    43. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    44. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    45. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    46. Elangeni Training Institute 
    47. Fakazani Management Services 
    48. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    49. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    50. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    51. Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD 
    52. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    53. Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD 
    54. Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc 
    55. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    56. Goldfields TVET College 
    57. Goodwill Institute Of Technology 
    58. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    59. Hazyview Computer College 
    60. Hectic Productions cc 
    61. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    62. Indonsa Consulting and Training cc 
    63. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    64. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    65. ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE 
    66. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies 
    68. Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology 
    69. John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust 
    70. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    71. Kezla Investments 
    72. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    73. Kondi Computer Training 
    74. Kumani Computer College 
    75. Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    76. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    77. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    78. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    79. Loja Trading cc 
    80. Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd 
    81. Malope IT Solutions 
    82. Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc 
    83. Mash Computer Training 
    84. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    85. MasterGrade IT 
    86. Mokk Consultants Cc 
    87. Mosadikago Trading Cc 
    88. Mourema Computer Training Centre 
    89. Mpisholo Training Solutions 
    90. Mthonyama Technologies cc 
    91. National Computer College Carletonville 
    92. National Computer College Cc 
    93. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    94. Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute 
    95. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    96. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    97. Ngubeni Corporation 
    98. Ntamunde Investment 
    99. Ocule IT cc 
    100. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    101. Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    102. Pillays Computer and Careers 
    103. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    104. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    105. Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd. 
    106. Qhakaza Management Services 
    107. Rand Training College 
    108. Reaithuta Computer Academy 
    109. Regent-Comp 
    110. Ron and Becky Trading 
    111. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    112. Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd 
    113. Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited 
    114. SEDIBENG 
    115. Setlagole Telecentre 
    116. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    117. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    118. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre 
    119. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    120. Southern Africa Youth Project NPC 
    121. Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty) 
    122. Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd 
    123. Star Light Consulting 
    124. Success Christian Training Centre 
    125. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    126. Terry Computer Services cc 
    127. The Graduate Institute of South Africa 
    128. Tira Telecoms 
    129. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    130. Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer 
    131. Tumelo Education and Training 
    132. Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd 
    133. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd. 
    134. Vukani Solutions 
    135. Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD 
    136. Waterberg TVET College 
    137. Whitestone College 
    138. Y2K COLLEGE 
    139. Zealot Business College cc 
    140. 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.