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: 

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
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 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  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  78964   Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "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 at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    3. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    4. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    5. Balefile Trading and Services 
    6. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    7. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    8. Eagle Computer Training 
    9. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    10. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    11. Elangeni Training Institute 
    12. Elchees Software Solutions 
    13. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    14. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    15. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    16. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Fourways Private College 
    18. Global Institute for Capacity 
    19. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    20. Hazyview Computer College 
    21. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    22. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    23. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    24. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    25. IT Academy 
    26. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    27. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    28. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    29. Loomee Group 
    30. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    31. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    32. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    33. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    34. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    35. Ndulita Solutions 
    36. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    37. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    38. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    39. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    40. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    41. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    42. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    43. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    44. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    45. Spina Consultancy 
    46. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    47. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    48. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    49. Titan Trade Technologies 
    50. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    51. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    52. VSS College (Pty) LTD 
    53. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    54. Whitestone College 
    55. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    56. Zealot Business College 


    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.