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  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  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. AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD 
    3. Act of Grace 97 
    4. Added Advantage Academy (Durban) 
    5. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    6. Affirmations Training 
    7. All Connections cc 
    8. Amitek Business College 
    9. Ankalite (Pty) Limited 
    10. Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    12. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    13. Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies 
    14. Beth Horner & Associates 
    15. Birnam Business College (Pty) Limited 
    16. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Broadband College of Technology 
    18. BTC Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    20. Calandra Trading 523(PTY) 
    21. Cape Town Society for the Blind 
    22. Certified Workforce Trainers cc. 
    23. Claas Illustration 
    24. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    25. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    26. CompEd IT Training 
    27. Competence computer and business management 
    28. CTU Training Solutions 
    29. CYBER MINDS (PTY) LIMITED 
    30. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Ditlotlo Trading Enterprise Cc 
    32. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    33. Eagle Computer Training 
    34. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    35. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    36. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    37. Fakazani Management Services 
    38. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    39. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    40. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    41. Fort Hare Solutions (PTY) LTD 
    42. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    43. Gauteng College of Engineering and Technology (PTY) LTD 
    44. Gegana Computer Academy and Business Solutions cc 
    45. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    46. Goldfields TVET College 
    47. Goodwill Institute Of Technology 
    48. Gurandbuilt Management Development 
    49. Hazyview Computer College 
    50. Hectic Productions cc 
    51. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
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    53. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    54. Institute of Training and Education for Capacity Building 
    55. ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE 
    56. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    57. Jeppe College of Commerce and Computer Studies 
    58. John Taolo Gaetsewe Developmental Trust 
    59. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    60. Kezla Investments 
    61. King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College 
    62. Kumani Computer College 
    63. Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    64. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    65. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    66. Loja Trading cc 
    67. Mackeys Computing (Pty) Ltd 
    68. Malope IT Solutions 
    69. Masana Brainstorm Conferencing cc 
    70. Mash Computer Training 
    71. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    72. Mosadikago Trading Cc 
    73. Mpisholo Training Solutions 
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    77. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    78. Ndabezitha Life Skills Training Institute 
    79. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    80. New Era Computer Training Centre (Hidobyte CC) 
    81. Ntamunde Investment 
    82. Ocule IT cc 
    83. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    84. Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Pillays Computer and Careers 
    86. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    87. PROSERV SA (PTY) LTD 
    88. Protech Business and Computer College Pty Ltd. 
    89. Rand Training College 
    90. Regent-Comp 
    91. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    92. Sankin Computer Training Pty Ltd 
    93. Sebata Municipal Solutions (Pty) Limited 
    94. SEDIBENG 
    95. Setlagole Telecentre 
    96. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    97. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    98. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre 
    99. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    100. Southern Africa Youth Project NPC 
    101. Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty) 
    102. Star Light Consulting 
    103. Success Christian Training Centre 
    104. Taal-Net Training Institute 
    105. Terry Computer Services cc 
    106. The Graduate Institute of South Africa 
    107. Tira Telecoms 
    108. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    109. Tshwane College of Commerce and Computer 
    110. Tumelo Education and Training 
    111. Turnstone Trading 183 (Pty) Ltd 
    112. Umbuso Training Services (Pty) Ltd. 
    113. Vukani Solutions 
    114. Vuthlari Marketing Consulting (PTY)LTD 
    115. Waterberg TVET College 
    116. Whitestone College 
    117. Zealot Business College cc 
    118. 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.