Advanced Diploma in Computer Networking
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is generally multi- and interdisciplinary in nature and serves to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the Computer Networking discipline and profession. This qualification seeks to enable working professionals to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice, and research methods in an area of specialization. It demands a high level of theoretical engagement, intellectual independence, and the ability to relate knowledge to various contexts to undertake professional or highly skilled work. Furthermore, it enables Information Technologists to pursue further research and study to higher qualifications such as a Master's and Doctoral qualification. The qualification caters to qualifying learners with equivalent qualifications, who are working in business and industry, and wish to continue with further research and study to higher and postgraduate qualifications.
Rationale
The National Development Plan 2030 highlights the benefit South Africa can derive from rapid growth in developing countries, leading to increased demand for commodities and the expansion of consumer markets. However, challenges arise for middle-income countries due to greater competition in manufacturing and certain IT-enabled services. Given the constantly evolving landscape of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), it is essential for institutions to adjust their qualifications to ensure learners are trained in cutting-edge technologies. There is a growing need for developers who can analyze problems, propose and develop software solutions, and a high demand for qualified Information Technology (IT) Experts both nationally and internationally. This qualification addresses critical skills shortages identified in the Scarce Skills List of the Department of Labor (DoL) and the critical skills shortages outlined in the National Development Plan 2030. It is designed to deepen the learner's knowledge, skills, and understanding of Information Technology at a strategic level, emphasizing research-related approaches, strategies, and methodologies through structured coursework. Additionally, the qualification articulates vertically to the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Networking.
Disclaimer
Note: This document does not confer any rights nor impose any obligations unless pursuant to a Consortium agreement.
Outcomes
- Apply appropriate techniques and strategies to perform a security risk assessment.
- Design and construct modern database systems for business problems, through the understanding and practical application of end user's requirements.
- Understand the underlying concepts of the 802.11 standard and the methodologies for completing a successful wireless network installation.
- Apply advanced techniques in the planning, scheduling, controlling and monitoring of a Network solution project. Identify, design, develop and implement a network solution for a complex business problem applying new technologies, software paradigms and platforms.
- Demonstrate adequate understanding of fundamental principles and functions of an operating system and install, configure and administer an operating system or components to support an organisation's Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.
- Design a routed and switched network infrastructures and services involving Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and broadband access for businesses and organisations. Designing basic campus, data centre, security, voice, and wireless networks.
- Control computer network traffic in order to optimise or guarantee performance, improve latency, and increase usable bandwidth by delaying packets that meet certain criteria### convergence (voice, video, data) that provides insight into the latest technology of video and data over wireless networks.
- Run a highly efficient and modern data centre, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualisation, storage, directory services and networking.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Explain the importance of information security and its management.
- Demonstrate an understanding of risk management.
- Discuss security technology, specifically firewalls and VPNs.
- Demonstrate an understanding of intrusion detection, access control, and other security tools including cryptography.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identify and describe server technologies for accessing data stored in a database.
- Identify and describe relational structures.
- Define and describe relational structures.
- Use client tools effectively to access a relational database.
- Use server technologies effectively to access data stored in a database.
- Utilize logical and physical database models to design, develop, and implement databases for specific user requirements.
- Identify appropriate types of models for various categories of business-related problems.
- Demonstrate an understanding of using advanced SQL commands to create and modify a database.
- Use advanced Structured Query Language (SQL) commands to analyze data.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify and describe basic wireless LAN concepts.
- Identify and describe Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 security concepts.
- Demonstrate an understanding and use of wireless network tools.
- Use wireless LAN concepts and understanding to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot basic network tasks.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Develop detailed work breakdown structures and baseline schedules for a network project using examples provided.
- Investigate, select, and apply appropriate project monitoring strategies and techniques to examples provided.
- Produce progress report documents according to agreed parameters and timeframes.
- Demonstrate an understanding and use of the current modeling language.
- Identify, design, develop, and implement an intuitive, effective, and efficient software solution for a complex business problem.
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of software project management concepts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Discuss the necessary operating system components and functions.
- Prepare a computer for use as a server.
- Install an operating system and validate the installation as successful.
- Distinguish between server and client services.
- Demonstrate configuring and testing for validity of common network services.
- Explain the benefits of using scripts to automate operating systems tasks.
- Describe virtualization advantages and issues.
- Demonstrate installation of two virtual machines on a system using current virtualization software.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Demonstrate an understanding of enterprise data center design fundamentals, technology trends, and challenges.
- Demonstrate an understanding of virtualization technologies and services.
- Use data center design concepts to design aspects of the multilayer architecture.
- Show an understanding of virtualization types and provide examples.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Demonstrate an understanding of converged networks.
- Use security, voice, video, and wireless concepts to design a converged network.
- Troubleshoot converged networks.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Identify server software suitable for a modern data center.
- Demonstrate installation and configuration of server software.
- Design and implement server infrastructure.
Integrated Assessment:
- Integrated assessment includes formative and summative practices.
- Theoretical knowledge is put into practice.
- Outcomes are addressed together, with clustered assessment criteria.
- Connections and relationships between knowledge, processes, and skills are highlighted.
- Various assessment methods are used to achieve outcomes.
- The Research Project module integrates all program outcomes through a mini dissertation submission.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.