NZQA Expiring unit standard
20851 version 5
Page 1 of 8
Title
Demonstrate basic knowledge of information and communications
technology (ICT) systems and services
Level
3
Purpose
Credits
30
This unit standard covers basic underpinning knowledge for
people engaged in the installation and maintenance of basic
telecommunications information and communications
technology (ICT) systems used for voice and data services.
People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate
basic knowledge of:
–
alternating current and transmission line theory;
–
the OSI model;
–
data cabling used to support broadband applications;
–
physical data interfaces;
–
data protocols;
–
data transport technologies;
–
ICT hardware components;
–
ICT systems and applications;
–
end-to-end ICT configurations and systems; and
–
emerging fixed and mobile ICT networks.
Classification
Telecommunications > Telecommunications - Service Delivery
Available grade
Achieved
This unit standard is
This unit standard has been developed for off-job training and assessment.
expiring
Explanatory notes
1
2
The term basic knowledge is used to describe the underpinning knowledge required
by trainees to support the range of practical installation activities assessed by Unit
20852, Install and maintain basic information and communications technology (ICT)
systems and services. This knowledge is typically acquired during the second and
third years of training of a 4 to 5 year training programme.
3
Underpinning knowledge for this unit standard is covered by Unit 17397,
Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of telecommunications.
4
References
AS/NZS 3080:2003: Telecommunications installations – Generic cabling for
commercial premises;
Building Act 2004;
Electricity Act 1992;
Electricity Regulations 1997;
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 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
20851 version 5
Page 2 of 8
Telecommunications Act 2001;
Telecommunications [(Residual Provisions)] Act 1987;
and their subsequent amendments and replacements.
5
Definitions
ATM – Asynchronous Transfer Mode protocol.
BRA – basic rate access (ISDN).
Broadband – synonymous with wideband, a transmission system that combines
multiple independent signals onto one cable.
Brouter – combined bridge and router.
Cable – any or all of copper cable, fibre optic cable, coaxial cable.
Building and data cabling – the telecommunications cabling systems installed in
buildings to carry voice and data.
CDMA – code division multiple access.
Emerging technology – any technology which is at the development stage, or in early
stages of production and commercial use.
EMI – electro-magnetic interference.
Ethernet – a process called Carrier Sense, Multiple Access, Collision Detection
(CSMA/CD), which has data collision detection, it is used to pass data across a
physical media.
FDM – frequency division multiplexing.
FR – frame relay.
GSM – groupe spécial mobile/global system for mobile telecommunications.
Industry practice – those practices, which competent practitioners within the industry
recognise as current industry best practice.
IP – internet protocol.
ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network.
ISO – International Organisation for Standardisation.
LAN – local area network.
OSI – open system interconnect.
PCM – pulse code modulation.
PDH – plesiochronous digital hierarchy.
PRA – primary rate access (ISDN).
QAM – quadrature amplitude modulation.
QPSK – quadrature phase shift keying.
RFI – radio frequency interference.
SDH – synchronous digital hierarchy.
Sonet – synchronous optical network for extended telecommunications (USA version
of SDH).
TCP/IP – transmission control protocol/internet protocol.
TDM – time division multiplexing.
TDMA – time division multiple access.
WAN – wide area network.
xDSL – digital subscriber line types. x can be A, S, H, V, SH.
This unit standard is
expiring
6
Range
a
The phrase in accordance with current industry practice is implicit in all
evidence requirements in this unit standard.
b
The phrase in simple terms means a non-mathematical treatment generally
employing block diagrams identifying key points of interface.
c
The use of mathematics is only required where calculation is specifically
mentioned.
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NZQA Expiring unit standard
7
20851 version 5
Page 3 of 8
The depth of knowledge of the subject matter is such as could typically be learnt
during an eight week full-time course.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate basic knowledge of alternating current and transmission line theory.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Reactance and impedance are defined, units stated, and calculated.
Range
impedance calculations – at any given frequency for simple threeelement series and parallel circuits.
1.2
Vectors are used to show phase relationships between voltages and currents in
series and parallel circuits, and to evaluate the resultants graphically.
1.3
Resonant frequencies for simple series and parallel circuits are calculated.
1.4
The properties of wire and wireless transmission lines are outlined.
Range
1.5
The basic principles of 2-wire and 4-wire transmission are described.
This unit standard is
The properties of fixed and adjustable attenuating networks and equalisers are
described.
expiring
Range
1.6
1.7
properties – primary constants, definition of transmission loss,
variation of loss with frequency, characteristic impedance,
reflections, termination, noise, near end crosstalk, far end
crosstalk, propagation, EMI, RFI.
resistive, transformer, and electronic hybrids; balance networks;
formation and prevention of echoes and instability.
Types of modulation and the advantages and applications of each are
described in simple terms.
Range
types of modulation may include but are not limited to – wire and
wireless, QPSK, QAM 16 and QAM 64, QAM 16.5 and QAM 64.5,
QAM 16.75 and QAM 64.75, TDM, FDM, CDMA, TDMA.
Evidence of six is required.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate basic knowledge of the OSI model.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The history and purpose of the ISO OSI model layers are briefly stated.
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NZQA Expiring unit standard
20851 version 5
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2.2
The OSI layer names are listed and the layer functions are briefly described.
2.3
The concept of peer-to-peer communication in relation to the OSI model is
described in simple terms with the aid of diagrams.
2.4
The message transport mechanism is briefly described.
2.5
Connection and connectionless data transport is briefly described with the aid of
diagrams.
2.6
An end-to-end data transport sequence between two users via at least one
transit only point, is described using the OSI model.
2.7
One other commonly used layered data model is briefly described with
reference to the OSI model.
Outcome 3
Demonstrate basic knowledge of data cabling used to support broadband applications.
Range
cable types include but are not limited to – twisted pair, coaxial, fibre optic.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Cable types are described with reference to physical construction, electrical
characteristics, and broadband applications.
Range
3.2
electrical characteristics – loop resistance, insulation resistance,
loss at audio and high frequencies, noise, EMI, RFI, bit error rate.
This unit standard is
Range
outline includes
– building entrance, equipment room, earthing
expiring
facilities, backbone system, closets, horizontal system, outlet
A typical building and data cabling system for a modern building with more than
one floor is outlined with reference to components, their purposes, and
interconnections.
boxes.
3.3
Regulations, codes of practice, and standards of relevance to building and data
cabling are identified and their scopes stated.
3.4
Telecommunications bonding and grounding purpose and practices are
described in accordance with industry practice.
Range
cables, equipment, frames, backbone and horizontal systems,
coaxial cable.
Outcome 4
Demonstrate basic knowledge of physical data interfaces.
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NZQA Expiring unit standard
Range
20851 version 5
Page 5 of 8
OSI Layer 1 with reference of the role of Layer 2;
interfaces may include but are not limited to – V35, X21-BIS, RJ45, BNC, DB9,
DB25, RJ11, USB, firewire, wireless interfaces.
Evidence of six interfaces is required.
Evidence requirements
4.1
Data interfaces are listed and their typical applications briefly described.
4.2
Physical configurations of typical data interfaces are briefly described.
Range
4.3
Data interface testing principles are explained and practical testing is
demonstrated in accordance with industry practice.
Range
4.4
includes but is not limited to – plug type, pin outs, cable type.
practical testing includes – knowledge and use of test devices and
mechanisms for testing both OSI Layer 1 and Layer 2.
Basic data fault finding methods are briefly described with the aid of diagrams.
Outcome 5
Demonstrate basic knowledge of data protocols.
Range
OSI Layer 2 and Layer 3, with reference to the role of Layer 1 and the upper
layers;
data protocols may include but are not limited to – RS232, RS422, RS405,
ATM, FR, SDH, PDH, Sonet, xDSL, TCP/IP, Ethernet.
Evidence of seven protocols is required.
This unit standard is
The structure and formatexpiring
of typical protocols and their relationship to the OSI
data model are briefly described.
Evidence requirements
5.1
5.2
Typical applications of data protocols are briefly described.
5.3
Protocol format differences are briefly described with respect to different
applications and the reasons for their selection.
5.4
Typical data interface configuration concepts are briefly described.
Range
interface configurations to include but are not limited to – baud
rate; data bits; stop bits; parity; bit speed; dialogue types and flow
which include but are not limited to – setup, transfer, end, error
detection and correction.
Outcome 6
Demonstrate basic knowledge of data transport technologies.
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NZQA Expiring unit standard
Range
20851 version 5
Page 6 of 8
OSI Layer 2, Layer 3, Layer 4;
may include but is not limited to – TCP/IP, ATM, FR, PKT switching, Ethernet,
ISDN (BRA and PRA), xDSL, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, PCM.
Evidence requirements
6.1
Six data transport mechanisms are outlined.
6.2
One data transport mechanism is described with the aid of diagrams.
Range
6.3
reference to – frame structure, error handling and correction,
commercial application.
The relationships between one data transport mechanism and the layers of the
OSI model are briefly described with the aid of diagrams.
Range
includes but is not limited to: – OSI Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3, and
Layer 4.
Outcome 7
Demonstrate basic knowledge of ICT hardware components.
Range
includes but is not limited to – brouters, switches, routers, work stations,
servers, terminals.
Evidence requirements
7.1
7.2
Common network topologies, architectures, and applications are described in
simple terms with the aid of diagrams.
Range
includes but is not limited to – ATM, IP, xDSL;
description to include reference to – differences, limitations,
interfaces, protocols.
Range
hardware – functional elements and interconnection;
software – systems and application.
This unit standard is
Typical end-user ICT system
applications are described in simple terms.
expiring
Outcome 8
Demonstrate basic knowledge of ICT systems and applications.
Range
OSI Layer 5, Layer 6, Layer 7;
ICT applications may include but are not limited to – web, email, peer to peer,
video, voice, remote login.
Evidence requirements
8.1
Four ICT applications are outlined.
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NZQA Expiring unit standard
20851 version 5
Page 7 of 8
8.2
One ICT application is described with the aid of diagrams.
8.3
One practical common use of an ICT system is briefly described.
8.4
The relationship between one ICT system and the layers of the OSI model is
briefly described with the aid of diagrams.
Outcome 9
Demonstrate basic knowledge of end-to-end ICT configurations and systems.
Range
OSI Layers 1 to 7;
physical layer, protocols, transport layer, hardware, applications.
Evidence requirements
9.1
The end-to-end ICT configuration of two user terminals on one LAN connected
via a WAN to two user terminals on another LAN is briefly described with the aid
of diagrams.
9.2
A typical dialogue establishment procedure and the data transfer process for
transport mechanisms are briefly described with the aid of diagrams.
Range
9.3
dialogue definitions include but are not limited to – connection
oriented and connectionless data transport.
Mechanisms used to handle the transport of voice related data and non-voice
data, and related issues, are briefly described.
Range
issues may include – latency, propagation delays;
mechanisms may include – transport layer management, use of
different protocol types.
This unit standard is
Demonstrate basic knowledge of emerging
fixed and mobile ICT networks.
expiring
Outcome 10
Evidence requirements
10.1
Emerging technologies are briefly described with reference to purpose, facilities
offered, and how the technology will integrate with existing networks and
systems.
Range
evidence of any two emerging technologies of current interest to
the industry is required.
This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by
the last date for assessment set out below.
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SSB Code 100401
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA Expiring unit standard
20851 version 5
Page 8 of 8
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
22 September 2004
31 December 2016
Rollover and
Revision
2
20 April 2006
Review
3
18 July 2013
31 December 2016
Rollover
4
17 April 2014
31 December 2016
Rollover
5
16 April 2015
31 December 2018
31 December 2016
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0003
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
This unit standard is
expiring
The Skills Organisation
SSB Code 100401
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016