Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences › Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Applied Communications Technology Fundamentals Training
Description
This course provides a foundational understanding of applied communications technology, enabling learners to select, use, and manage communication tools effectively in a business environment. It covers key concepts such as data transmission, network protocols, and digital communication platforms, ensuring participants can apply these technologies to enhance organizational communication.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the principles and components of communications technology systems.
- Apply appropriate communication technologies for different business scenarios.
- Analyze the advantages and limitations of various communication channels.
- Implement basic troubleshooting techniques for common communication technology issues.
- Demonstrate understanding of data transmission standards and network protocols.
Target Audience
This course is designed for administrative staff, junior IT support personnel, and any professionals seeking to improve their competency in using communications technology for business purposes.
Prerequisites
None — open enrollment.
Course Outline
Objectives:
• Understand the basic principles of communication systems
• Identify different types of communication technologies
• Explain the role of modulation and demodulation
• Describe the components of a basic communication link
• Recognize the importance of bandwidth and signal-to-noise ratio
Topics:
• Overview of communication systems: transmitter, channel, receiver
• Analog vs. digital communication
• Modulation techniques: AM, FM, PM
• Demodulation and signal recovery
• Bandwidth, data rate, and noise fundamentals
• Introduction to transmission media: wired and wireless
• Standards and regulatory bodies in telecommunications
• Safety practices in handling communication equipment
Objectives:
• Differentiate between guided and unguided transmission media
• Describe the characteristics and applications of twisted pair, coaxial cable, and fiber optics
• Explain wireless propagation and antenna types
• Understand the basics of radio frequency (RF) and microwave communication
• Identify factors affecting signal loss and interference
Topics:
• Twisted pair: categories, shielding, and connectors
• Coaxial cable: impedance, connectors, and applications
• Fiber optics: principles, types, and connectors
• Wireless propagation: reflection, refraction, diffraction
• Antenna types: dipole, parabolic, Yagi-Uda
• RF and microwave bands and their uses
• Signal attenuation, distortion, and noise
• Impedance matching and standing wave ratio (SWR)
Objectives:
• Understand the OSI and TCP/IP models
• Explain the function of key network protocols
• Describe addressing and routing in IP networks
• Differentiate between LAN, WAN, and MAN
• Identify common network devices and their roles
Topics:
• OSI model layers and their functions
• TCP/IP protocol suite: IP, TCP, UDP, HTTP, FTP
• IP addressing: IPv4 and IPv6, subnetting
• Routing basics: static and dynamic routing
• Network topologies: star, bus, ring, mesh
• Network devices: routers, switches, hubs, modems
• Ethernet standards and cabling
• Introduction to wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) standards
Objectives:
• Integrate various communication components into a functional system
• Perform basic configuration of network devices
• Use diagnostic tools to test and troubleshoot communication links
• Interpret signal measurements and link performance indicators
• Apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies
Topics:
• System integration: connecting transmitters, receivers, and antennas
• Configuring IP addresses and subnet masks on devices
• Using ping, traceroute, and iperf for network testing
• Spectrum analyzers and power meters for RF measurements
• Troubleshooting common issues: cable faults, interference, misconfiguration
• Link budget analysis and signal strength calculations
• Documentation and reporting of test results
• Preventive maintenance of communication equipment
Objectives:
• Apply learned concepts to a real-world communication project
• Understand regulatory compliance and industry standards
• Demonstrate teamwork and project management skills
• Present technical findings and solutions
• Reflect on ethical and safety considerations in communications
Topics:
• Project planning: requirements, design, and implementation
• Case studies: point-to-point link, LAN setup, wireless network
• Industry standards: SANS, ETSI, FCC regulations
• Quality of Service (QoS) and performance metrics
• Emerging technologies: 5G, IoT, satellite communications
• Environmental and safety considerations
• Professional ethics and customer communication
• Course review and assessment
Practicals
Overview
Practical sessions are essential for learners to apply theoretical knowledge to real communication equipment. They involve hands-on activities such as cabling, configuring network devices, using diagnostic tools, and troubleshooting systems, which are critical for developing competence in communications technology.
Practical Activities
- Cabling and Connector Termination — Learners terminate twisted pair cables with RJ45 connectors and coaxial cables with BNC connectors, then test continuity and performance. (4h)
- Network Device Configuration and Testing — Learners configure IP addresses on routers and switches, set up a simple LAN, and test connectivity using ping and traceroute. (4h)
- RF Measurement and Antenna Setup — Learners use a spectrum analyzer to measure signal strength and set up a directional antenna for optimal reception. (4h)
- Integrated Communication System Project — Teams design and implement a wireless point-to-point link using provided equipment, then test and document performance. (4h)
Summatives
Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.
Practical Assignments — 30%
Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.
Daily Exercises — 20%
Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.
Final Test — 50%
On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.
Final Total
| Component | Out of | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Assignments (rubric-scored) | 100% | 30% |
| Daily Average (multiple choice) | 100% | 20% |
| Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice) | 100% | 50% |
| Final Total | — | 100% |
All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.
Certificate
How it works
- Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
- Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
- You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
- If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.
Where to find it
Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.
Training Discounts
Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.
| Delegates | Discount |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3% off |
| 10 | 6% off |
| 15 | 9% off |
| 20 | 12% off |
| 25 | 15% off |
| 30 | 18% off |
| 50 | 30% off |
| 75 | 40% off |
| 100 | 40% off |
3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange a session that suits you.
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