This lesson introduces computer network media.

Objectives and Skills edit

Objectives and skills for the media portion of Network+ certification include:[1]

  • Install and properly terminate various cable types and connectors using appropriate tools
    • Copper cables
      • Shielded vs unshielded
      • CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a
      • PVC vs plenum
      • RG-59
      • RG-6
      • Straight-through vs crossover vs rollover
    • Copper connectors
      • RJ-11
      • RJ-45
      • RJ-48C
      • DB-9/RS-232
      • DB-25
      • UTP coupler
      • BNC coupler
      • BNC
      • F-connector
      • 110 block
      • 66 block
    • Fiber cables
      • Single mode
      • Multimode
      • APC vs UPC
    • Fiber connectors
      • ST
      • SC
      • LC
      • MTRJ
      • FC
      • Fiber coupler
    • Media converters
      • Single mode fiber to Ethernet
      • Multimode fiber to Ethernet
      • Fiber to coaxial
      • Single mode to multimode fiber
    • Tools
      • Cable crimpers
      • Punch down tool
      • Wire strippers
      • Snips
      • OTDR
      • Cable certifier
  • Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate wired connectivity standard
    • Wiring standards
      • EIA/TIA 568A/568B
  • Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve common copper cable issues
    • Shorts
    • Opens
    • Incorrect termination (mismatched standards)
      • Straight-through
      • Crossover
    • Cross-talk
      • Near end
      • Far end
    • EMI/RFI
    • Distance limitations
    • Attenuation/Db loss
    • Bad connector
    • Bad wiring
    • Split pairs
    • Tx/Rx reverse
    • Cable placement
    • Bad SFP/GBIC - cable or transceiver
  • Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve common fiber cable issues
    • Attenuation/Db loss
    • SFP/GBIC - cable mismatch
    • Bad SFP/GBIC - cable or transceiver
    • Wavelength mismatch
    • Fiber type mismatch
    • Dirty connectors
    • Connector mismatch
    • Bend radius limitations
    • Distance limitations
  • Given a scenario, install and configure equipment in the appropriate location using best practices
    • Intermediate distribution frame
    • Main distribution frame
    • Cable management
      • Patch panels
    • Power management
      • Power converters
      • Circuits
      • UPS
      • Inverters
      • Power redundancy
    • Device placement
    • Air flow
    • Cable trays
    • Rack systems
      • Server rail racks
      • Two-post racks
      • Four-post racks
      • Free-standing racks
    • Labeling
      • Port labeling
      • System labeling
      • Circuit labeling
      • Naming conventions
      • Patch panel labeling
    • Rack monitoring
    • Rack security

Readings edit

  1. Media Introduction
  2. Wikipedia: Networking cables
  3. Wikipedia: Twisted pair
  4. Wikipedia: Coaxial cable
  5. Wikipedia: Optical fiber cable
  6. Wikipedia: Plenum cable
  7. Wikipedia: Registered jack
  8. Wikipedia: D-subminiature
  9. Wikipedia: BNC connector
  10. Wikipedia: F connector
  11. Wikipedia: Patch panel
  12. Wikipedia: 110 block
  13. Wikipedia: 66 block
  14. Wikipedia: Optical fiber connector
  15. Wikipedia: Fiber media converter
  16. Wikipedia: Broadband over power lines
  17. Wikipedia: Crimp connection
  18. Wikipedia: Punch down tool
  19. Wikipedia: Wire stripper
  20. Wikipedia: Optical time-domain reflectometer
  21. Wikipedia: Cable tester
  22. Wikipedia: TIA/EIA-568

Multimedia edit

  1. YouTube: Copper Cabling - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
  2. YouTube: Copper Connectors- CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
  3. YouTube: Straight-Through, Crossover, and Rollover Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
  4. YouTube: Fiber Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
  5. YouTube: Fiber Connectors - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
  6. YouTube: Media Converters - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
  7. YouTube: Network Cabling Tools - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
  8. YouTube: How To Make RJ45 Network Patch Cables - Cat 5E and Cat 6
  9. YouTube: Tools Comparison: Terminating Ethernet Cable with Different Punchdown Tools
  10. YouTube: Troubleshooting Copper Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
  11. YouTube: Troubleshooting Signal Loss - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
  12. YouTube: Troubleshooting Network Cabling - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
  13. YouTube: Troubleshooting Fiber Issues - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.5
  14. YouTube: MDF and IDF - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
  15. YouTube: Cable and Power Management - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
  16. YouTube: Rack Systems - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
  17. YouTube: Labeling and Documentation - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7

Activities edit

  1. Review Wikipedia: Category 5 cable and Wikipedia: Category 6 cable. Examine a network cable you have available or attached to your computer or switch/router. Check for labeling on the cable to identify whether it is a Category 5 cable or Category 6 cable. Then check the wiring pattern on each end. Is it wired with the 568A standard or the 568B standard? Are both ends wired to the same standard, or is it a cross-over cable?
  2. Review Warehouse Cables: How to Make a Cat5 Patch Cable. Using available Category 5 or Category 6 cable, some RJ-45 connectors, and a cable crimper, create your own patch cable. Test the cable with a cable tester if you have one available, or connect it to your computer and switch/router and test the connection.
  3. Review Wikipedia: Punch down tool. Using available Category 5 or Category 6 cable and an RJ-45 jack or 110 block, practice terminating network cables.
  4. Compare YouTube: Scary Network Wiring and Cabling Fails in the IT Closet and YouTube: Cat 6 amazing dressing and termination. Then request a tour of your school or organization's wiring closet, computer room, or data center. Which video does your organization's wiring most resemble?

Lesson Summary edit

Key Terms edit

See Also edit

References edit