This lesson introduces computer network media.

Objectives and Skills

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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

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  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

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  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

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  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

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Key Terms

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See Also

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References

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