Computer Networks/Media

This lesson introduces computer network media.

Objectives and Skills

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

• 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

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

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

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?