Computer Networks/Media

This lesson introduces computer network media.

Objectives and Skills

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

Multimedia

Activities

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?
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.
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.
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

Key Terms

References

↑ CompTIA: Network+ Certification Exam Objectives - Exam N10-006

[1] CompTIA: Network+ Certification Exam Objectives - Exam N10-006

[1]

Objectives and Skills

Readings

Multimedia

Activities

Lesson Summary

Key Terms

See Also

References