Computer Networks: Motherboards & Devices

• Here are study notes for Computer Networks and Security ITCNA1-12

Eduvos Flipped Classroom

• Before lecturer-led sessions, students prepare by reviewing myLMS content and doing practice activities
• During sessions, students engage in active learning with peers and the lecturer, debating and practicing technical aspects
• After sessions, lecturers may recommend revision and further learning opportunities on myLMS

Lesson 1: Motherboards, Connections and Devices

• A personal computer consists of multiple components that work together to process and store data
• The system case is the primary enclosure, which protects internal components
• Tower cases stand upright for better airflow and expansion
• All-in-One cases integrate all hardware, saving space but limiting upgrades
• Removable side panels allow technician access for maintenance
• Proper airflow is critical for PC performance, requiring effective cooling for components like CPUs and GPUs
• Cooling solutions include case fans, heatsinks, and liquid cooling systems

Peripheral Devices & Ports

• Peripheral devices enhance a PC's functionality and fall into three categories
• Input devices include keyboards, mice, scanners, and microphones
• Output devices are monitors, printers, and speakers
• Storage devices are external HDDs and USB flash drives
• Peripherals connect using interfaces like USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt
• Each interface has specific data transfer speeds and power supply capabilities

USB Cables & Standards

• The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standard interface for connecting peripherals to computers
• USB supports data transfer, power supply, and peripheral communication
• USB has evolved to improve speed, power efficiency, and versatility
• USB 1.1 (1998) has a Low-Speed of 1.5 Mbps & Full-Speed of 12 Mbps
• USB 2.0 (2000) has a High-Speed of 480 Mbps
• USB 3.0 (2008) has a SuperSpeed of 5 Gbps
• USB 3.1 (2013) has a SuperSpeed+ of 10 Gbps
• USB 3.2 (2017) is Multi-lane with 20 Gbps
• USB 4.0 (2019) has a Thunderbolt compatibility at 40 Gbps

HDMI and DisplayPort Cables

• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the standard for transmitting high-definition video and audio signals
• Features include support for 1080p, 4K, and 8K resolutions, backward compatibility, an ARC (Audio Return Channel) for sound
• The DisplayPort (DP) cables are commonly used in professional settings for high-refresh-rate monitors
• The differences from HDMI include higher bandwidth support for 240Hz monitors, daisy-chaining capability, and open standard with no licensing fees

Thunderbolt and Lightning Cables

• Thunderbolt technology, developed by Intel, offers a hybrid of PCI Express and DisplayPort signals
• Thunderbolt 1 & 2 used Mini DisplayPort connectors
• Thunderbolt 3 & 4 utilize USB-C, allowing for power, data, and video via a single cable
• Apple's Lightning Connector is proprietary to iOS devices
• Lightning only transmits data and power, requiring adapters for video output unlike USB-C
• SATA (Serial ATA) is the standard interface for connecting storage devices like SSDs and HDDs
• SATA power connectors use 15-pin connectors, and data connectors use 7-pin cables
• SATA 1.0 has a speed of 150 MB/s
• SATA 2.0 has a speed of 300 MB/s
• SATA 3.0 has a speed of 600 MB/s

Lesson 2: Installing System Devices

• Key topics includes installing and configuring power supplies, cooling solutions, storage devices, system memory, and CPUs
• Key outcome entails correctly installing and configuring essential system components in a PC

Power Supplies & Cooling

• Power supply selection depends on the total wattage required by all components
• A power supply unit (PSU) converts AC from a wall outlet to DC for PC components
• Insufficient power supply can lead to system instability and crashes
• All components generate heat, particularly the CPU, GPU, and power supply
• Excessive heat can degrade performance and damage components
• Cooling mechanisms include heat sinks, case fans, liquid cooling systems, and thermal paste

Power Supply Units

• The PSU distributes power to all internal components
• Most desktop PSUs use the ATX form factor
• Some PSUs are auto-switching, while others require manual selection
• Standard power ratings are 120V for North America and 230V for Europe
• Basic desktop PCs require 200–300W
• Gaming and workstation PCs may need 500W or higher

Installing and Configuring System

• Memory (RAM) is a volatile storage
• Holds active programs and data for quick access
• RAM is measured in GB (gigabytes)
• Speed is measured in MHz/MT/s
• Available types are DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5
• DDR type must match motherboard compatibility
• One stick of RAM represents Single-channel
• Dual-channel uses two matched RAM modules to increase bandwidth
• Quad-channel memory is common in high-end workstations and servers

Connector Types

• USB Type-A connectors are Rectangular and considered standard for host connectors (PCs, chargers)
• USB Type-B connectors are Square and mainly used for printers and external drives
• Mini-USB connectors are Compact and used for older cameras and MP3 players
• Micro-USB connectors are Small and widely used for smartphones and tablets
• USB Type-Cconnectors are Reversible and support higher speeds & power delivery
• USB 2.0 delivers 5V at 500mA (2.5W max)
• USB 3.0/3.1 delivers 5V at 900mA (4.5W max)
• USB-C with Power Delivery (PD) supports up to 100W for laptops, monitors, and fast charging

Storage Devices Overview

• Hard Disk Drives (HDD) use mechanical platters, have larger capacity, and slower speeds
• Solid-State Drives (SSD) have no moving parts, faster speeds, and lower power consumption
• Hybrid Drives (SSHD) can combine HDD capacity with SSD speed
• Storage Form Factors includes 3.5-inch for HDDs in desktops, 2.5-inch for HDDs/SSDs in laptops and M.2 SSD which features a compact NVMe storage

Installing and Configuring RAM

• Ensure compatibility with DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5
• Locate RAM slots on the motherboard
• Align the RAM module properly
• Press down firmly until it clicks into place
• Enable Dual-Channel mode, if applicable
• Check RAM detection in BIOS

CPUs

• Key components include Cores, Clock Speed (GHz), Cache and Hyper-Threading (Intel) / Simultaneous Multithreading (AMD)
• Cores involves multiple cores allowing parallel processing.
• Clock Speed (GHz) determines processing speed
• Cache entails small memory for faster processing.
• Hyper-Threading (Intel) / Simultaneous Multithreading (AMD) increases efficiency.
• Socket types consist of LGA (Land Grid Array, mainly Intel CPUs) and PGA (Pin Grid Array, mainly AMD CPUs)
• Lift the CPU socket lever in order to install a CPU
• Align the CPU with the socket notches
• Be sure to place the CPU gently without force
• Secure the CPU by lowering the lever
• Apply thermal paste on the CPU
• Install the CPU cooler

Next Week: Troubleshooting PC Hardware

• In order to achieve this, you must Apply troubleshooting methodology, Configure BIOS/UEFI, Troubleshoot power and disk issues, and Troubleshoot system and display issues

Troubleshooting PC Hardware

• As repair computer technicians / computer engineers, keep the following points in mind:
• Identify the problem
• Establish theory of a probable cause
• Test the theory to determine the cause
• Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem
• Verify full system functionality
• Document the findings, actions, (solution) and outcomes

Problem Solvers

• As technical staff, act as a problem solvers by answering the following questions:
• What has caused the problem?
• What are the symptoms of the problem?
• What will happen if this problem is not solved?

Troubleshooting Methodology

• Identify the problem
• Establish theory of probable cause
• Test the theory to determine cause
• Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem
• Verify full system functionality
• Document the findings, actions (solution) and outcomes

Identify the Problem

• When Users are failing to connect to the internet, consider the following questions:
• All users? Some users? One user?
• All internet or just a particular site? Blacklisted?
• Gather information
• Always backup before making any changes

Establish a Theory

• What informs tactical speculation?
• Why do job adverts want 2 years/5 years experience?
• Conduct internal and external research
• Look at vendor manuals
• Physical inspection
• Compartmentalize

Test the Theory

• Thorough inspection
• Iterate if necessary
• Escalate if need be

Establish A Plan Of Action To Resolve The Problem

• Consider the effect on other users
• Consider policies
• Refer to vendor's user guide
• Find a work around
• Repair
• Replace

Verify Full System Functionality

• Perform all tests
• Obtain user acceptance
• The technician got my computer to print, but now my Teams is not working
• They fixed the projector, now online students cannot hear me
• Implement preventive measures

Document Findings

• Documenting can help new staff with training
• Preventive maintenance
• Assist with investigation or audit
• Assist with repeat faults / problems

Configure BIOS / UEFI

• Firmware includes:
• Basic Input Output System – 32-bit operation
• Unified Extensible Firmware Interface is a 64-bit operation
• More features at boot include: DUI, Networking, and Backward compatible
• Combinations to access BIOS/UEFI vary. ESC; Del; F1; F2; F10 or F12
• Tasks in BIOS/UEFI could include:
• Setting a system password, a user password, and Secure boot options

Trouble Shooting Power And Disk Issues

• My computer wont power up, the fan is not moving
• What could be the cause? Is it load shedding?
• All LEDs are not blinking
• Consider other factors like: Load shedding, Room Equipment, Loose Connections?
• All marketing department computers are not powering up, all other computers are fine. Where is the problem?
• What do we use to test if there is electricity from a plug (mains)?

Power On Self-Test (POST)

• When Trouble shooting, consider: Black screen, Blue screen of death, and Detailed beeps

Trouble Shooting Drive Availability

• In terms of drive availablity, consider issues such as: Unusual noises, LEDS, and Blue screen of death

Trouble Shoot RAID Failure

• Ensure to Replace failed devices if there is a RAID failure
• Consider issues like RAID device not found or a failed configuration utility

Trouble Shooting System And Display Issues

• Issues include: Intermittent faults, Software issues – malware, Thermal issues, Brownout, and Burning smell or smoke

Physical Damage

• Inspect for: Connector pins, Swelling capacitors, and providing trunking for loose cables

Troubleshoot Performance Issues

• Consider: Overheating, Misconfigurations, Policy to stop unauthorised installations

Troubleshoot Inaccurate System Date

• CMOS battery – real time clock (RTC) battery may be faulty

Troubleshoot Missing Video

• Video issues may consider: Incorrect data source, Physical cabling, Burned out bulb, Overheating, and Video quality problems

Next week ... Comparing Local Network Hardware

• Focus areas includes comparing network types, network hardware and wireless network types

Objectives

• Compare network types
• Compare networking hardware
• Explain network cable types
• Compare wireless networking types

Network Types

• Local area network (LAN)
• Wireless local area network (WLAN)
• Wide area network (WAN)
• Metropolitan area network (MAN)

LANs

• They Covers a small geographical area, for example a home, school, or office
• They are high-speed and cost-effective

WANS

• Covers large geographical areas, for example a country or continent
• Infrastructure consists of public and private connections (e.g., leased lines, satellite links)

MANS

• Covers a city or large campus
• Larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN

Datacenters And Storage Area Networks

• Key aspects of Datacenters include: A facility dedicated to hosting servers with features dedicated to Networking, power, climate control, and physical access control
• A Storage area network (SAN) is a Network hosting configurable pool of storage devices, used by application servers

Personal Area Networks

• Personal area networks involves Wireless and cellular connections over a few meters
• Devices that use personal area networks are PC/smartphones, wearable technology

Review Of Network Types

• Common types of networks includes: LANs and WANS, SOHO and Enterprise Networks, Datacenters and Storage Area Networks and Personal Area Networks

Compare Network Hardware

• Network Interface Cards, considerations when installing networks includes: Media type (transceiver), Number of ports, Framing and addressing, and Source and destination

Routers

• Connects different networks.
• Routes data packets based onIP addresses.

Patch Panels

• Consists of a back used to terminate cabling and a front used with modular RJ-45 connectors

Hubs

• Star topology wiring
• Concentrator repeats signals over all cabled segments
• All ports are in same collision domain
• Performance redued by contention
• Half-duplex 10/100 Mbps Ethernet only

Switches

• Same star topology-each host cabled to a switch port
• Traffic to specific destination port by learning MAC addresses
• Each port operates at full-duplex and full speed
• Required for Gigabit Ethernet and better

Unmanaged And Managed Switches

• Unmanaged switch : works without configuration
• Managed switch are more complex with an additional configuration interface and enterprise modular switches

Power Over Ethernet

• PoE standards : 802.3af (~ 13 W); 802.3at(PoE+) (~ 25 W); and a 802.3bt (~ 51 W (Type 3) or 73 W

Wireless Networks

• SOHO wireless routers implements all the functions for local network connectivity
• Enterprise networks has higher reliability with a modular design

Cabling

• Copper wire cabling carrieselectrical signals through the use of balanced wire pairs
• Signal attenuation limits maximum distance to 100 m

Shielded Twisted Pair

• Most common in modern networking (Ethernet cables)
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) is cost-effective but less resistant to interference
• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) has better protection against electromagnetic interference

CAT Standards

• CAT network connections vary in speed. Consider the specifications below:

Copper Cabling Connectors

• Connections include the use of: RJ-45 Port/Connector
• Wiring is set as EIA/TIA 568 A and B Standards

Copper Cabling Test Tools

• Test is performed via a installation, cable tester or toner probe

Copper Connections Considerations

• Installation to plenum spaces such as Building/fire safety regulations with a Plenum rated cable
• Installation as outside plant, needing Aerial, and conduit for protection (from weather)

Optical Couplings

• Fiber optic cable types include Single and Multi -Mode

Coaxial Cable

• Features include Construction and Uses that are only compatible with F-type connectors

Compare Wireless Network Types

• Considersations consist of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Cellular (3G/4G/5G) options

IEEE 802.11 Specifications

• 802.11 a has a frequency of 5 GHz at the speed of 54Mbps
• 802.11 b/g both uses 2.4Ghz frequency
• 802.11 n operates between 5Ghz frequency but with a much wider bandwidth. It has a peak speed of 72 Mbps

WiFi 5 vs WiFi 6

• WiFi 5 has a bandwidth of 5 GHz with a Multiusuer MIMO
• WiFi 6 runs on a 2.4 or 5 GHz bandwidth that increases bandwidth and is both down/uplink MU-MIMO

WLS Installation Considerations

• Considerations includes configuration regarding:
  • Network name or Service Set Identifier (SSID)
  • Frequency band use is the Same SSID or different SSID per band
  • Operation mode (legacy standards support) settings

WiFi Analyzers

• Involves a software installed to mobile device
• Used Reports configuration of nearby wireless
• and used to measure Signal strength