Network Media & Cabling

Media and Cabling Overview

• This section covers transmission media and cabling, focusing on networking concepts and troubleshooting.
• Key area of focus is comparing transmission media and transceivers.
• The notes also cover the ability to use appropriate tools or protocols for network issues.

Copper Media Exploration

• The initial focus is on copper media, exploring its types, bandwidth, and distance limitations.
• Copper network connections and connectors used to attach copper cables to the network will be covered:
  • RJ45
  • RJ11
  • F-Type
  • BNC

Fiber Media Exploration

• Fiber media types in networks will be covered next:
  • Single-mode
  • Multi-mode
• After, the benefits and limitations will also be covered.

Fiber Network Connections

• After the different fiber network connections technicians may encounter will be discussed:
  • SC
  • ST
  • LC
  • MTRJ
  • MTP connectors
• Transceivers and their use in connecting different media types, like fiber and copper will be reviewed.

Cabling Types and Standards

• Copper media, the standard for decades, is an integral part of network infrastructure.
• The 802.3 standard dictates specifications for Ethernet network protocols and related wiring:
  • IEEE standards define physical and data link layers for wired Ethernet networks.
  • 802.3 Standard forms the basis for local area network operations.
  • Twisted pair cable is the most common cable type in wired networks.
  • IEEE 802.3 Standard covers various cable types, including copper, fiber optic cables, and their characteristics.
  • Focus on copper cables, including twisted pair, coaxial, twinaxial cables, and direct attach copper in the lesson.

Twisted Pair Cables

• Twisted pair cables involve two conductors twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.
• Twisting increases data transmission consistency and reduces noise.
• Two main categories of twisted pair cables:
  • Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
  • Shielded Twisted Pair (STP).

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

• UTP cables are prevalent in telecommunications and computer networks:
  • Composed of twisted wires without additional shielding which makes them lightweight, flexible, and cost-effective, ideal for Ethernet-based local area networks.
  • Lack of shielding makes UTP cables smaller and easier to install.
  • UTP cables are more susceptible to EMI and noise, degrading signal quality over longer distances.
  • UTP cables are suitable where EMI isn't a major concern.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)

• STP cables incorporate a layer of insulation or shielding like copper tape or braided mesh:
  • Shielding reduces EMI, improving signal quality.
  • Offer a more stable network connection.
  • Best for high EMI environments due to better interference and crosstalk protection.
  • Support higher data rates over longer distances compared to UTP.
  • STP cables are more expensive, bulkier, and harder to install due to the extra shielding.

Cable Categories (CAT Ratings)

• Cables are categorized using numbers like CAT 5, CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 6a, CAT 7, and CAT 8:
  • Essential for understanding speed and distance capabilities within the 802.3 Ethernet standard.

CAT 5

• Oldest category still encountered, supporting speeds up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps).
• Cable length up to 100 meters, using frequencies up to 100 MHz.
• Referred to as 100 BASE-T or Fast Ethernet.

CAT 5e (Enhanced)

• Enhancement of CAT 5, supporting speeds up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gigabit per second (Gbps)):
  • Maximum cable length of 100 meters and a frequency of 100 MHz.
  • Contains more twists than CAT 5, reducing crosstalk and improving signal integrity.
  • Also known as 1000 BASE-T or Gigabit Ethernet.

CAT 6

• Supports up to 1 Gbps at 100 meters, with frequencies up to 250 MHz.
• Can support 10 Gbps if the cable is 55 meters or less.
• Also referred to as 10G BASE-T when less than 55 meters, or Gigabit Ethernet at 1 Gbps.

CAT 6a (Augmented)

• Supports 10 Gbps at a maximum cable length of 100 meters using frequencies up to 500 MHz.
• Better crosstalk protection than CAT 6, allowing 10 Gbps speeds up to 100 meters.

CAT 7

• Supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters, similar to CAT 6a.
• Supports frequencies up to 600 MHz, higher than CAT 6a's 500 MHz:
  • Also used to support 10G BASE-T or 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks.
  • Not officially recognized as a standard by TIA/EIA but still available.

CAT 8

• Advanced standard that supports data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps.
• Maximum cable length of only 30 meters.
• Uses frequencies up to 2000 MHz (2 GHz).
• Designed for data centers and enterprise applications needing high-speed, short-distance data transfer.

Speed and Distance Summary for CAT Cables

• CAT 5: 100 Mbps at 100 meters
• CAT 5e: 1 Gbps at 100 meters
• CAT 6: 1 Gbps at 100 meters, or 10 Gbps at 55 meters
• CAT 6a: 10 Gbps at 100 meters
• CAT 7: 10 Gbps at 100 meters
• CAT 8: 25 to 40 Gbps at 30 meters

Coaxial Cables

• Also known as "coax," fundamental to networking for decades.
• Composed of a single copper conductor, an insulating layer, and a conductive shield.
• Used in broadband systems like cable television to carry multiple channels.
• Also used to carry data at high speeds over longer distances.

RG-6 Coaxial Cable

• Supports faster internet speeds with a cable modem in residential setups.
• Includes a heavier center copper core for high bandwidth.
• Suitable for high frequency applications like cable modems and digital video.

RG-59 Coaxial Cable

• Older coaxial cable standard.
• Thinner inner copper core than RG-6.
• Primarily used for analog video and CCTV installations due to lower bandwidth.
• Not suitable for high bandwidth applications.

Coaxial Cable Speeds and Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables

• RG-6 supports up to 1 Gbps at 300 meters.
• Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables are fixed assembly copper cables for connecting equipment in data centers.
• Favorably known for their cost and low power compared to fiber optics.
• Active DAC cables: up to 100 Gbps at 15 meters.
• Passive DAC cables: 100 Gbps at 7 meters.
• Also support 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, or 100 Gbps depending on distance.

Twinaxial Cables

• Component of DAC assembly and a specialized cabling type.
• Features two insulated copper conductors within an outer shield.
• Optimized for short-range, high-speed differential signaling:
  • Used for SFP+ or QSFP connections between routers or switches.
  • Offer signal integrity over short distances with less EMI susceptibility.
  • Support 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, or 100 Gbps up to 100 meters for 10 Gbps cables, or 7 meters for 100 Gbps cables.

Plenum vs. Non-Plenum Cables

• Plenum cables use fire-retardant plastic jackets made of PVC or FEP:
  • Prevent flames from spreading and reduces smoke during fires.
  • Standards are used in plenum spaces, such as areas routing air for HVAC.
  • Meet stringent fire safety standards including the National Fire Protection Association and the National Electrical Code.
  • Minimizes fire and smoke risks in air circulation spaces.
• Non-plenum cables are standard for home networks.
• Non-plenum cables lack fire-retardant properties.
• Typically made with less expensive materials, but produces more smoke and toxic fumes when burned.
• Suitable for spaces without environmental air return or open air spaces less prone to fire spread.
• Provide an economical solution where fire safety isn't paramount.

Categorizing Copper Cables

• Copper cables can be classified as twisted pair or coaxial.
• Twisted pair cables are then classified as shielded or unshielded.
• Each twisted pair cable is assigned a CAT number.
• Cables are further classified as plenum or non-plenum.
• Coaxial cables are identified as standard, direct attach copper, or twinaxial to classify their uses and limitations.

Copper Media - Key Things To Remember

• CAT 5: 100 Mbps at 100 meters.
• CAT 5e: 1 Gbps at 100 meters.
• CAT 6: 1 Gbps at 100 meters, or 10 Gbps at 55 meters.
• CAT 6a: 10 Gbps at 100 meters.
• CAT 7: 10 Gbps at 100 meters:
• CAT 8: 25 to 40 Gbps at 30 meters.
• RG-6 Coaxial: Up to 1 Gbps, 300 meters.
• Twinaxial: Up to 10 Gbps, short distance.
• Direct Attach Cables: Up to 100 Gbps, new and modern.

Copper Network Connections

• Cables for phones, video, and data, must be terminated with application-specific connectors.
• The same copper cable can be used, but connected differently.
• Connectors use a small plastic piece to meet specific application needs.
• Most connectors are named RJ followed by a number (RJ-11, RJ-45):
  • RG followed by a number is also used.
• "RJ" refers to a registered jack, a standardized telecommunication network interface.
• X in RJ-X is where the placeholder goes for the specific standard like RJ-11 or RJ-45.

Registered Jack: RJ-11

• RJ-11 connectors connects telephone equipment to wall jacks.
• They are small and standard for phones:
  • Features a six-position, two-conductor (6P2C), allowing six slots for pins, typically using two for phones.

Registered Jack: RJ-45

• These connectors are larger and standard for data networks utilizing copper for Ethernet.
• Features an eight-position, eight-conductor (8P8C) configuration.
• Connects computers, switches, and routers inside local networks.
• Used with CAT 5, CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 6a, CAT 7, and CAT 8 cables.
• As CAT# increases, the bandwidths and speeds rise.
• RJ-45 is the standard for residential and enterprise copper cabling.

Radio Guide (RG) Connectors

• Use the format RG followed by a number (like RG-6 or RG-59).
• RG-X standard used with coaxial cables for internet, television, and radio.
• RG-6 and RG-59 are the most used for cable television and high speed internet.

F-Type Connectors

• F-type connectors screw on and are used with RG-6 and RG-59 cables.
• Connect cable television, satellite connections, and cable internet.
• RG-6 is the standard coaxial cable for residential and commercial use for those applications.
• RG-6 cables use F-type connectors and have a thicker gauge.
• Better shielding than the RG-59 cables.
• RG-6 includes a copper conductor core, an insulating later, a metallic shield, and a protective jacket.
• The construction allows it to support high bandwidth for cable modems and digital video transmission.
• RG-6 cable is the modern standard.

BNC Connector

• Also known as Bayonet Neill-Concealment, use bayonet locking.
• Commonly used with RG-6 or RG-59 coaxial cables.
• Unlike F-type, it provides a push and twist connection onto the jack, and features bayonet lugs used for the connection and a secure connection.
• Used in professional video and video surveillance systems.
• It maintains a strong connection critical in professional settings.
• Often called the British Naval Connector, even though it is called Bayonet Neill-Concealment Connector.
• This is because it was introduced by the Navy during the 1940s.

Cable Wiring and Pinouts

• Two most important pinouts in order to keep consistency when making cables:
  • 568A
  • 568B
• 568B Wiring is used across straight-through cables, as well as wall jacks.

Straight-Through vs. Crossover Cables

• Straight-through cables, also known as patch cables, have the same pinouts on each end for 1:1 pin matching.
• Used to connect a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) to a DCE (Data Communication Device) or a DCE to a DTE.
• DTEs include devices like computers, servers, and routers.
• DCEs include devices such as switches, modems, hubs, and bridges.
• Crossover cables connect similar devices:
  • DTE to DTE
  • DCE to DCE
• These cables take send and receive pins and swaps them: 568B on one end to 568A on the other.
• Used to connect a computer to a computer or switch to switch