Networking Cables Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which category of UTP cable is designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet transmission over 100 meters?

Cat6

Cat8

Cat5

Cat7 (correct)

Which UTP cable category is considered obsolete and not recommended for networking?

Cat5e

Cat3 (correct)

Cat6

Cat7

Which type of connector is primarily used with UTP cables in networking environments?

RJ-45 (correct)

Fiber Connector

RJ-11

BNC

What is a key advantage of fiber-optic cables compared to traditional copper cabling?

Immune to electromagnetic interference Signup and view all the answers

Which of these UTP cable categories can handle transmissions up to 100 MHz?

Cat5 Signup and view all the answers

Multimode fiber (MMF) can carry multiple signals at once. What describes the nature of single-mode fiber (SMF)?

Only carries a single light ray Signup and view all the answers

Which category of UTP cable was used for 10 Mbps Ethernet in the mid-1980s?

Cat3 Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic makes fiber-optic cables advantageous for data transmission?

They transmit digital signals using light impulses. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes serial cables from other types of cables?

They send one bit after another onto the wire. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of Ethernet wiring standard?

RS-232 Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of devices that can be connected via USB?

127 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Main Distribution Frame (MDF)?

It connects external telephone lines to internal wiring. Signup and view all the answers

Which cable type would you use for connecting a switch to another switch directly?

Crossover cable Signup and view all the answers

In network communication, what does duplex refer to?

The ability to send and receive data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a demarcation point (demarc)?

It marks the last point where the client is responsible. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an advantage of USB over traditional serial and parallel buses?

Ability to connect a larger number of devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of cable is covered with a plastic jacket and has a center conductor made of copper?

Coaxial cable Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that wires in twisted-pair cable are twisted together?

To minimize electromagnetic interference Signup and view all the answers

Which type of twisted-pair cable has an outer shielding to protect against interference?

Shielded twisted pair (STP) Signup and view all the answers

Which connector is commonly used with coaxial cables?

BNC Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining feature of plenum-rated coaxial cables?

They have a Teflon-type covering required by fire codes. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable?

It lacks an outer shielding and is commonly used in Ethernet networks. Signup and view all the answers

Why is BNC connector crimping preferred in coaxial cable applications?

It effectively secures the connector to the cable. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes fiber optic cables from twisted-pair and coaxial cables?

They transmit data using light rather than electrical signals. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fiber is typically used for longer-distance applications?

Single-mode fiber Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable disadvantage of fiber-optic cables compared to twisted-pair cables?

Fiber-optic cables are more expensive Signup and view all the answers

Which connector type is known for its latching mechanism that secures the connection?

SC connector Signup and view all the answers

Which standard is associated with bidirectional communication over a single strand of fiber?

1000BASE-BX10-U Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary use for LC connectors in networking technology?

Fibre-Channel adapters Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the MT-RJ fiber-optic connector?

It was the first small form factor connector broadly used. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the positive aspects of fiber-optic cables?

They can transmit data over long distances. Signup and view all the answers

What is typically required when converting media types in networking?

Media converters Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Physical Media

Coaxial cable consists of a copper center conductor, plastic jacket, and braided shield.
Twisted-pair cable is made of multiple insulated wires twisted in pairs.
Fiber-optic cable transmits digital signals using light impulses, making it immune to EMI and RFI.

Coaxial Cable

Plenum-rated coating is often mandated by local fire codes when cable is hidden in walls and ceilings.

Twisted-Pair Cable

Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP) cable has a metallic shield around the wires for added interference protection.
Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP) cable is more common due to its lower cost and ease of use.
Twisting the wires together reduces interference (crosstalk) and protects from outside sources.

UTP Cable Categories

Cat 1: Obsolete, voice-grade only for POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service).
Cat 2: Obsolete, handles up to 4 Mbps, frequency limitation of 10 MHz.
Cat 3: Obsolete, handles up to 16 MHz, used for 10 Mbps Ethernet in the mid-1980s.
Cat 4: Obsolete, rated for 20 MHz.
Cat 5: Used for 100BaseTX (two-pair wiring), rated for 100 MHz.
Cat 5e: Enhanced version of Cat 5, supports 1000Base-T (Gigabit Ethernet).
Cat 6: Supports 1000Base-T and 10 Gbps, rated for 250 MHz.
Cat 7: Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet over 100 meters, rated for 600 MHz.
Cat 8: Supports 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps (over short distances), rated for 2000 MHz.

RJ Connectors

RJ-11: Used for phones with four wires.
RJ-45: Has four pairs (eight wires), commonly used for Ethernet connections.

Fiber-Optic Cable

Single-mode fiber (SMF) carries a single light ray and is used for longer distances.
Multimode fiber (MMF) carries multiple light rays and is used for shorter distances.

Fiber-Optic Connectors

ST connector: Widely used, uses a BNC-like attachment mechanism.
SC connector: Latched mechanism for secure connections.
MT-RJ: Small form factor connector, commonly replaces SC and ST connectors.
LC: Newer style of SFF connector, becoming popular for Fibre-Channel adapters and Gigabit Ethernet.

Media Converters

Convert between different media types (e.g., fiber to Ethernet).

Broadband over Power Line

Utilizes existing electrical wiring for high-speed internet access.

Serial Cables

Serial cables transmit one bit at a time, common types include:
- USB (Universal Serial Bus): Most common serial bus on motherboards, flexible and with multiple connections.

Cable Properties

Factors to consider for cable selection:
- Transmission speeds
- Distance
- Duplex (unidirectional or bidirectional)
- Noise Immunity (resistance to EMI/RFI)
- Frequency

Wiring Standards

T568B/A: Standardized wiring patterns for RJ-45 connectors.
Straight-through cable: Used to connect devices of the same type (e.g., PC to hub).
Crossover cable: Used to connect two devices of the same type directly (e.g., switch to switch).
Rolled cable (rollover): Used to connect a console port to a router or switch.
Hardware loopback: Used for testing the network card in a device.

Installing Wiring Distributions

MDF (Main Distribution Frame): Reference point for telephone lines, WAN termination point.
IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame): Smaller wiring point within a building.
Demarc: Last point of responsibility for the service provider.

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Description

Explore the essential types of physical media used in networking, including coaxial, twisted-pair, and fiber-optic cables. This quiz covers the construction, characteristics, and applications of different cable categories. Test your knowledge on the specifics of cabling standards and classifications.