Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary limitation of copper cabling related to distance?
What is the primary limitation of copper cabling related to distance?
Which type of copper cabling is most commonly used in networks today?
Which type of copper cabling is most commonly used in networks today?
Which of the following best mitigates crosstalk in copper cabling?
Which of the following best mitigates crosstalk in copper cabling?
What is the advantage of using Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) over Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)?
What is the advantage of using Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) over Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)?
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Which of the following is NOT a mitigation technique for interference in copper cabling?
Which of the following is NOT a mitigation technique for interference in copper cabling?
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What is the primary function of the outer jacket in UTP cabling?
What is the primary function of the outer jacket in UTP cabling?
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What does the term 'Crosstalk' refer to in the context of copper cabling?
What does the term 'Crosstalk' refer to in the context of copper cabling?
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Among the following characteristics, which one applies specifically to Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)?
Among the following characteristics, which one applies specifically to Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)?
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What is the primary function of the Physical Layer in a network?
What is the primary function of the Physical Layer in a network?
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Which statement about Network Interface Cards (NICs) is accurate?
Which statement about Network Interface Cards (NICs) is accurate?
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What are the three functional areas addressed by Physical Layer standards?
What are the three functional areas addressed by Physical Layer standards?
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What does the encoding process in the Physical Layer involve?
What does the encoding process in the Physical Layer involve?
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How does the Physical Layer handle the transmission of data?
How does the Physical Layer handle the transmission of data?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a component of the Physical Layer?
Which of the following is NOT considered a component of the Physical Layer?
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What happens after a device receives bits from the Physical Layer?
What happens after a device receives bits from the Physical Layer?
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Which of the following best describes the performance of physical connections?
Which of the following best describes the performance of physical connections?
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In which industry is fiber-optic cabling primarily used to provide broadband services to homes and small businesses?
In which industry is fiber-optic cabling primarily used to provide broadband services to homes and small businesses?
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What type of connector is known for its 'twist-on/twist-off' locking mechanism?
What type of connector is known for its 'twist-on/twist-off' locking mechanism?
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Which type of fiber-optic cabling is best suited for connecting countries and cities over long distances?
Which type of fiber-optic cabling is best suited for connecting countries and cities over long distances?
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What distinguishes LC simplex connectors from their duplex counterparts?
What distinguishes LC simplex connectors from their duplex counterparts?
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Which color jacket indicates a single-mode fiber cable?
Which color jacket indicates a single-mode fiber cable?
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What is the primary application of submarine cable networks?
What is the primary application of submarine cable networks?
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Which connector is characterized as a widely-adopted standard connector using a push-pull mechanism?
Which connector is characterized as a widely-adopted standard connector using a push-pull mechanism?
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Which patch cord is designed for single-mode fiber applications?
Which patch cord is designed for single-mode fiber applications?
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What is the primary use of optical fiber in networking?
What is the primary use of optical fiber in networking?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding fiber-optic cabling?
Which of the following statements is true regarding fiber-optic cabling?
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What is a significant limitation of wireless media?
What is a significant limitation of wireless media?
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Which characteristic is true for UTP cabling compared to fiber-optic cabling?
Which characteristic is true for UTP cabling compared to fiber-optic cabling?
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How does the number of users affect a WLAN?
How does the number of users affect a WLAN?
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Which of the following is a property of wireless media?
Which of the following is a property of wireless media?
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What factor significantly impacts the effective coverage of a wireless network?
What factor significantly impacts the effective coverage of a wireless network?
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Which statement regarding the costs of media is correct?
Which statement regarding the costs of media is correct?
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What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to in networking?
What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to in networking?
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Which of the following are methods of encoding data?
Which of the following are methods of encoding data?
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What is 'goodput' in networking?
What is 'goodput' in networking?
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Which unit is equivalent to 1,000 bits per second?
Which unit is equivalent to 1,000 bits per second?
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Which of the following best describes 'latency'?
Which of the following best describes 'latency'?
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What type of signals are used for data transmission over copper cables?
What type of signals are used for data transmission over copper cables?
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In bandwidth terminology, what does 'throughput' specifically measure?
In bandwidth terminology, what does 'throughput' specifically measure?
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How is 'megabits per second' abbreviated?
How is 'megabits per second' abbreviated?
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Which standard provides wireless broadband access with speeds up to 1 Gbps?
Which standard provides wireless broadband access with speeds up to 1 Gbps?
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What role does a Wireless Access Point (AP) play in a Wireless LAN (WLAN)?
What role does a Wireless Access Point (AP) play in a Wireless LAN (WLAN)?
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Which standard is primarily intended for low-data rate, low-power communications in applications like IoT?
Which standard is primarily intended for low-data rate, low-power communications in applications like IoT?
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What is a key requirement for Wireless LAN (WLAN) equipment during purchase?
What is a key requirement for Wireless LAN (WLAN) equipment during purchase?
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What distance range does the Wireless personal area network (WPAN) standard cover?
What distance range does the Wireless personal area network (WPAN) standard cover?
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What major function do Wireless NIC Adapters serve in a WLAN?
What major function do Wireless NIC Adapters serve in a WLAN?
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Which topology is utilized by WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) to provide broadband access?
Which topology is utilized by WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) to provide broadband access?
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Why must network administrators apply stringent security policies for WLANs?
Why must network administrators apply stringent security policies for WLANs?
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Study Notes
Module 4: Physical Layer
- This module introduces the physical layer in networking.
- It covers the purpose, characteristics, standards, and components of the physical layer.
- It looks at different types of cabling (copper and fiber optic), and wireless media.
4.1 Purpose of the Physical Layer
- A physical connection to a local network is required before any network communication.
- This connection can be wired or wireless, depending on the network setup (e.g., home or office).
- A Network Interface Card (NIC) connects a device to the network.
- Devices can have one or more NICs (wired and/or wireless).
- Performance varies based on the physical connection type.
4.2 Physical Layer Characteristics
- The physical layer transports bits across the network media.
- Data Link Layer sends a complete frame to the physical layer.
- The layer encodes the data into signals for transmission across the local media.
- The physical layer is the last step in the encapsulation process.
- The next device on the pathway receives the frame, then re-encapsulates the frame.
- The device then determines the next action to take.
- Physical layer standards are implemented in hardware, overseen by many organizations including EIA/TIA, ITU-T, ANSI, and IEEE.
- TCP/IP standards are implemented in software and controlled by the IETF.
4.3 Copper Cabling
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Copper cabling is the most prevalent type in networks.
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It's affordable, easy to install, and with low resistance to electrical current flow.
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Limitations:
- Attenuation: Signal weakens with distance.
- Susceptibility to interference (EMI/RFI and crosstalk): These issues distort the signal.
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Mitigation strategies:
- Strict cable length limits mitigate attenuation.
- Shielding and grounding mitigate EMI and RFI.
- Twisting opposing circuit pairs mitigates crosstalk.
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Types of Copper Cabling:
- Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP)
- Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP)
- Coaxial Cable
4.4 UTP Cabling
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UTP is the most prevalent networking media.
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UTP cabling uses color-coded copper wires twisted together in pairs, encased in a plastic sheath, with no shielding.
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Key UTP characteristics:
- Outer jacket protects the copper wires from damage.
- Twisted pairs reduce interference.
- Color-coded insulation identifies each pair.
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UTP cabling relies on:
- Cancellation (opposite polarity in twisted pairs).
- Twist variation to curb crosstalk.
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UTP Standards and Connectors
- The TIA/EIA-568 standard details UTP cable and connector elements such as cable types, lengths, connectors, testing methods.
- Categories 3, 5, 5e, 6, 7, and 8 are various UTP types.
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Types of UTP Cable:
- Straight-through: Commonly used for connecting a host to a switch or a switch to a router.
- Crossover: Used to connect similar devices (e.g., switch to switch, or host to host).
4.5 Fiber-Optic Cabling
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Fiber optics is more expensive but transmits larger amounts of data over longer distances (comparatively) with high bandwidth.
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It's less susceptible to attenuation and highly resistant to EMI/RFI.
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It's made of thin, flexible strands of pure glass.
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It utilizes lasers to encode bits as light pulses.
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Light travels through the fiber optic cable.
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Fiber optic cabling is often used for:
- Enterprise networks
- Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
- Long haul networks
- Submarine cables
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Types of Fiber Media:
- Multimode
- Single Mode
4.6 Wireless Media
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Wireless media transmits electromagnetic signals at radio or microwave frequencies.
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Wireless offers high mobility, with connection numbers increasing.
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Limitations to consider:
- Coverage area: Dependent on location and other factors.
- Interference: From other devices.
- Security: Vulnerability of connection.
- Shared medium: Shared bandwidth with other users.
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Common Wireless Media: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX, ZigBee
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Wireless LAN requirements:
- Wireless Access Points (APs) - Concentrate and transmit signals
- Wireless NIC Adapters - Provide wireless communication
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Standards and technologies:
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IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth and others.
Packet Tracer
- This Packet Tracer activity involves connecting to the cloud, the router, remaining devices, verifying connections, and examining physical topology.
Lab - View Wired and Wireless NIC Information
- Objectives of this lab include identifying and working with PC NICs and system tray network icons.
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Description
Explore the essentials of the Physical Layer in networking. This module delves into its purpose, characteristics, and key components, including both wired and wireless cabling options. Understand how data is transmitted through various physical connections.