Networking Module 4: Physical Layer
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary limitation of copper cabling related to distance?

  • Attenuation (correct)
  • Low resistance
  • Crosstalk
  • Electromagnetic Interference

Which type of copper cabling is most commonly used in networks today?

  • Fiber Optic Cable
  • Unshielded Twisted Pair (correct)
  • Shielded Twisted Pair
  • Coaxial Cable

Which of the following best mitigates crosstalk in copper cabling?

  • Color-coded insulation
  • Using RJ-45 connectors
  • Using longer cable lengths
  • Twisted opposing circuit pair wires (correct)

What is the advantage of using Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) over Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)?

<p>Better noise protection (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mitigation technique for interference in copper cabling?

<p>Increasing voltage levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the outer jacket in UTP cabling?

<p>To protect the wires from damage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Crosstalk' refer to in the context of copper cabling?

<p>Transmission of signals between adjacent wires (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Among the following characteristics, which one applies specifically to Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)?

<p>Provides better noise protection than UTP (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Physical Layer in a network?

<p>To establish a physical connection to the network (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Network Interface Cards (NICs) is accurate?

<p>Some devices may have more than one NIC for different types of connections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three functional areas addressed by Physical Layer standards?

<p>Physical Components, Encoding, and Signaling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the encoding process in the Physical Layer involve?

<p>Converting bits into a format understandable by the receiving device (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Physical Layer handle the transmission of data?

<p>It transports bits as a series of signals across network media. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a component of the Physical Layer?

<p>Software applications managing data flow (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens after a device receives bits from the Physical Layer?

<p>The device re-encapsulates the frame and decides next steps. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the performance of physical connections?

<p>Performance depends on the medium used and connection type. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which industry is fiber-optic cabling primarily used to provide broadband services to homes and small businesses?

<p>Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of connector is known for its 'twist-on/twist-off' locking mechanism?

<p>ST Connector (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of fiber-optic cabling is best suited for connecting countries and cities over long distances?

<p>Long-Haul Networks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes LC simplex connectors from their duplex counterparts?

<p>Number of fibers (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which color jacket indicates a single-mode fiber cable?

<p>Yellow (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of submarine cable networks?

<p>Transoceanic connections (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which connector is characterized as a widely-adopted standard connector using a push-pull mechanism?

<p>SC Connector (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which patch cord is designed for single-mode fiber applications?

<p>LC-LC SM Patch Cord (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of optical fiber in networking?

<p>Backbone cabling for high-traffic connections between facilities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding fiber-optic cabling?

<p>It is completely immune to EMI and RFI. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant limitation of wireless media?

<p>Its coverage area can be significantly impacted by physical characteristics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true for UTP cabling compared to fiber-optic cabling?

<p>UTP cabling installation requires fewer skills. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the number of users affect a WLAN?

<p>Decreases the overall bandwidth available to each user. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a property of wireless media?

<p>Carries electromagnetic signals in half-duplex mode. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor significantly impacts the effective coverage of a wireless network?

<p>The physical characteristics of the deployment location (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the costs of media is correct?

<p>Fiber-optic cabling has the highest media and connector costs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'bandwidth' refer to in networking?

<p>The capacity at which a medium can carry data (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are methods of encoding data?

<p>Manchester, 4B/5B, 8B/10B (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'goodput' in networking?

<p>The measure of usable data transferred over a given period (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which unit is equivalent to 1,000 bits per second?

<p>Kbps (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'latency'?

<p>The time delay for data to travel between two points (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of signals are used for data transmission over copper cables?

<p>Only electrical pulses (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In bandwidth terminology, what does 'throughput' specifically measure?

<p>The rate of successful data transfer over the medium (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is 'megabits per second' abbreviated?

<p>Mbps (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which standard provides wireless broadband access with speeds up to 1 Gbps?

<p>IEEE 802.16 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does a Wireless Access Point (AP) play in a Wireless LAN (WLAN)?

<p>Concentrates wireless signals and connects to existing infrastructure (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which standard is primarily intended for low-data rate, low-power communications in applications like IoT?

<p>IEEE 802.15.4 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for Wireless LAN (WLAN) equipment during purchase?

<p>Compatibility and interoperability (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distance range does the Wireless personal area network (WPAN) standard cover?

<p>1 to 100 meters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major function do Wireless NIC Adapters serve in a WLAN?

<p>Provide wireless communications capability to network hosts (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which topology is utilized by WiMAX (IEEE 802.16) to provide broadband access?

<p>Point-to-multipoint (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why must network administrators apply stringent security policies for WLANs?

<p>To protect WLANs from unauthorized access and damage (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Physical Layer Purpose

The Physical Layer is responsible for establishing the physical connection between network devices using wired or wireless methods, enabling data transmission.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A NIC connects a device (like a computer) to the network, enabling data transmission. Devices can have one or more NICs, supporting different wired and wireless technologies.

Physical Layer Role

The Physical Layer takes a complete frame from the Data Link Layer and converts it into a series of signals that are transmitted across the network media.

Physical Layer Standards

These standards define the characteristics of physical components, the encoding method, and the signaling used in a network.

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Physical Components

These are the hardware elements that enable physical connections, including NICs, cables, connectors, and media.

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Encoding

Encoding converts the stream of bits into a format that can be recognized by the next device in the network path.

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Signaling

Signaling refers to the specific electrical or optical signals used to represent data on the physical media.

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Physical Layer Functions

The Physical Layer performs essential functions, including establishing physical connections, encoding data, transmitting signals, and receiving and decoding signals.

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What are common Fiber Optic Cable Connectors?

Fiber Optic Cable Connectors are the physical interfaces used to connect fibers. Common types include ST, SC, and LC. Each connector has specific physical features and locking mechanisms.

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What is an ST Connector?

An ST connector is a type of fiber optic connector with a straight tip. It uses a twist-on/twist-off mechanism for secure connection.

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What is an SC Connector?

An SC connector is a widely-used fiber optic connector known for its square shape. It uses a push-pull mechanism for connection.

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What is an LC Connector?

An LC connector is a smaller, compact fiber optic connector. It comes in both Simplex (single fiber) and Duplex (two fibers) versions.

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What is a Fiber Patch Cord?

A Fiber Patch Cord is a pre-made cable with connectors on both ends, used to quickly connect fiber optic devices. They are usually color-coded for single-mode or multimode fiber.

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What is a Single-mode Fiber Patch Cord?

A single-mode fiber patch cord is a thin cable used to transmit data across long distances using a single beam of light.

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What is a Multimode Fiber Patch Cord?

A multimode fiber patch cord is a thicker cable that transmits data across shorter distances using multiple beams of light.

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How are Fiber Patch Cords Color Coded?

Fiber Patch Cords are color-coded to differentiate types. Yellow jackets are for single-mode fibers, while orange or aqua jackets are for multimode fibers.

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What is copper cabling?

Copper cabling is a common type of network cabling, known for its affordability, ease of installation, and low resistance to electrical flow. It uses copper wires to transmit data signals.

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What are the limitations of copper cabling?

Copper cabling has limitations like 'attenuation,' where signals weaken over long distances, and interference from sources like EMI and RFI which distort data. It can also experience crosstalk, where signals from different wires interfere with each other.

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How is attenuation mitigated in copper cabling?

Attenuation can be mitigated by adhering to strict cable length limits. This ensures signals don't travel too far and weaken significantly. Also, using shielded cable and grounding can reduce EMI and RFI.

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What is crosstalk in copper cabling?

Crosstalk is the interference between signals on different wires in a copper cable, usually due to their close proximity. It affects the data integrity by introducing unwanted noise and distortion.

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How is crosstalk mitigated in copper cabling?

Crosstalk can be mitigated by twisting the pairs of copper wires throughout the cable. This reduces interference by minimizing the electromagnetic fields that can create it.

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What is UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cabling?

UTP is the most common type of copper cabling used in networks. It consists of twisted pairs of copper wires without any shielding. It's affordable, easy to install, and uses RJ-45 connectors to connect devices.

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What is STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cabling?

STP is a type of copper cabling that includes a metallic shield around the twisted wire pairs to provide better noise protection. It's more expensive and harder to install than UTP. STP is beneficial in environments with higher potential for interference.

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What are the key characteristics of STP?

STP's key features are the metallic shield around the twisted pairs, which helps reduce interference, and it uses RJ-45 connectors for device connections.

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Optical Fiber Backbone

Optical fiber is primarily used as the backbone cabling for high-traffic, point-to-point connections between data distribution facilities and to interconnect multiple buildings on a campus.

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Fiber vs. Copper Bandwidth

Fiber optic cabling supports significantly higher bandwidths (up to 100 Gb/s) compared to UTP copper cabling (up to 10 Gb/s).

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Fiber vs. Copper Distance

Fiber optic cabling can transmit data over much longer distances (up to 100,000 meters) than UTP copper cables (1-100 meters).

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Fiber vs. Copper Immunity

Fiber optic cabling is completely immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), while UTP copper cabling is susceptible.

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Fiber vs. Copper Electrical Hazards

Fiber optic cabling is not affected by electrical hazards, whereas UTP copper cables can be damaged by voltage surges.

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Wireless Media Characteristic: Mobility

Wireless media, using radio or microwave frequencies, provides the highest level of mobility compared to wired media.

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Wireless Media Limitation: Interference

Wireless communication can be disrupted by interference from various devices, impacting signal quality.

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Wireless Media Limitation: Security

Wireless connections are open to access since they don't require a physical cable, making security a major concern.

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What is WLAN?

A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) uses radio waves to connect devices over a short distance, typically within a building or small area.

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How does WLAN communicate?

WLANs use the IEEE 802.11 standards, which define how devices communicate wirelessly. They employ the CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance) method.

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What are WLAN devices?

WLAN devices include Wireless Access Points (APs) and Wireless Network Interface Cards (NICs).

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What is a Wireless Access Point (AP)?

An AP is a central device in a WLAN that concentrates signals from users and connects to the wired network infrastructure.

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What is a Wireless Network Interface Card (NIC)?

A Wireless NIC is a component within a device that enables it to communicate wirelessly with the network.

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Why is WLAN security important?

WLANs are vulnerable to unauthorized access and attacks. Strong security policies and processes are crucial to protect data and prevent intrusions.

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What is the role of WLAN standards?

WLAN standards ensure compatibility and interoperability between different devices and manufacturers. They define communication protocols and technical specifications.

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What are some common WLAN standards?

The IEEE 802.11 standard family includes various versions, each with different speeds, ranges, and features. Examples include 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, and 802.11ac.

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Encoding in Networking

The process of converting a stream of bits into a format recognized by the next device in the network path. This ensures the accurate transmission of data between devices.

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Signaling Methods in Networking

How '1' and '0' bits are represented on the physical media, depending on the type of medium being used (e.g., copper cable, fiber optic cable, wireless).

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Bandwidth in Networking

The capacity of a medium to carry data. It's measured in bits per second (bps) and its variations (Kbps, Mbps, Gbps, Tbps).

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Latency in Networking

The time taken for data to travel from one point to another, including all delays.

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Throughput in Networking

The measure of data transferred across the media in a certain time period.

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Goodput in Networking

The measure of usable data transferred in a certain time period, excluding overhead.

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Copper Cabling Attenuation

The weakening of signals as they travel over long distances in copper cables, due to the cable's properties.

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Copper Cabling Crosstalk

Interference between signals on different wires in a copper cable, caused by their proximity.

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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

  • Copper cabling is the most prevalent type in networks.

  • It's affordable, easy to install, and with low resistance to electrical current flow.

  • Limitations:

    • Attenuation: Signal weakens with distance.
    • Susceptibility to interference (EMI/RFI and crosstalk): These issues distort the signal.

  • Mitigation strategies:

    • Strict cable length limits mitigate attenuation.
    • Shielding and grounding mitigate EMI and RFI.
    • Twisting opposing circuit pairs mitigates crosstalk.

  • Types of Copper Cabling:

    • Unshielded Twisted-Pair (UTP)
    • Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP)
    • Coaxial Cable

4.4 UTP Cabling

  • UTP is the most prevalent networking media.

  • UTP cabling uses color-coded copper wires twisted together in pairs, encased in a plastic sheath, with no shielding.

  • Key UTP characteristics:

    • Outer jacket protects the copper wires from damage.
    • Twisted pairs reduce interference.
    • Color-coded insulation identifies each pair.

  • UTP cabling relies on:

    • Cancellation (opposite polarity in twisted pairs).
    • Twist variation to curb crosstalk.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Fiber optics is more expensive but transmits larger amounts of data over longer distances (comparatively) with high bandwidth.

  • It's less susceptible to attenuation and highly resistant to EMI/RFI.

  • It's made of thin, flexible strands of pure glass.

  • It utilizes lasers to encode bits as light pulses.

  • Light travels through the fiber optic cable.

  • Fiber optic cabling is often used for:

    • Enterprise networks
    • Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)
    • Long haul networks
    • Submarine cables

  • Types of Fiber Media:

    • Multimode
    • Single Mode

4.6 Wireless Media

  • Wireless media transmits electromagnetic signals at radio or microwave frequencies.

  • Wireless offers high mobility, with connection numbers increasing.

  • 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.

  • Common Wireless Media: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, WiMAX, ZigBee

  • Wireless LAN requirements:

    • Wireless Access Points (APs) - Concentrate and transmit signals
    • Wireless NIC Adapters - Provide wireless communication

  • Standards and technologies:

  • 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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Related Documents

ITN Module 4: Physical Layer PDF

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.

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