Essentials of Networking 18 PDF

Essentials of Networking 18 **Host and Network Roles** 1\. **Local and Remote Hosts**: \- A **host** is any computing device connected to a network. The **local host** refers to the device you are currently using, such as a macOS workstation, while a **remote host** is any other device accessib...

Essentials of Networking 18 **Host and Network Roles** 1\. **Local and Remote Hosts**: \- A **host** is any computing device connected to a network. The **local host** refers to the device you are currently using, such as a macOS workstation, while a **remote host** is any other device accessible over the network or beyond it. 2\. **Roles of Networked Hosts:** \- Each networked host has a specific role. For example, a **Web server** is a remote device that stores website files, using server software like Apache HTTP Server or Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) to provide access to web content. In contrast, your local host acts as a **client** when accessing a website, requesting and receiving data from. 3\. **Hexadecimal Representation**: \- Hexadecimal is used as shorthand for representing binary numbers. Below is the complete key for converting binary to hexadecimal: 0000 = 0 0001 = 1 0010 = 2 0011 = 3 0100 = 4 0101 = 5 0110 = 6 0111 = 7 1000 = 8 1001 = 9 1010 = A 1011 = B 1100 = C 1101 = D 1110 = E 1111 = F 4\. **MAC Address Customization**: \- Some NICs allow modification of the embedded MAC address, although they are uniquely pre-assigned. A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated **2. Ethernet Standards:** \- Modern Ethernet networks predominantly use **1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet**), operating at 1 Gbps, and **10GBASE-T**, operating at 10 Gbps. These were preceded by **10BASE-T** (10 Mbps) and **100BASE-TX** (Fast Ethernet, 100 Mbps). All these standards are part of the Ethernet umbrella and utilize a star bus topology with unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling. **Ethernet Topologies** **1. Star Bus Topology:** \- In Ethernet networks, each host connects to a central device---typically a **switch**---via cables. This setup is known as **star bus topology.** The term topology refers to the network\'s physical or logical layout. In this hybrid topology, the term star describes the cabling pattern, while bus refers to the internal wiring within the central device. **2. Function of Switches:** \- Switches serve as the common connection point for network devices, with port numbers varying between consumer (4-8 ports) and business-level models (32 or more ports). While early networks used hubs, switches replaced them starting in the 2000s due to their superior performance. Unlike hubs, which indiscriminately repeat signals, switches intelligently direct frames based on the memorized MAC addresses of connected devices, providing dedicated bandwidth per connection. **3. Segments and Connectivity:** \- The link between a computer and a switch is called a **segment.** Ethernet segments generally have a length limit of 100 meters. Splitting segments using splitters degrades signal quality and causes connectivity issues. Ethernet\'s star bus topology ensures that network functionality persists if a single cable fails, although a switch failure would disrupt the entire network. **Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cabling** **1. Characteristics:** \- UTP cabling is the standard for Ethernet, including **100/1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T** networks. It consists of AWG 22--26 gauge copper wires twisted into color-coded pairs, each insulated and collectively encased in a jacket. UTP cabling is favored for its cost- effectiveness and compatibility. **2. Categories:** \- UTP cables are categorized by bandwidth capabilities, defined by standards from the **Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA)** according to the ANSI/TIA 568 specification. Commonly used categories include **Cat 5e, Cat 6,** and **Cat 6a cables,** supporting different data speeds and network requirements. Cables should be marked with their category level for quick identification.  **Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)** cables are a type of network cabling that consists of twisted wire pairs enclosed in a shielding layer to protect against **electromagnetic interference (EMI)**. This shielding makes them particularly useful in environments with high electronic noise, such as factory floors with extensive lighting and machinery. **Some key features of STP cables include:** 1. 2. 3. 4. **In comparison, UTP cables:** - - - Regarding transmission speed, it\'s important to note that the shielding does not affect the maximum transmission speed of the cable. Both STP and UTP can support high-speed data transmission depending on the cable category. **When it comes to Ethernet standards:** - - - A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated SIM Check out the "568B Wiring" Challenge! sim for Chapter 18. It'll help you memorize the wiring standard for the CompTIA A+ 1101 exam. You find it here: [[https://www.totalsem.com/110X]](https://www.totalsem.com/110X). **Ethernet with Alternative Connections** UTP is very popular, but Ethernet, as well as other types of networks, can use alternative cabling that you need to be able to identify. **Fiber Optic** Fiber optic cabling is a high-speed data transmission medium that uses light to carry information. It is widely used in telecommunications and networking due to its ability to transmit data over long distances with minimal signal loss.fiber optic cable is immune to electrical problems such as lightning, short circuits, and static. Second, fiber optic signals travel much farther, 2000 meters or more (compared with 100 meters on UTP). Many fiber Ethernet networks use 62.5/125 multimode fiber optic cable. All fiber Ethernet networks that use this type of cabling require two strands of fiber (one for sending and one for receiving). The round connector on the left is called a Straight tip, or ST connector. The square shaped middle connecter is called a Subscriber connector, or SC connector, and on the far right is a Lucent connector, or LC connector. LC is a type of mini form factor (MFF) fiberoptic connector. Its particularly popular with gigabit ethernet adapters, fast storage aera networks, and Fiber Channel adapters.  Here\'s a summary of the key features and capabilities of DisplayPort: - - - - **Fiber Optic Cabling** Duplex Modes: Fiber optic cables are half-duplex, transmitting data in one direction at a time. For bidirectional communication, two cables are typically used in an installation. **Connector Types:** 1. - - - - 2. - - - - 3. - - 4. - - **Light Types:** 1. - - - 2. - - - - **Multimode vs. Single-Mode Fiber:** 1. - - - 2. - - - **Ethernet Fiber Optic Standards:** - - **Network Equipment:** - - **Coaxial** Early versions of Ethernet ran on coaxial cable instead of UTP. While the Ethernet standards using coax are long gone, coax lives on, primarily for cable modems and satellite connections. Coax cable consists of a center cable (core) surrounded by insulation. This in turn is covered with a shield of braided cable. The center core actually carries the signal. The shield effectively eliminates outside interference. The entire cable is then surrounded by a protective insulating cover A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated Coaxial cables are rated using Radio Guide (RG) ratings, with RG-59 and RG-6 being the most relevant for networking and communication applications. **RG-6:** - - - - **RG-59:** - - - - **Connector Types:** Coaxial cables mainly use F-type connectors for connections to cable modems and TVs. BNC connectors were once common but are largely obsolete today. **RG6QS:** This variant, known as quad shield, provides extra shielding to minimize interference, enhancing performance for high-bandwidth applications, such as 4K television transmission. **Local Area Networks (LANs)** LAN, or Local Area Network, is a network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or campus. LANs are widely used for sharing resources like files, printers, and internet connections. **Key Features of LAN:** 1. - 2. - 3. - 4. - 5. - - **Components of a LAN:** 1. - 2. - 3. - 4. - 5. - **Advantages of LAN:** - - -.  In a basic star network structure, the telecommunications room, horizontal cabling, and work areas are vital components, each governed by ANSI/TIA standards for reliability and manageability. each: **Horizontal Cabling** - - - - **Telecommunications Room** - - - **Network Interface Card (NIC)** A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows a computer or device to connect to a network. Here's a brief overview of its key features and types: - - - **Form Factors:**     - - - **Features:  ** - - **Equipment Racks** - - A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated You can mount almost any network hardware component into a rack. All manufacturers make rack-mounted switches that mount into a rack with a few screws. These switches are available with a wide assortment of ports and capabilities. There are even rack-mounted servers, complete with slide-out keyboards, and rack-mounted uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) to power the equipment. All rack-mounted equipment uses a height measurement known simply as an RU. An RU is 1.75 inches. - - - - **Patch Panels and Cables** A patch panel is a critical networking component used to organize and manage network cables within a structured cabling system. It acts as a central point for connecting and routing incoming and outgoing network cables, typically located in server rooms, data centers, or telecom closets. **Key Features of a Patch Panel:** 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. **How a Patch Panel Works:** 1. 2. 3. **Types of Patch Panels:** 1. 2. 3. 4. **Advantages of Patch Panels:** - - - **Challenges and Considerations:** - - -  A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated **Punchdown Block:** - - - - - **Terminator (Terminating Resistor):** \- Used at the end of a coaxial cable to prevent signal reflection and interference. \- Essential in some network configurations to ensure signal integrity. **Punchdown Blocks and Tools** \- **Punchdown Blocks**: These are used to terminate UTP cables and connect them to other networking hardware. The blocks have metal-lined grooves that connect the wire as it is pushed in. **Punchdown Tools**: Used to secure wires into the punchdown block. The blunt end of the tool forces the wire into the groove, where the metal makes contact by slicing through the insulation slightly. **Patch Panels** **Purpose**: Patch panels organize and manage horizontal cabling and prevent cables from being moved or misplaced. They allow network administrators to change connections between different ports easily without altering the in-wall cabling. **Labeling**: Labels on patch panels identify each cable, simplifying troubleshooting and management. While ANSI/TIA has a standard labeling method (606), many techs use simpler, customized systems for labeling. **Variety**: Patch panels vary in configuration, supporting different port types (UTP, STP, fiber) and numbers (8, 12, 24, 48+). It is important to match the patch panel\'s Cat rating with the cable\'s category to ensure optimal performance. Connecting to Switches: Patch panels connect to switches using patch cables, which are short, flexible cables. **Patch Cables** \- **Construction**: Patch cables typically use stranded UTP cable due to its flexibility and durability under frequent handling. \- **Advantages:** Prefabricated patch cables often come in various colors for easy identification and have reinforced connectors to withstand multiple insertions and removals. **Making Your Own Patch Cables** **Why Make Your Own**: While pre-made cables are convenient, making your own can be cost-effective and customizable. **Equipment Needed**: Use stranded UTP cable, matching RJ45 crimps, and a crimping tool with wire stripper and snips. **Steps for Crimping:** 1\. **Cut the Cable**: Use crimpers or scissors to make a clean cut. 2\. **Strip the Jacket**: Remove about a half-inch of the cable jacket to expose the wires. 3\. **Arrange Wires:** Carefully insert wires following the ANSI/TIA 568A or 568B standard, minimizing unraveling. 4.**Crimp the Connector**: Insert the RJ45 connector into the crimper and press. The crimper stops applying too much pressure.  A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated After making a cable, you need to test it to make sure it's properly crimped. I use a handy cable tester, available in any good electronics store, to verify all the individual wires are properly connected and in the correct location.  The Work Area From a cabling standpoint, a work area is nothing more than a wall outlet that serves as the termination point for horizontal network cables: a convenient insertion point for a workstation and a telephone. (In practice, of course, the term "work area" includes the office or cubicle.) A wall outlet itself consists of one or two female jacks to accept the cable, a mounting bracket, and a faceplate. You connect the workstation to the wall outlet with a patch cable. A screenshot of a computer Description automatically generated **RJ45 Jacks and Wall Outlets** \- **Cat Ratings**: The RJ45 jacks in wall outlets have specific Cat ratings, which should match the Cat rating of your network cabling to ensure optimal performance and reliability. \- **110 Punchdowns**: Many manufacturers use modular connectors, such as 110 punchdowns, in both wall outlets and patch panels. These modular designs streamline installation and maintenance. **Connecting Workstations** **Patch Cables**: Use patch cables to connect workstations to wall outlets. These cables typically have stranded cores, making them durable and able to withstand physical stress and movement. **Work Area:** This is often the simplest part of a structured cabling system but also a frequent source of network failures. When troubleshooting, first check cables and connections at the work area if network issues arise. **Broadcasting and Routing:** **Broadcasting**: Limited to within a single LAN or broadcast domain. Routers prevent broadcast traffic from passing between LANs, reducing unnecessary traffic and potential congestion. **A Routing**: Involves directing data packets between LANs within a WAN. Requires a protocol capable of handling routing tasks, such as TCP/IP.