3.1.1 Network Cables

Learn the different types of bound media that you will encounter in a network environment.

Coaxial Network Cabling

Coaxial cables are made up of four different components:

• Inner Cable Conductor
• Cable Insulator
• Braided Mesh Conductor
• Plastic Jacket/Sheath Since the ways that coaxial cables vary, there are different types of coaxial cabling, and it's critical that you don't mix them up so that transmission errors don't arise.
• RG-59-Coaxial-Cable
• RG-6-Coaxial-Cable The benefit to using coaxial cabling is that its resistant to EMI and physical damage. However, it's more expensive than other types of networking mediums, especially when run over long distances. In addition, coaxial cables need to be connected to a splitter in order to connect to multiple devices, cutting the signal strength in half at each splitter. Coaxial cables can only handle two or three splitters before signal loss is too great to be usable.

Twisted Pair Cabling

Twisted pair cabling is the most prolific network medium and the one you're going to work with the most as a networking technician. They are composed of eight copper wires that are twisted into four pairs. The individual wires are either 22-gauge or 24-gauge copper wire coated in plastic for insulation. The twisted-pair design cancel out a form of electromagnetic interference called crosstalk.

Twisted pair cabling have different types or categories:

• Cat-5
• Cat-5-Enhanced
• Cat-6
• Cat-6-Augmented
• Cat-7
• Cat-8

Twisted pair cables also have a specific type of connector called the RJ45 connector. They have eight pins that connect to the four wire pairs in a cable. Another less common connecter type used with twisted pair cables is called the RJ11 connector. They only have four pins, and they're typically connected with Cat 1 twisted pair cabling, used in the most basic of telephone systems. Both the RJ45 connector and the RJ11 connector require a special crimping tool to be attached to twisted pair cables.

The problem with twisted shield cabling is that they're incredibly susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which many things generate. Those this include but aren't limited to:

• fluorescent lights
• power lines
• industrial equipment
• elevators
• and MORE They are also very susceptible to wiretapping if the cables aren't properly insulated and protected.

Twisted pair cabling has different ratings:

• Direct Burial
• General
• Plenum
• Riser

Fiber Optic Cabling

Fiber optic cables are constructed with a central core that is made of either plastic or glass. The central core is able to carry light pulses along the wire. A layer of cladding surrounds the central core. The cladding has a reflective surface that reflects stray light that might leak out of the central core as it travelling back into the center of the core. The entire thing is then surrounded by one or two more layers of protection that help prevent the central core from being broken or damaged. Then a plastic sheath is added.

There are two different types of fiber optic cabling:

• SMF-Cables
• MMF-Cables

While fiber optic cables are the fastest network medium for data transfer speeds, they aren't flexible. In fact, bending them too much results in the internal core breaking. You'll need special training to install fiber optic cabling.

Plenum Cabling

Since the cables in plenum spaces aren't directly observed by anyone, it's possible for fires to start from the cables under the floors and above the ceilings, traveling from room to room without anyone noticing. This is why there are special wires with fire-resistant jackets, granting them the title of plenum-rated cabling.

#III #Aplus