Twisted Pair Cables and Networking Basics

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to twisted pair cables, fiber optics, coaxial cables, and their respective characteristics and applications in networking.

Twisted Pair Cables

The most common cabling technology used in local area networks (LANs), consisting of pairs of insulated wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference.

EMI (Electromagnetic Interference)

Interference that affects the performance of electronic devices, which can be reduced through proper cabling techniques, such as twisting pairs of wires in twisted pair cables.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

A type of twisted pair cable that is widely used due to its low cost and flexibility, consisting of twisted pairs of wires in a plastic sheath.

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

A type of twisted pair cable that includes a metal shield around the twisted pairs, offering better protection against EMI, suitable for environments with high interference.

RJ45

A standard type of connector for twisted pair cables, typically used in local area networks, resembling an oversized phone jack.

Bandwidth

The theoretical maximum amount of data that a cable can handle, typically measured in bits per second.

Throughput

The actual amount of data successfully transmitted over a network under real-world conditions, influenced by factors such as EMI and cable length.

Cat5

support 100Mbps up to 100M range

Cat5e

Supports 1Gbps up to 100M range

Cat6

Supports 1Gbps up to 100M

Also supports 10Gbps up up 55M

Cat6a

supports 10Gbps up to 100M

Cat7

Supports 10Gbps up to 100M range

Cat8

Supports 40Gbps up to 30M range

Plenum Rated Cables

Cables designed for use in air circulation spaces that meet fire safety regulations, constructed to emit minimal smoke and toxic fumes.

Non Plenum Rated Cables

Cables used in less restrictive fire safety areas, typically insulated with materials that can emit more smoke if ignited.

Direct Buried Cables

Cables designed to be installed underground without additional protective sheathing, constructed to withstand moisture and environmental factors.

T568A

T568A wiring standard “alternate”

1. White/Green

2. Green

3. White/Orange

4. Blue

5. White/Blue

6. Orange

7. White/brown

8. Brown

T568B

t568B wiring standard “business”

1. White/Orange

2. Orange

3. White/green

4. Blue

5. White/blue

6. Green

7. White/brown

8. Brown

Coaxial Cable

type of cable with a central copper conductor, insulation, shielding and outer jacket

Used for Cable TV/Internet

F Type Connector

A threaded connector commonly used with coaxial cables for cable TV and internet connections.

BNC Connector

An older type of connector used with coaxial cables, commonly found in legacy networking systems and requiring a half turn to lock into place.

Single Mode Fiber (SMF)

type of fiber optic cable that carries light signal

• very long distances

• Highest speed / bandwidth

• Immune to EMI

Multimode Fiber (MMF)

a Gilbert optic cable that carries multiple light signals at once

• shorter distances

• Highest speed / bandwidth

• Immune to EMI

• Cheaper than SMF

SC Connector

A popular fiber optic connector known for its durability and ease of installation, often referred to as a 'stick and click' connector.

LC Connector

A smaller version of the SC connector used in fiber optics, often referred to as the 'love connector' due to its paired arrangement.

MTRJ Connector

A compact fiber optic connector that combines both transmit and receive functions in one unit, allowing for space-efficient connections.