ITN 101 Module 5: Cabling

Copper Cable

A type of network cable that uses copper conductors to transmit electrical signals.

Coaxial Cable

A type of cable with a single conductor surrounded by insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer insulating layer.

Twinaxial Cable

A cable with two conductors used for short-range, high-speed data communication, often in data centers.

Twisted-Pair Cable

Consists of pairs of copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference.

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

Twisted-pair cable that includes a shielding layer to protect against electromagnetic interference.

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

Twisted-pair cable that lacks additional shielding, commonly used in Ethernet networks.

Fiber-Optic Cable

Uses light signals instead of electrical signals to transmit data, supporting higher bandwidth and longer distances.

SMF (Single Mode Fiber)

Fiber-optic cable that supports a single path of light for long-distance data transmission.

MMF (Multimode Fiber)

Fiber-optic cable that supports multiple light paths, suitable for shorter distances.

Fiber Connectors

Hardware used to join fiber-optic cables to devices, like LC, SC, and ST connectors.

Frequency

The rate at which a signal oscillates, measured in Hertz (Hz). Higher frequencies allow for faster transmission.

Bandwidth

The maximum data capacity of a transmission medium, measured in bits per second (bps).

Throughput

The actual data transfer rate achieved in a network, often lower than the theoretical bandwidth.

Multiplexing

The technique of combining multiple signals over a single medium for efficient resource use.

Attenuation

Signal loss over distance, often experienced more in copper cables than fiber-optic cables.

Noise/Interference

External signals that disrupt the original data signal, affecting transmission quality.

Latency

The delay in signal transmission caused by physical distance or network devices.

Jitter

Variations in packet arrival times, disrupting applications requiring steady data streams.

Coaxial Cable Characteristics

Contains a single copper conductor with insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer jacket.

Twisted-Pair Cable Standards

Includes categories such as Cat5 and Cat6 that specify different transmission speeds and distances.

Fiber-Optic Cable Characteristics

Uses glass or plastic fibers for data transmission using light signals.

Twinaxial Cable Characteristics

Similar to coaxial but with two inner conductors, primarily used for data centers.

Copper Cables Benefits

Cost-effective, easy to install, and widely supported by networking hardware.

Copper Cables Limitations

Limited bandwidth and distance, susceptible to interference and signal attenuation.

Coaxial Cable Benefits

Better shielding than UTP/STP, reliable over moderate distances.

Coaxial Cable Limitations

Bulkier, less flexible, and not widely used in modern Ethernet.

Fiber-Optic Cables Benefits

High bandwidth, very long transmission distances, immune to electromagnetic interference.

Fiber-Optic Cables Limitations

Expensive to install and maintain, fragile, requires specialized skills.

Twinaxial Cable Benefits

High-speed short-range connections within data centers, suited for minimal interference.

Twinaxial Cable Limitations

Limited to very short distances and expensive, used in specific applications.

Cable Troubleshooting Steps

Identify symptoms, use a cable tester, inspect physical cables, check for interference, and replace if faulty.

Identifying Symptoms in Cable Problems

Determine if the issue is intermittent or persistent and which devices are affected.

Using a Cable Tester

A basic tool to check continuity, incorrect wiring, and shorts in copper cables.

Inspecting Physical Cable

Look for physical damage and ensure connectors are secure for proper function.

Check for Interference

Evaluate if cables are near sources of electromagnetic interference.

Using OTDR for Fiber

An operation to pinpoint breaks or bends in fiber-optic cables by analyzing reflected light.

Replace or Reroute Cables

If a cable is faulty, it may need replacement or rerouting to solve interference issues.

Verifying Device Connections

Ensure the device is functioning properly and that network configurations are correct.

Throughput vs Bandwidth

Throughput is the actual data rate achieved, often lower than the theoretical bandwidth.

Multiplexing Types

Common types include Time-Division, Frequency-Division, and Wavelength-Division multiplexing.

Transmission Flaw: Signal Loss

Common in copper cables due to higher attenuation compared to fiber-optic cables.

Latency Causes

Delays in transmission caused by distance or network devices.

Jitter Disruption

Affects applications like video conferencing due to variations in packet arrival times.

Electromagnetic Interference Solutions

Use shielded cables or fiber optics to mitigate external noise impacting transmission.

Benefits of Fiber-Optic Cables

Suitable for high-speed LANs and long-distance WANs with very high bandwidth.

Limitations of Twisted-Pair Cables

More susceptible to crosstalk and signal degradation over longer distances.

Cable Categories in Twisted-Pair

Standards like Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 dictate speed and distance specifications.

Optical Reflectometer Utility

Helps locate issues in fiber-optic cables by analyzing light pulses and reflections.

Network Troubleshooting Tools

Cable testers and OTDRs are essential for identifying and solving common cable issues.