Unit 2 Data Network Hardware

Copper wire Ethernet cables

Operate at the Physical Layer by converting data bits into electrical pulses.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

A disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to electromagnetic radiation.

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)

The most common type of copper cable used in networking.

Shielded twisted pair (STP)

A type of copper cable that includes protective foil to reduce electromagnetic interference.

RJ-45 connectors

Use T568A or T568B wiring schemes for Ethernet connections.

Straight-through cables

Used to connect different types of devices in a network.

Crossover cables

Used to connect like devices, allowing direct communication between them.

Fiber optic cables

Use light to encode bits and are immune to electromagnetic interference.

Single Mode Fiber (SMF)

Uses lasers and small cores for long-distance transmission, exceeding 10 km.

Multi Mode Fiber (MMF)

Uses LEDs or VCSELs for shorter Local Area Network (LAN) distances.

Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)

A structure that organizes and manages network cables before connecting to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF).

Plenum-rated cable

Self-extinguishing and must be used in air-handling spaces.

Riser-rated cable

Used in vertical spaces between floors, requires fire blocking.

Multimeter

A tool used to measure electrical current.

Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR)

A tool for detecting faults in copper cable.

Switching at Layer 2

Forwarding data within a single logical LAN segment based on MAC addresses.

MAC address

A unique 12-digit hexadecimal hardware address assigned to a network interface.

Collision domain

A network segment where data packets can collide on shared media.

Broadcast domain

A logical subnet where a broadcast frame is forwarded to all connected devices.

Unmanaged switches

Plug-and-play devices with no configuration options.

Managed switches

Allow for network configuration, monitoring, and enhancements.

Trunk ports

Switch interfaces that connect to larger networks and consolidate traffic.

Hierarchical LAN switched backbones

Utilize Core, Distribution, and Access layer switches for traffic management.

Layer 3 routing

Forwarding data between different networks based on IP addresses.

Wi-Fi routers

Act as both a wireless access point and a wired switch.

Enterprise routers

Connect geographically distant LANs and external networks.

Layer 3 switches

Perform local MAC address switching and IP routing.

Wireless LAN Controllers (WLC)

Centralize wireless access points coordination on an enterprise network.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Provides internet access and connects customer equipment to the internet.

Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)

A private, uncontested connection with guaranteed bandwidth.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

A legacy standard for digital transmission over traditional phone networks.

Broadband access

A shared internet connection with variable speeds, often used in homes.

Cable modems

Convert digital signals for transmission over coaxial cables.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

Utilizes copper telephone lines to connect to an ISP's fiber optic backbone.

Fiber to the Home (FTTH)

Connects ISP infrastructure directly to the customer using an Optical Network Terminal (ONT).

Microwave internet

Provides wireless access via high-frequency radio signals.

Satellite internet

Uses satellites to deliver global internet access, typically with high latency.

Cellular networks

Use base stations to provide mobile connectivity across geographic cells.