Computer Networks/Media

This lesson introduces computer network media.

Objectives and Skills
Objectives and skills for the media portion of Network+ certification include:


 * Install and properly terminate various cable types and connectors using appropriate tools
 * Copper cables
 * Shielded vs unshielded
 * CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a
 * PVC vs plenum
 * RG-59
 * RG-6
 * Straight-through vs crossover vs rollover
 * Copper connectors
 * RJ-11
 * RJ-45
 * RJ-48C
 * DB-9/RS-232
 * DB-25
 * UTP coupler
 * BNC coupler
 * BNC
 * F-connector
 * 110 block
 * 66 block
 * Fiber cables
 * Single mode
 * Multimode
 * APC vs UPC
 * Fiber connectors
 * ST
 * SC
 * LC
 * MTRJ
 * FC
 * Fiber coupler
 * Media converters
 * Single mode fiber to Ethernet
 * Multimode fiber to Ethernet
 * Fiber to coaxial
 * Single mode to multimode fiber
 * Tools
 * Cable crimpers
 * Punch down tool
 * Wire strippers
 * Snips
 * OTDR
 * Cable certifier
 * Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate wired connectivity standard
 * Wiring standards
 * EIA/TIA 568A/568B
 * Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve common copper cable issues
 * Shorts
 * Opens
 * Incorrect termination (mismatched standards)
 * Straight-through
 * Crossover
 * Cross-talk
 * Near end
 * Far end
 * EMI/RFI
 * Distance limitations
 * Attenuation/Db loss
 * Bad connector
 * Bad wiring
 * Split pairs
 * Tx/Rx reverse
 * Cable placement
 * Bad SFP/GBIC - cable or transceiver
 * Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve common fiber cable issues
 * Attenuation/Db loss
 * SFP/GBIC - cable mismatch
 * Bad SFP/GBIC - cable or transceiver
 * Wavelength mismatch
 * Fiber type mismatch
 * Dirty connectors
 * Connector mismatch
 * Bend radius limitations
 * Distance limitations
 * Given a scenario, install and configure equipment in the appropriate location using best practices
 * Intermediate distribution frame
 * Main distribution frame
 * Cable management
 * Patch panels
 * Power management
 * Power converters
 * Circuits
 * UPS
 * Inverters
 * Power redundancy
 * Device placement
 * Air flow
 * Cable trays
 * Rack systems
 * Server rail racks
 * Two-post racks
 * Four-post racks
 * Free-standing racks
 * Labeling
 * Port labeling
 * System labeling
 * Circuit labeling
 * Naming conventions
 * Patch panel labeling
 * Rack monitoring
 * Rack security

Readings

 * 1) Media Introduction
 * 2)  Networking cables
 * 3)  Twisted pair
 * 4)  Coaxial cable
 * 5)  Optical fiber cable
 * 6)  Plenum cable
 * 7)  Registered jack
 * 8)  D-subminiature
 * 9)  BNC connector
 * 10)  F connector
 * 11)  Patch panel
 * 12)  110 block
 * 13)  66 block
 * 14)  Optical fiber connector
 * 15)  Fiber media converter
 * 16)  Broadband over power lines
 * 17)  Crimp connection
 * 18)  Punch down tool
 * 19)  Wire stripper
 * 20)  Optical time-domain reflectometer
 * 21)  Cable tester
 * 22)  TIA/EIA-568

Multimedia

 * 1) YouTube: Copper Cabling - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
 * 2) YouTube: Copper Connectors- CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
 * 3) YouTube: Straight-Through, Crossover, and Rollover Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
 * 4) YouTube: Fiber Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
 * 5) YouTube: Fiber Connectors - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
 * 6) YouTube: Media Converters - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
 * 7) YouTube: Network Cabling Tools - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
 * 8) YouTube: How To Make RJ45 Network Patch Cables - Cat 5E and Cat 6
 * 9) YouTube: Tools Comparison: Terminating Ethernet Cable with Different Punchdown Tools
 * 10) YouTube: Troubleshooting Copper Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
 * 11) YouTube: Troubleshooting Signal Loss - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
 * 12) YouTube: Troubleshooting Network Cabling - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
 * 13) YouTube: Troubleshooting Fiber Issues - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.5
 * 14) YouTube: MDF and IDF - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
 * 15) YouTube: Cable and Power Management - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
 * 16) YouTube: Rack Systems - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
 * 17) YouTube: Labeling and Documentation - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7

Activities

 * 1) Review  Category 5 cable and  Category 6 cable. Examine a network cable you have available or attached to your computer or switch/router. Check for labeling on the cable to identify whether it is a Category 5 cable or Category 6 cable. Then check the wiring pattern on each end. Is it wired with the 568A standard or the 568B standard? Are both ends wired to the same standard, or is it a cross-over cable?
 * 2) Review Warehouse Cables: How to Make a Cat5 Patch Cable. Using available Category 5 or Category 6 cable, some RJ-45 connectors, and a cable crimper, create your own patch cable. Test the cable with a cable tester if you have one available, or connect it to your computer and switch/router and test the connection.
 * 3) Review  Punch down tool. Using available Category 5 or Category 6 cable and an RJ-45 jack or 110 block, practice terminating network cables.
 * 4) Compare YouTube: Scary Network Wiring and Cabling Fails in the IT Closet and YouTube: Cat 6 amazing dressing and termination. Then request a tour of your school or organization's wiring closet, computer room, or data center. Which video does your organization's wiring most resemble?