Network Cables - CompTIA A+ 220-1101 - 3.1

Summary

The video explains the importance of choosing the right type of cabling for network communication, emphasizing that most data transfers occur over wired connections. It covers various types of twisted pair cables, including UTP and STP, along with their respective categories and uses, like 1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T. Additionally, it discusses coaxial cables, plenum-rated cables for fire safety, and special cables designed for outdoor direct burial. The summary highlights the importance of selecting appropriate cables to ensure efficient and safe network performance.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The cabling in your network is crucial for communication and should be chosen carefully for the specific job.
• 🏢 When building a new data center or building, it's essential to select the right cable as you only have one chance to get it right.
• 📶 Despite the rise of wireless networks, the majority of network communication still relies on wired cable connections.
• 🔄 Ethernet networks commonly use twisted pair copper cabling, which consists of four pairs of wires with different color codes.
• 🔀 The twist in the cable pairs helps to minimize interference and ensures reliable signal transmission.
• 🛠️ Different types of twisted pair cables exist, each with unique electrical characteristics, known as categories, that support various network standards.
• 📏 Category 5e cabling is commonly used today, supporting 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) up to 100 meters.
• 🚫 In environments like plenums, special plenum-rated cables are required to prevent toxic fumes and smoke in the event of a fire.
• 🔧 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is commonly used in most cable runs, while STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) is used in environments with higher interference.
• 🌧️ For outdoor installations, direct burial STP cables are used, featuring waterproofing and gel filling to protect against moisture and interference.

Q & A

Why is it important to choose the right type of cable when building a new data center or building?

Choosing the right type of cable is crucial because it forms the fundamental communication path to the rest of the world. Since there is often only one chance to get this right during the construction phase, using the correct cable ensures optimal performance and reliability of the network.

What is the role of twisted pair cabling in Ethernet networks?

Twisted pair cabling is commonly used in Ethernet networks to transmit data. It consists of four pairs of wires, each pair carrying equal and opposite signals. The twisting of the wires helps reduce interference, allowing the signal to be transmitted more reliably over long distances.

What are the color codes for the four pairs of wires in a twisted pair Ethernet cable?

The four pairs of wires in a twisted pair Ethernet cable are color-coded as follows: solid blue with blue and white, solid green with green and white, solid orange with orange and white, and solid brown with brown and white.

How does the twist rate of wires in twisted pair cabling affect signal transmission?

The twist rate of wires in twisted pair cabling affects signal transmission by minimizing interference. Each pair of wires has a different twist rate, which means they are less likely to pick up the same interference, ensuring more accurate signal transmission.

What are the differences between Category 5, Category 5e, and Category 6 cables?

Category 5 cables support up to 1 Gbps Ethernet over a maximum distance of 100 meters. Category 5e is an enhanced version of Category 5, offering better performance through additional validation tests. Category 6 cables support higher speeds, such as 10 Gbps Ethernet over shorter distances, and Category 6A supports 10 Gbps over 100 meters.

What is the purpose of plenum-rated cables, and where are they used?

Plenum-rated cables are designed to be used in plenum spaces, which are shared airspaces used for air circulation in buildings. These cables are made from materials like FEP or low-smoke PVC to prevent the spread of toxic fumes and smoke in the event of a fire.

What is the difference between UTP and STP cables?

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables have no additional shielding and are commonly used in environments with minimal interference, such as homes. STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables, on the other hand, have shielding around the cables or individual wires, offering additional protection against interference in more demanding environments.

How can you identify the type of shielding in an Ethernet cable by looking at its outer jacket?

The type of shielding in an Ethernet cable is indicated by abbreviations on the outer jacket, such as 'U' for unshielded, 'S' for braided shielding, and 'F' for foil shielding. The format is usually 'Letter/Letter TP,' describing the overall and individual pair shielding.

What special features are present in direct burial cables for outdoor use?

Direct burial cables for outdoor use are designed to be buried directly in the ground. They have special waterproofing features, often including a gel filling to protect against water intrusion, and are usually shielded for added strength and protection against environmental factors.

What is the purpose of a drain wire in shielded twisted pair cables?

The drain wire in shielded twisted pair cables is used to drain away any additional voltages or interference by providing a grounding path. This helps maintain signal integrity by reducing noise and interference along the length of the cable.