The basics of network cable connections.

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Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College

Areas of Expertise Industry Certifications

PC Hardware

Network Administration

IT Project Management

Network Design

User Training

IT Troubleshooting

Qualifications Summary

Education

M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University

B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University

Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues into efficient and effective solutions.

Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse workforces, improving processes, analyzing business needs and creating the solutions required— with a focus on technology.

Brian K. Ferrill, M.B.A.

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The basics of network cable connections.PACE-IT.

– Fiber optic network connections.

– Coaxial network connections.

– Twisted pair wire network connections.

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Fiber optic network connections.The basics of network cable connections.

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Fiber optic network connections.The basics of network cable connections.

– Fiber optic cables.» The cables themselves are composed of one or more

strands (fibers) of high quality glass or plastic. The strands are coated with a sheath that aids in the transmission of a light signal down the fiber.

– The three common network connections for fiber optics.

» SC = Square Connector or Subscriber Connector.» ST = Straight Tip.» LC = Lucent Connector or Little Connector.

– Additional fact.» Each network connection is actually a pair of cable

connections on each end to allow for duplex communication. One cable is used to receive network traffic and the other cable is used to transmit network traffic.

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Coaxial network connections.The basics of network cable connections.

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Coaxial network connections. The basics of network cable connections.

– Coaxial cable.» A coaxial (coax) network cable is composed of a central

conductor (which may be solid copper, stranded copper, or copper plated steel) that is surrounded by an insulating layer, which is surrounded by a shield layer (that may be composed of metal foil, braided metal strands, or metal mesh), which is finally surrounded by an outer insulating layer. The ends of a coax network cable are required to be terminated with a resistor to eliminate signal bounce.

– The common network connector for coax cable.

» F connector = a simple rugged connector. They are used with RG-6 (radio grade) or RG-59 coaxial cable.

– Less common network connector for coax cable.

» BNC = Bayonet Neill-Concelman connector or bayonet nut connector. This is an older technology that really isn’t used in the modern network.

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Twisted pair wire network connections.The basics of network cable connections.

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Twisted pair wire network connections.The basics of network cable connections.

– Twisted pair wire.» Twisted pair wire is the most common of all networking

cables. The cable is composed of eight wires that are twisted together into pairs. The rate of twist in each pair is slightly different to reduce the chance of interference (crosstalk) from the adjoining pair. There may or may not be a shield around each pair of wires and/or a shield around the four pairs. All four pairs are housed in a sheath.

– Common twisted pair wire network connections.

» RJ-45 = the registered jack 45. This is the network connector that most people think about. It is a modular network connector that contains eight pins and will accept eight conductors (wires). An RJ-45 can also be called a modular 8P8C connector.

» RJ-11 = the registered jack 11. This is also a common network connector, but most people don’t think of it that way because it is used for telephones. It is a modular network connector as well and, by specification, it can contain six pins and four wires (a modular 6P4C connector).

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Twisted pair wire network connections.The basics of network cable connections.

– Twisted pair wire standards.» There are a two twisted wire cable pinout standards

that are regulated by TIA/EIA (Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance). The pinout standards specify the ordering of the wires to ensure that proper networking communications can take place.

• TIA/EIA-568A (T568A).• TIA/EIA-568B (T568B).

– Common tools used with twisted pair cable.

» Wire strippers: are used to remove the insulating jacket from the cable.

» Crimping tool: are used to secure the wires into the modular connectors.

» Punch down tool: are used to secure the wires into a punch down block.

» Cable tester: are used to test the integrity of a network cable.

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Fiber optic cables are composed of glass or plastic fibers that are coated in a sheath to aid in signal transmission. There are three common types of connectors: the SC, the ST, and the LC.

Topic

Fiber optic network connections.

Summary

Coax cable is composed of a central conductor, surrounded by a insulating sleeve, surrounded by a shield, which is all surrounded by an insulating layer. The modern coax network connector is the F connector, which is used with RG-6 and RG-59 coax cable. A less common coax network connector is the BNC.

Coaxial network connections.

Twisted pair wire cables are composed of eight wires that are twisted together in pairs. The most common network connectors are the RJ-45 (8P8C) modular connector and the RJ-11 (6P4C) modular connector. The TIA/EIA has established a pair of wiring standards (T568A and T568B) for network communications.

Twisted pair wire network connections.

What was covered.The basics of network cable connections.

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THANK YOU!

This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.

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