Network Cabling Lecture Notes

Jul 12, 2024

Network Cabling Fundamentals

Importance of Network Cabling

  • Fundamental communication path to the rest of the world.
  • Critical to use the right type of cable, especially in new data centers or buildings.
  • Most network communication takes place over wired connections, despite wireless networks.

Twisted Pair Copper Cabling

Structure:

  • Common for Ethernet networks.
  • Four pairs of wires inside the cable, each pair consisting of a solid color and a striped color (e.g., blue, blue/white).
  • Each pair transmits equal and opposite signals.

Functionality:

  • Twisted pairs minimize interference.
  • Different twist rates for each pair help further reduce interference.

Categories of Twisted Pair Cables

  • Different electrical characteristics support different networks.
  • Categories indicate the minimum standard of cable for Ethernet standards (e.g., Cat 5, Cat 6).

Examples:

  • 1000Base-T: Supports Category 5 and 5e cables for 1 Gbps Ethernet up to 100 meters.
  • 10GBase-T: Supports Category 6a cables for 10 Gbps Ethernet up to 100 meters.

Coaxial Cables

  • Common in cable modem networks.
  • Structure includes a single conductor, insulator, metal shielding, and plastic jacket.
  • Example: RG6 cable for cable television or modem.

Plenum-rated Cables

Environment:

  • Used in buildings with plenum spaces (shared air return space).
  • Reduce smoke and toxic fumes during a fire.

Types:

  • PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) for general use.
  • FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Polymer) for plenum spaces.
  • Low smoke versions available.

UTP vs. STP

  • UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): No additional shielding, commonly used in home networks.
  • STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): Additional protection against interference, used in high-interference environments.

Cable Markings and Shielding Abbreviations

  • Abbreviations indicate the type of shielding:
    • U: Unshielded
    • S: Braided shielding
    • F: Foil shielding
  • Written format: Shield/Shield/TP (e.g., S/FTP, F/UTP).

Special Cable Types

Direct Burial STP

  • Designed for outdoor use.
  • Waterproofing and gel filling protect against water.
  • Shielded for added protection and strength.