Course Transcript Notes

CompTIA A+ Core 1: Cable Types & Connectors

Key Concepts

• Understanding various cable types and connectors for computers and mobile devices.
• Preparation for the CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) certification exam.

Topics Covered

1. Course Overview

• Presenter: Aaron Sampson
• Focus on common cables and adapters for network infrastructure and services.
• Coverage of cable types: Ethernet, video, multipurpose, peripheral, and hard drive cables.

2. Ethernet Cable Types

• Categories: Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, coaxial, and plenum.
• Description & specifications:
  • Cat5: Speeds up to 100 Mbps, now largely superseded.
  • Cat5e: Enhanced for speeds up to 1 Gbps, better at reducing crosstalk.
  • Cat6: Increased transmission frequency to 250 MHz, supports up to 10 Gbps.
  • Cat6a: Tighter winding, reduced crosstalk, maintains 10 Gbps at greater distances.
  • Plenum: Fire-retardant materials for safety in buildings.
  • Coaxial: Single copper core, older technology.

3. STP vs. UTP

• Characteristics of twisted pair cabling.
• STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) has additional shielding for noise reduction.
• UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is more flexible and easier to install.

4. Optical Fiber Cabling

• Uses pulses of light for data transmission.
• Advantages include long-distance transmission, security, and resistance to interference.
• Types: Single-mode for long distances; multi-mode (step index, graded index) for shorter distances.

5. Speed and Transmission Limitations

• Focus on Cat5, 5e, 6, and 6a cable standards.
• Comparison of speeds and frequencies:
  • Cat5: 10 or 100 Mbps.
  • Cat5e: 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps).
  • Cat6: 1 Gbps, higher frequency reduces interference.
  • Cat6a: 10 Gbps, better interference resistance.

6. T568A/T568B Wiring Codes

• Standards for crimping Ethernet cables.
• T568A: Used for federal contracts.
• T568B: More commonly used.
• Crossover cables for direct computer-to-computer connections.

7. Video Cables

• Types: VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI.
• Characteristics:
  • VGA: Analog signal, older technology.
  • DVI: Digital with variations (DVI-I, DVI-D, DVI-A).
  • DisplayPort: Supports audio and video, non-proprietary.
  • HDMI: Common for digital video and audio.

8. USB Cable Types

• Versions: USB, USB-C, USB 2.0, USB 3.0.
• USB-C: Reversible connector, used for USB 3.1 and 3.2.
• Compatibility and speed differences between versions.

9. Peripheral Serial Cables

• Serial and Thunderbolt cables.
• Serial cables are outdated but used for specific equipment.
• Thunderbolt: High-speed data transfer, supports multiple devices.

10. Hard Drive Cables

• Types: SATA, SCSI, ESATA, IDE.
• SATA: Successor to IDE, supports hot-swapping.
• SCSI: Used in servers for more devices.

11. Common Adapter Types

• Examples: DVI to HDMI, USB to Ethernet, DVI to VGA.
• Differences in compatibility and quality considerations.

12. RJ-11 and RJ-45 Connectors

• RJ-11: Used for telecommunication, smaller than RJ-45.
• RJ-45: Used for Ethernet networking.

13. USB Connector Types

• MicroUSB, miniUSB, USB-C.
• Compatibility and usage considerations.

14. Fiber Optic Connectors

• Types: ST, SC, LC.
• ST: Uses a Bayonet-style plug.
• SC: Square shape, push-pull connection.
• LC: Smaller size, combines connectors.

15. Punch Down Blocks

• Used for connecting cables with bare wires.
• 110 punch down block as a successor to the 66 block.

16. DB-9, Lightning Ports, and F Connectors

• DB-9: Used for serial devices, rare today.
• Lightning Ports: Proprietary to Apple, used for charging and data transfer.
• F Connectors: Used with coaxial cables for video distribution.

17. Molex Connectors

• Used for power connections inside computers.
• Types for different devices like hard drives and motherboards.

18. Course Summary

• Recap of cable types, connectors, and preparation for next course on RAM and storage devices.