Back to notes
Why is network knowledge essential for professionals in the built environment?
Press to flip
Network knowledge is essential for deploying new technologies in buildings and because networks are integral to all property technologies.
Explain the difference between access links and trunk links in network connections.
Access links connect individual devices to the network, whereas trunk links connect switches to routers and can handle a variety of cable types such as Ethernet, serial, and fiber optic.
What are the potential issues with using a daisy chain topology, and how can they be mitigated?
Loss of power can disconnect the chain, but using a ring topology with Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) can help mitigate these issues by providing alternate paths for data.
What is the function of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in a smart building network?
A NIC connects devices to the network, allowing them to communicate with other devices through the network switch.
What are the three main approaches outlined in the bottom-up topology for smart building networks?
1. Start with the controllers/devices to be networked. 2. Examine how these devices connect. 3. Discuss how data is shared in the building.
What physical components and details were discussed in the Q&A session?
The Q&A session discussed power and communication issues mitigated by ring architecture with RSTP, and the physical structure of Ethernet cables.
How can ring architecture with RSTP mitigate power/communication issues in a smart building network?
Ring architecture with Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) provides redundant paths for data, ensuring network stability even if one connection fails.
What topics will be covered in the future sessions scheduled for Monday and next Wednesday?
Monday: Layer 2 Networks including ARP, MAC addresses, and VLANs. Next Wednesday: IP Addressing, TCP/UDP, and subnetting.
What is the importance of an access link in network connections?
An access link is a physical link between a device and a network switch, enabling the device (host) to participate in the network.
What is the purpose of dual NICs in IP controls, and how does it affect network reliability?
Dual NICs provide redundancy in IP controls, ensuring that if one NIC fails, the other can maintain the network connection, increasing reliability.
What is the role of a network switch in a smart building network?
A network switch acts as a central hub for network connections, facilitating communication between devices by using physical ports and Ethernet cables.
What are Cat5e and Cat6 cables, and what is their maximum effective range?
Cat5e and Cat6 are common types of Ethernet cables with a maximum effective range of 100 meters (300 feet) before signal degradation occurs.
Why might unmanaged switches cause issues in a network, and how can these issues be prevented?
Unmanaged switches can cause ports to shut down if not properly configured. Utilizing managed switches that require explicit enabling and configuration can prevent these issues.
What are the primary components of an Ethernet cable structure?
Ethernet cables consist of shielded/unshielded twisted pairs of wires with multiple conductors, aimed at reducing interference and supporting network communications.
Describe the main differences between IP trunks and MSTP buses.
MSTP buses were historically used, but there is an increasing use of IP trunks which offer better scalability and flexibility.
Previous
Next