What is a Network?

A network is simply a group of two or more Personal Computers linked together.

Cable - Transmission medium of copper wire or optical fiber wrapped in a protective

cover. Installing Cable - Some Guidelines When running cable, it is best to follow a few simple rules:

Always use more cable than you need. Leave plenty of slack. Test every part of a network as you install it. Even if it is brand new, it may have problems that will be difficult to isolate later. Stay at least 3 feet away from fluorescent light boxes and other sources of electrical interference. If it is necessary to run cable across the floor, cover the cable with cable protectors. Label both ends of each cable. Use cable ties (not tape) to keep cables in the same location together.

What is Network Cabling?

Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen for a network is related to the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary for the development of a successful network. The following sections discuss the types of cables used in networks and other related topics.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable Coaxial Cable Fiber Optic Cable Wireless LANs Cable Installation Guides

What is a Network Operating System?

Unlike operating systems, such as DOS and Windows, which are designed for single users to control one computer, network operating systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of multiple computers across a network. The network operating system acts as a director to keep the network running smoothly. Client/Server

Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and applications in one or more dedicated file servers (See fig. 2). The file servers become the heart of the system, providing access to resources and providing security. Individual workstations (clients) have access to the resources available on the file servers. The network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the components of the network and allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources irrespective of physical location. Novell Netware and Windows 2000 Server are examples of client/server network operating systems.

Fig. 2. Client/server network

Advantages of a client/server network:

Centralized - Resources and data security are controlled through the

server. Scalability - Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase. Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated into system. Interoperability - All components (client/network/server) work together. Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of a client/server network: Expense - Requires initial investment in dedicated server. Maintenance - Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation. Dependence - When server goes down, operations will cease across the network.

Examples of network operating systems

The following list includes some of the more popular peer-to-peer and client/server network operating systems.

AppleShare Microsoft Windows Server Novell Netware

How to make a network cable. Reasoning:

Users who may be wiring their house or setting up their own network may want to create their own network cables to save money. To create your own network cables you will first need the equipment we have listed below. 1. Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat7 cable - These types of cabling is often purchased in large spindles at stores that specialize in cabling. Cat5 cabling is the most commonly used cable used today for networks 2. RJ-45 connectors - These connectors can be purchased at most electronic stores and computer stores and usually come in bulk packages. It's always a good idea to get more than you expect you will need. 3. Crimping tool - These tools are often purchased at electronic stores such as radio shack. To create a network cable you will need a crimper that is capable of crimping a RJ-45 cable (not just a RJ-11 cable, which looks similar to a RJ-45). 4. Wire stripper / Knife - If you plan on making several network cables you should also consider getting a wire stripper cable of stripping Cat5, Cat6, or your cable of choice. If you do not plan on creating many network cables a knife will suffice. For simplicity and to prevent potential issues we recommend a wire stripper. Once you have the necessary equipment needed to create your own network cables you need to determine the type of network cable you wish to create. There are two major types of network cables: a straight through cable and a crossover cable. Below are some examples of what cable is used for each of the examples. Straight through cable 1. Crossover cable 1. 2. Computer to Computer Network device to network device. For example: router to router. Computer to hub, switch, or router

Once you have determined the type of network cable you will be creating strip the cable, we recommend stripping at least a half of an inch off of the cable to expose the inner wires. The type of network cables being created in this document is the most common CAT5 twisted-pair cables because each cable consists of four twisted wires, each color coded one a solid color and the other a stripped color. As seen below most network cables consist of a green, blue, orange, and brown pair of cables. The image to the right is an example of what this cable may look like, with a connector on one end and the other end with the wires exposed.

There are two types of cable standards 568A and 568B, each twisted-pair must be broken apart to create the layout as shown above. If you wish to create a straight through cable both ends of the cable should be identical and should match the 586A example shown above. If you wish to create a crossover cable one end of the cable should match 586A and the other should match 586B. Once you have separated the ends of the cable to match one of the above examples place the cables into the RJ-45 connector and then use the crimping tool to attach the connector. Do these steps for each side of the cable. Once both ends of the cable have been completed connect the cable to make sure it is working.

Testing network cable

Reprinted with permission from the e-book, Network Cabling Help
Below are of some of the terms used in high performance cable testing, and a description of what they mean.

ACR The first thing to understand about testing data cables is the ACR. This stands for attenuation to crosstalk ratio. The pink area in the graph is the attenuation. Attenuation is the reduction in signal strength over the length of the cable and frequency range. The blue area is the crosstalk. Crosstalk is the external noise that is introduced into the cable. So, if the two areas meet, the data signal will be lost because the crosstalk noise will be at the same level as the attenuated signal. ACR is the most important result when testing a link because it represents the overall performance of the cable. The question becomes "What causes the signal to attenuate and where does the crosstalk come from?" Length The length of a cable is one of the more obvious causes of attenuation because the longer it is, the more resistance it has, and therefore less of the signal will get through. To measure the length, a cable tester uses Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR). A pulse is sent down the cable and when it reaches the far end it reflects back. By measuring the time it takes to travel down the cable and back again, the tester can determine how long the cable is. To do this, the tester also needs to know how fast the pulsed signal is traveling. This is called the Nominal Velocity of Propagation (NVP) and is expressed as a percentage of the speed of light. The NVP is usually somewhere between 60% and 90% of the speed of light, with most Cat 5E cables being around 70%. Due to the twists in the cable, the measured length will be greater than the physical length, so if a run looks like it might be over 80m it would be wise to check it before it is tied up and terminated.

COLOR-CODE STANDARDS
Again, please bear with me... Let's start with simple pin-out diagrams of the two types of UTP Ethernet cables and watch how committees can make a can of worms out of them. Here are the diagrams:

Note that the TX (transmitter) pins are connected to corresponding RX (receiver) pins, plus to plus and minus to minus. And that you must use a crossover cable to connect units with identical interfaces. If you use a straight-through cable, one of the two units must, in effect, perform the cross-over function. Two wire color-code standards apply: EIA/TIA 568A and EIA/TIA 568B. The codes are commonly depicted with RJ-45 jacks as follows (the view is from the front of the jacks):

If we apply the 568A color code and show all eight wires, our pin-out looks like this:

Note that pins 4, 5, 7, and 8 and the blue and brown pairs are not used in either standard. Quite contrary to what you may read elsewhere, these pins and wires are not used or required to implement 100BASE-TX deplaning--they are just plain wasted.

However, the actual cables are not physically that simple. In the diagrams, the orange pair of wires is not adjacent. The blue pair is upside-down. The right ends match RJ-45 jacks and the left ends do not. If, for example, we invert the left side of the 568A "straight"-thru cable to match a 568A jack--put one 180 twist in the entire cable from end-to-end--and twist together and rearrange the appropriate pairs, we get the following can-of-worms: This further emphasizes, I hope, the importance of the word "twist" in making network cables which will work. You cannot use an flat-untwisted telephone cable for a network cable. Furthermore, you must use a pair of twisted wires to connect a set of transmitter pins to their corresponding receiver pins. You cannot use a wire from one pair and another wire from a different pair. Keeping the above principles in mind, we can simplify the diagram for a 568A straight-thru cable by untwisting the wires, except the 180 twist in the entire cable, and bending the ends upward. Likewise, if we exchange the green and orange pairs in the 568A diagram we will get a simplified diagram for a 568B straight-thru cable. If we cross the green and orange pairs in the 568A diagram we will arrive at a simplified diagram for a crossover cable. All three are shown below.

Twisted Pair - Network cabling that consists of four pairs of wires that are
manufactured with the wires twisted to certain specifications. Available in shielded and unshielded versions.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

Twisted pair cabling comes in two varieties: shielded and unshielded. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is the most popular and is generally the best option for school networks (See fig. 1).

Fig.1. Unshielded twisted pair

The quality of UTP may vary from telephone-grade wire to extremely high-speed cable. The cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket. Each pair is twisted with a different number of twists per inch to help eliminate interference from adjacent pairs and other electrical devices. The tighter the twisting, the higher the supported transmission rate and the greater the cost per foot. The EIA/TIA (Electronic Industry Association/Telecommunication Industry Association) has established standards of UTP and rated five categories of wire. Categories of Unshielded Twisted Pair Type Category 1 Category 2 Category 3 Category 4 Category 5 Use Voice Only (Telephone Wire) Data to 4 Mbps (Local Talk) Data to 10 Mbps (Ethernet) Data to 20 Mbps (16 Mbps Token Ring) Data to 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet)

Buy the best cable you can afford; most schools purchase Category 3 or Category 5. If you are designing a 10 Mbps Ethernet network and are considering the cost savings of buying Category 3 wire instead of Category 5, remember that the Category 5 cable will provide more "room to

grow" as transmission technologies increase. Both Category 3 and Category 5 UTP have a maximum segment length of 100 meters. In Florida, Category 5 cable is required for retrofit grants. 10BaseT refers to the specifications for unshielded twisted pair cable (Category 3, 4, or 5) carrying Ethernet signals. Category 6 is relatively new and is used for gigabit connections.

Unshielded Twisted Pair Connector

The standard connector for unshielded twisted pair cabling is an RJ-45 connector. This is a plastic connector that looks like a large telephone-style connector (See fig. 2). A slot allows the RJ-45 to be inserted only one way. RJ stands for Registered Jack, implying that the connector follows a standard borrowed from the telephone industry. This standard designates which wire goes with each pin inside the connector.

Fig. 2. RJ-45 connector

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable

A disadvantage of UTP is that it may be susceptible to radio and electrical frequency interference. Shielded twisted pair (STP) is suitable for environments with electrical interference; however, the extra shielding can make the cables quite bulky. Shielded twisted pair is often used on networks using Token Ring topology.

Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cabling has a single copper conductor at its center. A plastic layer provides insulation between the center conductor and a braided metal shield (See fig. 3). The metal shield helps to block any outside interference from fluorescent lights, motors, and other computers.

Fig. 3. Coaxial cable

Although coaxial cabling is difficult to install, it is highly resistant to signal interference. In addition, it can support greater cable lengths between network devices than twisted pair cable. The two types of coaxial cabling are thick coaxial and thin coaxial.

Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet. 10Base2 refers to the specifications for thin coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 2 refers to the approximate maximum segment length being 200 meters. In actual fact the maximum segment length is 185 meters. Thin coaxial cable is popular in school networks, especially linear bus networks. Thick coaxial cable is also referred to as thicknet. 10Base5 refers to the specifications for thick coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 5 refers to the maximum segment length being 500 meters. Thick coaxial cable has an extra protective plastic cover that helps keep moisture away from the center conductor. This makes thick coaxial a great choice when running longer lengths in a linear bus network. One disadvantage of thick coaxial is that it does not bend easily and is difficult to install.

Coaxial Cable Connectors

Coaxial Cable - Cable consisting of a single copper conductor in the center surrounded by a plastic layer for insulation and a braided metal outer shield.

The most common type of connector used with coaxial cables is the Bayone-Neill-Concelman (BNC) connector (See fig. 4). Different types of adapters are available for BNC connectors, including a T-connector, barrel connector, and terminator. Connectors on the cable are the weakest points in any network. To help avoid problems with your network, always use the BNC connectors that crimp, rather than screw, onto the cable.

Fig. 4. BNC connector

Cable television
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Cable TV redirects here. For the Hong Kong-based cable television network, see Cable TV Hong Kong. Premium TV redirects here. For other uses, see Premium TV (disambiguation)

Coaxial cable is often used to transmit cable television into the house. Cable television is a system of providing television to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through fixed optical fibers or coaxial cables as opposed to the overthe-air method used in traditional television broadcasting (via radio waves) in which a television antenna is required. FM radio programming, high-speed Internet, telephony and similar non television services may also be provided. The abbreviation CATV is often used to mean "Cable TV". It originally stood for Community Antenna Television, from cable television's origins in 1948: in areas where over-the-air reception was limited by mountainous terrain, large "community antennas" were constructed, and cable was run from them to individual homes. It is most commonplace in North America, Europe, Australia and East Asia, though it is present in many other countries, mainly in South America and the Middle East. Cable TV has had little success in Africa, as it is not cost-effective to lay cables in sparsely populated areas, and although so-called "wireless cable" or microwave-based systems are used, "direct-tohome" satellite television is far more popular, especially in South Africa cking/Size:200pcs /CTN(460*300*250)mm Weight:13.0kgs Technical Specification:RJ45 Male To RJ45 Cat 5E Network Cable This is Cat 5E network cables VU310. We can supply cat 5E network cables PC to HUB straight and PC Rj45 Plug Retractable Cable 1) Its new retractable cable Copper Cable, Fiber Cable & Communication Accessories We can supply a wide range of copper cables and fiber cables. Our products include UTP, Cat5e, LAN Cat6 UTP Cable This cable is suitable for 100 base-T, gigs-Ethernet, ATM at 155Mbps, and multi-media networks, with FR / PVC or LSON sheath Communication Cable Model (UTP-5) HSYV-5 2x2x0.50 two-pair digital communication cable can be made with shield or without shield

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Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cabling consists of a center glass core surrounded by several layers of protective materials (See fig. 5). It transmits light rather than electronic signals eliminating the problem of electrical interference. This makes it ideal for certain environments that contain a large amount of electrical interference. It has also made it the standard for connecting networks between buildings, due to its immunity to the effects of moisture and lighting. Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals over much longer distances than coaxial and twisted pair. It also has the capability to carry information at vastly greater speeds. This capacity broadens communication possibilities to include services such as video conferencing and interactive services. The cost of fiber optic cabling is comparable to copper cabling; however, it is more difficult to install and modify. 10BaseF refers to the specifications for fiber optic cable carrying Ethernet signals.

Fig.5. Fiber optic cable

Facts about fiber optic cables:

Outer insulating jacket is made of Teflon or PVC. Kevlar fiber helps to strengthen the cable and prevent breakage. A plastic coating is used to cushion the fiber center. Center (core) is made of glass or plastic fibers.

Fiber Optic Connector

The most common connector used with fiber optic cable is an ST connector. It is barrel shaped, similar to a BNC connector. A newer connector, the SC, is becoming more popular. It has a squared face and is easier to connect in a confined space.

Ethernet Cable Summary

Specification 10BaseT 10Base2 10Base5 10BaseF 100BaseT 100BaseTX Cable Type Unshielded Twisted Pair Thin Coaxial Thick Coaxial Fiber Optic Unshielded Twisted Pair Unshielded Twisted Pair Maximum length 100 meters 185 meters 500 meters 2000 meters 100 meters 220 meters

What is a Topology?
Topology - There are two types of topology: physical and logical. The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. Logical topology is the method used to pass the information between workstations. Issues involving logical topologies are discussed on the Protocol chapter

The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology which is the method used to pass information between workstations. Logical topology was discussed in the Protocol chapter.

Main Types of Physical Topologies

The following sections discuss the physical topologies used in networks and other related topics.

Linear Bus Star Star-Wired Ring

Tree Considerations When Choosing a Topology Summary Chart

Linear Bus
A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end (See fig. 1). All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the linear cable. Ethernet and Local Talk networks use a linear bus topology.

Fig. 1. Linear Bus topology

Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology

Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus. Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology

Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable. Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable. Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down. Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

Star
A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) connected directly to a central network hub or concentrator (See fig. 2). Hub - A hardware device that contains multiple independent but connected modules of network and internet work equipment. Hubs can be active (where they repeat signals sent through them) or passive (where they do not repeat but merely split signals sent through them).

Data on a star network passes through the hub or concentrator before continuing to its destination. The hub or concentrator manages and controls all functions of the network. It also

acts as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration is common with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic cable.

Fig. 2. Star topology

Advantages of a Star Topology

Easy to install and wire. No disruptions to the network then connecting or removing devices. Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology Requires more cable length than a linear topology. If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled. More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the concentrators.

The protocols used with star configurations are usually Ethernet or Local Talk. Token Ring uses a similar - topology, called the star-wired ring.

Star Wired Ring

A star-wired ring topology may appear (externally) to be the same as a star topology. Internally, the MAU (outstation access unit) of a star-wired ring contains wiring that allows information to pass from one device to another in a circle or ring (See fig. 3). The Token Ring protocol uses a star-wired ring topology.

Tree

Tree Topology - LAN topology similar to linear bus topology, except that tree networks can contain branches with multiple nodes.

A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable (See fig. 4). Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs.

Fig. 4. Tree topology

Advantages of a Tree Topology

Point-to-point wiring for individual segments. Supported by several hardware and software venders.

Disadvantages of a Tree Topology

Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used. If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down. More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

5-4-3 Rule

A consideration in setting up a tree topology using Ethernet protocol is the 5-4-3 rule. One aspect of the Ethernet protocol requires that a signal sent out on the network cable reach every part of the network within a specified length of time. Each concentrator or repeater that a signal goes through adds a small amount of time. This leads to the rule that between any two nodes on the network there can only be a maximum of 5 segments, connected through 4 repeaters/concentrators. In addition, only 3 of the segments may be populated (trunk) segments if they are made of coaxial cable. A populated segment is one which has one or more nodes attached to it . In Figure 4, the 5-4-3 rule is adhered to. The furthest two nodes on the network have 4 segments and 3 repeaters/concentrators between them. This rule does not apply to other network protocols or Ethernet networks where all fiber optic cabling or a combination of a fiber backbone with UTP cabling is used. If there is a combination of fiber optic backbone and UTP cabling, the rule is simply translated to 7-6-5 rule.

Considerations When Choosing a Topology:

Money. A linear bus network may be the least expensive way to install a network; you do not have to purchase concentrators. Length of cable needed. The linear bus network uses shorter lengths of cable. Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a network is easily done by adding another concentrator. Cable type. The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair, which is most often used with star topologies.

Summary Chart: Physical Topology Linear Bus Common Cable Twisted Pair Coaxial Fiber Twisted Pair Fiber Twisted Pair Twisted Pair Coaxial Fiber Common Protocol Ethernet Local Talk Ethernet LocalTalk Token Ring Ethernet

Star Star-Wired Ring Tree

Install a wired network adapter

To connect to a network, your computer needs a network adapter. Fortunately, most computer manufacturers know that connecting to the Internet or other computers is important to computer users, and they include a network adapter with your computer. If you're not sure if you have a network adapter, you can find out in a few quick steps. If you need to add a network adapter, first choose which method you want to use to install it. Most people prefer to use a USB (Universal Serial Bus) network adapter, because it's easy to install. If you have a portable computer, you might find a Card Bus (also known as PCMCIA or PC Card) or CF network adapter better meets your needs. If you have a desktop computer with the proper amount of available space, you may also have the option of adding an internal network adapter.

Attachment cable features

Each installation requires custom planning for attachment cabling. Often the facility infrastructure dictates the type of cable that will be used, the connectors that are available, and the length of cable that is required. Also, the attachment feature being ordered will support a particular cable type and connector. There are two types of connectors, often called the receptacle (socket) connector and the standard connector. A standard connector plugs into a receptacle (socket) connector of the same type (for example LC to LC (R)). Beginning with AFCCU microcode level 12.0, one or more of the chargeable cable features may be ordered with the printer. There is a non-chargeable feature code that may be selected when no cable will be ordered with the attachment (customer supplied cable). In some cases the cable features shown will not meet the requirements of the installation and cables will have to be provided using an alternate method. If the customer is supplying the cable, make sure the customer has the attachment feature information that specifies cable type and connector type (from Table 10.) Selecting a cable feature LC Table 15. Cable Connectors SC SC (R)

ESCON (R) MT-RJ ESCON

Network Cabling: Cabling is the physical connection that enables data to travel between PCs, Hubs, and other devices. Network cable is plugged into the Ethernet port on the NIC and is connected to the Ethernet port on the hub or switch. Using the bicycle wheel analogy, network cable is the spoke of the wheel, connecting the hub to the individual PCs. Cables can be either standard pass-through (for connecting PCs to Hubs/Switches), or cross-over (connecting 2 PCs directly without the use of a hub). Cross-over cables cannot be used for connecting PCs to hubs or switches. It is only ever used when connecting two PCs directly together between NIC cards. The most widely used type of network cabling is called Category 5 (Cat5) cable. Cat5 cable looks similar to regular telephone cable, but there are several differences between the two. Cat5 cable is thicker, and has better insulation than phone cable in order to protect against interference and make the cable more durable. In addition, the connectors on Cat5 cable are larger than telephone cable connectors. These connectors are referred to as "RJ-45" connectors, while telephone cables use "RJ-11" connectors