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What is Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)?
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UTP is the most common network cable made of copper wires, typically used for connecting computers and devices in a network. It consists of four pairs of twisted copper wires to reduce interference.
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What are the key features of UTP?
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(a) Structure: Four pairs of twisted copper wires. (b) Twisted pairs reduce interference. (c) Balanced electrical signals help reduce interference.
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What is the main limitation of UTP cables?
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UTP cables suffer from attenuation, meaning the signal weakens over long distances, with a maximum reliable distance of 100 meters (328 feet).
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What is Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)?
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STP is a type of network cable that provides extra protection against interference, commonly used in 10G Ethernet and higher within datacenter networks.
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When should STP be used?
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In environments with high interference levels, such as near fluorescent lighting, power lines, motors, or generators.
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What are the types of STP cables?
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(a) Screened Cable (ScTP/F/UTP/FTP): Thin foil shield around all pairs. (b) Fully Shielded Cable (S/FTP/F/FTP): Braided outer screen with foil-shielded pairs.
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Why is bonding important in STP cables?
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Shielding must be bonded to connectors to prevent the metal shielding from acting as an antenna, which could cause interference.
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What is a Cat (Category) specification?
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A construction method for twisted pair cables that defines their capability to support different Ethernet standards and data transfer rates.
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What is the maximum transfer rate and distance for Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables?
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(a) Cat 5e: 1 Gbps up to 100 meters. (b) Cat 6: 1 Gbps up to 100 meters, or 10 Gbps up to 55 meters.
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What is the recommended use for Cat 6A cable?
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Cat 6A is recommended for healthcare facilities, Power over Ethernet (PoE) installations, and connecting wireless access points in distribution systems.
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What are RJ45 and RJ11 connectors used for?
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(a) RJ45 (8P8C): Used for Ethernet connections. (b) RJ11: Used for telephone systems and DSL modems.
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What are T568A and T568B standards?
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These are wiring standards for terminating Ethernet cables. T568A and T568B differ in the arrangement of the green and orange wire pairs.
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What is the difference between straight-through and crossover cables?
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(a) Straight-through cables: Have the same termination at both ends (used to connect different devices). (b) Crossover cables: Use T568A at one end and T568B at the other (used to connect similar devices).
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What are the main tools needed for copper cabling installation?
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(a) Cable stripper to remove the outer jacket. (b) Snips to cut star fillers in Cat 6/Cat 6A cables. (c) Punchdown tool to secure conductors in IDCs. (d) Crimper to attach RJ45 plugs to patch cords.
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What is a cable tester used for?
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A cable tester checks if each wire in a cable is properly connected by sending signals through each wire and verifying connections with LED lights.
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What does a toner probe do?
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A toner probe helps trace and identify cables by sending an audio signal through the cable and using a probe to detect the signal.
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What is the purpose of a loopback plug?
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A loopback plug tests the functionality of a network interface card (NIC) or switch port by verifying that the port can both send and receive signals.
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What is a network tap?
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A network tap captures data traveling over a network cable and sends it to a packet or protocol analyzer for monitoring and analysis.
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What is the difference between a passive and an active TAP?
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(a) Passive TAP: Unpowered and copies signals without altering them. (b) Active TAP: Powered and performs signal regeneration, necessary for monitoring more complex signals.
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What are plenum cables used for?
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Plenum cables are used in HVAC spaces and are fire-resistant, self-extinguishing, and emit minimal smoke when burned.
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What is a direct burial cable?
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Direct burial cable is used for outdoor installations and is coated to protect against UV rays, moisture, and rodents.
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What is the difference between single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF)?
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(a) SMF: Smaller core, long-distance (many kilometers), and high data rates. (b) MMF: Larger core, shorter distances, more affordable, and used in LANs.
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What are the common types of fiber optic connectors?
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(a) ST: Push-and-twist, older multi-mode networks, (b) SC: Push/pull design, available in simplex and duplex, and (c) LC: Smaller size, used for higher port density.
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What is coaxial cable mainly used for today?
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Coaxial cable is primarily used for CCTV installations, Cable Access TV (CATV), and broadband cable modems.
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What is an F-type connector?
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An F-type connector is used with coaxial cables, commonly in CATV installations, and features a pin that screws into the device to secure the connection.