Connecting the Network
Cables, Connectors, and Wireless Technologies
1 Purpose
This document focuses on the physical media that form the connections between network hardware. Understanding the different types of cables, their capabilities, and the connectors they use is essential for any IT technician. This knowledge is required for everything from setting up a small office network to troubleshooting a connection failure.
2 What You’ll Learn
By the end of this reading, you will be able to:
- Identify the common categories of twisted pair copper cabling (Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a).
- Recognize the RJ-45 connector and its use.
- Differentiate between multi-mode and single-mode fiber optic cabling.
- Describe the basic concept of Wi-Fi and identify the common standards (802.11ac, 802.11ax).
This reading maps to the following program and course learning outcomes:
- Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
- 3. Apply terminology and numeric or system concepts: This document covers the specific terminology for network cabling, connectors, and wireless standards.
- Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs):
- 1. Identify hardware and basic network components: Cabling is a fundamental component of any wired network infrastructure.
This exercise develops the following skills, which align with the O*NET SOC Code 15-1232.00 for Computer User Support Specialists.
| Learning Objective | O*NET KSAs | Technologies Used |
|---|---|---|
| Identify types of twisted pair and fiber cabling. | Knowledge: Telecommunications, Computers & Electronics Abilities: Information Ordering |
Cat 6, Fiber Optic |
| Recognize common network connectors. | Knowledge: Computers & Electronics Skills: None |
RJ-45, LC, SC |
| Describe fundamental wireless concepts. | Knowledge: Telecommunications Abilities: None |
Wi-Fi 6, 802.11ax |
3 Wired Connections: Copper Cabling
The most common type of cabling used in local area networks (LANs) is unshielded twisted pair (UTP). This cable consists of four pairs of thin, color-coded copper wires twisted around each other to reduce electrical interference.
3.1 Twisted Pair Categories
UTP cabling is rated in categories (Cat) based on its performance capabilities, particularly the maximum speed and bandwidth it can support.
- Cat 5e (Enhanced): An older standard, but still common in existing installations. It can support speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps) over a distance of 100 meters.
- Cat 6: Offers better performance and less crosstalk than Cat 5e. It can support 1 Gbps up to 100 meters, and can even handle 10 Gbps over shorter distances (up to 55 meters).
- Cat 6a (Augmented): A thicker, often shielded cable designed to reliably support 10 Gbps over the full distance of 100 meters. This is the recommended standard for new installations to ensure future-proofing.
3.2 The RJ-45 Connector
All standard twisted-pair Ethernet cables are terminated with an RJ-45 connection, technically an 8P8C connector wired to RJ45 standards such as EIA/TIA-568A and EIA/TIA-568B. These standards specify how the eight pins inside the connector are arranged and connected to the wire pairs in the cable. This is the familiar plastic plug at the end of an Ethernet cable that clicks into a NIC, switch, or router. It is larger than the similar-looking RJ-11 connector used for telephone lines.
4 Wired Connections: Fiber Optic Cabling
Fiber optic cable transmits data using pulses of light instead of electricity. It is made of a very thin strand of glass (the core) surrounded by a reflective layer (the cladding) and a protective outer coating.
- Key Advantages:
- Extremely High Speed and Bandwidth: Capable of speeds far exceeding copper.
- Long Distances: Can transmit data over many kilometers without signal degradation.
- Immunity to EMI: Because it uses light, it is completely immune to electromagnetic interference.
4.1 Types of Fiber Optic Cable
- Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): Has a larger core that allows multiple modes (paths) of light to travel down it. It uses less expensive LED light sources. MMF is used for shorter-distance applications, such as within a building or across a campus, with typical distances up to 550 meters.
- Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): Has a much smaller core that allows only a single path of light. It requires more expensive laser light sources but can transmit data over vast distances (dozens of kilometers), making it the standard for telecommunications companies and long-haul network connections.
4.2 Common Fiber Connectors
Fiber cables use a variety of connectors. The most common ones you will see in modern networking are:
- LC (Lucent Connector): A small, square connector, often used in pairs (one for transmit, one for receive). Very common in high-density enterprise environments.
- SC (Subscriber Connector): A larger, square connector that is also widely used.
5 Wireless Connections: Wi-Fi
Wireless networking, or Wi-Fi, uses radio waves to transmit data between devices. A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is the device that broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal. In a home network, the WAP is usually built into the wireless router.
5.1 Wi-Fi Standards (IEEE 802.11)
Wi-Fi technology is defined by a series of standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), all starting with “802.11”. The letters that follow indicate the specific generation.
- 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5): A widely adopted standard that operates in the 5 GHz frequency band, offering excellent speeds and less interference than older 2.4 GHz standards.
- 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6 / Wi-Fi 6E): The current mainstream standard. It offers significant improvements in efficiency, capacity, and performance, especially in crowded environments with many devices. It operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Wi-Fi 6E extends this standard to also use the new 6 GHz band for even more bandwidth and less interference.
6 Reflect and Review
Now that you have reviewed this document, take a moment to reflect on your learning in your Microsoft Teams Student Notebook:
- 3 types of network cables.
- 2 differences between single-mode and multi-mode fiber.
- 1 question you still have about Wi-Fi standards.
Answer these questions in your notebook to solidify your understanding:
- You are running a new cable in an office and want to ensure it can support 10 Gbps speeds. What is the minimum category of twisted pair cable you should use?
- What type of connector is found on a standard Ethernet cable?
- You need to connect two buildings that are 2 kilometers apart. What type of cabling is the only suitable choice?
- What is the name of the current generation of Wi-Fi, also known as 802.11ax?