Install Network Cables
Install Network Cables
We aim to understand how computers are connected to each other that is why it is essential that
we should be familiar with the different devices found in the workplace to perform network
connectivity.
It is important to understand that each workplace has a unique plan/map of how the
organization distributes information and who has access.
This lesson's goal is to simply familiarize ourselves with the different network devices which
we'll get to connecting later.
Switch
A device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments. Switches operate at the data
link layer (layer 2) and sometimes the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI Reference Model and
therefore support any packet protocol. LANs that use switches to join segments are
called switched LANs or, in the case of Ethernet networks, switched Ethernet LANs.
Hub
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COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING 5 AND 6 WEEK 1 – MIDTERM
A common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are commonly used to
connect segments of a LAN. A hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it
is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see all packets.
Hubs and switches serve as a central connection for all of your network equipment and handles
a data type known as frames. Frames carry your data. When a frame is received, it is amplified
and then transmitted on to the port of the destination PC.
Repeater
A network device used to regenerate or replicate a signal.
Repeaters are used in transmission systems to regenerate
analog or digital signals distorted by transmission loss. Analog
repeaters frequently can only amplify the signal while digital repeaters can reconstruct a signal
to near its original quality.
Bridge
A device that connects two local-area networks (LANs), or two segments of the same LAN that
use the same protocol, such as Ethernet or Token-Ring.
Basically, a local area network, called as LAN, is a group of computers and connected devices
that share a common communication line (or may be wireless) to a server.
A LAN is where computers and mobile devices may share resources like printers, scanners,
storage, etc.
To make sure that your LAN works properly, make sure that the following items are installed
and enabled in the Local Area Connection Properties:
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Clients For Microsoft Networks
Allow your computer to share files and printers in Microsoft Network
LAN Settings
These are specific IP settings for the LAN interface.
The default IP Address is 192.168.0.1.
The default Subnet Mask is 255.255.255.0.
DHCP Server
Stands for Dynamic Host Control Protocol. This gives the IP Addresses when a device starts
and requests an IP address from the network. It can be set to obtain IP address automatically.
Home Network
This type is ideal for home networks where you trust all the people and the devices using the
network. By default, network discovery is turned on, allowing you to see other computers and
devices, and others can see you as well.
Work Network
This type is used in small office or other workplace networks. By default, network discovery is
enabled allowing other computers on a network. However, you cannot join or create a
homegroup.
Public Network
This type is the safest. This is designed to keep your computer from being visible to others and
helps protect your computer from malicious software from the Internet. However, network
discovery is turned off and homegroup is not available on this network.
Domain Network
This is used for domains and at enterprise networks. This is controlled by the network
administrator.
Also known as WAN. This is a collection of computers and networks connected via a network
just like the LAN. However, in WAN, it is connected over a large geographic area. The
following are the WAN settings used to connect to the Internet Service Provider (ISP):
Dynamic IP Address
This is to obtain an IP address automatically from the ISP.
Host Name
This is optional. Usually, this is the model number of the device.
MAC Address
This is optional. MAC stands for Media Access Control. The MAC Address is set by default to
the MAC Address of the WAN interface in the device.
Auto-Reconnect
This feature allows the router to reconnect to the ISP automatically if connections is
disconnected.
Static IP Address
This is to set a specific IP Address that is still provided by the ISP. However, this is avoided
because this requires a lot of work and manual entry of network information.
PPPoE
Stands for Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet. Only used if the ISP uses this protocol. The
ISP provides the username and password.
IP ADDRESSING
IP Address, or the Internet Protocol Address, is a numerical label assigned to a device within a
computer network that uses the Internet Protocol. It has two functions: (1) network hosting ; and
(2) location addressing.
Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to
another.
There are several types of cables which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a
network will utilize only one type of cable, while 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 are different wired connections commonly used in networking. However for this
Qualification, we are focusing on UTP and STP Cables which are most common for Local Area
Networks.
3. Coaxial Cable
Wireless connections make use of LANs which allow high frequency radio signals to
communicate between work stations, servers, or hubs.
Wireless networks are ideal for allowing laptops, portable devices, and other devices to connect
to the LAN. This is also beneficial in establishments where it may be harder to install cables.
WIRELESS NETWORKING
A wireless network is any type of computer network that use wireless data connections for
connecting network nodes.
Wireless PAN
Stands for Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs). This connection interconnect devices
within a small area. An example would be bluetooth and infrared.
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Wireless LAN
Known as WLANs. This is used to connect to local resources and the internet. It links two or
more devices over a short distance using a wireless distribution method - usually through an
wireless router/wireless access point for internet access. Wi-Fi falls under WLANs.
It is a jack used for Ethernet networking and used for cables. Both T568A and T568B are
common wiring standards however the T568B is widely used in the Philippines.
There are two common network cabling namely the straight-through and the crossover cables.
A straight-through cable is also known as the patch cable or Ethernet cable. This is the most
common format for network cables. The wires have same pins from either end. This is used
when connecting a computer to a modem, router, or switch. This is also used between
networking equipment that are not similar to each other.
A crossover cable crosses the wires from the other end differently to the other. We use these
when we connect two devices of the same type like two computers or two similar networking
devices. These wirings use two different ends, T568A and T568B.
However, if we use a device between two devices (such as a switch), all cables are straight
through.
A patch panel, also known as patch bay, patch field, or jack field, is used to connect and route
circuits for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient and flexible matter.
Having an organized patch panel is important in the workplace. Although the patch panel is
meant for organization, it is still essential to minimize hazards such as hanging and open
network cables.
Good patch panel cable management is important. Neat patch, for example, is one of the most
common patch panel cable management systems.
It allows users to store patch panels in a neat and tidy compartment. It is also compliant with
industry standards.
A – white blue / blue / white green / green / white orange / orange / white brown / brown
B – white blue / blue / white orange / orange / white green / green / white brown / brown
A computer network is a collection of computers and other devices linked together via use
networking devices. Networking devices are also called as communicating devices.
Computer networks are important because it ensures effective transmission and sharing of
data between different computer devices.
Setting-up computer networks at your homes does not need to be complicated. Few basic
pieces of computer hardware are needed to connect your computers and other devices to each
other and to the Internet.
Personal Area Network This is used for communication among computer and
(PAN) different devices close to a person. PAN usually
reaches up to 10 meters.
Bus Topology
This is a network type in which the computers and network devices are connected to a single
cable.
This type of network can transmit data in only one direction. Each device is connected to
a single cable.
PROS
☑ Cost-effective
☑ Cable is required
☑ For small networks
☑ Easy to understand and create
☑ Easy to expand (through joining two cables)
CONS
☑ When cable fails, the whole network fails
☑ If network traffic is heavy, the performance of the network decreases
☑ Cable has limited length
☑ Slower than ring topology
Ring Topology
This network forms like a ring where a computer is connected to another computer. The last
computer is connected to the first. Each computer has two neighbors.
PROS
☑ Not affected by high traffic
☑ Cheap to install and expand
CONS
☑ Hard to troubleshoot
☑ Adding or removing a computer will disturb network activity
☑ When a computer fails, the whole network is disturbed
Each node has a dedicated connection to the hub/switch. This will act as a repeater as well for
data flow. This can be done using a UTP, optical fiber, or coaxial cable.
PROS
☑ Fast performance the fewer nodes
☑ Low network traffic
☑ Switch/Hub can be easily upgraded
☑ Easy set-up and modification
☑ When a node fails, the others can work smoothly
CONS
☑ High cost
☑ Expensive to maintain
☑ When switch/hub fails, whole network stops
☑ Switch/hub capacity controls the performance
Mesh Topology
This type is a point-to-point connection with other devices. The traffic is carried between two
devices which it is connected.
There are two types: (1) partial mesh topology where some of the systems are connected in the
same fashion as mesh topology but some devices are connected to two or three devices; and (2)
full mesh topology where each and every device is connected to each other.
This type features a full, robust connection. However, it is not flexible.
PROS
☑ Each connection can carry own data load
☑ Robust
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☑ Easy troubleshooting
☑ Secure and private
CONS
☑ Difficult to install and configure
☑ Expensive cabling cost
☑ Bulk wiring
Tree Topology
This type has a root device and other devices are connected to form a hierarchy. Also known
as hierarchical topology. It should have at least three levels in the hierarchy.
PROS
☑ Can be extensions of bus and star topologies
☑ Easily expanded
☑ Easily managed and maintained
☑ Errors are easily detected
CONS
☑ Heavily cabled
☑ Expensive
☑ The more devices, the harder the maintenance
☑ If central switch/hub fails, network fails
Hybrid Topology
This type is a mixture of two or more topologies. You may have a department in the office
using ring topology while the other uses a star topology. This is called a Hybrid Topology.
It can combine even more than two topologies. Both the advantages and disadvantages are
included when you create a hybrid, thus, ideal for a non-conventional set-up.
PROS
☑ Reliable
☑ Easy troubleshooting
☑ Errors are easily detected
☑ Easily scalable
☑ Flexible
CONS
☑ Complex
☑ Expensive
PERFORMANCE TASK:
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1. DRAW YOUR OWN TOPOLOGY!
a. Using the network devices you've learned at the previous lesson, try to draw your own office
network.
b. Imagine at least 10 workers but they are divided at far ends of a building.
c. You have a pool of options to create a topology that will fit them to still have a network
connection. You may use any (e.g. wireless, wired) connections that you deem appropriate.
d. You may check sample topologies online.
ACTIVITY 1
Name: _____________________________________________ Date: __________________
Grade and Strand: __________________________________ Score: __________________
I. Identify the following. Choose your answer from the grid below. Use a separate sheet of
paper in answering.
______________ 1. The World Wide Web.
______________ 2. The internal network of a company or other enterprise.
______________ 3. A network that connects two or more LANs but that is limited to a specific
and contiguous geographical area such as a college campus.
______________ 4. A data communications network that covers a relatively broad geographic
area.