What is an IP Address?

An Internet Protocol address (IP address) in layman’s terms is basically the address given to
your computer when it’s connected to a network. Technically speaking, an IP address is a 32-bit
number that signifies the address of both the sender and receiver of packets on a network.

Class Address Range Supports

Class A 1.0.0.1 to Large networks with many devices
126.255.255.254
Class B 128.1.0.1 to Medium-sized networks.
191.255.255.254
Class C 192.0.1.1 to small networks (fewer than 256 devices)
223.255.254.254
Class D 224.0.0.0 to Reserved for multicast groups.
239.255.255.255
Class E 240.0.0.0 to Reserved for future use, or Research and
254.255.255.254 Development Purposes.

Note: It’s totally possible for your computer to have two IP addresses at the same time.
One may be for the Internet and another one for the local area network.

These IP addresses are further divided into two main types:

Static IP address

Dynamic IP address

Static IP Address
As the name speaks, the static IP addresses are those types of IP address that never change
once they are assigned to a device on a network. No doubt this type of addressing is cost
effective but could have a high security risk. Static IP addresses are mostly used by web, email
and gaming servers who don’t care much about hiding their locations.
 Dynamic IP Address
On the other hand, a Dynamic IP address changes each time the device logs in to a
network. This kind of IP address is very tough to trace and are thus used by companies and
business firms. These IP address are assigned using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol).

Which is better, Static or Dynamic?

Static IP addresses, as I already mentioned above, are used in places where security is not a big
concern like web servers, FTP and dedicate VOIP services. Dynamic IP addressing, on the other
hand are used when you browse through the Internet, receive mails, download files, etc.

Cabling in a Network
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.

 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable

 Coaxial Cable

 Fiber Optic Cable

 Cable Installation Guides

 Twisted Pair 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

The quality of UTP may vary from telephone-grade wire to extremely high-speed cable.

Unshielded Twisted Pair(UTP)

Categories of Unshielded Twisted Pair

Category Speed Use

1 1 Mbps Voice Only (Telephone Wire)
2 4 Mbps LocalTalk & Telephone (Rarely used)
3 16 Mbps 10BaseT Ethernet
4 20 Mbps Token Ring (Rarely used)
100 Mbps (2 pair) 100BaseT Ethernet
5
1000 Mbps (4 pair) Gigabit Ethernet
5e 1,000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
6 10,000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet
Unshielded Twisted Pair Connector
The standard connector for unshielded twisted pair cabling is an RJ-45 connector. RJ stands for
Registered Jack.

RJ-45 connector

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable

Although UTP cable is the least expensive cable, it may be susceptible to radio and electrical
frequency interference (it should not be too close to electric motors, fluorescent lights, etc.).
you must place cable in environment with lots of potential interference.

Shielded twisted pair cable is available in three different configurations:

1. Each pair of wires is individually shielded with foil.

2. There is a foil or braid shield inside the jacket covering all wires (as a group).

3. There is a shield around each individual pair, as well as around the entire group of wires
(referred to as double shield twisted pair).

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.

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 has been popular in school networks, especially linear bus
network.

Coaxial Cable Connectors

The most common type of connector used with coaxial cables is the Bayone-Neill-
Concelman (BNC) connector.

BNC connector

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.

Optical fiber cable

There are two common types of fiber cables -- single mode and multimode. Multimode cable
has a larger diameter; however, both cables provide high bandwidth at high speeds. Single
mode can provide more distance, but it is more expensive. 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.

Specification Cable Type

10BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair

10Base2 Thin Coaxial

10Base5 Thick Coaxial

100BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair

100BaseFX Fiber Optic

100BaseBX Single mode Fiber

100BaseSX Multimode Fiber

1000BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair

1000BaseFX Fiber Optic

1000BaseBX Single mode Fiber

1000BaseSX Multimode Fiber

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.