Quarter 4-Lesson 4

Network Materials, tools and devices

In this module, there will be two (2) learning competencies that you will encounter: (1) Identify necessary
network materials in accordance with established procedures and check against system requirements; (2)
Obtain tools, equipment, and testing devices in accordance with established procedures. The two given
competencies contain sub-topics that are related to setting-up computer networks.

Read carefully the instructions below

Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of this module.
Write on your notebook the concepts about the lesson.
Perform all the provided activities in the module.
Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers.
Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.

Lesson 4: Computer Network Materials and Devices

You will identify necessary network materials, tools, equipment and testing devices in accordance with established
procedures. Specifically, this module will help you to:
🗹 name and classify the network materials, tools, equipment, and testing devices,
🗹 explain the functions of every network material, tool, equipment, and testing
device, and
🗹 appreciate the importance of knowing the functions of the network materials, tools, equipment, testing devices in
creating a simple network design.

Directions: Read the questions carefully and choose the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.
Write your answer on the space provided each number.

____1. Which of the following is a type of copper cabling that is used for telephone communications and most Ethernet
networks?
a. Fiber Optic c. Twisted Pair
b. Coaxial Cable d. Copper Cable
____2. Which of the following types of twisted-pair cables rely solely on the cancellation effect?
a. Shielded Twisted Pair c. Twisted Pair
b. Unshielded Twisted Pair b. Fiber Optic
____3. Which of the following is produced by the twisted-wire pairs that limit signal degradation?
a. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) c. Crosstalk
b. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) d. Cancellation Effect
____4. Which of the following is defined as the noise generated by adjacent pairs of wires in the cable?
a. Crosstalk c. Cancellation Effect
b. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) d. Radio Frequency Interference
____5. What copper-cored cable is surrounded by a heavy shielding?
a. Coaxial Cable c. Twisted pair
b. Optical Fiber b. Fiber Optics
____6. Which of the following is defined as a device that allows wireless communication devices to connect to a wireless
network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or related standards?
a. Basic Router c. Network Bridge
b. Network Switch d. Wireless Access Point (WAP)
____7. ______________ have intelligence and can "bridge" two of their ports together at very high speed.
a. Bridges c. Wireless Access Point (WAP)
b. Routers d. Switches
____8. What do you call to an enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for electrical wiring?
a. Cable Clamp b. Fastener c. Cable tie d. Cable raceway
____9. Which of the following is a computer hardware component designed to allow computers to communicate over
a computer network?
a. Switched c. Wireless Access Point (WAP)
b. Bridges d. Network Interface Card
____10. Which of these operates at the network layer of the OSI model and efficiently route information between Local
Area Networks?
a. Bridges b. Routers c. Wireless Access Point (WAP) d. Switch

Directions: Identify the following types of computer network based on the illustrations below:

Item
Illustration Type of Network Description/ Explanation
No.

3
 To make data transmission more extensible and efficient than a simple peer-to-peer network, network
designers use specialized network devices such as hubs, switches, routers, and wireless access points to send data
between devices.

Computer networking devices are units that mediate data in a computer network and are also called network
equipment. Units which are the last receiver or generate data are called hosts or data terminal equipment.

LESSON 2
NETWORK MATERIALS

Recently, cables were the only medium used to connect devices on networks. A wide variety of networking
cables are available. Coaxial and twisted-pair cables use copper to transmit data. Fiber-optic cables use glass or plastic
to transmit data. These cables differ in bandwidth, size, and cost. You need to know what type of cable to use based
on the job requirements. You also need to be able to troubleshoot and repair problems along the way.

Common Network Cables

1. Twisted Pair is a type of copper cabling that is used for telephone communications and most Ethernet networks. A
pair of wires forms a circuit that transmits data. The pair is twisted to provide protection against crosstalk, the noise
generated by adjacent pairs of wires in the cable. Pairs of copper wires are encased in color-coded plastic insulation
and are twisted together.
When electricity flows through a copper wire, a magnetic field is
created around the wire. A circuit has two wires, and in a circuit, the two wires
have oppositely-charged magnetic fields. When the two wires of the circuit
are next to each other, the magnetic fields cancel each other out. This is
called the cancellation effect. Without the cancellation effect, your network
communications become slow because of the interference caused by the
magnetic fields.
The two basic types of twisted-pair cables are as follows:
● Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is the cable that has two or four pairs of
wires. This type of cable relies solely on the cancellation effect produced by
the twisted-wire pairs that limits signal degradation caused by
electromagnetic interface (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). UTP
is the most commonly used cabling in networks.
● With the Twisted pair (STP), each pair of wire is wrapped in metallic foil to better shield the wires from noise.
Four pairs of wires are then wrapped in an overall metallic braid or foil. STP reduces electrical noise from
within the cable. It also reduces EMI and RFI from outside the cable. Although STP prevents interference
better than UTP, STP is more expensive because of the extra shielding. It is also more difficult to install
because of the thickness. In addition, the metallic shielding must be grounded at both ends. If it is improperly
grounded, the shield acts like an antenna, picking up unwanted signals.

Category Rating
UTP comes in several categories that are based on two
factors:
• The number of wires in the cable
• The number of twists in those wires

2. Coaxial Cable - Is a copper-cored cable surrounded

by a heavy shielding. Coaxial cable is used to connect
the computers to the rest of the network. Coaxial cable
uses “British Naval Connectors (BNC)” or “Bayonet Neill-
Concelman” connectors, at the ends of the cables to
make the connection.
Several types of coaxial
cable exist:
• Thicknet (10BASE5)
is a coaxial cable used in networks operating at 10 Mbps, with a maximum length of
500 meters.
• Thinnet (10BASE2) is a coaxial cable used in networks operating at 10 Mbps, with a
maximum length of 185 meters.
• RG-59 is most commonly used for cable television in the U.S.
• RG-6 is higher-quality cable than RG-59, with more bandwidth and less susceptibility
to interference.

3. Fiber-Optic Cable – An optical fiber is a

glass or plastic conductor that transmits information using light. Fiber optic cable
has one or more optical fibers enclosed in a sheath or jacket. Because it is made
of glass, fiber-optic cable is not affected by EMI or RFI. All signals are
converted to light pulses to enter the cable and are converted back into electrical
signals when they leave it.
These are the two types of glass fiber-optic cable:
• Multimode is the cable that has a thicker core than single-mode cable.
It is easier to make, can use simpler light sources such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), and works well over distances
of a few kilometers or less.
• Single-mode is the cable that has a very thin core. It is harder to
make, uses lasers as a light source, and can transmit signals dozens of kilometers with ease.

NETWORK DEVICES/TERMINALS

Network devices consist of, but are not limited to non-local printers, workstations, servers, webcams, data
loggers, instruments, dial-in devices, and, in general anything that requires an Ethernet connection. These devices are
supported on a best-effort basis limited by the staffing and equipment level available.

Hubs – Hub is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins

multiple computers together. Many network hubs
available today support the Ethernet standard. Other types
including USB hubs also exist, but Ethernet is the type
traditionally used in home networking.

Ethernet switch is a device that gathers the signals from

devices that are connected to it, and then regenerates a new
copy of each signal.

Bridge - is a device that filters data traffic at a network boundary.

Bridges reduce the amount of traffic on a LAN by dividing it into
two segments.

Patch Panel - is a device or unit featuring a number of jacks,

usually of the same or similar type, for the use of connecting and
routing circuits for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing
circuits in a convenient, flexible manner

Routers - are small physical devices that join multiple networks

together.

Wireless Access Point - is a networking hardware device that

allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network.

Network gateway is an internetworking system capable of

joining together two networks that use different base protocols.
A network gateway can be implemented completely in software,
completely in hardware, or as a combination of both.

Modem is a contraction of the term’s modulator and

demodulator. Modems perform a simple function: They translate
digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can travel
across conventional phone lines. The modem modulates the
signal at the sending end and demodulates at the receiving end.
 Network interface card is a device that connects a client
computer, server, printer or other component to your network.
Most often, a network interface consists of a small electronic
circuit board that is inserted into a slot inside a computer or
printer.

Network firewall protects a computer network from

unauthorized access. Network firewalls may be hardware
devices, software programs, or a combination of the two.
Network firewalls guard an internal computer network (home,
school, business intranet) against malicious access from the
outside.

LAN Tester- for RJ11,12,45 & BNC w/ Remote Unit This

ergonomic tester is designed to test most network cable wiring.
You can either conduct an auto or manual test.

Other Network Materials

Registered Jack (RJ45)

A registered jack (RJ) is a standardized

telecommunication network interface for connecting voice and
data equipment to a service provided by a local exchange carrier
or long-distance carrier.

Cable Raceways

Raceway refers to a “surface mounted wire molding”. It

is also (sometimes referred to as a raceway system) is an
enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for electrical
wiring. Raceways protect wires and cables from heat, humidity,
corrosion, water intrusion and general physical threats.

Cable Clamps and Fasteners

-Used in keeping network cables from tangling or trying

to bundle cables in a professional wiring installation.
Activity 1: Guide Questions
Directions: Answer the following questions:

1. How is an unshielded twisted pair different from a shielded twisted pair? _________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Why is the common ethernet cable, “twisted pair cable” twisted? _________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

3. How cancellation affects the flow of data or signals within the ethernet cable? ______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2: Network Devices

Direction: Identify what is being described in the following sentences and write your
answer on the space provided before each number.

__________________1. It protects a computer network from unauthorized access.

__________________2. This is an internetworking system capable of joining together two networks that use different
base protocols.
__________________3. It translates digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can travel across
conventional phone lines.
__________________4. It is a device that connects a client computer, server, printer or other component to your
network.
__________________5. is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired network.

Activity 3: Criss-Cross Puzzle

Directions: Complete the criss cross puzzle and familiarize yourself with the cables being described. Write your answer
in a clean sheet of paper.

CABLES

Across
1. each pair of wires is wrapped in metallic
foil
3. one or more optical fibers enclosed in a
sheath or jacket
5. used to connect two devices directly
6. cable that has two or four pairs of wires
7. the standard cable used for almost all
purposes
Down
1. cable that has a very thin core
2. cable that has a thicker core
4. used for telephone communications and
Ethernet networks
5. copper-cored cable
🗹 Twisted Pair is a type of copper cabling that is used for telephone communications and most
Ethernet networks. A pair of wires forms a circuit that transmits data. The pair is twisted to
provide protection against crosstalk, the noise generated by adjacent pairs of wires in the
cable. Pairs of copper wires are encased in color-coded plastic insulation and are twisted
together.
🗹 The two basic types of twisted pair are Unshielded and Shielded Twisted Pair
🗹 Coaxial Cable - Is a copper-cored cable surrounded by a heavy shielding.
🗹 Fiber-Optic Cable – An optical fiber is a glass or plastic conductor that transmits information
using light. The two types of glass fiber-optic cable are multimode and the single-mode.
🗹 Hubs – Is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers together. Hub is
a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers together.
🗹 Ethernet switch is a device that gathers the signals from devices that are connected to it,
and then regenerates a new copy of each signal.
🗹 Patch Panel - is a device or unit featuring a number of jacks, usually of the same or similar
type, for the use of connecting and routing circuits for monitoring
🗹 Routers - are small physical devices that join multiple networks together.
🗹 Wireless Access Point - is a networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to
connect to a wired network.
🗹 Modem is a contraction of the terms’ modulator and demodulator. Modems perform a simple
function: They translate digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can travel
across conventional phone lines. The modem modulates the signal at the sending end and
demodulates at the receiving end.

A. Directions: Identify the following tools and materials, give their uses.:

Item Name of materials

Network materials, tools and devices Uses
No. tools and devices
1

4
B. Identification
Directions: Identify the appropriate term described in each sentence. Write your answer on the space provided before
each number.

______________1. It is a connector at the black of a computer or other device.

______________2. A computer circuit board installed in a computer so that it can be
connected to a network.
______________3. A device that allows a given computer to share data.
______________4. are small physical devices that join multiple networks together.
______________5. The least expensive and most popular network media.

Directions: Read the questions carefully and choose the letter that corresponds to the
correct answer. Write your answer on the space provided each number.

____1. Which of the following is a type of copper cabling that is used for telephone
communications and most Ethernet
networks?
a. Fiber Optic c. Twisted Pair
b. Coaxial Cable d. Copper Cable
____2. Which of the following types of twisted-pair cables rely solely on the cancellation effect?
a. Shielded Twisted Pair c. Twisted Pair
b. Unshielded Twisted Pair b. Fiber Optic
____3. Which of the following is produced by the twisted-wire pairs that limit signal
degradation?
a. Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) c. Crosstalk
b. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) d. Cancellation Effect
____4. Which of the following is defined as the noise generated by adjacent pairs of wires in the
cable?
a. Crosstalk c. Cancellation Effect
b. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) d. Radio Frequency Interference
____5. What copper-cored cable is surrounded by a heavy shielding?
a. Coaxial Cable c. Twisted pair
b. Optical Fiber b. Fiber Optics
____6. Which of the following is defined as a device that allows wireless communication
devices to connect to a wireless network using Wi-Fi, or related standards?
a. Basic Router c. Network Bridge
b. Network Switch d. Wireless Access Point (WAP)
____7. ______________ have intelligence and can "bridge" two of their ports together
at very high speed.
a. Bridges b. Wireless Access Point (WAP) c. Routers d. Switches
____8. What do you call to an enclosed conduit that forms a physical pathway for
electrical wiring?
b. Cable Clamp b. Fastener c. Cable tie d. Cable raceway
____9. Which of the following is a computer hardware component designed to allow computers
to communicate over
a computer network?
a. Switched b. WAP c. Bridges d. Network Interface Card
____10. Which of these operates at the network layer of the OSI model and efficiently route
information between Local
Area Networks?
b. Bridges b. Routers c. Wireless Access Point (WAP) d. Switch
Directions: Write a reflective learning on the Network Materials, Equipment and Devices by answering the questions
inside the box.

What learnings have I found from this lesson?

What other examples can I contribute to explore

and think more?
What other examples can I contribute to explore
and think more?

What learnings can I share with

my family and peers?
What learnings can I share with my family and
peers?

What is my conclusion on the lesson?

References:

K to 12 Learning Material – Computer Hardware Servicing NC2. Department of Education

Cisco Networking Academy (2014). IT Essentials: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide (5 th Edition),
Cisco Press
Gupta, Vikas (2008). Computer Course Kit. DreamTech Press