A Lab Report on

“Ethernet Cabling and LAN Design for a Computer Lab”

Course Title: Computer Network Sessional

Course Code: CSE358

Submitted By:

Shamim Mahamud Shajon Sadia Islam Neela

Tazfia Sultana
Student ID: 2002069 Student ID: 2002070
Student ID: 2002071
Level-3, Semester -I I Level-3, Semester -I I
Level-3, Semester -I I
Department of Computer
Department of Computer Department of Computer
Science and Engineering
Science and Engineering Science and Engineering

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur

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 Objectives

The objective of this assignment is to understand the principles of installing Ethernet cables,
identifying color codes, and designing a LAN for a computer lab. This assignment will focus on
documenting the process of setting up a wired LAN for a lab environment using Ethernet cables,
switches, and computers. No practical hardware installation or simulation is required.

1. Understand Ethernet Standards:

o Explore Ethernet types (e.g., Fast, Gigabit) and their specifications.
2. Network Topology Analysis:
o Evaluate topologies (star, bus, ring) to select the best for the lab.
3. Cabling Standards and Selection:
o Identify suitable cabling types (Cat5e, Cat6) and proper installation practices.
4. LAN Design Implementation:
o Develop a LAN design with IP addressing, subnetting, and network devices.
5. Performance Assessment:
o Establish metrics for evaluating network performance and reliability.
6. Documentation:
o Document design choices and configurations, summarizing findings.
7. Collaboration:
o Work effectively in teams to enhance communication and problem-solving skills.

These objectives aim to create an efficient and reliable network for the computer lab.

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Tasks:

A. Choose the appropriate type of Ethernet cable

When designing a LAN for a computer lab, here are the key factors to consider when choosing
Ethernet cables:

Speed and Bandwidth, Future - Proofing , Reduced Interference , Compatibility , Cable Length
,Environment, Connectors and Patch Panels
etc.
There are many type of ethernet cable , like Cat5e , cat6,cat6a,cat7 .Among these for most lab
environments, Cat6 is often the best choice.
Why Cat6 is Best choice ----

Bandwidth:Cat6 supports a bandwidth of 250 MHz, which allows for more data to be
transmitted simultaneously compared to Cat5e's 100 MHz. This higher capacity is essential in a
lab where multiple users may be accessing data-intensive applications at once.

Speed Requirements:Cat6 cables can handle speeds up to 10 Gbps for distances up to 55

meters, and still provide 1 Gbps for up to 100 meters. This makes it suitable for tasks such as
video conferencing, large file transfers, and high-definition streaming, which are common in
modern lab environments.

Future Scalability : As technology evolves, so do data transfer requirements. Cat6 offers a more
robust solution that can support future advancements in networking technology without
needing a complete overhaul of cabling. This ensures that the lab can adapt to higher speed
requirements over time.

Cat6 is the best choice for a computer lab based on its superior bandwidth, high-speed
capabilities, and potential for future scalability. These factors ensure that the lab can support
current needs while remaining adaptable to future technological advancements.
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 B. Standard Color Coding for T568A and T568B

When designing Ethernet cabling and a LAN for a computer lab, it’s important to consider both
the wiring standards (T568A and T568B) and the overall layout to ensure optimal performance
and reliability.
The T568A and T568B wiring standards define the pinouts for terminating Ethernet cables. Both
standards use a similar color coding scheme for the individual wire pairs, but they differ in the
arrangement of the color-coded pairs.
Ethernet Wiring Standards: T568A and T568B Color Coding:

Wiring Order: T568A specifies the following pin configuration

Description:
Pin 1:
Color: White/Green
Pin 2:
Color: Green
Pin 3:
Color: White/Orange
Pin 4:
Color: Blue
Pin 5:
Color: White/Blue
Pin 6:
Color: Orange
Pin 7:
Color: White/Brown
Pin 8:

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Color: Brown

Characteristics:
Interference Resistance: T568A is designed to minimize crosstalk and electromagnetic
interference, making it suitable for environments with multiple devices.
Backward Compatibility: This standard is compatible with older Ethernet technologies, such as
10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX.
Uses:
Residential Installations: Often preferred in residential settings and certain government
projects.
Future-Proofing: T568A supports gigabit speeds and is a good choice for installations that may
need to accommodate future technologies.

Wiring Order: T568B specifies the following pin configuration:

Description:
Pin 1:
Color: White/Orange
Pin 2:
Color: Orange
Pin 3:
Color: White/Green
Pin 4:
Color: Blue
Pin 5:
Color: White/Blue
Pin 6:
Color: Green
Pin 7:

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Color: White/Brown
Pin 8:
Color: Brown

Characteristics:
Commercial Preference: T568B is more commonly used in commercial and enterprise
environments, especially in the United States.
Slightly Different Pairing: The arrangement places the orange pair first, which can sometimes be
easier for installers who are accustomed to this standard.
Uses:
Business and Office Installations: Predominantly used in offices, data centers, and commercial
buildings due to its widespread acceptance and compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Flexibility: Allows for easy integration with devices that may follow the T568B standard,
ensuring interoperability in mixed environments.

Both T568A and T568B standards are designed to provide reliable Ethernet connections. The
choice between them typically depends on existing infrastructure and specific installation
requirements. When wiring, consistency is key to maintaining network performance and
reliability.

c.Straight-through vs. Crossover Cables

In modern computer labs, efficient networking is critical for facilitating communication

between devices. Two primary types of Ethernet cables are used: straight-through cables and
crossover cables. Understanding the distinctions between these cables is essential for designing
a robust and effective network infrastructure.

Straight-through cable
Usage:
Connects different types of devices (e.g., computer to switch or router).
Wiring Configuration:

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Both ends of the cable have the same wiring order.
Common Scenario:
Used to connect a computer’s NIC (Network Interface Card) to a switch’s port.
A straight-through cable is often called a wired patch cable or an Ethernet cable. The cable that
comes in the box with your router is a straight through cable – it is the most common format
for network cables. The straight through cable is configured as described above. It doesn’t
matter whether the cable you buy follows EIA-568A or EIA-568B because in both cases, the
same color wire connects to the same pin at either end. This is the cable you use to connect a
DTE to a DCE. There is no wrong end. The connectors on both ends are exactly the same and
the socket on your computer that the cable plugs into is exactly the same (externally) as the
plug on your router or modem that takes the cable connector.

Crossover cables
Usage:
Connects similar devices directly (e.g., computer to computer or switch to switch).
Wiring Configuration:
The Tx (transmit) and Rx (receive) pins are crossed between connectors on either end. Typically,
the green and orange pairs are swapped.
Common Scenario:
Useful for direct device-to-device network testing or setup without intermediary equipment.
A crossover cable does exactly as its name suggests, it crosses over the wire from pin 1 at one
end to pin 3 at the other connector. The wire that is crimped to pin 2 at one end is attached to
pin 6 at the other end and the pins 3 and 6 wires go to pins 1 and 2 respectively in the other
connector. The crossover cable follows both EIA-568A and EIA-568B. It is A at one end and B at
the other. So those conflicting standards did end up being useful.

Straight through or crossover?????

If you want a cable to connect your computer and printer together, you need a crossover cable.
If you have several computers and one printer, you need to buy a switch. All of the computers
will connect to the switch with a straight through cable and your printer would also connect to
the switch with a straight through cable.

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Remember, two types of devices that connect to networks. When you connect two devices of
different types together, you use a straight through cable. When you connect two devices of
the same type together, you use a crossover cable.
This list should clarify the configuration of cable that you need.

DTE to DCE: straight through cable

DTE to DTE: crossover cable
DCE to DTE: straight through cable
DCE to DCE: crossover cable

Each cable has its moment to shine, making it essential to choose the right one for the task at
hand.

D. Provide diagrams showing the pinout configurations for

both T568A and T568B.

Overview
Ethernet cables use specific wiring standards to ensure proper communication between
devices. The two primary standards for wiring RJ-45 connectors are T568A and T568B. Both
standards define the color codes and pin configurations for the eight wires within a typical
Cat5e or Cat6 cable.

Choosing one standard and consistently applying it across all network connections is crucial for
ensuring proper data transmission.

T568A Pinout Configuration

Diagram

RJ-45 Connector
+-------------------+

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 | Pin | Color Code |
+-----+-------------+
| 1 | White/Green |
| 2 | Green |
| 3 | White/Orange|
| 4 | Blue |
| 5 | White/Blue |
| 6 | Orange |
| 7 | White/Brown |
| 8 | Brown |
+-------------------+
Description
Pins 1 and 2: These carry the transmit pair (TX). The standard uses White/Green and Green for
the first two pins.
Pins 3 and 6: These pins are used for the receive pair (RX), with White/Orange and Orange as
the color codes.
Pins 4 and 5: Blue and White/Blue are used for optional telephone service and can also carry
data.
Pins 7 and 8: White/Brown and Brown are typically used for additional pairs in applications like
PoE (Power over Ethernet).
Applications
T568A is commonly used in residential installations and is the preferred standard for
government and educational institutions due to its compatibility with both older wiring
schemes and newer technologies.

T568B Pinout Configuration

Diagram

RJ-45 Connector

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 +-------------------+
| Pin | Color Code |
+-----+-------------+
| 1 | White/Orange |
| 2 | Orange |
| 3 | White/Green |
| 4 | Blue |
| 5 | White/Blue |
| 6 | Green |
| 7 | White/Brown |
| 8 | Brown |
+-------------------+
Description
Pins 1 and 2: These carry the transmit pair (TX) and are designated as White/Orange and
Orange.
Pins 3 and 6: These are used for the receive pair (RX), employing White/Green and Green.
Pins 4 and 5: Blue and White/Blue are again used for optional services.
Pins 7 and 8: White/Brown and Brown complete the wiring, often used for advanced
networking applications.
Applications
T568B is more widely used in commercial installations and data centers. It has become the de
facto standard for most Ethernet networks due to its prevalence in legacy systems.

Key Differences Between T568A and T568B

Transmit and Receive Pairs: The primary difference lies in the color codes for the transmit and
receive pairs. T568A uses the green pair for transmission, while T568B uses the orange pair.

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Usage and Compatibility: T568A is often preferred in environments where backward
compatibility with older systems is necessary, while T568B is more common in commercial
applications.

Interoperability: Both standards are technically equivalent, and Ethernet devices will work
regardless of the wiring standard as long as both ends are wired the same.

Conclusion
When setting up a wired LAN, it is essential to choose one wiring standard and stick to it
throughout the installation. Properly wired Ethernet cables ensure reliable connectivity and
optimal performance for devices within the network. The choice between T568A and T568B
often comes down to organizational standards or existing wiring practices.

E. Describe the steps for terminating Ethernet cables with

RJ45 connectors using the chosen wiring standard.

RJ45 Connector:
The eight-pin RJ45 connector is a standardised interface which often connects a computer to a
Local Area Network (LAN). This type of connector was originally developed for telephone
communications but is now used in a range of applications .The 45 in RJ45 basically stands for
the listing number. The width of RJ45 is usually greater than that of the telephone cables or other
Registered Jacks. Compared to additional jacks the bandwidth provided by these is high and the
range is usually 10 Gbps. Because of speed and enhanced security, they are used to connect
personal computers to servers, routers etc. These jacks are mostly used in Star Topology.

What is T568B Wiring?

T568B is one of two wiring standards established by the Telecommunications Industry
Association (TIA) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). It is a standard that defines the
ordering of the four twisted pairs of wires within ethernet cables.
T568B is a more recent standard, developed later than its counterpart, standard T568A.

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Tools and Materials Needed
Ethernet Cable:
Choose CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT6a cables based on your speed and distance requirements.
RJ45 Connectors:
Ensure you have the right type of RJ45 connectors compatible with your cable (usually
unshielded for most home/office use).
Cable Stripper/Cutter:
A tool designed to strip insulation without damaging the internal wires.
Crimping Tool:
This tool is essential for securing the RJ45 connectors to the cable.
Cable Tester (optional but recommended)

Steps for Terminating Ethernet Cables with RJ45 Connectors

1. Measure and Cut the Cable
Length: Determine the required length of the Ethernet cable. Leave a little extra length to
account for any mistakes.
Cut: Use a cable ctter to cut the cable cleanly.
2. Strip the Cable
Use a cable stripper to remove about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of the outer jacket of the cable. Be
careful not to damage the internal wires.
You should see four twisted pairs of wires inside the cable.
3. Untwist the Pairs
Carefully untwist the pairs of wires to prepare them for termination. Keep the twists as close to
the end as possible to maintain performance.
4. Arrange the Wires According to T568B Standard according to the table above.

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The T568B wiring standard specifies the following pinout for the RJ45 connector:
Pin Number Wire Color
1 White/Orange
2 Orange
3 White/Green
4 Blue
5 White/Blue
6 Green
7 White/Brown
8 Brown
5. Trim the Wires
Once the wires are in order, trim them to an even length (about 1/2 inch or 1.27 cm from the
end of the jacket). This helps the wires fit into the RJ45 connector properly.
6. Insert Wires into the RJ45 Connector
Hold the RJ45 connector with the clip facing away from you. Insert the wires into the connector,
ensuring they go all the way to the end. You should see the wires reach the front of the
connector.
7. Crimp the Connector
Place the RJ45 connector into the crimping tool and squeeze firmly. This will secure the metal
contacts in the connector onto the wires, making a solid connection.
8. Test the Cable (Optional but Recommended)
Use a cable tester to check for continuity and proper wiring. Connect one end of the cable to
the tester and the other end to the remote unit. Ensure all lights indicate a successful
connection.

These steps are fundamental in creating a reliable Ethernet connection. Accurate and careful
handling during the stripping, arranging, and crimping phases ensures that the connection will
not only be secure but also free from connectivity issues due to misalignments or loose
contacts.

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F.Choose an appropriate topology (e.g., star/bus/ring) and explain
the reasoning behind Recommended Topology:

Star Topology
A star topology is more flexible and scalable than a bus or a ring topology, because adding or
removing a device is easy and does not affect the rest of the network. Also, the network
performance is better, because each device has a dedicated connection to the central device
and does not have to wait for others

What is Star Topology:

A Star topology is a type of network topology in which all the devices or nodes are physically
connected to a central node such as a router, switch, or hub. The central node (hub) acts as a
server, and the connecting nodes act as clients.

How Does Star Topology in Computer Network Work:

In Star topology, a central device is responsible for the transmission of data among nodes in the
network. When data is transmitted in this topology, it is first sent to the central node (hub),
which then transfers the data to all the devices on the network. Once the nodes receive the
data, they check for the destination address. If the address matches, the data is processed.
Otherwise, the data is discarded.

Reasoning Behind Choosing Star Topology:

Scalability:
Easily Expandable: Star topology allows for straightforward expansion. New devices can be
added without affecting the existing network, making it ideal for a computer lab where
additional computers or devices might be introduced in the future.
Reliability:
Device Isolation: Each workstation connects individually to a central switch or hub. If one device
or cable fails, it does not impact the other devices on the network, ensuring uninterrupted
operation for the rest.

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Ease of Troubleshooting
Quick Identification of Issues: Problems can be diagnosed quickly. If a device isn't connecting,
you can focus on that specific connection without having to check the entire network,
facilitating faster repairs.
Performance:
Minimized Collisions: In a star topology, data is sent directly from the device to the switch. This
direct communication reduces the chances of data collisions, which is important in a busy
computer lab environment with multiple users accessing the network simultaneously.
Centralized Management:
Network Monitoring and Control: Having a central switch allows for better management of
traffic and easier implementation of security measures. IT staff can monitor network usage and
troubleshoot issues more effectively.
Flexible Layout:
Adaptable Wiring: The physical arrangement of devices can change without significant
reconfiguration of the network. This is useful in lab settings where equipment might be
rearranged or upgraded.

F. Design and draw a network topology diagram for the lab,

showing how the 20 computers are connected through switches

There are several types of network topologies, each with its pros and cons:

Bus Topology: All devices share a common communication line.

Ring Topology: Each device is connected to two others in a closed loop.
Star Topology: All devices connect to a central hub or switch.
Mesh Topology: Devices are interconnected with many redundant connections.
Hybrid Topology: A combination of two or more topologies.

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For this lab, we will implement a mesh topology, which is the most efficient for the given
requirement, as it simplifies management and provides central control over the network.
Network Design Components
The components required for the design include:
1. Switches: A switch will be used to connect all computers. It serves as a central point
through which data is transferred between devices.
2. Ethernet cables: Cat6 Ethernet cables will be used to connect the computers to the
switches.
3. Computers: 20 PCs with Network Interface Cards (NICs) that can support Ethernet
connections.
4. Router (Optional): A router can be included if the lab network needs to connect to the
internet or another network.

Key Features of Mesh Topology

• Redundancy: In a mesh network, there are multiple routes for data to travel, which
ensures that the failure of one or several connections does not disrupt the network.
• Scalability: While mesh networks require more cabling, they are scalable as more
computers can be added with additional connections.
• Fault Tolerance: If one device fails, data can still be routed through other available
paths, making the network highly resilient.

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 h. IP Addressing Scheme for the Lab

• We will use the 192.168.0.0/24 private IP address range for this lab setup. This allows up
to 254 usable IP addresses for the devices on the network, which is more than enough for
the 10 computers in the lab.
• Subnet and IP Details:
• Network Address: 192.168.0.0
• Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 (/24)
• Broadcast Address: 192.168.0.255
• Available IP Range: 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.254
• We will assign static IP addresses to each of the 10 computers, starting from 192.168.0.1.
Additionally, we may reserve addresses for networking devices such as routers or
switches (if they need IP addresses for management purposes).
•
IP Address Assignment:

● Gateway/Router IP: The first available IP address, 192.168.1.1, is reserved for the gateway or
router that manages the network.
● Computers: The next 20 addresses, starting from 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.21, are assigned to
the lab computers in sequential order. Each computer is given a unique IP address within this
range.
Computer Assigned IP Address

Computer 1 192.168.1.2

Computer 2 192.168.1.3

Computer 3 192.168.1.4

Computer 4 192.168.1.5

Computer 5 192.168.1.6

Computer 6 192.168.1.7

Computer 7 192.168.1.8

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Computer 8 192.168.1.9

Computer 9 192.168.1.10

Computer 10 192.168.1.11

Computer 11 192.168.1.12

Computer 12 192.168.1.13

Computer 13 192.168.1.14

Computer 14 192.168.1.15

Computer 15 192.168.1.16

Computer 16 192.168.1.17

Computer 17 192.168.1.18

Computer 18 192.168.1.19

Computer 19 192.168.1.20

Computer 20 192.168.1.21

Fig 4: Ip address assignment for 20 computers.

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