Network Media Cables

Network Media
Cable
Network media
Is the actual path over which an
electrical signal travels as it moves from
one component to another. This chapter
describes the common types of network
media, including twisted-pair cable,
coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, and
wireless.
Types of Network Media

Upon completing this chapter, you will be able
to:
Describe the primary types and uses of
twisted-pair cables.
Describe the primary types and uses of
coaxial cables.
Describe the primary types and uses of fiberoptic cables.
Compare and contrast the primary types and
uses of different media.
Cables
Two or more wires running side

by side and bonded , twisted , or
braided together to form a single
assembly.
Types of network
cable
Cross Over
Crossover Cables are used to

connectnetworking componentstogether.
As a rule, these devices will be alike. An
example of like devices would be connecting
your computer to another computer to share
files and other resources. This is known as a
peer-to-peer network. Crossover Cables are
used to connect fewer types of networking
components together and are the least
common as a result.
There are a variety of possible connections that

can be made with a crossover cable.
Examples would include the following:
Patch Panel to Patch Panel
Switch to Switch
Computer to Computer (peer-to-peer network)
Hub to Hub
Computer to Certain Specialized Photo
Equipment
Access point to Access point
Straight-Through Cable
A straight-through cable is a type of twisted
pair cable that is used in local area networks

to connect a computer to a network hub such
as a router
a) Twisted-Pair Cable
Is a type of cabling that is used for telephone
communications and most modern Ethernet
networks. A pair of wires forms a circuit that can
transmit data. The pairs are twisted to provide
protection againstcrosstalk, the noise generated by
adjacent pairs.
b) Shielded Twisted-Pair Cable (STP)cable
combines the techniques of

shielding, cancellation, and wire twisting.
Each pair of wires is wrapped in a metallic
foil. The four pairs of wires then are
wrapped in an overall metallic braid or foil,
usually 150-ohm cable.
The following summarizes the features of STP

cable:
Speed and throughput10 to 100 Mbps
Average cost per nodeModerately
expensive
Media and connector sizeMedium to
large
Maximum cable length100 m (short)
c) UTP Cable
Is a medium that is composed of pairs of wires cable is
used in a variety of networks. Each of the eight individual
copper wires in UTP cable \is covered by an insulating
material. In addition, the wires in each pair are twisted
around each other.
The following summarizes the features of UTP

cable:
Average cost per nodeLeast expensive
Media and connector sizeSmall
Maximum cable length100 m (short)
When comparing UTP and STP, keep the

following points in mind:
The speed of both types of cable is usually
satisfactory for local-area distances.

These are the least-expensive media for data
communication. UTP is less expensive than
STP.
Because most buildings are already wired
with UTP, many transmission standards are
adapted to use it, to avoid costly rewiring with
an alternative cable type.
Commonly used types of UTP cabling are as

following :
Category 1Used for telephone communications. Not suitable
for transmitting data.

Category 2Capable of transmitting data at speeds up to 4
megabits per second (Mbps).
Category 3Used in 10BASE-T networks. Can transmit data at
speeds up to 10 Mbps.
Category 4Used in Token Ring networks. Can transmit data
at speeds up to 16 Mbps.
Category 5Can transmit data at speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Category 5eUsed in networks running at speeds up to 1000
Mbps (1 gigabit per second [Gbps]).
Category 6Typically, Category 6 cable consists of four pairs
of 24 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper wires. Category 6
cable is currently the fastest standard for UTP.
Fiber-optic cable
used for networking consists of two fibers
encased in separate sheaths
d)
Two types of fiber-optic cable exist:

Single-modeSingle-mode fiber cable allows only one mode (or
wavelength) of light to propagate through the fiber. It is
capable of higher bandwidth and greater distances than
multimode, and it is often used for campus backbones. This
type of fiber uses lasers as the light-generating method.
MultimodeMultimode fiber cable allows multiple modes of
light to propagate through the fiber. It is often used for
workgroup applications and intra building applications such as
risers. It uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as a light-generating
device.
SCSC type connectors feature a push-pull connect and
disconnect method. To make a connection, the connector is
simply pushed into the receptacle. To disconnect, the connector
is simply pulled out.
STST fiber-optic connector is a bayonet type of connector. The
connector is fully inserted into the receptacle and is then
twisted in a clockwise direction to lock it into place.
The following summarizes the features of

fiber-optic cables:
Speed and throughputMore than 1
Gbps
Average cost per nodeExpensive
Media and connector sizeSmall
Maximum cable lengthMore than 10
km for single mode; up to 2 km for
multimode
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable consists of a hollow outer

cylindrical conductor that surrounds a
single inner wire made of two conducting
elements. One of these elements, located
in the center of the cable, is a copper
conductor. Surrounding the copper
conductor is a layer of flexible insulation.
Coaxial Cable
The following summarizes the features of

coaxial cables:

Average cost per nodeInexpensive
Media and connector sizeMedium
Maximum cable length500 m (medium)
TOOLS
LAN tester
Continuity testing of coax cables with BNC

connectors and 8-pole data lines w. fitted RJ-45 connector.
Rj45

Network Media Cables

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Network Media

Types of Network Media

Two or more wires running side

Crossover Cables are used to

There are a variety of possible connections that

pair cable that is used in local area networks

b) Shielded Twisted-Pair Cable (STP)cable

combines the techniques of

The following summarizes the features of STP

The following summarizes the features of UTP

When comparing UTP and STP, keep the

satisfactory for local-area distances.

Commonly used types of UTP cabling are as

for transmitting data.

Two types of fiber-optic cable exist:

The following summarizes the features of

Coaxial cable consists of a hollow outer

The following summarizes the features of

Speed and throughput10 to 100 Mbps

Continuity testing of coax cables with BNC

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