Network Hardware and Cabling Standards Explained

Network Hardware Hubs, Switches, and Routers

• HUB: Functions like a power strip. It distributes network traffic to all connected devices without identifying specific recipients, which can limit individual performance.
• SWITCH: Contains internal memory to identify connected devices, ensuring data is sent only to the intended recipient. It supports individual device speeds, though total throughput is limited by the cable capacity.
• ROUTER: Acts as a gateway to external networks. It uses software to generate IP addresses and serves as a bridge between different networks. If data is intended for an external destination, the switch or hub forwards it to the router to find the recipient.

Network Cable Types

• Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Each pair is coated with a conductive mesh to shield against electrical interference. It has an impedance of 150 Ohm. While ideal for data processing due to low electromagnetic radiation, it is sturdy, expensive, and difficult to install.
• Foiled Twisted Pair (FTP): Similar to UTP, but features a global screen for improved protection against external interference. It has a characteristic impedance of 120 Ohms.
• Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): The most common cable type, lacking additional shielding with a characteristic impedance of 100 Ohms. It typically uses RJ45 connectors and is widely used for telephony and networking.

Ethernet Cable Categories

• Category 5: A LAN standard supporting up to 100 Mbps with a bandwidth of 100 MHz. It consists of 8 wires (four twisted pairs). Performance is heavily dependent on cable length.
• Category 5e: An enhanced version of Category 5 designed to minimize attenuation and interference.
• Category 6: A high-performance standard supporting bandwidths up to 250 MHz.

Wireless Networks

Wireless networks enable communication between computers without physical cabling, supporting speeds of 100/1000 Mbps. For successful file and device sharing, computers must utilize the same communication protocols. Proper security practices are essential for wireless connectivity.

Network Protocols

The TCP/IP protocol suite is used to connect computers across different operating systems, facilitating communication from local area networks (LAN) to wide area networks (WAN).