2. Cabling and Topology

Question 1

network topology

Answer 1

Describes how computers connect to each other in that network. The topologies on the test are star, bus, ring, and mesh.

Question 2

bus topology

Answer 2

All computers connected to the network via a main line. The cable (bus) was terminated at each end to prevent signal reflections.

Question 3

ring topology

Answer 3

All computers on the network attached to a ring of cable. A single break would stop the data for everyone.

Question 4

star topolgy

Answer 4

All computers connect to a central wiring point, providing fault tolerance.

Question 5

hybrid topologies

Answer 5

Star-bus and star-ring. Only star-bus is used today.

Question 6

mesh topology

Answer 6

Each computer connects to every other via 2 or more routes. Used in wireless networks.

Question 7

two forms of copper cabling

Answer 7

coaxial (coax) and twisted pair

Question 8

coaxial cable

Answer 8

Shields against EMI. Was used widely in early bus networks with BNC connectors.

Mainly used to connect a cable modem to an ISP now.

Question 9

coax ratings

Answer 9

RG-6 is the predominant coax today.

Question 10

twisted pair types

Answer 10

Comes either shielded or unshielded and is the most common type of network cable.

UTP is less expensive and more popular.

Question 11

UTP ratings

Answer 11

Cat 5
Cat 5e
Cat 6
Cat 6a
are the most common, but 
Cat 3
Ca7
are also on the test.

Question 12

UTP connector

Answer 12

RJ-45 (which is really a 8P8C)

Question 13

2 types of fiber-optic cable

Answer 13

LED - MMF (multimode fiber)

Laser - SMF (single-mode fiber)

Question 14

modal distortion

Answer 14

A situation that occurs in MMF where signals that are sent at the same time don’t arrive at the same time due to slight variations in the length of their paths.

Question 15

4 fiber-optic cable parts

Answer 15

The core; the cladding, which covers the fiber and helps to reflect light down the fiber; buffer material to give strength; and the outer insulating jacket.

Question 16

4 common fiber connectors

Answer 16

ST
SC
LC
MT-RJ

Question 17

UTP fire ratings

Answer 17

A plenum-rated cable gives off less smoke and fumes than PVC but costs more. Plenum is often required by city ordinance.

A PVC-rated cable offers no significant fire protection.

Question 18

serial cable

Answer 18

An old, retired cable used for point-to-point connections. The connector was a DB-9 and looked like a male VGA.

RS-232 protocol.

Question 19

parallel cable

Answer 19

An old, retired cable. The connector was a DB-25.

IEEE-1284 set the standards for parallel communication.

Question 20

IEEE 802

Answer 20

Committee that defines frames, speeds, distances, and types of cables used in networks. It split into subcommittees like 802.3 and 802.11

Question 21

8P8C

Answer 21

8 position 8 contact (commonly referred to as RJ-45)

Question 22

bandwidth

Answer 22

The amount of data that goes through a cable per second.

Question 23

buffer

Answer 23

Material found within the insulation of a fiber optic cable to give it strength.

Question 24

BNC connector

Answer 24

An early model of connector used on coax cables.

Question 25

category (Cat) rating

Answer 25

Measures the bandwidth of a cable.

Question 26

cladding

Answer 26

The covering over the actual fiber of a fiber-optic cable which reflects light down the line.

Question 27

core

Answer 27

The glass fiber in a fiber-optic cable.

Question 28

crosstalk

Answer 28

When a signal transmitted on one circuit interferes with the signal on another. (Increasing the twists per foot in UTP decreases crosstalk).

Question 29

EMI

Answer 29

electromagnetic interference

Question 30

F (F-type) connector

Answer 30

Replaced the BNC connector for coax. Screws into place.

Question 31

fault tolerance

Answer 31

A single fault in the network won't bring the whole thing down.

Question 32

fiber-optic cable

Answer 32

Transmits data way further than copper, but is more expensive, less durable, and less flexible.

Question 33

fully meshed topology

Answer 33

Refers to a wireless network where each computer has a direct connection to every other computer.

Question 34

hybrid topology

Answer 34

Any form of networking that combines a physical topology (an actual layout) with a signaling topology (how the electrical current travels).

Question 35

insulating jacket

Answer 35

The outer layer of a fiber-optic cable.

Question 36

physical topology

Answer 36

The arrangement of devices on a computer network and how they communicate with one another.

Question 37

MMF

Answer 37

multimode fiber (used for LELDs)

Question 38

SMF

Answer 38

single-mode fiber (used for LASERs)

Question 39

network topology

Answer 39

The way that cables and other pieces of hardware connect to one another.

Question 40

segment

Answer 40

in bus topology: The new, smaller bus that was put inside a router.

Question 41

logical topology

Answer 41

Relating to how a signal travels electronically (ie, how the circuit works).

Question 42

Ohm rating

Answer 42

A measure of resistance in a cable

Question 43

partially meshed topology

Answer 43

In this topology, at least two machines have redundant connections.