3.1 - Network Cables

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Definition

Question 2

Cabling Importance

Answer 2

The cabling in your network is the fundamental communications path to the rest of the world, so it’s crucial to use the right cable for the job, especially when building a new data center or building.

Question 3

Twisted Pair Copper Cabling

Answer 3

Commonly used in Ethernet networks, consisting of four pairs of wires (blue, green, orange, brown) with equal and opposite signals to reduce interference.

Question 4

Twisted Pair Signal Transmission

Answer 4

Pairs of wires carry equal and opposite signals, often referred to as transmit plus and transmit minus, with a twisted design to minimize interference.

Question 5

Twist Rate

Answer 5

Each pair of wires in a twisted pair cable has a different twist rate to reduce the impact of interference.

Question 6

Categories of Twisted Pair Cables

Answer 6

Different types of twisted pair cables with varying electrical characteristics, known as categories, support different Ethernet standards.

Question 7

1000BASE-T

Answer 7

A 1 Gbps Ethernet standard operating on twisted pair copper cabling, supporting category 5 and category 5e cables up to 100 meters.

Question 8

10GBASE-T

Answer 8

A 10 Gbps Ethernet standard running over twisted pair cabling, supporting category 6A cables up to 100 meters.

Question 9

Coaxial Cable

Answer 9

Commonly used in cable modem networks, with a single conductor, insulator, metal shielding, and a plastic jacket. RG6 is a typical type.

Question 10

Plenum-rated Cable

Answer 10

Used in shared airspace (plenum) to prevent smoke and toxic fumes in case of fire; made of FEP or low smoke PVC.

Question 11

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

Answer 11

A type of Ethernet cable without any shielding, commonly used in home networks.

Question 12

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

Answer 12

A type of Ethernet cable with shielding around the cable or individual wires for additional protection against interference.

Question 13

Cable Shielding Abbreviations

Answer 13

Uses U for unshielded, S for braided shielding, and F for foil shielding; written with a slash (e.g., S/FTP or F/UTP).

Question 14

Direct Burial STP

Answer 14

Shielded twisted pair cables designed for outdoor use, with waterproofing and sometimes gel filling, used for direct burial without conduit.

Question 15

Drain Wire

Answer 15

A wire in shielded twisted pair cables that drains additional voltages through a ground wire extending the length of the cable.