3.1 - Network Cables Flashcards
Term
Definition
Cabling Importance
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.
Twisted Pair Copper Cabling
Commonly used in Ethernet networks, consisting of four pairs of wires (blue, green, orange, brown) with equal and opposite signals to reduce interference.
Twisted Pair Signal Transmission
Pairs of wires carry equal and opposite signals, often referred to as transmit plus and transmit minus, with a twisted design to minimize interference.
Twist Rate
Each pair of wires in a twisted pair cable has a different twist rate to reduce the impact of interference.
Categories of Twisted Pair Cables
Different types of twisted pair cables with varying electrical characteristics, known as categories, support different Ethernet standards.
1000BASE-T
A 1 Gbps Ethernet standard operating on twisted pair copper cabling, supporting category 5 and category 5e cables up to 100 meters.
10GBASE-T
A 10 Gbps Ethernet standard running over twisted pair cabling, supporting category 6A cables up to 100 meters.
Coaxial Cable
Commonly used in cable modem networks, with a single conductor, insulator, metal shielding, and a plastic jacket. RG6 is a typical type.
Plenum-rated Cable
Used in shared airspace (plenum) to prevent smoke and toxic fumes in case of fire; made of FEP or low smoke PVC.
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
A type of Ethernet cable without any shielding, commonly used in home networks.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
A type of Ethernet cable with shielding around the cable or individual wires for additional protection against interference.
Cable Shielding Abbreviations
Uses U for unshielded, S for braided shielding, and F for foil shielding; written with a slash (e.g., S/FTP or F/UTP).
Direct Burial STP
Shielded twisted pair cables designed for outdoor use, with waterproofing and sometimes gel filling, used for direct burial without conduit.
Drain Wire
A wire in shielded twisted pair cables that drains additional voltages through a ground wire extending the length of the cable.