Chapter 3 - Cabling and Technology

Question 1

Define ‘Network Topology’

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is a ‘Bus’ Topology

Answer 2

Uses a single cable to connect all computers in a network.

Question 3

What is a ‘Ring’ Topology

Answer 3

Connects all computers in a ring of cable.

Question 4

What is a ‘Star’ Topology

Answer 4

Uses a central connection for all the computers on the network

Question 5

What makes Star better an improvement over Bus and Ring

Answer 5

By offering fault tolerance, if one computer goes down the other computers will still be able to communicate.

Question 6

How is a topology looked at now days?

Answer 6

We look at how the signal is traveling through the network rather than the actual physical cabling, etc.

Question 7

What are the two main topologies for Wireless networks

Answer 7

Mesh & Point to Multi-Point

Question 8

What is a Mesh topology

Answer 8

Every node connects to every computer on the network via two or more routes

Question 9

What are the two varieties of Mesh topology

Answer 9

Partiallly Meshed

Fully Meshed

Question 10

What is a Partially vs Fully Meshed topology

Answer 10

partially = At least two machines have redundant connections
full = every computer connects directly to every other computer

Question 11

What is Point to Multi Point Topology

Answer 11

A single system is used for all other systems to communicate through. This requires an intelligent device in the center.

Question 12

What is Point to Point Topology

Answer 12

Two computers are directly connected to each other.

Question 13

Define Network Technology and provide examples of such.

Answer 13

A practical application of topologies and other network tech in order to move data from one computer to another on the network.
Example: 10baseT, 1000BaseF, 10BaseLX

Question 14

How is a Coaxial Cable constructed

Answer 14

A central conducting wire that is covered in an insulating material, which is covered in braided metal for strength. This is then covered by a jacket to minimize interference.

Question 15

Where may you find coaxial cable being used presently?

Answer 15

Primarily used by an ISP to connect to a modem.

Question 16

What would an ISP use to terminate their coaxial cable?

Answer 16

RG-6 is used for internet, RG-59 would be found for cable and television

Question 17

How are coaxial cables rated

Answer 17

By a Radio Grade rating, a measure of Ohms, how much resistance is in the cable.
RG-6/RG-59 = 75 Ohms

Question 18

What is impedance

Answer 18

A set of characteristics that define how much the cable resists the flow of electricity

Question 19

What are the Four CAT ratings for UTP cables, what are the max bandwiths/frequencies

Answer 19

CAT 3 - 16 Mhz, 16 Mbps
CAT 5 - 100 Mhz, 100 Mbps
CAT 5E - 100 Mhz, 1000 Mbps
CAT6 - 250 Mhz, 10000 Mbps
CAT6A - 500 Mhz, 10000 Mbps

Question 20

How does frequency translate into bandwith

Answer 20

1 cycle (1 hz) = 1 bit/second

Question 21

How do developers squeeze more bandwidth into the same frequency

Answer 21

Bandwidth Efficient Encoding Schemes

Question 22

How do Fiber cables transmit data

Answer 22

Using light

Question 23

What are the advantages to fiber?

Answer 23

Faster and can travel much farther (10 KM). It is also resistant to EMI

Question 24

How is a fiber cable constructed

Answer 24

The glass fiber -> cladding (reflective material) -> Buffer material (strength) -> Instulating Jacket.

Question 25

What is a fiber cable that uses LEDs called?

Answer 25

Multi Mode fiber

Question 26

What is a fiber cable that uses lasers called?

Answer 26

Single Mode Fiber.

Question 27

What are the four major Fiber connectors

Answer 27

ST - Straight Tip
SC - Short Tip
LC - Always duplex
FC - Screws into place,

Question 28

How are parallel cables limited

Answer 28

Limited to a point to point topology