Chapter 6 - Installing a Physical Network

Question 1

Define: Structured Cabling

Answer 1

Structured cabling is the critical set of standards used all over the world to install physical cabling in a safe and orderly fashion

Question 2

Define: Cable run

Answer 2

Cabling that goes horizontal

Question 3

Define: Stranded Core

Answer 3

A cable that is a bundle of tiny wire strands

Question 4

Compare/contrast a solid core and stranded core

Answer 4

A solid core is a much better conductor but will break if handled to roughly or too often
A stranded core isn’t as good of a conductor but can withstand substantial handling without breaking

Question 5

What is the unit of measurement for rack mounted equipment

Answer 5

U = unit
1 U = 1.75 inches
2U = 3.5 inches
….

Question 6

What is the connector found in a patch panel

Answer 6

110 block or 110 punchdown block

Question 7

From a cabling standpoint, what is a work area

Answer 7

Wall outlet that serves as a termination point

Question 8

What does TIA/EIA 568 specify max cable lengths

Answer 8

90 meters

Question 9

Define: Demarc

Answer 9

The physical location of the connection and marks the dividing line of responsibility for the functioning of the network

Question 10

What is a Network Interface Unit (NIU)

Answer 10

The modem supplied by an ISP

Question 11

What special feature does an NIU possess

Answer 11

Also known as Smart Jacks, they can set up a remote loop back to test for a connection when you’re miles away

Question 12

Define: Customer Premises Equipment

Answer 12

Found after the NIU, this acts as the primary distribution tool for the building.
For telephones - multiplexer
For LAN - Switch

Question 13

Define: Demarc Extension

Answer 13

The cabling that runs from the NIU to the CPE.

Question 14

Define: Main distribtion frame

Answer 14

The combination of demarc, telephone cross-connects, and LAN cross connects

Question 15

Define: Cable drop

Answer 15

the location where the cable comes out of the wall

Question 16

What are the Five issues to keep in mind when deciding the location of the telecommunications room

Answer 16

Distance - has to be within 90 meters of cable drops
Power - preferebly on its own dedicated circuit
Humidity - the reason should be obvious
Cooling
Access - keep unwanted people out of it

Question 17

When pulling cable where should a installer start

Answer 17

the telecommunications room

Question 18

How is signal loss measured

Answer 18

Decibels

Question 19

Define: Attenuation

Answer 19

The weakening of signal as it travels long distance

Question 20

Define Dispersion

Answer 20

When a signal spreads out over long distances.

Question 21

Define: Bend radius limitation

Answer 21

when a fiber cable is bent too much and you get light leakage.

Question 22

What is wavelength mismatch and why is it relevant

Answer 22

fiber cables use different wavelengths and if a signal starts at 1310 and the switch expects 1530 the transmission will stop cold.

Question 23

What is a Optical Time domain Relectometer

Answer 23

OTDRs are used to determine continuity and if there is a break. They can tell you how far down the cable the break is.

Question 24

What are the three big issues with fiber

Answer 24

Attenuation, light leakage, and modal distortion.