Distribution Systems In Networking

Question 1

What is a distribution system in networking?

Answer 1

A structured cabling infrastructure that connects all network endpoints (e.g., wall jacks, switches) to central points like MDFs and IDFs for organized communication.

Question 2

What is another name for a distribution system?

Answer 2

The cable plant.

Question 3

What are the core components of a distribution system?

Answer 3

• Cables
• Wall jacks
• Patch panels
• MDF
• IDFs
• HVAC
• Power
• Fire suppression systems

Question 4

What is the purpose of the Demarcation Point?

Answer 4

It’s where the ISP’s responsibility ends and the organization’s begins—typically located in a telecom closet.

Question 5

What is the MDF and its function?

Answer 5

Main Distribution Frame; the central hub that hosts main routers/switches and connects to IDFs.

Question 6

What is an IDF and its purpose?

Answer 6

Intermediate Distribution Frame; serves specific areas or floors and connects to end-user jacks.

Question 7

What is the function of cable trays?

Answer 7

To support horizontal cable runs along ceilings or floors.

Question 8

What do vertical cross-connects do?

Answer 8

Carry cables between floors, ideally minimized for manageability.

Question 9

What are the purposes of network racks?

Answer 9

To securely hold switches, patch panels, and servers; available in 2-post, 4-post, or wall-mount.

Question 10

What is the role of patch panels in a network?

Answer 10

Serve as a termination point for cables, protect switch ports, and make maintenance easier.

Question 11

What are wall jacks and what type are commonly used?

Answer 11

End-user access points; RJ-45 is typical, with fiber used in high-speed networks.

Question 12

Why use patch panels in networking?

Answer 12

To avoid damaging expensive switch ports and make cable management easier.

Question 13

What are two cable management best practices?

Answer 13

• Label all cables and ports
• Secure cables using trays and racks

Question 14

Why should vertical cabling be minimized?

Answer 14

To reduce complexity and improve cable manageability.

Question 15

What are the front and back interfaces of a patch panel?

Answer 15

Front: RJ-45 jacks; Back: 110 punchdown blocks.

Question 16

What punchdown standards are used in patch panels and wall jacks?

Answer 16

T568A and T568B.

Question 17

What tools are used to wire network components?

Answer 17

• Wire stripper
• Punchdown tool (manual/pneumatic)
• Cable tester

Question 18

What is a keystone jack?

Answer 18

A punchdown block combined with an RJ-45 port for wall jack installations.

Question 19

What is the wiring flow from an end device to the MDF?

Answer 19

End Device → Wall Jack → Cable Tray → IDF Patch Panel → Edge Switch → Trunk Cable → MDF → Backbone Switch

Question 20

What does the sender unit in a toner probe do?

Answer 20

Emits a tone and can test pin continuity (pins 1–8).

Question 21

What does the probe unit do?

Answer 21

Detects the tone; louder sound = closer to the correct cable.

Question 22

What are the steps to use a toner probe?

Answer 22

• Connect sender
• Use probe to trace cable
• Identify jack-to-panel mapping
• Trace breaks/undocumented runs

Question 23

What are the advantages of using a toner probe?

Answer 23

• Fast cable identification
• Fault detection
• Cat5/Cat6 support
• Documentation aid

Question 24

What is a UPS and what does it do?

Answer 24

Uninterruptible Power Supply; provides short-term backup (15–30 mins), protects against surges.

Question 25

What is a PDU and what is its role?

Answer 25

Power Distribution Unit; distributes power across devices in a rack.

Question 26

What is the purpose of a generator in a data center?

Answer 26

Provides long-term backup during outages; works with UPS for seamless power.

Question 27

What is the purpose of load management?

Answer 27

Balances power loads to prevent overload and outages.

Question 28

What is important about voltage compatibility?

Answer 28

Devices must match region voltage (e.g., 120V US, 230V EU); use transformers if needed.

Question 29

What are key power design strategies?

Answer 29

* Place UPS in each rack * Use PDUs * Include generators with transfer switches * Track power usage

Question 30

What is the recommended temperature range for a data center?

Answer 30

68–77°F (20–25°C).

Question 31

What is the recommended humidity range for a data center?

Answer 31

40–60% relative humidity.

Question 32

What is the purpose of the hot aisle/cold aisle setup?

Answer 32

To manage airflow and ensure efficient heat dissipation.

Question 33

What HVAC design considerations improve airflow?

Answer 33

* Use raised floors for cold air intake * Ceiling plenums for hot air return * Proper rack spacing

Question 34

What is a wet pipe fire system, and is it recommended for data centers?

Answer 34

Uses water sprinklers; not suitable for data centers due to risk of equipment damage.

Question 35

What is a pre-action fire system?

Answer 35

Dual-trigger (smoke + sprinkler); still poses water damage risk.

Question 36

What is a clean agent fire suppression system?

Answer 36

Gas-based system (e.g., halocarbon) that doesn’t use water; safe for electronics.

Question 37

How do clean agent systems extinguish fires?

Answer 37

By suffocating fires—removing oxygen.

Question 38

Are clean agents safe for people?

Answer 38

Safe for equipment, but caution is needed for human exposure.

Question 39

What are fire suppression best practices?

Answer 39

* Avoid wet pipes * Use clean agents * Test annually * Train staff on safety protocols

Question 40

What is the typical structure of a cable plant?

Answer 40

MDF → IDFs → Patch Panels → Wall Jacks.

Question 41

What tools are essential for cabling and testing?

Answer 41

* Toner probe * Punchdown tools * Labeling * Cable tester

Question 42

What are the key components of power distribution?

Answer 42

* UPS (short-term) * PDUs (distribution) * Generators (long-term)

Question 43

What are best practices for HVAC management?

Answer 43

* Maintain 68–77°F * 40–60% RH * Implement airflow designs like hot/cold aisles.

Question 44

What fire suppression system is best for data centers?

Answer 44

Clean agent systems—avoid water-based ones.