Hardware Flashcards
What is the purpose of a Cat 5 cable?
Cat 5 cables are used to support Ethernet networking at speeds up to 1 Gbps (1000BASE-T) over a maximum distance of 100 meters. They provide twisted pair copper cabling for transmitting data in local area networks (LANs).
What is the purpose of a Cat 5e cable?
Cat 5e (enhanced) cables are an improved version of Cat 5 cables, designed to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. They support Ethernet networking at speeds up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters.
What is the purpose of a Cat 6 cable?
Cat 6 cables are used for Ethernet networks requiring higher data transmission rates. They support speeds up to 10 Gbps (10GBASE-T) over shorter distances—up to 55 meters unshielded or 100 meters when shielded.
What is the purpose of a Cat 6a cable?
Cat 6a (augmented) cables are designed to support 10 Gbps Ethernet over longer distances up to 100 meters. They offer improved shielding and reduced crosstalk.
What is the purpose of a coaxial cable?
Coaxial cables transmit high-frequency signals over a central conductor surrounded by shielding. They are commonly used for cable television, cable modems, and broadband internet services, providing reliable signal transmission with protection against interference.
What is the purpose of a shielded twisted pair cable?
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables are used in environments with high electromagnetic interference. The shielding around the pairs and/or the overall cable protects against interference, ensuring signal integrity.
What is the purpose of a direct burial STP cable?
Direct burial STP cables are designed for underground installations without the need for conduit. They are waterproof and often gel-filled to repel moisture, making them suitable for outdoor networking applications.
What is the purpose of a unshielded twisted pair cable?
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables are the most common type of network cabling. They are used in standard Ethernet networks in environments with minimal electromagnetic interference.
What is the purpose of a USB 2.0 cable?
USB 2.0 cables are used to connect peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, and storage devices to computers. They support data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps over distances up to 5 meters.
What is the purpose of a USB 3.0 cable?
USB 3.0 cables, also known as SuperSpeed USB, connect high-speed peripherals like external hard drives and high-definition webcams to computers. They support data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps over approximately 3 meters.
What is the purpose of a serial cable?
Serial cables facilitate serial communication between devices using protocols like RS-232. They are commonly used to connect modems, printers, or to configure network hardware such as routers and switches via console ports.
What is the purpose of a Thunderbolt cable?
Thunderbolt cables provide high-speed data transfer and power delivery over a single cable. They are used to connect devices like external monitors, storage solutions, and to daisy-chain multiple peripherals with data transfer rates up to 40 Gbps (Thunderbolt 3).
What is the purpose of a HDMI cable?
HDMI cables transmit high-definition digital video and audio signals between devices. They are commonly used to connect computers, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes to TVs and monitors.
What is the purpose of a DisplayPort cable?
DisplayPort cables are used to transmit digital video and audio signals from a computer to a display. They support high resolutions and refresh rates, and can be adapted to HDMI and DVI interfaces.
What is the purpose of a DVI cable?
DVI cables transmit digital and analog video signals between computers and monitors. They support various resolutions through single-link and dual-link configurations but do not carry audio signals.
What is the purpose of a VGA cable?
VGA cables transmit analog video signals from a computer to a monitor or projector. They are characterized by a 15-pin connector and are used for displaying video without audio, typically in older systems.
What is the purpose of a SATA cable?
SATA cables connect internal storage devices like hard drives and optical drives to a computer’s motherboard. They facilitate high-speed data transfer within the system.
What is the purpose of a SCSI cable?
SCSI cables connect multiple peripheral devices such as hard drives, scanners, and printers to a computer system using the Small Computer Systems Interface. They allow for daisy-chaining multiple devices over a single bus.
What is the purpose of a eSATA cable?
eSATA cables connect external storage devices to a computer, providing high-speed data transfer rates similar to internal SATA connections but designed for external use.
What is the purpose of a IDE cable?
IDE cables, also known as PATA cables, connect internal storage devices to the motherboard in older computer systems. They facilitate data transfer over a parallel interface.
What types of cables use a RJ11 connector?
Telephone cables for analog phone lines and DSL internet connections use RJ11 connectors.
What types of cables use a RJ45 connector?
Ethernet network cables, such as Cat 5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a twisted pair cables, use RJ45 connectors.
What types of cables use a F type connector?
Coaxial cables used for cable television and cable internet services, Like RG-6, use F type connectors.
What types of cables use a ST connector?
Fiber optic cables, particularly multimode fiber cables, use ST (Straight Tip) connectors.
What types of cables use a SC connector?
Fiber optic cables, both single-mode and multimode, use SC (Subscriber Connector) connectors.
What types of cables use a LC connector?
Fiber optic cables in high-density networking environments use LC (Local Connector) connectors.
What types of cables use a punchdown block?
Twisted pair copper cables, such as Cat 5e or Cat 6, use punchdown blocks for terminating and organizing wiring in structured cabling systems.
What types of cables use a microUSB connector?
USB cables for mobile devices and small peripherals, like smartphones and tablets, use microUSB connectors.
What types of cables use a miniUSB connector?
Older USB cables for mobile devices and certain peripherals use miniUSB connectors.
What types of cables use a USB-C connector?
Modern USB cables for devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other peripherals use USB-C connectors.
What types of cables use a Molex connector?
Internal power cables within computers use Molex connectors to supply power to components like hard drives, optical drives, and fans.
What types of cables use a Lightning port?
Cables used to connect and charge Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and iPods use Lightning connectors.
What types of cables use a DB9 connector?
Serial cables for RS-232 communication, often used to connect to network device console ports or legacy serial devices, use DB9 connectors.
What is the purpose of a RJ11 connector?
RJ11 connectors connect telephone lines and devices, facilitating analog telephone and DSL internet connections over twisted pair cables.
What is the purpose of a RJ45 connector?
RJ45 connectors connect Ethernet network cables, enabling data communication over twisted pair cables in LAN environments.
What is the purpose of a F type connector?
F type connectors connect coaxial cables used for cable television and internet services, providing a secure threaded connection for radio frequency signals.
What is the purpose of a ST connector?
ST connectors connect fiber optic cables, providing a secure bayonet-style locking mechanism for transmitting optical signals in network environments.
What is the purpose of a SC connector?
SC connectors connect fiber optic cables using a push-pull design for quick insertion and removal, commonly used in data communication for optical signal transmission.
What is the purpose of a LC connector?
LC connectors connect fiber optic cables in high-density networking environments, offering a small form factor for efficient space utilization.
What is the purpose of a punchdown block?
Punchdown blocks terminate and organize twisted pair copper cables in structured cabling systems, allowing for efficient management and routing of network cabling.
What is the purpose of a microUSB connector?
MicroUSB connectors connect mobile devices and small peripherals to computers or chargers, facilitating data transfer and power supply in a compact design.
What is the purpose of a miniUSB connector?
MiniUSB connectors connect older mobile devices and peripherals to computers or chargers, used before being largely replaced by microUSB and USB-C.
What is the purpose of a USB-C connector?
USB-C connectors provide a versatile and reversible interface for connecting a wide range of devices, supporting high-speed data transfer, video output, and power delivery.
What is the purpose of a Molex connector?
Molex connectors supply power within a computer system to internal components like hard drives, optical drives, and fans, providing both +12V and +5V power.
What is the purpose of a Lightning port?
Lightning ports connect Apple devices to computers or chargers, facilitating data transfer and power supply using Apple’s proprietary reversible connector.
What is the purpose of a DB9 connector?
DB9 connectors facilitate serial communication using RS-232 protocols, commonly used for connecting to network device console ports and legacy serial devices.
What are the features of a Cat 5 cable?
Twisted pair copper cabling with four pairs.
Supports Ethernet up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters.
Uses balanced pair operation to reduce interference.
What are the features of a Cat 5e cable?
Enhanced version of Cat 5 with reduced crosstalk.
Supports Ethernet up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters.
Improved performance due to stricter testing.
What are the features of a Cat 6 cable?
Higher standards for reduced crosstalk and noise.
Supports Ethernet up to 10 Gbps over shorter distances.
Tighter twist rates and better insulation.
What are the features of a Cat 6a cable?
Augmented Cat 6 with stricter specifications.
Supports 10 Gbps Ethernet over 100 meters.
Improved shielding and insulation.
What are the features of a coaxial cable?
Central conductor with insulation and shielding.
Used for high-frequency signal transmission.
Resistant to electromagnetic interference.
Durable and suitable for outdoor use.
What are the features of a shielded twisted pair cable?
Shielding around individual pairs and/or overall cable.
Reduces electromagnetic interference.
Requires proper grounding.
What are the features of a direct burial STP cable?
Waterproof and gel-filled for moisture protection.
Designed for underground installations without conduit.
Shielded to prevent interference.
Enhanced durability and strength.
What are the features of a unshielded twisted pair cable?
No additional shielding.
Twisted pairs reduce interference.
Flexible and cost-effective.
What are the features of a USB 2.0 cable?
Data transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps.
Maximum length of 5 meters.
Various connectors: Standard-A, Standard-B, mini-B, micro-B.
What are the features of a USB 3.0 cable?
Data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
Backward compatible with USB 2.0.
Additional pins for higher speeds.
Connectors include Standard-A, Standard-B, micro-B for USB 3.0.
What are the features of a serial cable?
Connectors like DB9 or DB25.
Supports RS-232 serial communication.
Used for modems, legacy devices, and configuration ports.
Limited data transfer speeds.
What are the features of a Thunderbolt cable?
High-speed data transfer up to 40 Gbps.
Carries data and power over the same cable.
Uses connectors like Mini DisplayPort or USB-C.
Supports daisy-chaining of multiple devices.
What are the features of a HDMI cable?
Transmits digital video and audio signals.
Supports high resolutions (4K and beyond).
Maximum length around 20 meters.
Uses a 19-pin Type A connector.
What are the features of a DisplayPort cable?
Transmits digital video and audio using packetized data.
Supports high resolutions and refresh rates.
Compatible with HDMI and DVI via adapters.
Connectors include standard and Mini DisplayPort.
What are the features of a DVI cable?
Transmits digital and analog video signals.
Types: DVI-D, DVI-A, DVI-I.
Supports single-link (3.7Gbps) and dual-link (7.4Gbps) configurations.
Does not carry audio signals.
What are the features of a VGA cable?
Transmits analog video signals.
15-pin DE-15 connector, typically blue.
Signal degrades over longer distances (5-10 meters).
Does not carry audio signals.
What are the features of a SATA cable?
Connects internal storage devices.
Data transfer rates up to 16 Gbps.
7-pin data connector and 15-pin power connector.
Supports hot-swapping.
What are the features of a SCSI cable?
Connects multiple devices over a single bus.
Supports daisy-chaining up to 16 devices.
Various connector types and standards.
Uses a terminator, but not if serially attached.
What are the features of a eSATA cable?
External SATA interface for external storage devices.
Supports data rates similar to internal SATA.
Maximum length of 2 meters.
Shielded with durable connectors.
What are the features of a IDE cable?
Wide ribbon cable with 40 or 80 wires.
Connects storage devices to the motherboard.
Supports data rates up to 133 MB/s.
What are the features of a RJ11 connector?
6-position, 2-conductor connector.
Supports analog signals.
Smaller than RJ45 connectors.
What are the features of a RJ45 connector?
8-position, 8-conductor connector.
What are the features of a F type connector?
Threaded connector for coaxial cables.
Secure connection for RF signals.
Simple screw-on installation.
What are the features of a ST connector?
Bayonet-style locking mechanism.
Supports single-mode and multimode fiber.
What are the features of a SC connector?
Push-pull connector for fiber optics.
Supports single-mode and multimode fiber.
Allows high-density installations.
What are the features of a LC connector?
Small form factor for fiber optics.
Latch mechanism similar to RJ45.
Ideal for high-density networking.
Supports single-mode and multimode fiber.
What are the features of a punchdown block?
Permanent connection point.
What are the features of a microUSB connector?
Supports USB 2.0 speeds up to 480 Mbps.
Non-reversible design.
What are the features of a miniUSB connector?
Slightly larger than microUSB.
Supports USB 2.0 speeds.
What are the features of a USB-C connector?
24-pin reversible connector.
Supports high-speed data, video, and power.
Can carry multiple protocols.
What are the features of a Molex connector?
4-pin power connector inside computers.
Provides +12V and +5V power.
What are the features of a Lightning port?
8-pin reversible connector.
Higher power output.
Proprietary to Apple devices.
What are the features of a DB9 connector?
9-pin D-subminiature connector.
Explain how a twisted pair copper cable works.
Twisted pair copper cables consist of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together. Each pair carries equal and opposite signals, known as balanced pair operation (Transmit+, Transmit- / Receive+, Receive-). The twisting of the wires reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources and crosstalk between adjacent pairs. When signals are transmitted, any interference affects both wires equally. At the receiving end, the opposite signals are compared, and the interference cancels out, ensuring signal integrity. Additionally, each pair has a different twist rate to minimize interference between pairs within the same cable.
What is a plenum?
It is typically the area above a drop ceiling or below a raised floor where air returns to the HVAC system. This space is often utilized for running network cabling due to its accessibility.
What is a plenum rated cable, and what types are there?
Plenum-rated cables are network cables designed to be installed in plenum spaces. They have special fire-resistant insulation that produces minimal smoke and toxic fumes when exposed to fire for preventing the spread of harmful gases through the HVAC system during a fire.
Types:
FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Polymer): A type of plenum-rated jacket material.
Low-Smoke PVC: Another material used for plenum-rated cables, which emits less smoke than traditional PVC.
What are the abbreviations used for TP types?
U: Unshielded
S: Braided Shielding
F: Foil Shielding
What are the characteristics of fiber communication?
Light transmission.
Hard to intercept.
Long distance.
High bandwidth.
Immune to EMI.
Differentiate single and multimode fiber.
Single-mode has a smaller core diameter with one laser light source, supports distance up to 100km, higher bandwidth.
Multimode has a larger core diameter with multiple laser LED light sources, supports distances up to 2km, lower bandwidth.
Explain the order of the wires in a T568A standard cable.
WG, G, WO, B, WB, O, WB, B
Explain the order of the wires in a T568B standard cable.
WO, O, WG, B, WB, G, WB, B
What is the purpose and features of USB 1.1?
USB 1.1 was developed to standardize the connection of peripherals to computers, replacing multiple legacy interfaces with a single universal interface.
Low speed was 1.5Mbps at 3 meters. Full speed was 12Mbps at 5 meters.
Differentiate USB 3.0, 3.1, and 3.2, including the names used for each.
USB 3.0/3.1 Gen1/3.2 Gen1/SuperSpeed at 5Gbps.
USB 3.1/3.1 Gen1/3.2 Gen2 at 10Gbps.
USB 3.2 Gen 1x2 at 10Gbps (2 x 5Gbps)
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 at 20Gbps (2 x 10Gbps)
Differentiate the Thunderbolt versions.
Version 1 uses Mini DisplayPort, with two channels of 10Gbps each.
Version 2 uses Mini DisplayPort, 20Gbps, 4K video support.
Version 3 uses USB-C, 40Gbps.
Differentiate the SATA revisions.
1.0 is 1.5Gbps, up to 1 meter.
2.0 is 3Gbps, up to 1 meter.
3.0 is 6Gbps, up to 1 meter.
3.2 is 16Gbps, up to 1 meter.
Explain SCSI ID and LUN.
SCSI ID differentiates devices on the same bus.
LUNs are used to identify logical units or devices, allowing one ID to represent multiple devices.
What considerations need to be made when installing virtual RAM?
- Ensure you have sufficient storage space to allocate for virtual memory.
- Relying heavily on VRAM will slow down the system considerably since storage is slower than memory.
- You can adjust the size of the paging file, but typically handled by the OS.
What considerations need to be made when installing a SODIMM?
- Make sure the DDR version is compatible with your system.
- Make sure the memory size is compatible the motherboard.
- Installed at an angle.
What considerations need to be made when installing DDR3?
- Not back or forwards compatible.
- Ensure compatibility with motherboard.
- Maximum 16GB per DIMM.
What considerations need to be made when installing DDR4?
- Not back or forwards compatible.
- Ensure compatibility with motherboard.
- Maximum 64GB per DIMM.