Network Infrastructure and Documentation

Question 1

Describe the TIA/EIA Structured Cabling Standard.

Answer 1

The Structured Cabling Standard describes the best way to install network media to ensure best performance and minimize upkeep.. It is based on a hierarchical design, and assumes the network is a star topology.

Question 2

What is the Demarcation Point (demarc)?

Answer 2

The Demarcation Point is the point that marks where the service provider’s network ends and the organization’s network begins.

Question 3

Define Entrance Facility

Answer 3

The location where an incoming network (i.e. Internet) connects with the school/corporate network. This is where the ISP accepts responsibility for the external connection.

Question 4

MDF (main distribution frame)

Answer 4

The MDF is the centralized point of interconnection for an organization’s LAN or WAN. Can connect to nearby work areas or IDFs. Also houses an organization’s main servers. Each campus only contains one MDF.

Question 5

Data Room

Answer 5

The enclosed space that holds network equipment. Requires good cooling and ventilation to maintain a constant temperature.

Question 6

Rack System

Answer 6

Holds various network equipment, useful for making good use of space in data rooms and ensuring adequate spacing, access, and ventilation for the devices they hold.

Question 7

Patch Panel

Answer 7

A panel of data receptors that can be mounted to a wall/rack, provides a central termination point where many patch cables converge in a single location.

Question 8

Describe Voice over IP (VoIP), and the equipment that it uses.

Answer 8

VoIP is the use of any network to carry voice signals using TCP/IP protocols. A VoIP Gateway Device converts analog signals into IP data so it can travel over the Internet. Some organizations use VoIP PBX equipment, which is a dedicated switch or virtual switching device that connects and manages calls within an organization. Connects to VoIP endpoints (i.e. phone).

Question 9

IDF (Intermediate Distribution Frame)

Answer 9

Provides an intermediate connection between the MDF and end-user equipment on each floor and in each building. Unlike the MDF, there can be many IDFs connecting internal portions of the network.

Question 10

How is the height of a rack measured, and what is the industry standard?

Answer 10

Rack height is measured in rack units (RU or U). The industry standard is 42U, which is roughly 6 feet.

Question 11

What is the standard width for a rack?

Answer 11

19 inches, but some racks have a 23 inch width.

Question 12

What is the purpose of a KVM switch on a rack?

Answer 12

It connects to a single console to provide a central control portal for all devices on the rack.

Question 13

What are 2 ways you can prevent airflow blockages and heat buildup in a rack?

Answer 13

1. Minimize cable clutter wherever possible.

2. Use a hot aisle/cold aisle layout to pull cool air from the vents and direct heated air away from the racks.

Question 14

Horizontal cabling

Answer 14

Cabling that connects workstations to the closest data and to switches housed in that data room. Maximum allowed distance is 100m (90m to connect the device in the data room to a wall jack, plus 10m to connect the wall jack to a workstation).

Question 15

Backbone cabling

Answer 15

Backbone consists of the cables and/or wireless links that provide interconnection between the entrance facility and the MDF, and between the MDF and the IDFs.

Question 16

List some cable installation tips that can help prevent errors at the Physical Layer.

Answer 16

• Do not leave more than 1 inch of exposed cable before a twisted-pair termination.
• Keep cables at least 3 ft away from fluorescent lights or other sources of EMI.
• For each cable you install, use a cable tester to make sure it transmits data reliably.
• Make sure to use plenum-rated cable in the area above the ceiling tile or below subflooring.
• Leave some slack in cable runs to avoid data transmission problems.
• Do not cinch cables too tight (can squeeze the outer covering)

Question 17

What is a bend radius? What is the general bend radius of a twisted-pair cable?

Answer 17

The bend radius is the maximum arc in which you can loop a cable without data transmission errors. For twisted-pair, this would be equal to or greater than 4x the cable diameter.

Question 18

What is a network diagram? What is generally shown in a network diagram?

Answer 18

It is a set of graphical representations of a network’s devices and connections. Includes physical layout, logical topology, IP address reserves, names of major network devices, and types of transmission media.

Question 19

What is Nmap and its GUI counterpart? What is it used for?

Answer 19

Nmap is a tool used for network mapping, originally designed for Linux as a command-line utility. Its GUI counterpart is called Zenmap.

Question 20

Wiring Schematic

Answer 20

A graphical representation of a network’s wired infrastructure. Shows the wires necessary to interconnect network devices and the locations of those wires.

Question 21

Rack Diagram

Answer 21

Shows the devices stacked in a rack system, typically drawn to scale. Most useful when you’re planning a rack installation.

Question 22

System Life Cycle

Answer 22

It is the process of designing, implementing, and maintaining an entire network. Includes removal + disposal of outdated equipment and the addition of updated devices.

Question 23

Describe Inventory Management and list 2 benefits it provides.

Answer 23

Refers to the monitoring and maintaining of all of the assets that make up the network. This documentation simplifies maintaining and upgrading a network, and also provides information about the costs and benefits of certain types of hardware/software.

Question 24

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Answer 24

A request to vendors to submit a proposal for a product/service your company wants to purchase

Question 25

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Answer 25

The MOU documents the intentions of 2 or more parties to enter into a binding agreement/contract. It’s sometimes used between an informal handshake and legally binding signatures on contracts.

Question 26

Statement of Work (SOW)

Answer 26

The SOW documents in detail the work that must be completed for a particular project. It is legally binding (can be enforced in a court of law).

Question 27

Service-Level Agreement (SLA)

Answer 27

A legally binding contract that defines the aspects of a service provided to a customer (i.e. ISP service provided)

Question 28

Master Service Agreement (MSA)

Answer 28

A contract that defines the terms of future contracts between parties.

Question 29

Master License Agreement (MLA)

Answer 29

An MLA grants a license from a creator/developer/producer to a 3rd party for the purpose of marketing, sub licensing, or distributing a product to consumers as a stand-along product, or as part of another product.

Question 30

What are the four types of software changes that can be implemented, and how do they differ?

Answer 30

1. Patch - a correction, improvement, or enhancement to software.
2. Upgrade - major change to a software package. Enhances functionality + features while correcting bugs and vulnerabilities.
3. Rollback - reverting to a previous version of software after attempting a patch/upgrade.
4. Installation - new software needs to be installed on relevant devices and incorporated with network resources.