# Computer Networks/Media

This lesson introduces computer network media.

## Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for the media portion of Network+ certification include:
* Install and properly terminate various cable types and connectors using appropriate tools
** Copper cables
*** Shielded vs unshielded
*** CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a
*** PVC vs plenum
*** RG-59
*** RG-6
*** Straight-through vs crossover vs rollover
** Copper connectors
*** RJ-11
*** RJ-45
*** RJ-48C
*** DB-9/RS-232
*** DB-25
*** UTP coupler
*** BNC coupler
*** BNC
*** F-connector
*** 110 block
*** 66 block
** Fiber cables
*** Single mode
*** Multimode
*** APC vs UPC
** Fiber connectors
*** ST
*** SC
*** LC
*** MTRJ
*** FC
*** Fiber coupler
** Media converters
*** Single mode fiber to Ethernet
*** Multimode fiber to Ethernet
*** Fiber to coaxial
*** Single mode to multimode fiber
** Tools
*** Cable crimpers
*** Punch down tool
*** Wire strippers
*** Snips
*** OTDR
*** Cable certifier
* Given a scenario, deploy the appropriate wired connectivity standard
** Wiring standards
*** EIA/TIA 568A/568B
* Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve common copper cable issues
** Shorts
** Opens
** Incorrect termination (mismatched standards)
*** Straight-through
*** Crossover
** Cross-talk
*** Near end
*** Far end
** EMI/RFI
** Distance limitations
** Attenuation/Db loss
** Bad connector
** Bad wiring
** Split pairs
** Tx/Rx reverse
** Cable placement
** Bad SFP/GBIC - cable or transceiver
* Given a scenario, troubleshoot and resolve common fiber cable issues
** Attenuation/Db loss
** SFP/GBIC - cable mismatch
** Bad SFP/GBIC - cable or transceiver
** Wavelength mismatch
** Fiber type mismatch
** Dirty connectors
** Connector mismatch
** Bend radius limitations
** Distance limitations
* Given a scenario, install and configure equipment in the appropriate location using best practices
** Intermediate distribution frame
** Main distribution frame
** Cable management
*** Patch panels
** Power management
*** Power converters
*** Circuits
*** UPS
*** Inverters
*** Power redundancy
** Device placement
** Air flow
** Cable trays
** Rack systems
*** Server rail racks
*** Two-post racks
*** Four-post racks
*** Free-standing racks
** Labeling
*** Port labeling
*** System labeling
*** Circuit labeling
*** Naming conventions
*** Patch panel labeling
** Rack monitoring
** Rack security

## Readings

* Media Introduction
* Wikipedia: Networking cables
* Wikipedia: Twisted pair
* Wikipedia: Coaxial cable
* Wikipedia: Optical fiber cable
* Wikipedia: Plenum cable
* Wikipedia: Registered jack
* Wikipedia: D-subminiature
* Wikipedia: BNC connector
* Wikipedia: F connector
* Wikipedia: Patch panel
* Wikipedia: 110 block
* Wikipedia: 66 block
* Wikipedia: Optical fiber connector
* Wikipedia: Fiber media converter
* Wikipedia: Broadband over power lines
* Wikipedia: Crimp connection
* Wikipedia: Punch down tool
* Wikipedia: Wire stripper
* Wikipedia: Optical time-domain reflectometer
* Wikipedia: Cable tester
* Wikipedia: TIA/EIA-568

## Multimedia

* YouTube: Copper Cabling - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
* YouTube: Copper Connectors- CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
* YouTube: Straight-Through, Crossover, and Rollover Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
* YouTube: Fiber Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
* YouTube: Fiber Connectors - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
* YouTube: Media Converters - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
* YouTube: Network Cabling Tools - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.5
* YouTube: How To Make RJ45 Network Patch Cables - Cat 5E and Cat 6
* YouTube: Tools Comparison: Terminating Ethernet Cable with Different Punchdown Tools
* YouTube: Troubleshooting Copper Cables - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
* YouTube: Troubleshooting Signal Loss - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
* YouTube: Troubleshooting Network Cabling - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.4
* YouTube: Troubleshooting Fiber Issues - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 4.5
* YouTube: MDF and IDF - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
* YouTube: Cable and Power Management - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
* YouTube: Rack Systems - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7
* YouTube: Labeling and Documentation - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 5.7

## Activities

* Review Wikipedia: Category 5 cable and Wikipedia: Category 6 cable. Examine a network cable you have available or attached to your computer or switch/router. Check for labeling on the cable to identify whether it is a Category 5 cable or Category 6 cable. Then check the wiring pattern on each end. Is it wired with the 568A standard or the 568B standard? Are both ends wired to the same standard, or is it a cross-over cable?
* Review Warehouse Cables: How to Make a Cat5 Patch Cable. Using available Category 5 or Category 6 cable, some RJ-45 connectors, and a cable crimper, create your own patch cable. Test the cable with a cable tester if you have one available, or connect it to your computer and switch/router and test the connection.
* Review Wikipedia: Punch down tool. Using available Category 5 or Category 6 cable and an RJ-45 jack or 110 block, practice terminating network cables.
* Compare YouTube: Scary Network Wiring and Cabling Fails in the IT Closet and YouTube: Cat 6 amazing dressing and termination. Then request a tour of your school or organization's wiring closet, computer room, or data center. Which video does your organization's wiring most resemble?