Copper Cabling - N10-008 CompTIA Network+ : 1.3

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the essentials of copper cabling as discussed in the CompTIA Network+ training video by Professor Messer. You'll learn about various cable categories, coaxial and twinax cables, and the termination standards 568A and 568B. Understanding these concepts is crucial for network administrators and anyone involved in setting up or maintaining network infrastructures.

Step 1: Understand Cable Categories

Copper cabling comes in different categories, each designed for specific applications. Familiarize yourself with the following common categories:

• Category 5 (Cat 5): Supports speeds up to 100 Mbps and distances up to 100 meters.
• Category 5e (Cat 5e): An enhanced version of Cat 5 that reduces interference and supports speeds up to 1 Gbps.
• Category 6 (Cat 6): Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps for distances up to 55 meters.
• Category 6a (Cat 6a): An augmented version that supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters.
• Category 7 (Cat 7): Supports higher frequencies and is shielded to minimize interference.

Practical Tips

• Choose the cable category based on your network's speed requirements and distance.
• Consider future-proofing your installations by selecting higher category cables when possible.

Step 2: Explore Coaxial Cables

Coaxial cables are another type of copper cabling that consists of a central conductor, insulating layer, metallic shield, and outer insulation.

• Common Uses: Often used for cable television and internet connections.
• Types: RG-6 and RG-59 are the most commonly used types, with RG-6 providing better performance for higher frequencies.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure you use the correct type of coaxial cable for your specific application to avoid signal loss.

Step 3: Learn About Twinax Cables

Twinax cables consist of two copper conductors and are used for short-distance connections.

• Applications: Commonly utilized in data centers for connecting servers to storage devices.
• Advantages: Offers high-speed data transmission and is less susceptible to electromagnetic interference.

Practical Advice

• When setting up high-speed connections in a data center, consider using twinax cables for optimal performance over short distances.

Step 4: Understand Termination Standards 568A and 568B

Termination standards dictate how cables are connected to connectors. The two most common standards are 568A and 568B.

• 568A: Uses a specific wiring scheme that differs slightly from 568B.
• 568B: More commonly used in commercial installations.

Tips for Termination

• Choose one standard and stick with it throughout your installation to avoid confusion.
• Use a wiring diagram to ensure correct pin assignments when terminating cables.

Example Wiring Scheme

• Here is a typical pinout for 568A:

Pin 1: White/Green
Pin 2: Green
Pin 3: White/Orange
Pin 4: Blue
Pin 5: White/Blue
Pin 6: Orange
Pin 7: White/Brown
Pin 8: Brown

Conclusion

In summary, understanding copper cabling types, such as coaxial, twinax, and their categories is essential for network setup and maintenance. Familiarizing yourself with termination standards will ensure reliable connections. As a next step, consider exploring more about fiber cabling or practicing the termination process to enhance your skills in networking.