INTRODUCTION TO LAN CABLING

This video explains LAN functionality along with device connection principles through Ethernet cables and Wireless Fidelity(Wi-Fi) networks for computers and printers and servers located in a limited space. Routers and switches serve as intermediaries for communication and resource sharing.  

Guide Questions:

1. What are the primary methods for connecting devices in a LAN?

2. How do routers and switches enable communication in a LAN?  

At the end of the lesson student should be able to:

1. Understand the standards and types of cables required for LAN cabling. 

2.  Appreciate the importance of proper LAN cabling in establishing reliable networks. 

3.  Perform LAN cabling tasks, through reflect on the relevance of quality LAN cabling in daily technology use   including crimping RJ45 connectors.

CONTENT

Introducing Local Area Network 

1.1 Local Area Network (LAN)

1.2 How do LANs work?

Network Cabling

2.1 Network Cables 

2.2 Introduce Ethernet Cables 

Cabling Standards and Best Practices

3.1 How to crimp RJ45 connectors?

3.2 Troubleshooting Faulty Networks

• a collection of devices connected together in one physical location, such as a building, office, or home. A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school. 

• A LAN comprises cables, access points, switches, routers, and other components that enable devices to connect to internal servers, web servers, and other LANs via wide area networks.

• The rise of virtualization has also fueled the development of virtual LANs, which enable network administrators to logically group network nodes and partition their networks without a need for major infrastructure changes.

For example, in an office with multiple departments, such as accounting, IT support, and administration, each department's computers could be logically connected to the same switch but segmented to behave as if they are separate.

• LANs connect their Internet access points through routers in the central area. The basic home LAN employs one router and greater facilities might also use network switches that enhance packet routing performance. LANs primarily employ Ethernet connections together with WiFi or implement both connection types to bind their internal devices. The physical network connection protocol Ethernet needs the use of Ethernet cables as its implementation requirement. A network connection through radio waves functions with the protocol called WiFi. Different devices such as servers, desktop computers, laptops, printers and IoT devices and game consoles are able to establish connections to LANs. Business offices utilize LANs to offer common employee access to their connected servers and printers.

• The simplest Internet-connected LANs require only a router and a way for computing devices to connect to the router, such as via Ethernet cables or a WiFi hotspot. LANs without an Internet connection need a switch for exchanging data. Large LANs, such as those in a large office building, may need additional routers or switches to more efficiently forward data to the right devices. 

• Not all LANs connect to the Internet. In fact, LANs predate the Internet: the first LANs were used in businesses in the late 1970s. (These old LANs used network protocols that are no longer in use today.) The only requirement for setting up a LAN is that the connected devices are able to exchange data.
  
  

Here are some benefits of Local Area Networks (LAN)

• Resource sharing. Resource sharing is one of the most important reasons to set up any network. As devices connect to each other, they can share more files, data and software among each other.

• Secure data storage. Network data resides in a centralized location that all connected devices can access. Devices must receive permission to access the network, which prevents unauthorized users from retrieving sensitive information.

• Fast communication. Ethernet cables provide fast, reliable data transmission speeds, which increases the rate of communication between devices.
  Seamless communication. Any authorized device can communicate with another on the same network.

• Network cables are used to connect devices within a network, enabling communication and data transfer between computers, servers, routers, switches, and other networking hardware. They serve as the physical medium through which information travels in wired networks. Depending on the type of cable, they can be used for short-distance connections (e.g., Ethernet cables in LANs) or long-distance data transmission (e.g., fiber optic cables for backbone networks) 

1. Twisted Pair Cables A twisted pair cable lets users send digital and analog signals by functioning as a transmission medium. This cable type stands as one of the most frequently adopted transmission media. Electromagnetic interference reduction (EMI) occurs through the twisting of two insulated copper wires found in this cable design. The twisting technique maintains wire separation to prevent electrical currents from connecting between conductors.

2. Coaxial Cables Used primarily for cable television and broadband internet, coaxial cables can also be used for networking, especially in older systems like 10BASE5 and 10BASE2 Ethernet They are less common in modern networking due to their limited bandwidth compared to newer technologies. Special cable design gives coaxial cable its structure because its inner and outer conductors are arranged in a coaxial setup to transmit signals or high frequency current. RF transmission depends on coaxial cables because they provide a stable electrical performance and high level of isolation. Such cables provide stable operation as well as immunity against interference during signals transmitted at high frequencies.

3. Fiber Optic Cables use glass fibers to transmit data as pulses of light. They offer high bandwidth, can support data transmission over long distances, and are immune to electrical interference. Fiber optic cables are ideal for backbone connections between networked buildings or within data centers.  

TAKE NOTE:

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, commonly used in Ethernet networks, are cost-effective, flexible, and capable of supporting speeds up to 1 Gbps over distances of 100 meters. For environments with higher interference, shielded twisted pair (STP) cables provide an added layer of protection through metallic shielding around the wires.  Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and Cat7 Cables.

These are specific types of twisted pair Ethernet cables, each with different specifications and capabilities.
Cat5e Supports speeds up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) and bandwidth up to 100 MHz.
Cat6 Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and bandwidth up to 250 MHz.
Cat6a Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and bandwidth up to 500 MHz, with improved specifications over Cat6, especially in terms of crosstalk and system noise.
Cat7 Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps and bandwidth up to 600 MHz and includes additional shielding for each pair of wires.

Now you know different types of cables; let's discuss the two types of ethernet cables that connects device to a network.

• What is straight-through ethercables & crossover cables?

In Figure 6. Crossover and straight-through cables are two types of Ethernet cables used for different networking purposes. Straight-through cables are the most common type and are primarily used to connect different types of devices, such as a computer to a switch, router, or modem. Both ends of the cable follow the same wiring standard (either T568A or T568B), ensuring a direct connection. On the other hand, crossover cables are designed to connect similar devices, such as two computers or two switches, by reversing the transmit and receive signals. This is achieved by using different wiring standards on each end—T568A on one side and T568B on the other. While straight-through cables are widely used in modern networks, crossover cables are less common today due to advancements in devices that can automatically adjust for signal crossover (Auto-MDIX) 

• Crimping ethernet cables involves attaching RJ45 connectors for network connections. The process requires understanding wiring standards (T568A or B), stripping the cable sheath, arranging the colored wires according to the chosen standard, inserting them into the connector, and using a crimping tool to secure the connection. These are the step-by-step procedures of crimp RJ45 connectors

IMAGE: WikiHow. (n.d.). How to crimp RJ45. Retrieved March 10, 2025, from https://www.wikihow.com/Crimp-Rj45 

• Troubleshooting a faulty network involves a systematic approach to identify and resolve issues efficiently 

1. Identify the Problem

• Determine the specific symptoms of the issue, such as slow speeds, dropped connections, or inability to connect.

• Collect feedback from users about when the problem started and any recent changes they've noticed.

2. Check Physical Connections

• Ensure all cables are securely connected: Network issues often stem from loose or disconnected cables. Inspect each connection point to confirm that cables are firmly plugged into their respective ports on routers, switches, and other network devices.

• Check for any visible damage to cables and connectors: Physical damage to cables, such as fraying or cuts, can disrupt network signals. Examine all cables for signs of wear and tear and replace any damaged components to restore network integrity.

3. Probable Cause

• If symptoms have been identified, and the probable causes to those symptoms listed. Prioritize these potential causes from simplest and most likely, similarly to the example in the beginning section above. 

Instruction in your own understanding: Analyze and understand the questions;  answer the guide questions in paragraph form . Submit your answer, in the button bellow rename your file (Surname, Name)

1. What are the primary differences in wiring between straight-through and crossover cables?

2. When would you use each type of cable in a network setup?

3. What happens if you incorrectly use a straight-through cable in a scenario requiring a crossover cable?

"Virtual LAN Cabling Design"

Scenario: You are tasked with designing a LAN network for a small office with the following requirements:

 - Devices: 5 computers, 1 server, 1 printer, 1 wireless access point.

 - Topology:  Choose the most appropriate topology (star, bus, ring, or hybrid) to justify your choice based on cost, scalability, and ease of management.

 - Cabling: Specify the type of cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, fiber – justify your choice based on distance and bandwidth requirements).

 - Network Diagram: Create a clear network diagram showing the physical layout of the network, including devices, cables, and connections.  You can use drawing software or a network diagramming tool.

Instructions: Base on your performance task "Virtual LAN Cabling Design" write a short reflection (about 250-300 words) justify your topology and cabling choices.  Explain the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen topology compared to other options.  Also discuss the your feelings and attitude towards the activity and how your cabling choice affects this activity Submit your answer , rename your file (Surname, Name).