REVIEW QUIZ!
Instruction: identify the following statement if it is True or False.
1. All LANs require an internet connection to function.
2. Ethernet cables use radio waves for data transmission.
3. A LAN can improve data security by centralizing data storage and controlling access.
4. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables are generally more expensive than Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cables.
5. Resource sharing is a key benefit of using a LAN.
Directions: Identify the Type - Wired or Wireless Network Connection. Fill in the answer in the blank provided.
Devices:
Desktop Computer: _____________________
Laptop: _____________________________
Smart TV: ___________________________
Printer: _____________________________
Router: _____________________________
Smartphone: _________________________
Tablet: _____________________________
Gaming Console: ____________________
Access Point: ____________________
At the end of the lesson student should be able to:
Identify and describe the purpose of different types of cable,(cat5e, cat6, fiber optic, coaxial0 and their respective application.
Understand the importance of safety precautions when working with network cables by correctly identifying and explaining safety procedures and proper cable handling through reflection.
Perform termination on a network cable with an RJ45 connector using the punch-down technique, then installing the cable to its designated area, and verify a successful connection using a cable tester.
OUTLINE OF THE CONTENT
Introduction to Cabling:
1.1 Different cable types used in networking
1.2 Importance of proper cable selection for optimal performance and safety.
Safe Cable Routing and Installation:
2.1 Best practices for cable organization (bundling, labeling).
2.2 Proper cable management techniques (cable ties, raceways).
2.3 Safety regulations and standards to follow.
Punch-Down Technique:
3.1 Explanation of the 110 punch-down block and its purpose.
3.2 Step-by-step instructions for terminating cables using a punch-down tool.
3.3 Testing the connection after punch-down.
I. INTRODUCTION TO CABLING
Network Drops. (2019). Four different types of cabling. https://networkdrops.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/four-different-types-cabling-2019-708x1024.jpg
-There are many different types of cables used in networking, including fiber optic cables, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and Ethernet cables.
Fiber optic cables
Used for long-distance communication
Available in single mode and multimode types
Provide higher bandwidth with reduced interference than copper cables
Are ideal for high-speed data transmission
Twisted pair cables
Used for Ethernet networks
Consists of two copper wires twisted around each other
Are cheaper than fiber optic cables but are slower
Are better suited for shorter distances
Coaxial cables
Used for television and other broadband networks
Made of a single solid copper core with a plastic layer for insulation
Are able to carry high-frequency signals over long distances
Ethernet cables
Used to connect computers, routers, switches, and other networked devices
Cat6 cables are widely used due to their enhanced performance characteristics compared to older cable types like Cat5e
Cat6a cables are designed to carry data at high speeds
NOTE: When choosing a cable, you can consider things like distance, speed requirements, environmental factors, and budget.
1.2 Importance of proper cable selection for optimal performance and safety.
Intrepid Industries. (2024, September). Cable management. Intrepid Industries. https://www.intrepidindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Cable-management_1.jpg
Proper cable selection is critical for both optimal performance and safety within an electrical system, as choosing the right cable size and type ensures that it can handle the intended current load without overheating, preventing potential fire hazards, voltage drops, and system failures while maximizing efficiency and reliability; essentially, selecting the wrong cable can lead to significant safety risks and hinder the functionality of connected devices.
Key points on why proper cable selection matters:
There are several advantages that good cable management offers, including these top three:
1. Enhanced Safety
Loose and tangled wires and cables strewn across the room or hanging from the ceiling can take up a lot of precious space, but the more worrisome issue is the potential safety risks they create, the top among them being increased odds of tripping accidents. Successfully routing and securing cables reduces clutter which is especially important in the workplace where such an incident can result in everything from missed work days to lawsuits.
Poor cable management can also leave cables vulnerable to significant, consistent movement and strain that can lead to compromised conductors, shorts, and possibly electrical shock or hotspots leading to combustion fires. Furthermore, it can inhibit airflow and cooling which could result in extreme, damaging temperatures and overly dry or damp atmospheres.
2. Better Aesthetics & Accessibility
A clutter of cables and wires can mean an increasingly sloppy, unsightly mess that can turn off users and service personnel. People tend to enjoy working in neat, organized environments. Prioritizing cable management makes equipment service, offices, or factory floors more approachable.
3. Improved Performance & Efficiency
The best cable management starts with having the best cables, connectors, and systems for the job, using the right materials, lengths, and other specifications. Well-managed cables and wires reduce the odds of disconnections or damage, minimizing downtime and ensuring uninterrupted operations, especially important in equipment, vehicles, factories, data centers, and server rooms.
Proper management optimizes power delivery and performance of your system, by minimizing resistance and voltage drop. It also helps guard against electromagnetic interference (EMI) that can adversely affect audio and video quality, both of which are essential for audio/visual entertainment setups.
Factors to consider when selecting a cable:
Current rating:
The maximum current the cable can safely carry based on its size and conductor material.
Voltage rating:
The maximum voltage the cable can handle.
Application environment:
Factors like temperature, moisture, chemicals, and physical stress can impact cable selection.
Cable type:
Different cable types are designed for specific applications, such as power cables, data cables, control cables.
Jacket material:
The material of the cable's outer covering, which affects its durability and resistance to environmental factors.
II. SAFE CABLE ROUTING AND INSTALLATION
2.1 Best practices for cable organization (bundling, labeling)
For optimal cable organization, best practices include: bundling cables by type using cable ties or sleeves, labeling both ends of each cable with clear, consistent identifiers, color-coding different cable types, and ensuring labels accurately reflect the connected devices to facilitate easy troubleshooting and maintenance; this can be further enhanced by organizing cables based on length and using cable management tools like cable trays and clips to prevent tangles and maintain a neat appearance. for more info watch the video attached.
2.2 Proper cable management techniques (cable ties, raceways)
VCELINK blog on cable management techniques: [Cable Raceway Blog](https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/cable-raceway)."
In order to enjoy the benefits above, there are a number of best cable management techniques that can be employed. The optimal choices depend on a number of factors including applicable environmental conditions and regulatory compliance.
1. Cable Routing
During installation, cables must be routed in a logical, organized manner which requires careful planning of how to run, arrange, and secure the cables that connect devices and components. This starts with assessing the needs and requirements of the application which includes the devices and components involved, the types and lengths of cable needed, raceway and through-hole dimensions and the environmental factors.
Then a cable routing diagram or schematic — a visual representation of how your cables will run from one point to another, including labels, colors, and measurements — is created whether by drawing it by hand or using software tools, such as AutoCAD or Visio. That design layout acts as a blueprint for installers who use specific techniques, accessories, fixtures, and best practices, such as avoiding sharp bends, vents, fans, crossed cables, and loose loops, to optimize set up while also allowing some slack for adjustments.
2. Overmolding
The process of cable assembly overmolding — when molded PVC or another high-quality polymer is used to surround and encapsulate a cable assembly — adds extra durability, strain relief, and lifespan while delivering a tight fit over cables and connectors. Overmolding also creates a better appearance and overall more polished-looking system, allowing for custom colors, branding, and more efficient labeling. Overmolding is a preferred solution for demanding environments such as those in military, aerospace, vehicle systems, and industrial applications.
3. Labeling & Color-Coding
Labeling cables with printed words, numbers, serial codes, and other information allows for quicker identification and access to specific cables, making maintenance and troubleshooting easier, and saving time and money. Color-coding, which involves assigning specific colors to different wires and cables, also helps installers and maintenance to identify their purpose and function. There are different color codes for North American and international cables.
4. Cable Ties, Clips, & Wraps
There are a number of different fasteners and components used to secure and consolidate cables and wires while also providing additional support by absorbing abrasion with push and pull movements. Cable ties, clips, and wraps are some of the most-utilized ones.
Made of nylon, metallic, or composite materials and available in various sizes, colors, and styles, cable ties, also called zip-ties, are often used to bind and hold multiple electrical cables and wires together. Known for their ease of use and binding strength, cable ties are ubiquitous, finding use in a wide range of other applications.
Cable clips, also referred to as cable clamps, are attached to electrical panels, wire passages, walls, desks, and other surfaces and use pressure to hold cables in place. Great for securing longer runs of cables to walls, cable clips are usually made of plastic or metal and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different cable types and diameters.
5. Cable Raceways & Trays
Available in a wide array of types, shapes, and materials, cable trays and cable raceways are popular choices for containing cables and creating the safest, most efficient route. Both raceways and trays are long, supportive, and protective channels placed overhead, under-floor, and/or along walls, that run the lengths of the cables. The main difference between trays and raceways is that raceways generally completely enclose and conceal the cables inside them while trays feature open areas for easier access. There are numerous types of cable raceways available in the market, and choosing the correct one for a specific application depends on several factors, such as the type of cabling involved, location, and environmental conditions.
From flat and surface-mounted to rounded and floor-mounted, electrical raceways are long, hollow tunnels specifically designed to house and protect electrical cables and wires. Raceway types include conduits, wireways, and busways. Commonly made of galvanized steel, intermediate metal, electrical metallic tubing (EMT), or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), conduits are hard to access once installed. Wireways are non-circular metal troughs with hinged or removable covers, while busways are enclosed busbar systems that are similar to rigid conduits but feature access points along their length.
Used industrially and commercially, long, open-bottomed cable tray systems are great solutions for running large quantities of power or data cables overhead or under-floor. Also called baskets, trunking, or cable ladders, cable trays are easy to maintain and inspect and are typically less expensive than raceways due to lower material and lower labor costs. Able to fully protect cables and wires, raceways are the preferred choice in harsher environments and underground applications. Raceways also allow for grounding and bonding which offers greater EMI protection.
Proper cable management is essential for optimal functionality, cable performance, ease of maintenance, and overall aesthetics.
2.3 Safety regulations and standards to follow
When performing cabling work, key safety regulations and standards to follow include: wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing, adhering to local electrical codes like the National Electrical Code (NEC), using proper tools and techniques, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, ensuring proper ventilation in confined spaces, and following established emergency procedures when working with live electrical systems.
III. PUNCH-DOWN TECHNIQUE
3.1 Explanation of the 110 punch-down block and its purpose.
https://youtu.be/zEcOF96tuhI?si=1riTuH5DcVKu0Z2p
"110 punch-down block" is a type of connector used in structured cabling systems to terminate twisted-pair cables, like ethernet cables, by physically "punching" the wire into a specialized contact point, creating a secure electrical connection; essentially acting as a central distribution point for network cables within a system, allowing for easy connection and management of wiring runs.
3.2 Step-by-step instructions for terminating cables using a punch-down tool.
https://youtu.be/SE54ILAoerQ?si=eqvCfEswV4wFLgjJ
Terminating cables using a punch-down tool" means to securely connect the wires of a cable to a designated connection point, like a patch panel or keystone jack, by inserting the wires into a specialized slot and then using a punch-down tool to forcefully push the wires into the insulation-displacement connectors (IDCs), effectively cutting through the insulation and securing the connection within the terminal for The step by step Procedure Watch the video link Attached.
https://youtu.be/Le72u_OpwF0?si=yEMa6cfUMMPltFnr
3.3Testing the connection after punch-down.
To test a connection after punch-down, use a cable tester to check for continuity between the wires on each end of the cable, ensuring all pairs are correctly connected and that there are no breaks in the wires; a beep or light indication on the tester signifies a good connection, while no signal indicates a potential issue with the punch-down process. Watched the Video for more info.
Instructions: Read each statement carefully and answer True or False.
Network cables should be bent sharply to fit tight spaces.
Fiber optic cables transmit data using light signals.
Patch panels are used to organize and connect multiple network cables.
It is unnecessary to test network cables after installation.
Cat6 cables support higher data transfer rates compared to Cat5 cables.
Plenum-rated cables are designed to be fire-resistant and emit low smoke.
Stripping too much of the cable’s insulation can affect signal quality.
Twisted pair cables help reduce electromagnetic interference.
You don’t need to follow color coding standards when terminating cables.
Proper cable management can improve network performance and maintenance.
Network Cable Installation Performance Activity: RJ45 Termination
-This activity assesses the student's ability to properly terminate a network cable with an RJ45 connector and verify a successful connection using a cable tester.
Objective: Successfully terminate a network cable with an RJ45 connector, achieving a functional connection verified by a cable tester.
Materials:
- Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cat5e network cable (sufficient length for practice)
- RJ45 connectors (at least 2 per student)
- Crimping tool
- Cable tester
- Wire strippers/cutters
Procedure:
Phase 1: Cable Preparation
Measure and Cut: Measure the required length of the UTP cable needed to reach the destination. Add extra length (about 6 inches) to allow for stripping and termination. Use wire cutters to cleanly cut the cable at the measured point.
Strip the Outer Jacket: Carefully use wire strippers to remove the outer plastic jacket of the cable, exposing the twisted pairs of wires. Be careful not to nick or damage the individual wires. The amount of jacket removed should be approximately 1 inch.
Untwist and Straighten: Gently untwist the pairs of wires, ensuring they remain straight and organized. Avoid excessive untwisting, as this can affect signal quality.
Arrange the Wires (T568A or T568B): Arrange the wires according to either the T568A or T568B standard. Consistency is crucial. Choose one standard and stick to it for both ends of the cable. (Refer to color-coding diagrams That Provided below).
T568A: Green/White, Green, Orange/White, Blue, Blue/White, Orange, Brown/White, Brown
T568B: Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White, Green, Brown/White, Brown
Phase 2: RJ45 Connector Termination
Insert Wires: Carefully insert the straightened wires into the RJ45 connector, ensuring each wire is fully seated and reaches the end of the connector. Double-check the wire order against your chosen standard (T568A or T568B).
Crimp the Connector: Firmly place the RJ45 connector into the crimping tool and squeeze the handles until the connector is securely crimped. Ensure a solid crimp on all eight wires.
Inspect the Crimp: After crimping, carefully inspect the connector to ensure all wires are properly seated and the crimp is secure. Look for any signs of damage or loose wires.
Phase 3: Cable Testing and Verification
Connect the Cable: Connect one end of the terminated cable to a network device (e.g., computer, switch) and the other end to the cable tester.
Test the Cable: Turn on the cable tester and observe the results. A successful connection will show all lights illuminated correctly, indicating proper wiring. If there are errors, carefully examine the connector and wiring for any issues.
Troubleshooting: If the cable test fails, carefully review the steps above. Common errors include incorrect wire order, insufficient crimp, or damaged wires.
Instructions: Reflect on the Questions bellow and write a short reflection (about 200-250 words).
Reflection Question:
"Reflect on your understanding of safety in relation to network cable installation. Discuss how your attitudes and values regarding safety have been shaped by this lesson, and explain how you will incorporate these considerations into your future work practices."