Understanding network cabling is unarguably a prerequisite for anyone that wants to venture into networking. Knowing the basics of network cabling will help you as a network admin or user in setting up a LAN network and also in troubleshooting some minor problems yourself without needing to consult a technician or network engineer.
In this post we will be talking about the basics of network cabling and its applications.
The standard Ethernet cables in use for networking purpose are the Category 5 (CAT 5) and Category 6 (CAT 6). Though fhe CAT 6 cable is not commonly seen in networks, the CAT 5 cable is the most popular for networking purpose, with its improved standard known as the CAT 5e.
Twisted Pair
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| Twisted pair |
Making a patch cable
The term 'Patch cable' refers to a cable that has been prepared for networking. This is done by terminating the cable to a RJ-45 connector which is the standard connector for Ethernet cables. This is done with a crimping tool shown below.
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| Making a patch cable |
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| Crimping the patch cable |
There are two types of patch cables made for networking purpose, they are: Type A and Type B patch cables
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| Type B and Type A Patch cable |
Type A Patch Cable (T-568A): This type is done by arranging the 8 individual coloured cables side by side according to a colour pattern before terminating it. This is shown in the image above.
Type B Patch Cable (T-568B): On the other hand the Type B patch cable is done by arranging the 8 individual coloured cables side by side before terminating it by using the colour pattern shown in the image above.
Note: Either types of patch cable can be used for networking, but this varies from one country to another. In Nigeria the Type A Patch cable is the standard used.
Device to Device Communication
A patch cable can be made for devices in a network to communicate with each other in two configurations.
Straight-Through Cables: A straight through cable is a patch cable having both ends configured to the same type i.e. either Type A or type B. This type of cable configuration is used to connect devices of varying kinds e.g. a Computer connected to a switch or a switch connected to a router. This is the usual connections seen in computer networks.
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| T-568A straight-through cable |
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| T-568B straight-through cable |
Crossover Cable: The Crossover cable is a patch cable with both ends configured to different types i.e. one end is Type A and the other end is Type B or vice versa. This type of Cable configuration is used to connect devices of the same kind e.g. a computer connected directly to another computer, a switch connected to another switch or a switch connected to a hub etc.
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| Crossover cable |
Note: The maximum cable distance between two connected device should not exceed 100m as loss of signal or communication can occur beyond this distance.
Though devices of the same kind connected with a Straight-through cable and devices of varying kinds connected with a Crossover cable can still communicate, the speed of communication is badly affected as the cable configuration does not permit proper communication across these devices.
Plenum Cable
The standard CAT 5 and CAT 6 cable sheathing are manufactured with a type of material that emits a poisonous gas which is harmful to humans when exposed to extreme heat or a situation where there is fire outbreak.
The Plenum cable was manufactured to address this issue, it is the standard CAT 5 or CAT 6 cable but is made with a heat and fire resistant material. This type of cable is meant for use in industries or environments where cables are installed through ducts, ventilations or exposed to heat or in case of fire outbreak.
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