NETWORK DESIGN unavailable, the message is rerouted to another device until
the messages reaches its destination. The internet employs
A Network consists of two or more computers that
are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and
CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications.
Communication is the act of transferring data, information
through verbal messages, the written word, or more subtle,
non- verbal signals or even digital signals (Merriam, 2011). In
communication, a network is a major requirement to be
able to transmit such data from one place to another. A
network is the interconnection of computers, devices and
peripherals to allow them to communicate, share or print data
and information.
There are two very common types of networks; Local Area
Network (LAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN).
Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is a collection of two or more computers that
are located within a limited distance of each other and that
are connected to each other, directly or indirectly. It can range
from simple (two computers connected by a cable) to
complex (hundreds of con
Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN is a network that connects users across large
distances, often crossing the geographical boundaries of
cities or states. It has no geographical limit. It can connect
computers and other devices on
opposite sides of the world. It is made up of interconnected
LANs.
Wide Area Network is consisting of two or more
interconnected LAN and one of the best examples of Wan is
the Internet wherein all the computers around the world are
directly connected with each other.
What is the Network Topology?
Network Topology is the layout pattern
representation of the interconnection of all the computers,
nodes, links and other peripherals of a network. It shows the
structure and transmission links that connect nodes in a
network.
The Topology from the Greek word “tophos” means
place. It is a representation or structure of a network that
deals with different types of interconnectivity.
Network topologies are categorized into the following
basic types:
1. Bus Topology
The Bus Topology uses a common cable to connect
all the computers. A computer wanting to communicate with
another computer on the network sends the message to all
computers through the cable, but only the target computer
accepts the message.
2. Ring Topology
Computers that are using the Ring Topology form a
ring when interconnecting to each other. A computer in the
ring topology transmits the message, either clockwise or
counterclockwise through the computer on either side. The
message is then passed on from computer to computer until
it reaches the intended recipient.
3. Star Topology
The Star Topology uses a central device such as a
hub, switch or a router to connect a computer / computers to
the network. All communication requests are transmitted
through the central device before reaching the intended target
computer.
4. Mesh Topology
The Mesh Topology employs network redundancy
which means messages sent can take several routes from
source to destination. When one hub, switch or router is
the mesh routing topology. It is an act of transmitting data
from one place to another through a medium. Receiving and
sending of information through a channel.
Star Topology - Computer shops or internet café consists of
several computers connected to each other, what type
of topology is appropriate for this shop.
Client - Is a computer or device that is requesting a service or
resources from a server.
Server- Is a computer providing one or more services
(printing, file, data and information sharing, email, and
other applications) to serve other computers and
devices.
NETWORKING DEVICES
What are Network Devices?
Networking hardware, also known as network
equipment or computer networking devices, are electronic
devices which are required for communication and interaction
between devices on a computer network. Specifically, they
mediate data transmission in a computer network.
Network devices, or networking hardware, are
physical devices that are required for communication and
interaction between hardware on a computer network.
Types of network devices
1. Network Interface Card
2. Wi-Fi Card
3. Access Point
4. Hub
5. Switch
6. Router
7. Bridge
8. Gateway
9. Repeater
10. Modem
1. Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component
without which a computer cannot be connected over a
network. It is a circuit board installed in a computer that
provides a dedicated network connection to the computer. It
is also called network interface controller, network adapter or
LAN adapter.
A network interface controller is a computer hardware
component that connects a computer to a computer network.
Early network interface controllers were commonly
implemented on expansion cards that plugged into a
computer bus.
2. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Card - is used to connect any
devices to local network wirelessly.
3. WIRELESS ACCESS POINT - is a device, such as a
wireless router, that allows wireless devices to connect to a
network. Most access points have built-in routers, while
others must be connected to a router in order to provide
network access. The physical area of the network which
provides internet access through Wi-Fi is called Wi-Fi
hotspot or Wi-Fi Access Point.
7. BRIDGE – it connects two or more LANs. It operates at
data link layer. Bridge handles network that follows the same
TP Link TL-WA801ND
protocol.

TP Link EAP 110

8. GATEWAY – is a network device used to connect two or

more dissimilar networks.

9. REPEATER – are used to extend transmissions so that the

signal can cover longer distances of be received on the other
side of an obstruction.

4. HUB - Is a physical layer device which has multiple ports

that used to connect multiple computers or segments of LAN
together.
A hub, also called a network hub, is a common
connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are devices
commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. The hub
contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one port, it
is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the LAN
can see all packets

4. MANAGE SWITCH – is networking hubs that allow you to

hook up several devices to a network and manipulate how
traffic is controlled.
Hub just does the work of data forwarding while a
switch does “filter and forwarding” which is a more intelligent
way of dealing with data packets.
6. ROUTER - It is a device that performs like a wired router
without using cable to connect to a network.
Router is mainly a Network layer device. It can work
like a switch that routes data packages based on their IP
addresses.
10. MODEM – (modulators-demodulators) are used to
transmit digital signals over analog telephone lines. Thus,
digital signals are converted by the modem into analog
signals of different frequencies and transmitted to a modem at
the receiving location. The receiving modem performs the
reverse transformation and provides a digital output to a
device connected to a modem, usually a computer. The
digital data is usually transferred to or from the modem over a
serial line through an industry standard interface, RS-232.
Many telephone companies offer DSL services, and many
cable operators use modems as end terminals for
identification and recognition of home and personal users.
Modems work on both the Physical and Data Link layers.
 The main function of the modem is to convert digital
signal into analog and vice versa. Modem is a combination of
two devices − modulator and demodulator. The modulator
converts digital data into analog data when the data is being
sent by the computer. The demodulator converts analog
data signals into digital data when it is being received by the
computer.

Types of Modem

Modem can be categorized in several ways like direction in

which it can transmit data, type of connection to the
transmission line, transmission mode, etc. Depending on
direction of data transmission, modem can be of these types :
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Card
 Simplex − A simplex modem can transfer data in only one
-- Wi-Fi card is used to connect any devices to local network
direction, from digital device to network (modulator) or
wirelessly.
network to digital device (demodulator).
 Half duplex − A half-duplex modem has the capacity to
transfer data in both the directions but only one at a time.
 Full duplex − A full duplex modem can transmit data in
both the directions simultaneously.

These are differences between Hub, Switch and Router;

WIRELESS ACCESS POINT (WAP)

- Access Point – is a device, such as a wireless router, that
allows wireless devices to connect to a network. Most access
points have built-in routers, while others must be connected
to a router in order to provide network access.
- The physical area of the network which provides internet
access through Wi-Fi is called Wi-Fi hotspot or Wi-Fi Access
Point.

HUB
NETWORK DEVICES - Is a physical layer device which has multiple ports that used
Network devices are various hardware devices that used to to connect multiple computers or segments of LAN together.
connect computers, printers, etc. to a network.

NETWORK INTERFACE CARD

- A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component
without which a computer cannot be connected over a
network. It is a circuit board installed in a computer that
provides a dedicated network connection to the computer. It
is also called network interface controller, network adapter or
LAN adapter.
WIRELESS ROUTER
- It is a device that performs like a wired router without using
cable to connect to a network.
- Router is mainly a Network layer device. It can work like a
switch that routes data packages based on their IP
addresses.

WIRELESS ROUTER

NETWORKING TOOLS & MATERIALS

TOOLS
1. Crimping Tool – is a device used to conjoin two pieces of
metal by deforming one or both of them in a way that causes
them to hold each other. The result of the tool's work is called
Bridge & Gateways a crimp. A good example of crimping is the process of affixing
a connector to the end of a cable. For instance, network
cables and phone cables are created using a crimping tool to
join the RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors to both ends of either
phone or Cat 5 cable.
2. Punch Down Tool – also called IDC tool or a krone tool
(named after the Krone LSAPLUS connector), a small hand
tool used by telecommunication and network technicians. It is
used for inserting wire into insulation-displacement
connectors on punch down blocks, patch panels, keystone
modules, and surface mount boxes (also known as biscuit
jacks).

4. Patch Panel - in a local area network (LAN) is a mounted

hardware assembly that contains ports used to connect and
manage incoming and outgoing LAN cables. Patch panels are
also referred to as patch bays, patch fields or jack fields and
are also commonly used in radio and television.
MATERIALS

1. RJ45 – is a type of connector commonly used for Ethernet

networking. It looks similar to a telephone jack, but is slightly
wider. Since Ethernet cables have an RJ45 connector on
each end. Ethernet cables are sometimes also called RJ45
cables.
EQUIPMENT

1. LAN Tester or Network Cable Tester- is a device

designed to measure and test existing LAN connection. LAN
Testers are a must-have piece of equipment for every
network installer. Whatever it is an existing cable connection
troubleshooting or installation brand new cable connections,
cable tester checks the signal quality and point at exact
cables or cores that need an attention.
2. UTP Cable - UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair
cable. UTP cable is a 100-ohm copper cable that consists of
2 to 1800 unshielded twisted pairs surrounded by an outer
jacket. They have no metallic shield. This makes the cable
small in diameter but unprotected against electrical
interference. The twist helps to improve its immunity to
electrical noise and EMI.

2. Managed Switch – is networking hubs that allow you to

hook up several devices to a network and manipulate how
traffic is controlled.

3. Network Hub – A hub, also called a network hub, is a

3. Lan Wall Plate and Modular Box –these are the
common connection point for devices in a network. Hubs are
networking materials used for Cat5, Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet
devices commonly used to connect segments of a LAN. The
cable installation.
hub contains multiple ports. When a packet arrives at one
port, it is copied to the other ports so that all segments of the
LAN can see all packets.

4. Router – is hardware device designed to receive, analyze

4. Slotted PVC cable raceways - are very convenient for
and move
cable laying of on-wall installations in offices, laboratories,
incoming packets to another network. It may also be used to
workshops etc. They facilitate easy installation procedure,
convert the packets to another network interface, drop them,
swift replacement in case of damages and malfunction and
and perform other actions relating to a network.
supplementary cable laying. They can
secure good mechanical protection for electrical lines. They
assure good visibility and give a good esthetic look. They can
be installed on every surface, horizontally and vertically.
5. Access Point – is a device, such as a wireless router, that
allows wireless devices to connect to a network. Most access
points have built-in routers, while others must be connected
to a router in order to provide network access. In either case,
access points are typically hardwired to other devices, such
as network switches or broadband modems.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) & Occupational
Health and Safety (OHS)
PPE or Personal Protective Equipment refers to
protective clothing or other gear designed to protect the
wearer's body or clothing from injury by electrical hazards,
heat, chemicals, and infection, for job-related occupational
health and safety purposes. Being knowledgeable with PPE
will keep you safe from injuries as well as become more
competent in Computer Systems Servicing. Always
remember to wear PPE to protect yourself while working!
7 types of PPE to guarantee your safety at work
1. Safety for the Head – offer protection for the head and
can prevent head injuries. Examples of this PPE are helmets,
caps, hoods and hats.
2. Safety for the Eyes – provides prevention from bright light,
radiation and other eye injuries. Examples of this PPE are
spectacles, goggles, shields and visors.
3. Safety for the Ears – provides protection from high sound
levels such as ear muffs and plugs.
4. Safety for the Nose –offer protection against fine dust and
other dangerous particles such as disposable mask, safety
mask with cartridge, respirators.
5. Safety for the Hands – provides protection against cuts by
sharp materials or splashes from chemicals such as gloves,
gauntlets, mitts and armlets.
6. Safety for the Feet – protect the feet against heavy
weights and other feet injuries such as safety shoes, boots
and rubber soles.
7. Correct work clothing – protection for workers’ clothing
such as apron, jackets, high visibility jackets and clothing
made from strong fabric.
Computer technician and home computer builders
also have to guard their computer against deadly ravages of
static electricity as well as take steps to avoid injury.
Static Electricity
- is the discharge of electricity between two objects with
different electrical potential.
ESD (Electro Static Discharge)
- A small amount of static electricity that can destroy
small parts of your computer.
There are tools and equipment used to protect the user and
the computer system.
Types of personal protective devices:
1. Anti-static devices -Devices designed to protect the
computer from static electricity.
Examples:
1. Anti-static wrist strap
2. Anti-static mat
3. Anti-static bag
4. Anti-static spray
2. Power surge protectors
-Devices designed to protect the computer from
sudden power surges from intermittent power sources.
Examples:
1. AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulators)
2. UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)
3. Personal Equipment
1. Small paint brush – made of bristles set in handle, use for
cleaning dirty parts of a circuit or an object.
3. Screw drivers – are hand tools specifically designed to
insert and tighten, or to loosen and remove screws. A
screwdriver comprises a head or tip, which engages with a
screw, a mechanism to apply force by rotating the tip, and
some way to position and support the screwdriver, the tip of
which is shaped in to fit a particular type of screw.
4. Pliers - are used for gripping, holding, and cutting electrical
wires and cables and even small nails. They are usually used
by linemen in doing heavy tasks.
5. Tweezers - are small tools used for picking up objects too
small to be easily handled with the human fingers.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
OHS refers to the legislation, policies, procedures and
activities that aim to protect the health, safety and welfare of
all people at the workplace. The goals of occupational safety
and health programs are foster a safe and healthy work
environment. OHS may also protect co-workers, family
members, employers, customers, and many others who might
be affected by the workplace environment.
In the school as a computer teacher or trainer you
must be aware of how your students behave when they are
working in the computer laboratory, as well as implementing a
safe way of accomplishing every task.
Safety practices should be learned early and always
adhered to when working with any electrical device, including
personal computers and peripherals. This is for the protection
of not only the people working with them, but also for the
devices themselves. The basis for this process begins with
your Occupational Health and Safety Policies. Being safe in
your workplace is important. Make sure to remember and
apply these policies during your Competency Assessment
and when working in the industry.
Many organizations implement an Occupational
Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) as a
fundamental part of their risk management strategy to
address changing legislation and protect their workforce and
other persons working under their control.
Here in the Philippines, we have operational health
and safety procedures, practices and regulations formulated
by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under
Republic Act No. 11058 entitled “An act strengthening
compliance with occupational safety and health standards
and providing penalties for violations thereof”.
Here are some of the basic OHS policies and safety
standards in computer systems servicing:
1. Do not work alone so that there's someone who
can take care of you in case of emergency.
2. Always power off the computer and unplug the
computer before working on it.
3. Take away any liquid near your working area to
avoid getting electrocuted or accidentally damaging
computer parts.
 4. Be careful with tools that may cause short circuit.
5. Always ground or discharge yourself before
touching any part of the computer.
6. Do not use excessive force if things don't quite slip
into place.
7. Clean the area before and after using it to maintain
sanitation and prevent accidents.
8. Hold the components on the edges and do not
touch the Integrated Circuit (IC) parts.
9. Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
in accordance with the organization's OHS procedures and
practices.
10. Make sure that the pins are properly aligned when
connecting a cable connector.
11. Contingency measures during workplace
accidents, fire and other emergencies are recognized.
12. Use brush, compressed air or blower in cleaning
the computer system.
Network Cabling
What is Network Cabling?
Cable is the medium through which information
usually moves from one network device to another.
There are several types of cable which are commonly
used with LANs. In some cases, a network will utilize only one
type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types.
The type of cable chosen for a network is related to
the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the
characteristics of different types of cable and how they relate
to other aspects of a network is necessary for the
development of a successful network.
The following sections discuss the types of cables used
in networks and other related topics.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
Coaxial Cable
Fiber Optic Cable
Cable Installation Guides
Wireless LANs
Twisted pair cabling comes in two varieties:
shielded and unshielded.
Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is the most popular
and is generally the best option for school networks.The
quality of UTP may vary from telephone-grade wire to
extremely high-speed cable. The cable has four pairs of wires
inside the jacket. Each pair is twisted with a different number
of twists per inch to help eliminate interference from adjacent
pairs and other electrical devices. The tighter the twisting, the
higher the supported transmission rate and the greater the
cost per foot. The EIA/TIA (Electronic Industry
Association/Telecommunication Industry Association) has
established standards of UTP and rated six categories of wire
(additional categories are emerging).
Unshielded Twisted Pair Connector
The standard connector for unshielded twisted pair
cabling is an RJ-45 connector. This is a plastic connector that
looks like a large telephone-style connector. A slot allows the
RJ-45 to be inserted only one way. RJ stands for Registered
Jack, implying that the connector follows a standard
borrowed from the telephone industry. This standard
designates which wire goes with each pin inside the
connector.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
Although UTP cable is the least expensive cable, it
may be susceptible to radio and electrical frequency
interference (it should not be too close to electric motors,
fluorescent lights, etc.). If you must place cable in
environments with lots of potential interference, or if you must
place cable in extremely sensitive environments that may be
susceptible to the electrical current in the UTP, shielded
twisted pair may be the solution. Shielded cables can also
help to extend the maximum distance of the cables.
Shielded twisted pair cable is available in three
different configurations:
1. Each pair of wires is individually shielded with foil.
2. There is a foil or braid shield inside the jacket
covering all wires (as a group).
3. There is a shield around each individual pair, as
well as around the entire group of wires (referred to as
double shield twisted pair).
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cabling has a single copper conductor at its
center. A plastic layer provides insulation between the center
conductor and a braided metal shield. The metal shield helps
to block any outside interference from fluorescent lights,
motors, and other computers.
Although coaxial cabling is difficult to install, it is
highly resistant to signal interference. In addition, it can
support greater cable lengths between network devices than
twisted pair cable. The two types of coaxial cabling are thick
coaxial and thin coaxial.
Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet.
10Base2 refers to the specifications for thin coaxial cable
carrying Ethernet signals. The 2 refers to the approximate
maximum segment length being 200 meters. In actual fact the
maximum segment length is 185 meters. Thin coaxial cable
has been popular in school networks, especially linear bus
networks.
Thick coaxial cable is also referred to as thicknet.
10Base5 refers to the specifications for thick coaxial cable
carrying Ethernet signals. The 5 refers to the maximum
segment length being 500 meters. Thick coaxial cable has an
extra protective plastic cover that helps keep moisture away
from the center conductor. This makes thick coaxial a great
choice when running longer lengths in a linear bus network.
One disadvantage of thick coaxial is that it does not bend
easily and is difficult to install.
Coaxial Cable Connectors
The most common type of connector used with
coaxial cables is the Bayone-Neill-Concelman (BNC)
connector.
Different types of adapters are available for BNC
connectors, including a T-connector, barrel connector, and
terminator.
Connectors on the cable are the weakest points in
any network. To help avoid problems with your network,
always use the BNC connectors that crimp, rather screw, onto
the cable.
Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cabling consists of a center glass core
surrounded by several layers of protective materials. It
transmits light rather than electronic signals eliminating the
problem of electrical interference. This makes it ideal for
certain environments that contain a large amount of electrical
interference. It has also made it the standard for connecting
networks between buildings, due to its immunity to the effects
of moisture and lighting.
Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals
over much longer distances than coaxial and twisted pair. It
also has the capability to carry information at vastly greater
speeds. This capacity broadens communication possibilities
to include services such as video conferencing and interactive
services. The cost of fiber optic cabling is comparable to
copper cabling; however, it is more difficult to install and
modify.
10BaseF refers to the specifications for fiber optic cable
carrying Ethernet signals.The center core of fiber cables is
made from glass or plastic fibers (see fig 5). A plastic coating
then cushions the fiber center, and kevlar fibers help to
strengthen the cables and prevent breakage. The outer
insulating jacket made of teflon or PVC.
There are two common types of fiber cables -- single
mode and multimode. Multimode cable has a larger
diameter; however, both cables provide high bandwidth at
high speeds. Single mode can provide more distance, but it
is more expensive.

Installing Cable - Some Guidelines

When running cable, it is best to follow a few simple
rules:
-Always use more cable than you need. Leave plenty
of slack.

-Test every part of a network as you install it. Even if it

is brand new, it may have problems that will be difficult to
isolate later.

-Stay at least 3 feet away from fluorescent light boxes

and other sources of electrical interference.

-If it is necessary to run cable across the floor, cover
the cable with cable protectors.
-Label both ends of each cable.
-Use cable ties (not tape) to keep cables in the same
location together.
What is a Crossover Cable?
A Crossover cable is a type of CAT where one end is
T568A configuration and the other as T568B configuration.
Pin 1 is crossed with Pin 3 and Pin 2 is crossed with Pin 6.
Crossover cable is used to connect two computers
together without using a switch or hub in between

TIA/EIA 568A & 568B STANDARDS WIRING

FOR UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR (UTP) CABLE
There are two majors Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable
wiring standards used widely in networking industry.
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)/Electronic
Industries Alliance (EIA) developed the TIA/EIA 568A &
TIA/EIA 568B standards for Unshielded Twisted Pair wiring.
T568A and T568B are the two color codes used for
wiring eight-position RJ45 modular plugs. Both are allowed
under the ANSI/TIA/EIA wiring standards. The only difference
between the two color codes is that the orange and green
pairs are interchanged.
T568A wiring pattern is recognized as the preferred
wiring pattern for this standard because it provides backward
compatibility to both one pair and two pair USOC wiring
schemes.
The T568B standard matches the older ATA&T 258A
color code and is/was the most widely used wiring scheme. It
is also permitted by the ANSI/TIA/EIA standard, but it
provides only a single pair backward compatibility to the
USOC wiring scheme.
The U.S. Government requires the use of the
preferred T568A standard for wiring done under federal
contracts.

What is a Straight Through Cable?

Straight-through cable is a type of CAT5 which the
RJ-45 connectors at each end have the same pin out. (color
code use on both ends are the same)
Straight-Through cable is also referred to as a
“patch cable.” Straight-through cable is used to connect
computers and other end user devices to networking devices
such as hubs & switches.