Lab manual 01

Objective:
Study of different types of network cables and practically implement crossover and
straight cables using clamping tools.

Theory:
An Ethernet cable is a network cable used for wired connections to the Internet.
Ethernet cables can be wired as straight through or crossover.

Straight cables:

A straight through cable is a type of twisted pair cable that is used in local area
networks to connect a computer to a network hub such as a router. On a straight through
cable, the wired pins match. Straight through cable use one wiring standard: both ends use
T568A wiring standard or both ends use T568B wiring standard. In essence, straight through
cables are primarily used for connecting unlike devices. For example switch to router.

Straight through

Side one Side two

Crossover Cable:

A crossover Ethernet cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect computing

devices together directly. Unlike straight through cable, the RJ45 crossover cable uses two
different wiring standards: one end uses the T568A wiring standard and the other end uses
the T568B wiring standard. It is most often used to connect two devices of the same type for
example computer to computer, hub to hub etcetera.

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 Crossover

Network cables are primarily used in Ethernet LANs, and they are used to connect two or
more computers or networking devices in a network. These cables are essentially the carrier
or media through which data flows. There are three types of network cables

I. Twisted-pair cables
This cable consists of color-coded pairs of insulated copper wires. Every two wires
are twisted around each other to form pair. Usually, there are four pairs. Each pair has
one solid color and one stripped color wire. Solid colors are blue, brown, green, and
orange. In stripped color, the solid color is mixed with the white color.
Twisted pair cables can transmit data at 10Mbps, 100Mbps, 1Gbps, and 10Gbps.
There are two types of twisted-pair cable;

UTP (Unshielded twisted-pair) cable: all pairs are wrapped in a single plastic
sheath.
STP (Shielded twisted-pair) cable: each pair is wrapped with an additional metal
shield, and then all pairs are wrapped in a single outer plastic sheath.

 Since the STP cable contains more materials, it is more expensive than the UTP cable.

 The STP provides more noise and EMI resistance than the UTP cable.

II. Coaxial cables

This cable contains a conductor, insulator, braiding, and sheath.

Sheath:
Outer layer that protects the coaxial cable from physical damage.
Braided shield:
This shield protects signals from external interference and noise.

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 Insulation:
Insulation protects the core. It also keeps the core separate from the braided
shield. Since both the core and the braided shield use the same metal, without this
layer, they will touch each other and create a short-circuit in the wire.
Conductor:
The conductor carries electromagnetic signals.

Use of Coaxial cable

In its use within the network, the current coaxial cable has been replaced by
the Twisted Pair cable described later. Typically, this coaxial cable is used on the type
of network that has a bus network topology and ring topology.

Coaxial Cable Disadvantages

One of the major disadvantages of this type of coaxial cable in the network is
because it has a limited range and quality of transmitting data, so it is rarely used. In
addition, coaxial cable is also considered less flexible, especially when compared with
twisted pair cable.

III. Fiber Optic Cable

This cable consists of a core, cladding, buffer, and jacket.
 Core carries the data signals in the form of light.
 Cladding reflects light back to the core.
 Buffer protects the light from leaking.
 The jacket protects the cable from physical damage.

This cable can transmit data over a long distance at the highest speed. It can transmit data up
to 40 kilometers at the speed of 100Gbps.

Fiber Optic Advantages

 Able to transmit signals at high speed

 Simple and also flexible
 Can transmit pulses

Apparatus (Components):
RJ-45 connector, Clamping Tool, Twisted pair Cable

Procedure:
To do these practical following steps should be done:

1. Start by stripping off about 2 inches of the plastic jacket off the end of the
cable. Be very careful at this point, as to not nick or cut into the wires, which are
inside. Doing so could alter the characteristics of your cable, or even worse render is
useless. Check the wires, one more time for nicks or cuts. If there are any, just whack
the whole end off, and start over.

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 2. Spread the wires apart, but be sure to hold onto the base of the jacket with
your other hand. You do not want the wires to become untwisted down inside the
jacket. Category 5 cable must only have 1/2 of an inch of 'untwisted' wire at the end;
otherwise it will be 'out of spec'. At this Point, you obviously have ALOT more than
1/2 of an inch of un-twisted wire.
3. You have 2 end jacks, which must be installed on your cable. If you are
using a pre-made cable, with one of the ends whacked off, you only have one end to
install - the crossed over end. Below are two diagrams, which show how you need to
arrange the cables for each type of cable end. Decide at this point which end you are
making and examine the associated picture below.

Diagram shows you how to prepare cross over wired connection

Diagram shows you how to prepare straight through wired connection

Comments:

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