Understanding Wired and Wireless Networks

This chapter describes the concept of wired and wireless networks. Wired networks are still the most common type of physical connection that computers make. Although wireless networks have made many inroads into many organizations, the wired connection is still king. And twisted‐pair cabling is the most common connection that the bulk of computers will make. As mentioned, twisted‐pair cable is the most common cable used in local area networks. It's relatively easy to work with, flexible, efficient, and fast. As a network administrator, you should know how to identify the different types of twisted‐pair cabling, as well as how to install twisted‐pair cabling in a permanent fashion and as a temporary solution. It's also important to know how to test twisted‐pair cables in the event one fails or as a way of proving that new installations work properly. Twisted‐pair cables are the most common of all copper‐based cables. A single twisted pair cable has eight wires; they are insulation‐covered copper conductors that transmit electric signals. This is just one type of copper media, but it is the most common. These eight wires are grouped into four pairs: blue, orange, green, and brown. Each pair of wires is twisted along the entire length of the cable. And all of the pairs are twisted together as well.