Module 3: Networking Media

Overview
You are learning all of the major media used in communicating any information anywhere. The two "bounded media" of copper and optical fiber, and the "unbounded" medium of wireless, are the physical basis for the world revolution in communications systems. The challenge of learning more about the basic properties and behavior of networking media can be justified as an interesting and important part of joining the community of networking professionals. Also, the physical reality of the materials and cables discussed is more easily understood than many other topics in networking.

Module 3 Caution
This module deals with a fair amount of physics and geometry, which may prove challenging for many students.

Students completing this module should be able to perform the following tasks:

• Discuss the electrical properties of matter
• Define voltage, resistance, impedance, current, and circuits
• Describe the specifications and performances of different types of cable
• Describe coaxial cable and its advantages and disadvantages over other types of cable
• Describe shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable and its uses
• Describe unshielded twisted-pair cable (UTP) and its uses
• Discuss the characteristics of straight-through, crossover, and rollover cables and
  where each is used
• Explain the basics of fiber-optic cable
• Describe how fibers can guide light for long distances
• Describe multimode and single-mode fiber
• Describe how fiber is installed
• Describe the type of connectors and equipment used with fiber-optic cable
• Explain how fiber is tested to ensure that it will function properly
• Discuss safety issues dealing with fiber optics

3.1 Copper Media
Essential labs: 3.1.5, 3.1.9a, 3.1.9b, 3.1.9c, 3.1.9d, and 3.1.9e
Optional labs: 3.1.1, 3.1.2, and 3.1.3
Core TIs: 3.1.5, 3.1.9

3.2 Optical Media
Essential labs: none
Optional labs: 3.2.8
Core TIs: 3.2.1, 3.2.6

3.3 Wireless Media
Essential labs: none
Optional labs: none
Core TIs: 3.3.2

Reading to be Done:

READ MODULE 3 ON LINE

There are interactive media options available at the end of some of the pages.  It would be helpful TO YOU if you attempted these.  The quizzes are also a good option.  They give you an idea of what to expect on the test.

Review the following Powerpoints

Cisco PowerPoint Presentation

HFCC PowerPoint

Multimeter

Making a Cable

Other Documents to be Read/Reviewed: 

Outline of Chapter

Making a straight-through cable

Making a Cross-over cable

Rollover cable

Wiring tutorial for 10BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair

Wire Map

Wi-fi article

Writing Assignments:  see due dates

Module 3 Study Guide/ Review - print, complete and hand in 

Labs Required:

DO NOT PRINT LABS IN MY ROOM--PLEASE.  I have 10 labs books, please use these as reference or look up via the curriculum.

Quiz:  Test your knowledge

Tests:

Module 3

Make a cable

Use of a multimeter