Tag Archives: Wired Networking

Chap. 2 Lab – Network Assembly

Objective

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of Networking fundamentals by organizing and assembling a local area network in accordance with OSHA regulations and best practices.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • Chapter 2: The Internet and World Wide Web
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Local Area Network
  • Network Topologies
  • Hubs vs Switches
  • TCP/IP – Transport Connect Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • Cable Management

Assignment:

  1. This week, we will be working in one of the Computer Studies labs, where we will organize and assemble a local area network to function in a working classroom.
  2. Observe the lab that we are working in. Section 1910.22(b)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act states: “Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repairs, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.” Do you see any conditions in the lab that might violate this standard?
  3. Each student collect their Dell PC from the shelf where they are stored, as well as all of the necessary cables and peripherals, taking care to keep the cables organized and close to the PC. Students should also take note of the collection of network cables, as they will be called upon to select one of an appropriate length when it is time to assemble the network.
  4. Refer to the in-class discussion on Network Hardware and Network Topologies – which would be the best physical topology for the proposed class configuration, given the networking equipment we have on hand?
  5. As a class, we will decide on the best arrangement for the desks and tables, given the room’s existing network infrastructure and the technical and physical requirements of our class, as well as OSHA regulations and best practices.
  6. With these requirements in mind, reassemble the network according to the instructor’s directions. Take care to bundle network and power cables and to ensure that they do not protrude from the desks and present a snag hazard, or cross walkways and present a tripping hazard.
  7. Are the networking devices we are using hubs or switches? How can you tell the difference? Can you tell just by looking at the device?
  8. What type of cable are we using? Why are we using this type of cable? Why are we even using cable instead of connecting the workstations to the Wi-Fi network? What are the benefits of wired networking over wireless?
  9. As the network takes shape, can you see why the topology selected was the best to suit the classroom conditions?
  10. Participation points will be awarded for participating in the lab rebuild. You must be in attendance and participate each day of the lab to receive credit, so don’t miss class and don’t miss out on some easy lab points!

Assigned: September 25th, 2017
Due Date: September 29th, 2017

Chap. 6 Lab – Ethernet Cat5e Patch Cable Assembly

Objective

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of physical networking media by assembling a Cat5e network cable to the Ethernet EIA/TIA 568A and 568B standards.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • Chapter 6: The Internet and World Wide Web
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Ethernet
  • EIA/TIA
  • 568A & 568B Standards
  • Cat5, 5e & 6
  • Local Area Network
  • Cable Management

Assignment:

  1. This week, we will be working on our Ethernet Cabling exercise, where we will assemble an Ethernet Cat5e cable to the EIA/TIA 568A and 568B standards.
  2. Visit the web links provided above for instructions on how to build a Cat5e cable to the EIA/TIA 568A or 568B spec. Read through the instructions completely before proceeding. Pay particular notice to the difference between a “passthrough” cable and a “crossover” cable.
  3. Visit the rolling cart to pick up your tools and materials. You will need a arm’s length of Cat5e cable, two RJ-45 cable ends (with load bars), and a crimper tool.
  4. Follow the instructions to build your passthrough patch cable.
  5. Once you have your passthrough cable built, test it using the provided cable tester. If your cable test is successful, you may proceed to build a “crossover” cable for extra credit.
  6. Use clear tape and a marker to label your cables with your name and what type of cable it is (passthrough or crossover), and place it in the wire basket on the front table in the room.
  7. Once they are graded, you are free to take your Cat5e cable home for your own use. Cables left behind will be deployed within the department.

Assigned: January 20th, 2017
Due Date: January 21st, 2017

Chap. 2 Lab – Network Disassembly and Reassembly

Objective

  • I can demonstrate my understanding of Networking fundamentals by disassembling, organizing and reassembling a local area network in accordance with OSHA regulations and best practices.

Links:

Topics Discussed:

  • Chapter 2: The Internet and World Wide Web
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Local Area Network
  • Network Topologies
  • Hubs vs Switches
  • TCP/IP – Transport Connect Protocol/Internet Protocol
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration
  • Cable Management

Assignment:

  1. This week, we will be working in one of the Computer Studies labs, where we will disassemble, organize and reassemble a local area network to function in a working classroom.
  2. Observe the lab that we are working in. Section 1910.22(b)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act states: “Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repairs, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard.” Do you see any conditions in the lab that might violate this standard?
  3. Each student should select a portion of the classroom and begin disconnecting all network and power cables from the individual workstations, taking care to keep the cables organized and close to the workstations, as they will be used to reassemble the network once the workstations are moved.
  4.  All cables should be removed from the floor and metal cable channels and set aside for later use.
  5. Refer to the in-class discussion on Network Topologies – which would be the best physical topology for the proposed class configuration, given the networking equipment we have on hand?
  6. Once the classroom desks and workstations have been moved, reassemble the network according to the instructor’s directions. Take care to bundle network and power cables and to ensure that they do not protrude from the desks and present a snag hazard, or cross walkways and present a tripping hazard.
  7. Are the networking devices we are using hubs or switches? How can you tell the difference? Can you tell just by looking at the device?
  8. What type of cable are we using? Why are we using this type of cable? Why are we even using cable instead of connecting the workstations to the Wi-Fi network? What are the benefits of wired networking over wireless?
  9. As the network takes shape, can you see why the topology selected was the best to suit the classroom conditions?
  10. Participation points will be awarded for participating in the lab teardown/rebuild. You must be in attendance and participate each day of the lab to receive credit, so don’t miss class and don’t miss out on some easy lab points!

Assigned: September 27th, 2016
Due Date: September 30th, 2016