Network cabling and connectors form the physical foundation of network infrastructure. CompTIA Network+ emphasizes understanding various cable types and their appropriate connectors. Copper Cabling includes: - Twisted Pair: UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) and STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables consist of wire pairs twisted together to reduce interference. Common categories include Cat5e (1 Gbps), Cat6 (10 Gbps over shorter distances), Cat6a (10 Gbps over 100m), and Cat7 (fully shielded). - Coaxial: Features a central conductor surrounded by insulation and shielding, used in cable television networks, legacy networks, and connecting antennas. Fiber Optic Cabling transmits data via light pulses through glass or plastic cores: - Single-mode: Thin core (8-10 microns) for long-distance transmission up to 100km - Multimode: Larger core (50-62.5 microns) for shorter distances up to 2km Common connectors include: - RJ-45: Standard connector for twisted pair Ethernet networks - RJ-11: Used for telephone connections - F-Type: Used with coaxial cables for cable TV and cable internet - BNC: Bayonet-style connector for coaxial networks - ST, SC, LC, and MT-RJ: Various fiber optic connectors differing in size and connection mechanism Networking standards define cable specifications: - T568A and T568B pinout standards for twisted pair - TIA/EIA standards for structured cabling Considerations for cable installation include: - Maximum cable lengths (100m for copper Ethernet) - Environmental factors (plenum vs. non-plenum) - Interference sources - Bend radius limitations - Fire ratings Proper cable testing and certification using tools like cable testers and TDRs ensures network reliability and performance.

Network cabling and connectors form the physical foundation of network infrastructure. CompTIA Network+ emphasizes understanding various cable types and their appropriate connectors. Copper Cabling …

Concepts covered: Structured cabling, Fiber optic cabling, Patch Panel, Cable Shielding, Cable termination and connectors, Cable testing and troubleshooting, Twisted pair cabling, Coaxial Cabling, Crossover Cable, Power over Ethernet (PoE)