Analyze Ethernet Cable

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• Explore the fundamental concepts of networking
• Become familiar with various network models: 5-layer and 7-layer model
• Examine the application and the physical network layers

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Category 5 Enhanced cable is a guided medium of the twisted pair type; The cable contains 8 wires twisted into pairs to minimize electromagnetic interference between each pair (FitzGerald & Durcikova, 2018, Section 3.3). During digital transmission, electrical/light pulses are transmitted over the wire using binary code. According to FitzGerald & Durcikova, the electrical pulse generates a magnetic field that can be picked up by the other wires (2017). By twisted polar opposite wires together, the magnetic field is cancelled out diminishing the amount of interference between each pair.

The RJ45 modular plug contains 8 different pins, one for each wire. The wires need to be placed in order depending on which wiring scheme is used, currently the T568A and T568B are the standards specified by ANSI, TIA and EIA (BeyondTech, 2016). The T568B is the preferred standard in the United States as it is matching the AT&T’s 258A color code. Once the wires are placed in the correct order, the pin will make a connection with the wire and allow the data to be transmitted into the receiver, or into the network (FitzGerald & Durcikova, 2018).

After reviewing the installation instructions and reviewing W2aew’s video on how to install the RJ45 connecter, the following is the steps needed to install the connector:

1. Strip away an inch off of the outer cable jacket of the Cat5E cable to expose the wires within.
2. Untwist and straighten the cables.
3. Lay the cables next to each other by using the T568B color scheme standard.
4. Cut the cable
5. With the RJ45 connector tab facing down, slide the connector over the cables.
6. Ensure the pins and the cables are making a connection and press the connector in place.

The URL to the installation instructions: https://www.vpi.us/technical-articles/assemble-cat6-clp-625Links to an external site.

Resources:

• BeyondTech. (27 June 2016). Retrieved from https://beyondtech.us/blogs/beyond-blog/difference-t568a-t568bLinks to an external site.
• FitzGerald, J., Dennis, A., & Durcikova, A. (2017). Business data communications and networking (13th ed.). Retrieved from https://vitalsource.comLinks to an external site.
• W2aew. (6 Jan 2014). #124: How to install an RJ45 connector on a CAT5 Ethernet network Patch Cable [video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4aL62ixJVc