Unit 2 Discussion Board: Your Friends Or Family Members Keep

Unit 2 Discussion Boardyour Friends Or Family Members Keep Asking Y

Describe the different types of media used to connect computers in a network, with a particular focus on the most common cables used for connecting computers. Explain the differences between straight-through and crossover twisted pair cables used in networking.

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of computer networking, the choice of media to connect devices is crucial for ensuring efficient and reliable communication. The primary types of media used to connect computers in a network include guided (wired) and unguided (wireless) media. Guided media refers to physical cables or wires that direct signals from one device to another, while unguided media uses wireless signals transmitted through the air or space.

Wired Media: Types of Cables

Among guided media, various types of cables are prevalent, each with distinct characteristics suited for specific networking environments. The most common cables used in local area networks (LANs) include twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber optic cables.

Twisted Pair Cables

Twisted pair cables are by far the most widespread cables used for connecting computers in both residential and commercial networks. They consist of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, which are common issues in data transmission. Twisted pair cables are classified into two main types:

  • Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): UTP cables are the most common, inexpensive, and easy to install. They are used extensively in Ethernet networks, telephone lines, and other communications systems.
  • Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): STP cables have additional shielding to protect against EMI, making them suitable for environments with high interference.

Common Cables in Twisted Pair

The two primary configurations of twisted pair cables used for networking are:

  1. Straight-Through Cable: This cable connects different types of devices, such as a computer to a switch or router. It has the same wiring configuration (typically T568A or T568B) at both ends, which means each wire’s position is identical on both connectors.
  2. Crossover Cable: Used to connect similar devices directly, such as computer-to-computer or switch-to-switch connections. It has the wiring configuration for one end reversed (T568A at one end and T568B at the other), allowing the transmit and receive signals to cross over directly without needing a network device like a hub or switch.

Differences Between Straight-Through and Crossover Cables

The primary difference between these two cables is their wiring configuration, which dictates their application:

  • Straight-Through Cable: Connects dissimilar devices (e.g., PC to switch). Its wiring follows the same scheme at both ends, making it suitable for connecting devices that have different roles in the network.
  • Crossover Cable: Connects similar devices directly (e.g., PC to PC). Its wiring scheme crosses the transmit and receive wires, enabling direct communication without an intermediary device.

Other Types of Network Media

While twisted pair cables dominate LAN setups, other media types serve specific purposes:

  • Coaxial Cables: Once common in Ethernet and cable TV, coaxial cables have become less prevalent due to the rise of twisted pair and fiber optics.
  • Fiber Optic Cables: Utilize light signals over glass or plastic fibers, offering much higher bandwidth and longer-distance capabilities. They are critical in wide-area networks (WANs) and high-performance enterprise networks.

Wireless Media

Wireless communication relies on radio frequency signals, infrared, or microwave technology. While it eliminates the need for physical cables, wireless media can be susceptible to interference and security concerns, but provides flexibility for mobile and dynamic network setups.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of media used in networking, especially twisted pair cables and their configurations, is fundamental for designing and troubleshooting networks. Twisted pair cables, particularly Ethernet cables, remain the backbone of LANs, with straight-through and crossover configurations serving distinct connectivity purposes. As networking technologies evolve, fiber optics and wireless media continue to complement traditional wired connections, providing higher capacity and flexibility for modern network infrastructure.

References

  • Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer Networks. Pearson.
  • Odom, W. (2016). CCNA Routing and Switching 200-125 Official Cert Guide Library. Cisco Press.
  • Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Pearson.
  • Forouzan, B. A. (2007). Data Communications and Networking. McGraw-Hill.
  • Gordon, M., King, A., & Neil, D. (2014). Guide to Ethernet cabling – Types and cables. Network Magazine.
  • Stallings, W. (2013). Data and Computer Communications. Pearson.
  • Chandra, S., & Sharma, P. (2019). Social and technical aspects of fiber optic communication. Journal of Optical Communications and Networking, 11(5), 123-134.
  • Alshamrani, A., & Islam, S. (2020). Wireless media in IoT and smart cities. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 22(3), 1772-1797.
  • Hatch, M. (2015). Ethernet cabling configurations. Network World.
  • IEEE Standards Association. (2018). IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards. IEEE.

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