Network Management and Infrastructure Blog

Week 4 Blog Post Types of cabling used in networks Stranded core cabling consists of multiple smaller wires twisted or braided together to form a single conductor. This design offers increased flexibility and durability, making it ideal for applications where the cable needs to be frequently moved or bent, such as in portable devices or environments with constant movement. The individual strands help distribute stress and prevent breakage over time. However, stranded cables tend to have slightly higher electrical resistance and can be more expensive to manufacture than solid core cables. While they are less suitable for long-distance transmission due to their higher resistance, stranded cables are commonly used in Ethernet networking, audio systems, and power distribution, where flexibility is essential. Solid core cabling features a single, solid conductor, typically made of copper, and is used for transmitting electrical signals or power. It provides better conductivity and lower res...

 Week 3 Blog Post - Ethernet, Hubs and Switches Switches and hubs were some of the easiest networking concepts for me to grasp, but they also demonstrate how far technology has advanced. Hubs, which broadcast data to all devices, were a step forward in their time but slowed networks down and lacked security. Switches improved on this by sending data only to the intended device, boosting speed and privacy. They also introduced features like the Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent connection issues. This evolution highlights the critical role of cabling as the backbone of any network. With options like fiber optics, Cat 5e, and S/FTP, choosing the right cable is essential, though sorting through similar types like UTP and FTP can be challenging. The progress from early standards to technologies like Gigabit and even Fiber optics is crazy. The shift from basic hubs to intelligent switches has made networks faster, smarter, and more efficient, powering everything from video streaming t...

I knew that cables and connectors existed, but I had no idea there were so many different types. Twisted pair cables are commonly used because they’re easy to handle and provide reliable speeds over short distances. Then there are fiber optic cables, which I’m familiar with since I use them for my internet and the speed is impressive. This week, the chapter also covered network architecture and the devices that enable data transmission. Ethernet is a widely used method for devices to connect and share information. Devices like hubs, switches, and routers play a crucial role in directing the data traffic. Hubs send data to all devices, while switches are more efficient, routing data only to the intended recipient. Routers connect networks such as  home networks or office networks to the internet. Understanding how these devices work together is key to effective network management and troubleshooting.