Module 10

Planning and Cabling

Networks

introduction

This module deals with planning and cabling networks. On the previous modules,
the focus has been on understanding the services provided by networks. The OSI model
has been compared to the TCP/IP model and Ethernet has been discussed as a LAN
standard. The LAN design process is an important concept because the purpose of a LAN is
to meet user needs. Networking professionals must be able to plan a LAN design based on
user requirements, cost factors and deployment options. This process has four main parts:
study, selection and design, implementation and operation. In addition, it is very important
to learn to correctly identify media and connection types. sssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Lesson 1 : LAN DEVICES ANd PROCESS

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

 Define the following key terms: internetwork devices, intranetwork devices, work
area, horizontal cabling, telecommunication room, vertical cabling, attenuation, RJ
45, MDI and MDIX.
 Understand the key aspects of choosing the appropriate LAN devices.
 Identify the correct cable to use in the LAN environment and identify the pinouts of
the different cables.
 Describe the four physical areas in LAN cabling.
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LANs: Making the Physical Connection

• Routers are the primary internetwork devices used to interconnect LANs.

o Each port on a router connects to a different network and routes packets

between the networks.

o Routers have the ability to break up broadcast domains and collision domains.

o Routers are also used to interconnect networks that use different technologies.

o They can have both LAN and WAN interfaces.

• Hubs and switches are the most common intranetwork devices.

a. Hub

o Regenerates all signal over all ports except the incoming port.
o All devices share bandwidth.
o Single collision domain.
o Less expensive than switches.
o Performance poorer than switches due to collisions and recovery.
o Can extend the length of a cable run.
b. Switch

o Sends the frame to the correct destination port.

o Dedicated bandwidth on all ports.
o Segments a network into multiple collision domains.
o More expensive than a hub.
o Enhanced reliability and performance.

Switch Selection Factors

a. Cost - The cost of a switch is determined by its capacity and features.

 The switch capacity includes the number and types of ports available and the
switching speed.

 Other factors that impact the cost are its network management capabilities,
embedded security technologies, and optional advanced switching technologies.

 Another cost consideration is how much to invest in redundancy.

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b. Speed and Types of Ports/Interfaces - Newer computers with built-in 10/100/1000

Mbps NICs are available. Choosing Layer 2 devices that can accommodate increased
speeds allows the network to evolve without replacing the central devices.

 When selecting a switch, choosing the number and type of ports is a critical
decision. Ask yourself these questions: Would you purchase a switch with:

o Just enough ports for today's needs?

o A mixture of UTP speeds?

o Both UTP and fiber ports?

c. Expandable/Modular

d. Manageable

Router Selection Factors

When selecting a router, we need to match:

a. Cost - Routers can be expensive based on interfaces and features.

b. Interface types - Additional module, such as fiber-optics, can increase the

costs.

c. Expandability - Routers come in both fixed and modular configurations.

o Fixed configurations have a specific number and type of ports.

o Modular devices have expansion slots that provide the flexibility to add
new modules as requirements evolve. Most modular devices come with a
basic number of fixed ports as well as expansion slots.

d. Media - The media used to connect to the router should be supported

without needing to purchase additional modules.

e. Operating System Features - Depending on the version of the operating

system, the router can support certain features and services such as:

o Security
o Quality of Service (QoS)
o Voice over IP (VoIP)
o Routing multiple Layer 3 protocols
o Services such as NAT and DHCP

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LAN Cabling

When planning the LAN cabling, there are four (4) areas:

a. Work area

o It is the locations for the end devices and individual users.

o It uses patch cables to connect individual devices to wall jacks.

o It has a maximum length of 5 meters.

o Straight-through cable is the most common patch cable used.

o When a hub or switch is placed in the work area, a crossover cable is

typically used to connect the device to the wall jack.

b. Distribution cabling, also known as horizontal cabling

o Horizontal cabling refers to the cables connecting the telecommunication

rooms with the work areas.

o The maximum length for a cable from a termination point in the

telecommunication room to the termination at the work area outlet must
not exceed 90 meters.

o This 90 meter maximum cabling distance is the permanent link because it

is installed in the building structure.

c. Telecommunications room (distribution facility)

o The rooms contain - hubs, switches, routers, and data service units
(DSUs) - that tie the network together.

o These devices provide the transitions between the backbone cabling and
the horizontal cabling.

o The patch cord, with a length of up to 5 meters, is used to connect

equipment and patch panels in the telecommunications room.

o These rooms often serve dual purposes. In many organizations, the

telecommunications room also contains the servers.

d. Backbone cabling (vertical cabling)

o Backbone cabling refers to the cabling used to connect telecommunication

rooms to the equipment rooms, where the servers are often located.

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o Backbone cabling also interconnects multiple telecommunications rooms

throughout the facility.

o These cables are sometimes routed outside the building to the WAN
connection or ISP.

o Backbones cabling are used for aggregated traffic, such as traffic to and from
the Internet and access to corporate resources.

o Therefore, backbones typically require high bandwidth media such as fiber-

optic cabling.

Figure 10.1 Four Physical Areas

Types of Media

Choosing the cables necessary to make a successful LAN or WAN connection

requires consideration of the different media types.

 UTP (Category 5, 5e, 6, and 7)

 Fiber-optics

 Wireless

Each media type has its advantages and disadvantages:

a. Cable Length - The total length of cable to connect a device includes all
cables from the end device in the work area to the intermediary device in the
telecommunications room.

Attenuation: The reduction of the strength of the signal as it moves down a

medium. The longer the medium the more affect attenuation has on the
signal.

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b. Cost - It can vary from media type to media type. The media should match
the performance needs of the users with the cost of the equipment in a
perfect setting, the budget would allow for fiber-optic cabling to every device
in the LAN.

o Provides greater bandwidth than UTP

o Material and installation costs are significantly higher.

c. Bandwidth - The devices in a network have different bandwidth

requirements. For example, a server generally has a need for more
bandwidth than a computer dedicated to a single user.

d. Ease of Installation - The ease of cable installation varies according to cable

types and building architecture.

e. Susceptible to EMI or RFI - Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio

Frequency Interference (RFI) must be taken into consideration when
choosing a media type for a LAN.

o Can significantly impact data transfer

o Electrical machines
o Lightning
o Other communication devices
o Power cables
o Distance between buildings
o Wireless security systems
o Radio / microwave systems

RJ-45 connector
 UTP cabling connections are specified by the Electronics Industry Alliance /
Telecommunications Industry Association (EIA/TIA).
 The RJ-45 connector is the male component crimped on the end of the cable.
– When viewed from the front, the pins are numbered from 8 to 1.
– When viewed from above with the opening gate facing you, the pins are
numbered 1 through 8, from left to right.

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Figure 10.2
RJ 45 Connector

Making LAN Connections

• Devices use one of two types of UTP interfaces:

a. Media-Dependent Interface (MDI)

o Transmit: Pins 1 and 2 Receive: Pins 3 and 6

o Computers, Servers, Routers

b. Media-Dependent Interface Crossover (MDIX)

o Switch the transmit and receive pairs internally

o Allows use of a straight through cable

o Hubs and Switches

 Many devices will now automatically detect the cable type and will configure the
interfaces accordingly.

 The rule of thumb:

o When connecting different types of devices, use a straight through cable.

o When connecting the same type of device, use a crossover cable.

o To initially configure the Cisco device, a management connection must be

directly connected to the device. (For Cisco equipment this management
attachment is called a console port). The cable used between a terminal and
a console port is a rollover cable, with RJ-45 connectors. The rollover cable,
also known as a console cable.
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Lesson 1 Review Questions

Directions: Answer the following questions.

1. What are routers primarily used for?

2. What is the main problem with using a hub?

3. What are some factors that need to be considered when selecting devices for a LAN?

4. What are the factors that need to be addressed when selecting a router?

5. List the features and services that can be provided based on the operating system
selected.

6. Describe the four physical areas to consider when wiring a LAN.

7. What are the three types of media

8. What factors need to be considered when selecting the media to use?

9. Define attenuation. What is the major factor that affects attenuation in network
cables?

10. Which connections use a straight-through cable? a crossover cable?

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LESSON 2 : WAN CONNECTIONS and Addressing

scheme

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

 Define the following key terms: DCE, DTE, console interface, AUX interface, and
HyperTerminal.
 Explain WAN connections.
 Design addressing scheme and review subnetting skills.

Making WAN Connections

 By definition, WAN links can span extremely long distances. These distances can
range across the globe as they provide the communication links.

 Wide area connections take a number of forms, including:

o Telephone line RJ11 connectors (Dialup, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL))

o 60 pin Serial connections

 Data Communications Equipment (DCE): A device that supplies the clocking (timing)
services to another device. It is at the WAN access provider end of the link. In most
cases, the Telco or ISP provides the clocking service that synchronizes the
transmitted signal.

 Data Terminal Equipment (DTE): A device that receives clocking (timing) services
from another device and adjusts accordingly. It is at the WAN customer or user end
of the link. If a serial connection is made directly to a service provider or to a device
that provides signal clocking such as a channel service unit/data service unit
(CSU/DSU), the router is DTE and will use a DTE serial cable.

Figure 10.3 Making WANs

Connection in the Lab

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Developing an Addressing Scheme

 To develop an addressing scheme for a network, start with determining the total
number of hosts. (current and future )

a. The end devices requiring an IP address include:

o User computers

o Administrator computers

o Servers

o Other end devices such as printers, IP phones, and IP cameras

b. Network devices requiring an IP address include:

o Router LAN interfaces

o Router WAN (serial) interfaces

c. Network devices requiring an IP address for management include:

o Switches

o Wireless Access Points

How Many Networks?

 There are many reasons to divide a network into subnets:

a. Manage Broadcast Traffic - Broadcasts can be controlled because it is divided

into a number of smaller domains.

b. Different Network Requirements - If different groups of users require specific

network, it is easier to manage these requirements if those users are all together
on one subnet.

c. Security - Different levels of network security can be implemented based on

network addresses.

 Counting the Subnets

o Each subnet, as a physical network segment, requires a router interface as

the gateway for that subnet.

o Each connection between routers is a separate subnet.

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o The number of subnets on one network is also calculated using the formula
2^n, where n is the number of bits "borrowed" from the given IP network
address.

 Subnet Masks - The next step is to apply one subnet mask:

o A unique subnet and subnet mask for each physical segment

o A range of usable host addresses for each subnet

Determining the Address Standard for the Internetwork

 For example, when allocating an IP address to a router interface that is the gateway
for a LAN, it is common practice to use the first (lowest) or last (highest) address
within the subnet range. This consistent approach aids in configuration and
troubleshooting.

 Similarly, when assigning addresses to devices that manage other devices, using a
consistent pattern within a subnet makes these addresses easily recognizable. For
example, in the figure, addresses with 64 - 127 in the octets always represent the
general users.

 In addition, remember to document your IP addressing scheme on paper.

 Some of the different categories for hosts are:

o General users
o Special users
o Network resources
o Router LAN interfaces
o Router WAN links
o Management access

Calculating Addresses: Case 1

The figure shows the network topology for this example:

a. Student LAN b. Instructor LAN

 Student Computers: 460  Instructor Computers: 64
 Router (LAN Gateway): 1
 Router (LAN Gateway): 1
 Switches (management): 4
 Switches(management): 20  Total for instructor
 Total for student subnetwork: 481 subnetwork: 69

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c. Administrator LAN d. WAN

 Administrator Computers: 20
 Router - Router WAN: 2
 Server: 1
 Total for WAN: 2
 Router (LAN Gateway): 1
 Switch (management): 1
 Total for administration subnetwork: 23

Figure 10.4 Case 1 Network Topology

 There are two methods available for allocating addresses to an internetwork.

a. We can use Variable Length Subnet Masking (VLSM), where we assign the
prefix and host bits to each network based on the number of hosts in that
network.

b. Or, we can use a non-VLSM approach, where all subnets use the same prefix
length and the same number of host bits.

Calculating Addresses: Case 1: Addresses-without VLSM

 When using the non-VLSM method of assigning addresses, all subnets have the
same number of addresses.
o We base the number of addresses for all networks on the addressing
requirements for the largest network.

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 In Case 1, the Student LAN is the largest network, requiring 481 addresses.
 We use 9 as the value for n because 9 is the first power of 2 that is over 481.
o Borrowing 9 bits for the host portion yields this calculation:
o 2^9 = 512
o 512 - 2 = 510 usable host addresses
o This meets the current requirement for at least 481 addresses, with a
small allowance for growth. This also leaves 23 network bits (32 total bits
- 9 host bits).
 Because there are four networks in our internetwork, we will need four blocks of
512 addresses each, for a total of 2048 addresses.
o We will use the address block 172.16.0.0 /23. This provides addresses in
the range from 172.16.0.0 to 172.16.7.255.
 For the Student network block, the values would be:
o The student network required 481 address
o The address block is 172.16.0.1 to 172.16.1.254.
o Only 29 address will go unused
 Instructor LAN
o The instructor network requires a total of 69 addresses.
o The address block is 172.16.2.1 to 172.16.3.254.
o The 441 addresses will go unused.
 Administrator LAN
o The administrator network requires a total of 23 addresses.
o The address block is 172.16.4.1 to 172.16.5.254.
o The 487 addresses will go unused.
 WAN
o The WAN network requires a total of 2 addresses.
o The address block is 172.16.6.1 to 172.16.7.254.
o The 508 addresses will go unused.
 We can use VLSM in this internetwork to save addressing, but using VLSM
requires more planning.

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Calculating Addresses: Case 1: Addresses-with VLSM

 For the VLSM assignment, we can allocate a much smaller block of addresses to
each network, as appropriate.
 The address block 172.16.0.0/22 (subnet mask 255.255.252.0) has been
assigned to this internetwork.
o Ten bits will be used to define host and sub networks.
o It has a total of 1024 addresses from 172.16.0.0 to 172.16.3.0.
 Student LAN
o The largest subnet is the Student LAN requires 481 addresses.
o Using the formula usable hosts = 2^n - 2, borrowing 9 bits for the host
portion gives 512 - 2 = 510 usable host addresses.
o Using the lowest available address gives us of 172.16.0.0 /23.
o The IP host range would be 172.16.0.1 through 172.16.1.254.
 Instructor LAN
o The next largest network is the Instructor LAN. It requires at least 69
addresses.
o Using 6 in the power of 2 formula, 2^6 - 2, only provides 62 usable
addresses.
o We must use an address block using 7 host bits. The calculation 2^7 -2
will yield a block of 126 addresses.
o The next available block is the 172.16.2.0 /25 network.
o This provides an IP host range of 172.16.2.1 to 172.16.2.126.
 Administrator LAN
o For the Administrator LAN, we need to accommodate 23 hosts.
o This will require the use of 6 host bits: 2^6 - 2.
o The next available block of addresses that can accommodate these hosts
is the 172.16.2.128 /26 block.
o This provides IP host range of 172.16.2.129 to 172.16.2.190.
 WAN
o The last segment is the WAN, requiring 2 host addresses.
o Only 2 host bits will accommodate the WAN links. 2^2 - 2 = 2.
o The next available address block is 172.16.2.192 /30.
o This gives an IP host range of 172.16.2.193 to 172.16.2.194.

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 This completes the allocation of addresses using VLSM for Case 1. If an

adjustment is necessary to accommodate future growth, addresses in the range
of 172.16.2.196 to 172.16.3.255 are still available.

Device Interfaces

 Cisco devices (routers and switches) have several types of interfaces associated with
them

Figure 10.5 Cisco 2811 Router’s Interfaces

a. LAN Interfaces - Ethernet

o The Ethernet interface is used for connecting cables that terminate with LAN
devices such as computers and switches.

o Several conventions for naming Ethernet interfaces, including AUI (older Cisco
devices), Ethernet, FastEthernet and Fa 0/0.

o The name used depends on the type and model of the device.

b. WAN Interfaces - Serial

o Serial interfaces are used for connecting WAN devices to the CSU/DSU.

o For lab, we will make a back-to-back connection between two routers, and set a
clock rate on one of the interfaces.

o To establish communication with a router via a console on a remote WAN, a

WAN interface is assigned a IPv4 address.

c. Console Interface

o The console interface is the interface for initial configuration.

o Physical security of network devices is extremely important.

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d. Auxiliary (AUX) Interface

o This interface is used for remote management of the router.

o Typically, a modem is connected to the AUX interface for dial-in access.

Making the Device Management Connection

• Typically, networking devices do not have their own displays, keyboards, or input
devices.

• Accessing a network device for configuration, verification, or troubleshooting is made

via a connection between the device console interface and a computer. To enable
this connection:

o The computer is physically connected to the console port of the device.

o The computer runs a program called a terminal emulator (HyperTerminal).

This program can be found under All Programs > Accessories >
Communications. Select HyperTerminal.

Figure 10.6 Rollover Cable

Figure 10.7 HyperTerminal

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Lesson 2 Review Questions

After studying this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Differentiae DCE and DTE.

2. Which end devices require an IP address?

3. What are the three reasons given to subnet a network?

4. What are router Serial connections used for?

5. What is a HyperTerminal?

Module 10 Quiz

Directions. On the space provided before each number, write the letter of the correct
answer.

_________1. Which cable would you use to connect a PC to a switch or hub?

A. Straight through C. Rollover
B. Crossover D. Fiber Optic

_________2. What is the purpose of the console interface of a router?

A. To manage the router remotely via a modem.
B. To reach the router command interface via Telnet.
C. To connect to a terminal for initial configuration.
D. To connect to a wide area network.

_________3. What is Hyperterminal?

A. A workstation designed to transfer data at 1 Gbps
B. A router providing a default gateway for a network
C. A program that allows a workstation to act as a console for a router
D. A program that needs to be running when you make a Telnet connection to a
router.

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_________ 4. Which type of cabling is the cheapest and easiest to install when cabling a
LAN?
A. Multimode fibre optic C. Unshielded twisted pair
B. Single mode fibre optic D. Shielded twisted pair

_________ 5. What is the maximum recommended run of UTP cable between devices?
A. 50 meters C. 185 meters
B. 100 meters D. 500 meters

_________ 6. What needs to be configured at the DCE end of a serial link, but not at the
DTE end, when two routers are linked in the lab to simulate a WAN connection?
A. An IP address C. A subnet mask
B. A MAC address D. A clock rate

_________ 7. A network is using a subnet mask of 255.255.255.192. How many host

addresses can the network have?
A. 30 C. 62
B. 32 D. 64

_________ 8. A network is using a subnet mask of 255.255.252.0. How many host

addresses can the network have?
A. 2 C. 62
B. 1022 D. 126

_________ 9. A network needs 20 hosts. What subnet mask would give the minimum
acceptable size of network?
A. 255.255.255.224 C. 255.255.25.248
B. 255.255.255.240 D. 255.255.255.252

_________ 10. If an administrator starts with the network address 192.168.1.0/24 and
borrows 2 bits for subnetting (without VLSM), how many subnets are produced?
A. 2 C. 8
B. 4 D. 16

_________ 11. What prefix would be used for a point to point network if no host addresses
were unused?
A. /24 C. /28
B. /26 D. /30

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_________ 12-13 Which statements are true of attenuation? (Choose 2)

A. Attenuation does not take place on fibre optic cables since the signals are
pulses of light rather than electrical signals.
B. Attenuation is the weakening of a signal as it travels along a cable.
C. Attenuation is a factor limiting the length of copper cables for
effective data transport.
D. Attenuation is a form of noise or interference from an outside source

_________ 14-15. Where would you find vertical cabling in a LAN? (Choose 2)
A. Between telecommunication rooms within a building.
B. Between telecommunications rooms in different buildings.
C. Between a work area and a telecommunications room.
D. Between a telecommunications room and a worker who is logging in from
home

Problem Solving Activities

Problem No 1 Solve using basic subnetting.

A. Number of needed usable hosts : 1,000

Network Address: 128.77.0.0/16

Write the first seven subnets.

Fill in the addressing table.

Network Address First Host Address Last Host Address Broadcast Address Subnet Mask

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B. Number of needed networks: 60

Network Address : 198.100.10.0/24

Write the first five subnets.

Fill in the addressing table.

Network Address First Host Address Last Host Address Broadcast Address Subnet Mask

Problem No 2. Solve using Variable Length Subnet Masks.

A. Using the network diagram and information given, create an addressing scheme. Show
the subnet address and prefix in the boxes below. This company will be using the class C
address 220.108.38.0.

Network Address First Host Address Last Host Address Broadcast Address Subnet Mask

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B. The school system you are working for is using the private address of 172.32.0.0 to
subnet the entire district. Use the class B address to break the subnet address for the
different schools and offices.

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