Objective
Learn about the tools necessary to create a straight-through patch cable, install RJ 45 connectors on an existing twisted-pair cable, then test the cable with a network cable tester
Equipment
RJ 45 CAT-5e Ethernet cable
Bulk Ethernet cable
Several RJ 45 2 piece Modular Plug Connectors
Modular Plugs
Klein Tools VDV501-825 VDV Scout Pro 2 LT Tester .
RJ 45 Network cable stripping tool
RJ 45 Network cable crimping tool
CAT 5 Punch down tool
CAT 5e panel
CAT 5e wall jack
Notes and Observations
In this lab, we were instructed on how to properly make our own patch cable and test it with a cable tester. After stripping the wires and correctly configuring them into a RJ-45 connector, then proceeded to test the connection. The first test around failed with two ports being read as open. It was saying that there was not a full connection between two of the connectors which led to re stripping and connecting the wires better by pushing them all the way through connector and re crimped them to a test to pass. After this, the creation of patch panel began. It was important not to untwist the cables because it keeps the connection stronger by leaving them together. After another test with cable and the newly designed patch panel, a successful connection and working cable was made.
References
Genereux, B. (2015). CMST 250, Networking I – Lab 2 – Network Cables. Salina, KS. Print.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Fiber Cable? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-advantages-disadvantages-optical-fiber-cable-max-liao
What Is Thicknet and Thinnet? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.techwalla.com/articles/what-is-thicknet-and-thinnet
Questions
What are some advantages and disadvantages of Thinnet and\or Thicknet compared to UTP? What are advantages of using fiber optic cables?
Conclusions
In this lab I accomplished making a network cable by putting modular plugs on the end, connecting a networkcable to a patch panel, and a wall jack, and testing the cable with a network cable tester to verify that the cable works. The lab was successful. I learned about different ethernet cables including Thick Ethernet (Thicknet), Thin
Ethernet (Thinnet), vampire taps, multi-mode fiber optics, and different wiring standards. Thicknet is more expensive than Thinnet and harder to work with.. Thinnet is mainly used in homes whereas Thicknet was used in bigger businesses but despite this, if there was a break in the cable, the entire system stops. Some advantages of fiber optic cables are it is more flexible than the others along with it being able to send data at a much faster rate than its predecessors. Some disadvantages are how expensive it is to install almost anywhere and it is difficult to splice.