Hexworth Prime House of Forge

Network Cables & Connectors

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) • Domain 2.0 Networking
Key Concepts: Ethernet Categories Fiber Optic Coaxial T568A/B Connectors

Ethernet Cable Categories

Category Max Speed Max Distance Frequency Common Use
Cat 5 100 Mbps 100m 100 MHz Legacy (obsolete)
Cat 5e 1 Gbps 100m 100 MHz Homes, small business
Cat 6 10 Gbps 55m (10G) / 100m (1G) 250 MHz Business networks
Cat 6a 10 Gbps 100m 500 MHz Data centers
Cat 7 10 Gbps 100m 600 MHz Shielded, enterprise
Cat 8 25-40 Gbps 30m 2000 MHz Data center switches
A+ Exam Tip: Cat 5e is minimum for Gigabit. Cat 6a is required for 10 Gbps at full 100m distance. All use RJ-45 connectors.

Shielding Types

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

  • No metallic shielding
  • Most common type
  • Flexible, easy to install
  • Susceptible to EMI
  • Cat 5e, Cat 6 common

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

  • Foil/braided shielding
  • Better EMI protection
  • Required for Cat 7+
  • More expensive, stiffer
  • Requires grounding

Shielding Codes

Code Overall/Pairs Description
U/UTP None / Unshielded Standard Cat 5e/6
F/UTP Foil / Unshielded Overall foil shield
S/FTP Braid / Foil Both shields, Cat 7

T568A and T568B Wiring Standards

T568A

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

■ Grn/Wht-Grn   ■ Org/Wht-Org   ■ Blu/Wht-Blu   ■ Brn/Wht-Brn

1:W/G 2:G 3:W/O 4:B 5:W/B 6:O 7:W/Br 8:Br

T568B (Most Common)

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

■ Org/Wht-Org   ■ Grn/Wht-Grn   ■ Blu/Wht-Blu   ■ Brn/Wht-Brn

1:W/O 2:O 3:W/G 4:B 5:W/B 6:G 7:W/Br 8:Br

Cable Types:
  • Straight-through: Same standard on both ends (T568B-T568B). Device to switch.
  • Crossover: Different standards (T568A-T568B). Switch to switch (legacy).
  • Rollover (Console): Reversed pinout. PC to router/switch console port.

Fiber Optic Cables

Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)

  • Yellow jacket typically
  • 9 micron core
  • Laser light source
  • Up to 100+ km distance
  • Higher cost, WAN links

Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)

  • Orange/aqua jacket
  • 50 or 62.5 micron core
  • LED light source
  • Up to 2km (OM4)
  • Lower cost, data centers

Fiber Connector Types

Connector Description Common Use
SC Square, push-pull Data centers, enterprise
LC Small form factor, latch Most common, high-density
ST Bayonet twist-lock Legacy, campus backbone
MTRJ RJ-style, duplex Small form factor
Fiber Safety: Never look directly into a fiber end - laser light can damage eyes. Fiber fragments are sharp - handle carefully.

Coaxial Cables

Type Impedance Use Connector
RG-6 75 ohm Cable TV, internet, satellite F-connector
RG-59 75 ohm CCTV, short runs (legacy) F-connector, BNC
Twinaxial - 10GbE short distance (7m) SFP+ direct attach

Common Connectors

RJ-45
8P8C modular
Ethernet networking
RJ-11
6P2C modular
Telephone, DSL
F-Connector
Threaded coax
Cable TV, modems
BNC
Bayonet twist
Legacy coax, test equipment
DB-9 (Serial)
9-pin D-sub
Console cables, legacy
USB-RJ45
Console adapter
Modern console access

Cable Tools

Installation Tools

  • Crimper: Attach RJ-45 connectors
  • Punch-down tool: Wall jacks & patch panels
  • Cable stripper: Remove jacket
  • Fish tape: Pull cables through walls

Testing Tools

  • Cable tester: Verify continuity, pinout
  • Tone generator: Trace cables
  • TDR: Find cable breaks
  • Loopback plug: Test NIC functionality

Knowledge Check

Q1: What is the maximum distance for Cat 6a at 10 Gbps?

Q2: Which fiber type uses a laser and can reach 100+ km?

Q3: A straight-through cable uses which wiring configuration?

Q4: Which connector is used for Ethernet networking?