Setting up

Computer Networks

As time goes by, Ethernet cable wiring becomes gradually more important in our world of constantly evolving technologies. Properly installed Ethernet network cable reduces downtime and allows for the constant flow of data, connecting your data systems and network devices such as routers, modems, adapters, or whatever thing needs connecting throughout your facility. Ethernet cables are one of the most important elements of any electric system. If they don’t work properly, the rest of the network would become nonfunctioning. Any type of disruption would make faulty Ethernet Cable’s performance slow.

If the cable will be subjected to any harsh environments, choose a cable that has industrial strength properties such as high flex life and resistance to UV light, cutting, abrasion, oil, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

PLANNING YOUR NETWORK CABLE INSTALLATION

CHOOSING ETHERNET WIRING

▪ Profinet- This industrial Ethernet cable uses foil and braid shielding to protect signals from the noise expected on plant floors.

▪ CATEGORY 6 (CAT6)- These cables are backwards compatible with all previous CAT cables, have larger gauge wires, can be run in longer lengths, support up to 10 Gbps and 250 MHz bandwidth, and are longer-lasting.

▪ CATEGORY6A (CAT6A)- This Ethernet cable wiring doubles the capacity of the CAT6 by performing up to 500 MHz and can accommodate longer distances — up to 100 meters

. ▪ CATEGORY 7A (CAT7A)- CAT7A Ethernet wiring supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet, frequencies up to 1000 MHz, and is a viable alternative to fiber optic cabling.

How To Install Ethernet Cable

Do: Cross Power the Cable at a 90-Degree Angle If you do need to cross your data network cabling, they should be kept at a 90 degree angle in order to avoid interference.

Don’t: Run Cable in Unsafe Locations

⮚ At some point, you may need to run the cable in the ceiling or wall. Make sure the cable doesn't touch the ceiling tiles and do not run the cable over electrical conduit, water pipes, or any other pipes, as it is unsafe and may not pass inspection.

⮚ Do not run any data cable beneath the floor.

Do: Use Different Color Schemes

⮚ Separating cabling colors is convenient and keeps your data lines organized.

Don’t: Bundle Cables Too Tightly

⮚ Kinked cable can have a negative effect on the network and reduces the quality of the cable.

⮚ Cables that are bound too tightly are difficult to troubleshoot, should there ever be an issue.

Do: Label the Cable

Ask yourself the following questions to help with the labeling process:

⮚ Which location is the cable destined for?

⮚ How was it terminated?

⮚ Is the cable for Ethernet or a jack?

Don’t: ‘Over-Cable’ Your Racks

⮚ Having too much cable in your data center will create excess heat, which isn't good as the racks need to stay cool.

Do: Use an Effective Wire Management System

⮚ Use a safe and effective wire bundling device to organize patch cabling between racks

. ⮚ Space your wires out in a patch panel.

⮚ Dress your cabling without diving or cable-crossing.

⮚ Create a simple map layout of cable locations that will serve as a quick and easy reference for locating cable for repair or replacement.

Don’t: Leave Wires Exposed by Terminations

⮚ Leaving the Ethernet cable wiring exposed by terminations runs the risk of damaging the wire inside the termination and can break inside the plug

Do: Purchase Connectorized Cable

⮚ Buying pre-connectorized cable makes it easier for plug-and-play installation and will provide you with the exact assembly needed

Signs that Your Cable is NOT Performing Up to the Standard

1. It often loses connection If you plug the cable into the Ethernet adapter and the light doesn't turn on, it could indicate a problem either with the cable or the adapter. Also, if you are seeing display messages like ‘network connection is lost’ or ‘no connection’, then something is wrong with the system’s ethernet cable. In such cases, make sure that you’ve connected the cable properly. Otherwise, a bad cable will not work even if properly connected.

2. You always have slow connection If your connection keeps dropping or runs very slowly, there are chances that you have a damaged cable. If there is a tear on your cable, it can break down the internal wire connection and can cause a short circuit. If you find a bent cable, try straightening it with your hands. In case it is too beat up, you will need to replace it.

3. Connection restored with a wiggle Wiggling the cable re-establishes a failed connection. If you do this too often, it also means that you have a broken connector on your hands. Ethernet cables have a built-in plastic lever that secures the cable into place within the Ethernet adapter port. If this lever breaks, the connection will drop.

4. Do you keep replacing them? This is the ultimate sign that you need to check your network ecosystem. If replacing the ethernet cable eliminates the problem, then it’s well and good. But if the same problem persists with the new cable, the problem relates to the network. There could be some malfunction happening.

THREE TYPES OF NETWORK CABLE ISSUES

A. Testing Connectivity Issues These issues are majorly because of a faulty cable. Consider taking a quick test to check the connectivity. To check, try plugging the suspected cable into the network device or network connector of another computer. Typically, the jack you plug the cable into is the part of a network adapter. It provides the interface between a computer/ network device and the network cable.

B. Testing Performance Issues If your connection is failing or transmitting data at much slower speeds, you have performance-related issues. This happens generally due to a damaged or bent cable. Usually, you can straighten a bent cable to solve the problem. And if the problem persists, you might have to replace the damaged cable.

C. Testing Continuity Issues If there are any faulty connectors, bends in a cable, continuity issues can occur. They can also occur by a cut or a sliced cable, any kind of penetration by objects like a nail, staple, screw, etc. or electromagnetic interference. If you can visually scan the cable length, check for any of these causes. If not, test it with a continuity tester. An electronic device is specially made for this purpose. Such a device can help detect problems caused by EMI, or radio frequency interference.

Still Got Problems? Even after doing all this if your network keeps failing, it is very likely that issues are with local network configuration, one or more of the network connectivity devices. Like adapters, switches, routers, and so on. Such faults will require a higher level of troubleshooting.

SEATWORK

Directions: Write if the given network cable issue is Connectivity Issues, Performance Issues or Continuity Issues. Write your answers on your answer sheet.

1. Gilbert is experiencing slow internet connection while watching videos in YouTube.

2. One of the network cables was unintentionally cut by the linemen while fixing the cables.

3. The RJ45 was not properly installed at the LAN port causing no access to the internet.

4. The online gamers experienced a lagging of their games caused by internet connection.

5. The field engineer accidentally bends the fiber optic cable causing red blinking light in the modem.

Thank you!