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Network Hardware and Connections

Learning Objectives​

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Identify common network hardware components and their purposes
  • Understand different types of network cables and connections
  • Explain how WiFi and wireless networks function
  • Troubleshoot basic network hardware problems
  • Plan basic network infrastructure for a small office

Introduction: The Physical Side of Networking​

So far we've talked about IP addresses and network communication, but how does the data actually travel from one device to another? In this section, we'll explore the physical components that make networking possible - the cables, devices, and wireless signals that carry our data.

Think of network hardware as the roads, bridges, and traffic systems that allow cars (data) to travel from one place to another.

Network Cables: The Highways of Data​

Ethernet Cables (Most Common)​

What they look like: Similar to phone cables but slightly thicker, with a wider connector

Technical name: Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cables

  • Cat5e: Good for most office uses, speeds up to 1 Gbps
  • Cat6: Better quality, less interference, speeds up to 10 Gbps over short distances
  • Cat6a: Highest quality, speeds up to 10 Gbps over longer distances

Real-world analogy: Like different types of roads

  • Cat5e = City roads (good for daily traffic)
  • Cat6 = Highways (faster, better quality)
  • Cat6a = Express highways (fastest, highest capacity)

When to use:

  • Connecting computers to switches/routers
  • Connecting network devices to each other
  • Any connection where reliability is crucial (servers, printers)

Advantages:

  • Very reliable connection
  • Not affected by interference from other devices
  • Consistent speed
  • More secure than wireless

Disadvantages:

  • Must run cables through walls/floors
  • Limited by cable length (usually 100 meters maximum)
  • Less flexible than wireless

Fiber Optic Cables (Advanced)​

What they are: Cables that use light instead of electricity to carry data

Real-world analogy: Like using laser pointers instead of shouting to communicate - much faster and clearer over long distances

When you'll see them:

  • Internet service provider connections to buildings
  • Connections between buildings
  • High-speed connections in data centers
  • Backbone connections for large networks

Advantages:

  • Extremely fast (can carry terabits of data)
  • Work over very long distances
  • Not affected by electrical interference
  • More secure (very hard to tap into)

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than copper cables
  • Require special equipment
  • More fragile (can break if bent too much)

For MSP work: You'll mainly encounter fiber when connecting customer sites to internet providers or linking multiple office buildings.

Network Devices: The Traffic Management System​

Network Switch: The Local Traffic Director​

What it does: Connects multiple devices in the same network and directs traffic between them

Real-world analogy: Like a smart intersection that looks at each car's destination and directs them down the right road

How it works:

  1. Receives data from one device
  2. Looks at the destination address
  3. Sends the data only to the intended recipient
  4. Learns and remembers where each device is connected

Common specifications:

  • 8-port switch: Connects up to 8 devices
  • 24-port switch: Connects up to 24 devices
  • Gigabit switch: Each port can handle 1 Gbps speed
  • PoE switch: Provides power through the network cable (for devices like IP phones, security cameras)

Practical example: In your office, the switch might have:

  • Port 1: Connected to server (192.168.1.50)
  • Port 2: Connected to printer (192.168.1.200)
  • Port 3: Connected to John's computer (192.168.1.105)
  • Port 4: Connected to Sarah's computer (192.168.1.106)

When John sends a document to the printer, the switch knows the printer is on port 2 and sends the data directly there, not to all ports.

Router: The Gateway to Other Networks​

What it does: Connects different networks together and routes traffic between them

Real-world analogy: Like a border checkpoint between countries - it decides what traffic can pass through and where it should go

Key functions:

  1. Routing: Determines the best path for data to reach its destination
  2. NAT: Translates private IP addresses to public IP addresses
  3. Firewall: Blocks unwanted traffic from entering the network
  4. DHCP: Assigns IP addresses to devices automatically

Common home/office router features:

  • WAN port: Connects to internet (usually different color)
  • LAN ports: Usually 4 ethernet ports for local devices
  • WiFi: Wireless access point built-in
  • USB ports: For sharing printers or storage devices

Business router additional features:

  • VPN support: Secure connections to other offices
  • QoS: Prioritizes important traffic (like VoIP calls)
  • VLAN support: Creates separate virtual networks
  • Redundancy: Backup internet connections

Modem: The Internet Translator​

What it does: Converts your digital data into signals that can travel over your internet connection (cable, DSL, fiber)

Real-world analogy: Like a translator at the UN - converts your language (digital data) into the language of the internet connection (analog signals or light pulses)

Types you'll encounter:

  • Cable modem: Uses coaxial cable (like TV cable)
  • DSL modem: Uses phone lines
  • Fiber modem/ONT: Uses fiber optic cables

Important note: Many "routers" you buy actually contain both a modem and router in one device. In business environments, these are often separate devices.

Access Point: WiFi Extension​

What it does: Provides wireless network access, usually connected to a wired network

Real-world analogy: Like a radio tower that broadcasts and receives signals for mobile phones

When to use separate access points:

  • Large office spaces where one router's WiFi doesn't reach everywhere
  • Need WiFi in multiple floors or buildings
  • Want better control over wireless network management

Advanced features:

  • Multiple SSIDs: Can broadcast several different WiFi networks
  • VLAN support: Different WiFi networks for different user groups
  • Band steering: Automatically connects devices to best frequency
  • Load balancing: Distributes devices across multiple access points

Wireless Networking: Cutting the Cables​

How WiFi Works​

Basic concept: Uses radio waves to send data through the air instead of through cables

Real-world analogy: Like having a conversation across a room instead of using a telephone - convenient but potentially less private and affected by interference

WiFi Standards and Speeds​

802.11 Standards (the technical names):

  • 802.11n (WiFi 4): Older standard, up to 150 Mbps
  • 802.11ac (WiFi 5): Current common standard, up to 1 Gbps
  • 802.11ax (WiFi 6): Newest standard, up to 9.6 Gbps

Practical translation:

  • WiFi 4: Good for basic internet browsing, email
  • WiFi 5: Good for streaming video, most business applications
  • WiFi 6: Best for high-density environments, many devices, future-proofing

WiFi Frequency Bands​

2.4 GHz Band:

  • Range: Longer range, penetrates walls better
  • Speed: Slower speeds
  • Interference: More crowded (microwaves, Bluetooth, baby monitors)
  • Best for: IoT devices, devices far from router

5 GHz Band:

  • Range: Shorter range, doesn't penetrate walls as well
  • Speed: Much faster speeds
  • Interference: Less crowded, cleaner signal
  • Best for: Computers, streaming devices, devices close to access point

6 GHz Band (WiFi 6E and newer):

  • Range: Shortest range
  • Speed: Fastest speeds
  • Interference: Least crowded
  • Best for: High-performance applications, dense environments

WiFi Security​

Security protocols (from oldest to newest):

  1. WEP: Very old, easily hacked, never use
  2. WPA: Old, vulnerable, avoid if possible
  3. WPA2: Current standard, secure for most uses
  4. WPA3: Newest, most secure, best choice if supported

Password recommendations:

  • At least 12 characters long
  • Mix of letters, numbers, symbols
  • Not dictionary words or personal information
  • Different for each network

Power over Ethernet (PoE): Power and Data in One Cable​

What it is: Technology that sends electrical power through the same cable that carries network data

Real-world analogy: Like having both water and electricity come through the same pipe to your house

Why it's useful:

  • Devices don't need separate power cables
  • Can install devices where there's no electrical outlet
  • Centralized power management
  • Easier installation and maintenance

Devices that commonly use PoE:

  • IP Phones: VoIP phones powered through network cable
  • Security Cameras: IP cameras for surveillance
  • Wireless Access Points: WiFi access points in ceiling-mounted locations
  • Network Switches: Small switches in remote locations

PoE Standards:

  • PoE (802.3af): Up to 15.4 watts per port
  • PoE+ (802.3at): Up to 25.5 watts per port
  • PoE++ (802.3bt): Up to 71-90 watts per port

Practical Network Planning: Setting Up a Small Office​

Let's walk through planning network infrastructure for a 20-person office.

Step 1: Assess Requirements​

Questions to ask:

  • How many devices need network access?
  • Where are workstations located?
  • Do you need WiFi throughout the office?
  • Are there special requirements (IP phones, security cameras, servers)?
  • What's the internet speed requirement?

Example office:

  • 20 employees with laptops
  • 5 desktop computers
  • 2 printers
  • 1 server
  • Need WiFi for meeting rooms and common areas
  • IP phone system
  • Security cameras

Step 2: Plan the Network Layout​

Internet Connection:

  • Business fiber connection (100 Mbps)
  • Business router with VPN support

Core Network:

  • 24-port managed switch (room for growth)
  • PoE+ support for phones and cameras

WiFi Coverage:

  • 2 access points to cover entire office
  • Professional-grade access points with centralized management

Cabling:

  • Cat6 cables for all wired connections
  • Structured cabling with patch panel for organization

Step 3: Calculate Port Requirements​

Wired connections needed:

  • 5 desktop computers: 5 ports
  • 2 printers: 2 ports
  • 1 server: 1 port
  • 2 access points: 2 ports
  • 20 IP phones: 20 ports
  • Future expansion: 10 ports
  • Total: 40 ports (need two 24-port switches)

Step 4: Plan IP Address Scheme​

Network: 192.168.1.0/24

  • Router: 192.168.1.1
  • Servers: 192.168.1.10-19
  • Printers: 192.168.1.20-29
  • Access Points: 192.168.1.30-39
  • DHCP Pool (computers/phones): 192.168.1.100-200

Common Network Problems and Troubleshooting​

Problem: "Internet is down for everyone"​

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check if router has power and all lights are normal
  2. Test internet connection from router directly
  3. Check cables between modem and router
  4. Contact internet service provider if needed

Tools needed: Laptop with ethernet cable, router manual for light meanings

Problem: "One computer can't access the network"​

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check if network cable is properly connected
  2. Try a different network cable
  3. Try connecting to a different switch port
  4. Check computer's network settings
  5. Restart network adapter on computer

Tools needed: Cable tester, spare network cable

Problem: "WiFi is slow or keeps disconnecting"​

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Check signal strength (should be -67 dBm or stronger)
  2. Look for interference (other WiFi networks