2.2 Cabling
2.2.1 Know and understand the characteristics of cable types and where they are used
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable consists of pairs of insulated wires twisted together
to reduce interference. It is inexpensive, easy to install, and commonly used in
Ethernet networks within homes, schools, and offices.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable includes additional shielding around the twisted pairs
to protect against electromagnetic interference. It is used in environments with high
electrical noise, such as industrial settings.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable consists of a central conductor surrounded by insulation and shielding.
It provides good resistance to interference and is commonly used for broadband internet,
cable television, and older network installations.
Fibre-Optic Cable
Fibre‑optic cables transmit data as light through glass or plastic fibres.
They support very high speeds over long distances and are immune to
electromagnetic interference. Fibre is widely used in backbone networks
and high-speed internet connections.
2.2.2 Know a definition for Ethernet, understand its purpose, and where it is used
Ethernet
Ethernet is a networking technology used for wired local area networks (LANs).
Its purpose is to allow devices such as computers, printers, and servers
to communicate over a network. Ethernet is widely used in homes, schools,
businesses, and data centres.
2.2.3 Know and understand characteristics of cable standards in the context of Ethernet
CAT 5e
CAT 5e (Category 5 enhanced) cable supports speeds of up to 1 Gbps
over distances of up to 100 metres. It is commonly used in Ethernet
networks for cost-effective installations.
CAT 6
CAT 6 cable supports higher data rates of up to 10 Gbps over shorter
distances and provides improved protection against interference.
It is commonly used in modern business networks.
CAT 7
CAT 7 cable provides enhanced shielding and supports very high speeds,
making it suitable for high‑performance networks.
It is mainly used in data centres and specialist networking environments.
2.2 Cabling
2.2.1 Know and understand the characteristics of cable types and where they are used
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable consists of pairs of insulated wires twisted together
to reduce interference. It is inexpensive, easy to install, and commonly used in
Ethernet networks within homes, schools, and offices.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable includes additional shielding around the twisted pairs
to protect against electromagnetic interference. It is used in environments with high
electrical noise, such as industrial settings.
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable consists of a central conductor surrounded by insulation and shielding.
It provides good resistance to interference and is commonly used for broadband internet,
cable television, and older network installations.
Fibre-Optic Cable
Fibre‑optic cables transmit data as light through glass or plastic fibres.
They support very high speeds over long distances and are immune to
electromagnetic interference. Fibre is widely used in backbone networks
and high-speed internet connections.
2.2.2 Know a definition for Ethernet, understand its purpose, and where it is used
Ethernet
Ethernet is a networking technology used for wired local area networks (LANs).
Its purpose is to allow devices such as computers, printers, and servers
to communicate over a network. Ethernet is widely used in homes, schools,
businesses, and data centres.
2.2.3 Know and understand characteristics of cable standards in the context of Ethernet
CAT 5e
CAT 5e (Category 5 enhanced) cable supports speeds of up to 1 Gbps
over distances of up to 100 metres. It is commonly used in Ethernet
networks for cost-effective installations.
CAT 6
CAT 6 cable supports higher data rates of up to 10 Gbps over shorter
distances and provides improved protection against interference.
It is commonly used in modern business networks.
CAT 7
CAT 7 cable provides enhanced shielding and supports very high speeds,
making it suitable for high‑performance networks.
It is mainly used in data centres and specialist networking environments.
2.2.4 Know and understand metrics to compare cable standards in the context of Ethernet
Bandwidth
Bandwidth refers to the maximum amount of data that can be transmitted
over a cable in a given time. Higher bandwidth cables support faster
data transfer speeds and are better suited for high-demand networks.
Maximum Length
Maximum length is the longest distance a cable can transmit data reliably
without signal loss. Ethernet copper cables are typically limited to
100 metres, while fibre-optic cables can transmit data over much
longer distances.
2.2.5 Know and understand the benefits and drawbacks of cable standards
Benefits of Cable Standards
Cable standards ensure compatibility, reliability, and predictable
network performance. Higher-category cables support faster speeds
and reduced interference, improving overall network efficiency.
Drawbacks of Cable Standards
Higher-standard cables are more expensive and may require specialist
installation. In some cases, the full capabilities of advanced cables
may not be necessary, making them less cost-