Structured Cabling
Supplement
Cisco Networking Academy Program
CCNA Exploration: Network Fundamentals v4.0
Objectives
The Structured Cabling Supplement for CCNA provides curriculum
and laboratory exercises in seven areas:
a. Structured Cabling Systems
b. Structured Cabling Standards and Codes
c. Safety
d. Tools of the Trade
e. Installation Process
f. Finish Phase
g. The Cabling Business
This material and the associated labs provide a broad introduction to
structured cabling installation.
The section on Structured Cabling Systems discusses the rules and
subsystems of structured cabling for a local-area network (LAN). A
LAN is defined as a single building or group of buildings in a campus
environment in close proximity to one another, typically less than two
square kilometers or one square mile. This supplement starts at the
demarcation point, works through the various equipment rooms, and
continues to the work area. The issue of scalability is also addressed.
The learning objectives for Structured Cabling Systems are as
follows:
1.1 Rules of Structured Cabling for LANs
1.2 Subsystems of Structured Cabling
1.3 Scalability
1.4 Demarcation Point
1.5 Telecommunications and Equipment Rooms
1.6 Work Areas
1.7 MC, IC, and HC
The section on Structured Cabling Standards and Codes introduces
the standards-setting organizations that establish the guidelines used
by cabling specialists. Important information about these international
standards organizations is included.
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The learning objectives for Structured Cabling Systems and Codes
are as follows:
2.1 Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and Electronic
Industries Association (EIA)
2.2 European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
(CENELEC)
2.3 International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
2.4 Codes for the United States
2.5 Evolution of Standards
The Safety section contains important information that is often
overlooked when discussing low voltage telecommunications wiring.
Students that are not accustomed to working in the physical
workplace will benefit from the labs and training in this section.
The learning objectives for Safety are as follows:
3.1 Safety Codes and Standards for the United States
3.2 Safety Around Electricity
3.3 Lab and Workplace Safety Practices
3.4 Personal Safety Equipment
The Tools of the Trade section discusses how various tools can help
turn a difficult job with ordinary results into a simple job with
outstanding results. This module gives students hands-on experience
using several of the tools that telecommunications cabling installers
rely on for professional results.
The learning objectives for Tools of the Trade are as follows:
4.1 Stripping and Cutting Tools
4.2 Termination Tools
4.3 Diagnostic Tools
4.4 Installation Support Tools
The Installation Process section describes the elements of an
installation. This chapter begins with the rough-in phase, when the
cables are pulled into place. This section also discusses riser or
backbone cables, the fire-stops used when a wire passes through a fire
rated wall, copper terminations, and fixtures such as wall adapters.
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The learning objectives for Installation Process are as follows:
5.1 Rough-In Phase
5.2 Vertical Backbone and Horizontal Cable Installation
5.3 Fire-Stops
5.4 Terminating Copper Media
5.5 The Trim Out Phase
The Finish Phase section discusses the point at which installers test
and sometimes certify their work. Testing ensures that all the wires
route to their appointed destination. Certification ensures that the
quality of the wiring and connection meet industry standards.
The learning objectives for Finish Phase are as follows:
6.1 Cable Testing
6.2 Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR)
6.3 Cable Certification and Documentation
6.4 Cutting Over
The Cabling Business section discusses the business side of the
industry. Before cables can be installed, there must be a bid. Before
there can be a bid, there must be a request for a proposal, and several
meetings and walk-throughs to determine the scope of the work.
Documentation may be required to describe the project and show how
it was built. Licenses and union membership may also be required to
perform the work. All projects must be performed in a timely manner
with minimal waste of materials. This usually requires project
planning and program management applications.
The learning objectives for The Cabling Business are as follows:
7.1 Site Survey
7.2 Labor Situations
7.3 Contract Revision and Signing
7.4 Project Planning
7.5 Final Documentation
Lab exercises give students the opportunity to practice the manual
skills portion of structured cabling installation.
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1 Structured Cabling Systems
1.1 Rules of Structured Cabling for LANs
Structured cabling is a systematic approach to cabling. It is a method
for creating an organized cabling system that can be easily
understood by installers, network administrators, and any other
technicians that deal with cables.
There are three rules that will help ensure the effectiveness and
efficiency of structured cabling design projects.
The first rule is to look for a complete connectivity solution. An
optimal solution for network connectivity includes all the systems
that are designed to connect, route, manage, and identify cables in
structured cabling systems. A standards-based implementation is
designed to support both current and future technologies. Following
the standards will help ensure the long-term performance and
reliability of the project.
The second rule is to plan for future growth. The number of cables
installed should also meet future requirements. Category 5e, Category
6, and fiber-optic solutions should be considered to ensure that future
needs will be met. The physical layer installation plan should be
capable of functioning for ten or more years.
The final rule is to maintain freedom of choice in vendors. Even
though a closed and proprietary system may be less expensive
initially, this could end up being much more costly over the long
term. A non-standard system from a single vendor may make it more
difficult to make moves, adds, or changes at a later time.
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