Cabling: The Complete Guide to Network Wiring, 2/e

The physical linkages responsible for carrying a company's data continue to be the most neglected components of the typical network--to the extent that nearly 70% of all network-related problems result from poor cabling.

In this the second edition of a much-needed and warmly welcomed book, three networking experts share their extensive experience, teaching you the cabling skills you need to build a reliable, efficient network cabling infrastructure. As you master these techniques, you'll learn to avoid common pitfalls and troubleshoot problems as quickly as they arise.

Coverage includes:

• Choosing the right cables for your network architecture and topology
• Understanding the current limitations of data communications and network cabling
• Understanding how laws and building codes constrain cabling
• Understanding the function and importance of universal cabling standards
• Selecting quality components
• Assembling a complete cabling toolkit
• Integrating voice and data on the same cable system
• Setting up an infrastructure in which desktops, printers, copiers, and other nodes share cabling
• Understanding issues of bandwidth, impedance, resistance, attenuation, crosstalk, capacitance, propagation, delay, and delay skew
• Working effectively with USB and Firewire
• Knowing when to discard legacy cabling and begin anew
• Documenting your cabling
• Creating an RFP and selecting a vendor

CONTENTS

Introduction

Part 1: Cabling Technology and Components

Chapter 1: Introduction to Data Cabling

Chapter 2: Cabling Specifications and Standards

Chapter 3: Choosing the Correct Cabling

Chapter 4: Cable System and Infrastructure Constraints

Chapter 5: Cabling System Components

Chapter 6: Tools of the Trade

Part 2: Network Media and Connectors

Chapter 7: Copper Cable Media

Chapter 8: Wall Plates

Chapter 9: Connectors

Chapter 10: Fiber-Optic Media

Chapter 11: Unbounded (Wireless) Media

Part 3: Cabling Design and Installation

Chapter 12: Cabling-System Design and Installation

Chapter 13: Cable-Connector Installation

Chapter 14: Cable-System Testing and Troubleshooting

Chapter 15: Creating a Request for Proposal (RFP)

Chapter 16: Cabling @ Work: Experience from the Field

Appendices

Appendix A: Dictionary of Cabling and Telecommunications Terms and Concepts

Appendix B: Cabling Resources

Appendix C: Registered Communications and Distribution Designer (RCDD) Certification

Appendix D: Home Cabling: Wiring Your Home for Now and the Future

Appendix E: Overview of IEEE 1394 and USB Networking

Appendix F: The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA) Data-Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC) Program

Index