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Troubleshooting Common Router & Switch Problems & Network Media Topologies

2.5 Given a scenario, troubleshoot common router and switch problems.

  • Bad Cables/ improper cables: For a network to work efficiently proper cable should be used. Use of improper cable can cause connection issues and low performance.

  • Port configuration: Port configurations should be done according to design of network , topology being used and main use of the port. Some port configuration include opening and shutting the port, setting duplex, encryption type, protocols etc..

  • VLAN assignment: It can be used to create virtual networks. This assignment should be done properly to include clients in specific subnet. If assignment is not done correctly it can lead to in efficiency, connectivity issues and some time security issues too.

  • Mismatched MTU/MTU black hole: Maximum Transmission Unit is Maximum Transmission Unit it is largest size packet that will be expected by a network. It interfaces used to connect devices are not with same MTU then packet drop can occur and client will not be able to receive data properly.

  • Power failure: power failure can can stop routers and switches to stop working and can effect working of the network so UPS should be used to provide continuous power.

  • Bad/missing routes: If some information in routing tables is incorrect or is missing it can effect routers ability to make proper decision. If a routing protocol is properly configured it will automatically provide all routing information.

  • Duplicate IP address: Because of some misconfiguration duplicate address can be placed in the network. This issue can be detected by operating system can will be reported easily.

2.6 Given a set of requirements, plan and implement a basic SOHO network.

  • Cable length: Some basic requirements are twisted-pair cable should not be more than 100 meters from a switch. Also to prevent fire spreading from Ethernet cables installed between ceiling and floor and prevent spreading of spread toxic gases Special plenum type cables should be used

  • Device types/requirements: Some devices required for SOHO networks are desktops, laptops, routers, switches, printers, faxes machines.

  • Environment limitations: Routers and switches should be saved from flooding or high humidity and optimum operating temperature should be maintained. In wireless networks absorption or refection of radio waves should be accounted.

  • Equipment limitations: SOHO net works are generally a scaled-down version of the same type of device you would use for an enterprise network, should use SOHO equipment for SOHO environment, but you should generally not use it for a larger enterprise environment

  • Compatibility requirements: A compatible media, client or service, and protocol must be used.

3. Network Media and Topologies

3.1 Categorize standard media types and associated properties.

  • Multimode fiber: It carry multiple rays of light concurrently and different reflection angle. These can carry short distances as strength weakens over distance.

  • Single mode fiber: It can carry single direct ray of light. It can travell longer distance as distortion is less as compared to multimode fiber.

  • UTP stands for Un-shielded Twisted Pair cabling. A cable made up of 8 individual wires. 4 pairs twisted together. f wires in a cable are not twisted or shielded, that cable can act as an antenna, which might receive or transmit EMI. To help prevent this type of behavior, the wires (which are individually insulated) can be twisted together in pairs.

  • STP for Shielded Twisted Pair cabling. environments in which greater resistance to EMI and attenuation is required. provides the extra shielding by using an insulating material that is wrapped around the wires within the cable. This extra protection increases the distances that data signals can travel over STP but also increases the cost of the cabling.

  • CAT3: This standard was used in 90's for homes and offices. It can transmit data up to 10Mbps with a possible bandwidth of 16MHz

  • CAT5: It uses either the 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T standard for data transmission Using two cable pairs to signal over copper wire. It provides a minimum of 100MHz of bandwidth.

  • CAT5e: It uses four pairs of copper wire. In addition, the wire pairs are twisted more tightly and are sheathed in heavy-duty shielding to eliminate crosstalk. It is used for 1000BASE-T networks, which carry data at a rate of 1 Gbps.

  • CAT6: It can transmit data up to 10Gbps, has a minimum of 250MHz of bandwidth and specifies cable lengths up to 100 meters with 10/100/1000Mbps transfer, along with 10Gbps over shorter distances. It is made up of four twisted pairs of copper wire, an longitudinal separator separates each of the four pairs of wires from each other

  • CAT 6a: It can operate at a frequency of up to 750 MHz and is even less susceptible to interference and crosstalk CAT6a is the preferred cable for 10GBASE-T Ethernet

  • Straight-through: The Cable is wired the same on both sides following the 568a or 568b wiring schematic.

  • Plenum cable: It is fire retardant and minimize toxic fumes released if a networking cable catches fire.

3.2 Categorize standard connector types based on network media.

  • ST(Straight tip): Also called as bayonet connector used with MMF. It connects to terminating device by pushing the connector and housing to lock it.

  • SC (Subscriber connector): Also called standard connector , or square connector . Can be connected by pushing the connector into the terminating device, and it can be removed by pulling the connector from the terminating device.

  • LC(Lucent connector) : connects to a terminating device by pushing the connector into the terminating device, and it can be removed by pressing the tab on the connector and pulling it out of the terminating device.

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