Exercise 3.1: Shopping for Network Cabling

Exercise 3.1: Shopping for Network Cabling

Objective: Explore the prices and availability of network cabling media in your area. Obtain a real-world view of cabling options.

Estimated time: 15 minutes

This chapter discussed the advantages and disadvantages of common network transmission media. In this exercise, you’ll explore how network installation professionals perceive the differences between the cabling types. Remember that the cabling types discussed in this chapter are all tied to particular network topologies and architectures. You may want to read through Chapter 4, “Network Topologies and Architectures,” before attempting this exercise.

Call a local computer store (preferably a store that provides network installations) and ask for some basic information on network cabling. Ask about coaxial Thinnet and Thicknet, UTP, and STP. Find out which type the store prefers to work with and in what situations they would recommend each of the types. Ask for pricing on Thinnet PVC and Plenum-grade cable. Try to get a feeling for how the real world perceives the cabling types described in this chapter.

Computer vendors generally are busy people, so try to be precise. Don’t imply that you’re getting ready to buy a whole network (unless you are). Just tell them you’re trying to learn more about network cabling—vendors are often happy to share their knowledge. If they’re helpful, remember them the next time you need a bid.