Based on the assessment criteria provided in the image, here is a
comprehensive guide to help you answer or perform the tasks required for a
Local Area Network (LAN) setup.
(a) Select and Identify Appropriate Devices for LAN Setup
i. Identify Suitable Devices
To set up a basic functional LAN, you typically need the following:
Network Switch: To connect multiple devices within the same network.
Router: To connect the local network to the internet and manage traffic
between different networks.
Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet Cables: The physical medium for transmitting data.
Network Interface Card (NIC): Usually built into computers to allow them to
connect to the network.
Access Point (Optional): If wireless connectivity is required.
ii. Justification for Each Device
Switch: Unlike a hub, a switch sends data only to the specific device it was
intended for, reducing network congestion and improving speed.
Router: It provides a gateway to the outside world and assigns local IP
addresses (via DHCP) to all connected devices.
Ethernet Cables: Wired connections provide higher speeds, lower latency,
and better security compared to wireless connections.
(b)Cable Trunking and Safety
i. Measure and Cut Trunking
Measure the path along the wall using a measuring tape.
Mark the trunking and use a hacksaw or trunking shears to cut at a 90-
degree angle for straight runs or 45-degree angles for mitered corners.
ii. Fix Trunking Neatly
Ensure the wall surface is clean.
Use a spirit level to ensure the trunking is perfectly horizontal or vertical.
Secure it using appropriate screws/plugs or high-quality adhesive backing.
iii. PPE and Safety
Safety Glasses: Protect eyes from plastic shards while cutting.
Gloves: Prevent cuts from sharp edges of the trunking or tools.
Tool Handling: Always cut away from your body and ensure tools are in good
working condition.
(c) RJ-45 Termination Accuracy (T568B Standard)
i. Stripping
Use a cable stripper to remove about 1 inch of the outer jacket. Be careful
not to nick the inner copper wires, as this causes data loss or “shorts.”
ii. T568B Wiring Order
Arrange the wires in this exact order from left to right (with the clip of the RJ-
45 connector facing away from you):
White-Orange
Orange
White-Green
Blue
White-Blue
Green
White-Brown
Brown
iii. Insertion and iv. Crimping
Flatten the wires and trim them so they are straight and about 0.5 inches
long.
Push them firmly into the RJ-45 connector until the copper tips touch the end
of the plug.
Use a crimping tool to squeeze the connector firmly, ensuring the gold pins
pierce the wires and the jacket is gripped by the plastic tab.
iv. Cable Testing
Plug both ends into a LAN tester. For a straight-through cable, the lights 1
through 8 should light up in sequential order on both units.
(d)Cable Testing and Connectivity
i. Connect Devices
Plug your terminated cables into the Ethernet ports of your PCs and the
Network Switch. Ensure the “click” sound is heard, indicating a secure lock.
ii. Check Link Lights
Look at the LEDs on the Switch or the PC’s NIC:
Solid Green/Amber: Physical connection established.
Flashing: Data is currently being transmitted.
iii. Verify Connectivity
Perform a “Ping” test on a connected computer:
Open Command Prompt (CMD).
Type ping [Link] (to test the local NIC).
Type ping [Gateway IP] (to test connection to the router).
Would you like me to create a step-by-step checklist or a diagram of the
T568B wiring to help you with the practical portion?