PART-A
2. Study of different types of network cables and practically implement the cross-wired
cable and staight through cable using clamping tool
1. Twisted Pair Cable
Twisted pair cable is the most commonly used cable in Local Area Networks (LANs). It consists
of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference and
signal distortion.
Types of Twisted Pair Cable
a) UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
UTP cable does not contain any additional shielding around the wire pairs. It is lightweight,
inexpensive, and easy to install. It is widely used in Ethernet networks.
Advantages
Low cost, Easy installation ,Flexible and lightweight
Disadvantages
More susceptible to noise and interference
Applications
LAN connections, Office and home networking
b) STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
STP cable contains a metallic shield around the wire pairs to protect signals from
electromagnetic interference.
Advantages
Better noise protection, Higher signal quality
Disadvantages
Costlier than UTP, More difficult to install
Applications
Industrial environments, High-interference areas
2. Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable consists of:
A central copper conductor, Insulating material, Metallic shield, Outer protective cover
The shield protects signals from external interference.
Advantages
Better protection from noise, Reliable signal transmission over moderate distances
Disadvantages
Bulkier and less flexible, More expensive than twisted pair cable
Applications
Cable television, Broadband internet, CCTV systems
3. Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable uses light signals instead of electrical signals to transmit data. It contains thin
strands of glass or plastic fibers.
Types of Fiber Optic Cable
a) Single-Mode Fiber
Uses a single light path and supports long-distance communication.
b) Multi-Mode Fiber
Uses multiple light paths and is suitable for shorter distances.
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cable
Very high speed, large bandwidth
Long-distance communication, more secure data transmission
Disadvantages
Expensive, Difficult installation and maintenance
Applications
Internet backbone,Telecommunications, High-speed data centers
Ethernet Cable Standards
Ethernet cables use RJ45 connectors and follow wiring standards called T568A and T568B.
These standards define the arrangement of colored wires inside the connector.
T568A Standard
Wire order:
1. White-Green
2. Green
3. White-Orange
4. Blue
5. White-Blue
6. Orange
7. White-Brown
8. Brown
T568B Standard
Wire order:
1. White-Orange
2. Orange
3. White-Green
4. Blue
5. White-Blue
6. Green
7. White-Brown
8. Brown
Straight-Through Cable
A straight-through cable has the same wiring standard on both ends, either T568A–T568A or
T568B–T568B.
Working Principle
The transmitting pins on one device connect directly to the receiving pins through networking
equipment like switches.
Applications
Used to connect different types of devices such as:
Computer to Switch
Computer to Hub
Router to Switch
Cross-Wired (Crossover) Cable
A crossover cable has different wiring standards on each end:
One end uses T568A
Other end uses T568B
In this cable, transmitting and receiving wires are crossed.
Working Principle
The transmission lines of one device connect directly to the receiving lines of another device.
Crossed Pins
Pin 1 ↔ Pin 3
Pin 2 ↔ Pin 6
Applications
Used to connect similar devices such as:
Computer to Computer
Switch to Switch
Hub to Hub
RJ45 Connector
RJ45 is an 8-pin connector used for Ethernet networking cables. It connects the twisted pair
cable to networking devices.
Functions
Provides physical connection
Ensures proper signal transmission
Crimping (Clamping) Tool
A crimping tool is used to attach the RJ45 connector firmly to the cable.
Functions
Cuts cable
Strips insulation
Clamps RJ45 connector onto wires
Proper crimping ensures reliable communication and prevents loose connections.
Required Materials
UTP Cable
RJ45 Connectors
Crimping/Clamping Tool
LAN Tester
Wire Stripper
Scissors or Cutter
Procedure
A. Straight-Through Cable Preparation
1. Cut the required length of UTP cable.
2. Strip about 2 cm of the outer insulation.
3. Untwist and arrange the wires according to T568B standard.
4. Flatten the wires and trim evenly.
5. Insert wires into RJ45 connector carefully.
6. Use crimping tool to clamp the connector.
7. Repeat same color arrangement on the other end.
8. Test the cable using LAN tester.
B. Cross-Wired Cable Preparation
1. Cut the UTP cable to required length.
2. Strip the cable ends.
3. Arrange one end using T568A standard.
4. Arrange the other end using T568B standard.
5. Insert wires into RJ45 connectors.
6. Clamp both connectors using crimping tool.
7. Test using LAN cable tester.
Viva Questions
1. What is the difference between UTP and STP cable?
2. Why is a crossover cable used?
3. What is the function of an RJ45 connector?
4. What are T568A and T568B standards?
5. Which devices are connected using straight-through cable?
6. Which pins are crossed in a crossover cable?
7. What is the purpose of a LAN tester?
8. What is crimping in networking?
4. Configuring the IP Address of a Computer
Aim
To configure the IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway of a computer in a network.
Step 1: Open Network Settings
1. Go to Control Panel
2. Click Network and Sharing Center
3. Select Change Adapter Settings
Step 2: Open Network Adapter Properties
1. Right-click on Ethernet or Wi-Fi
2. Click Properties
Step 3: Select Internet Protocol
1. Choose Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
2. Click Properties
Step 4: Configure IP Address
Select Use the following IP address and enter:
IP Address: [Link]
Subnet Mask: [Link]
Default Gateway: [Link]
Step 5: Save Settings
1. Click OK
2. Close all windows
Verification
Open Command Prompt and type:
ipconfig
Check whether the configured IP address is displayed.
Sample Output
IPv4 Address . . . . . . . . . : [Link]
Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . : [Link]
Default Gateway . . . . . . . : [Link]
Result
The IP address was successfully configured and verified using the ipconfig command.
Viva Questions
1. What is an IP address?
2. What is the purpose of a subnet mask?
3. What is a default gateway?
4. Difference between IPv4 and IPv6?
5. What command is used to check IP configuration in Windows?
[Link] a basic network and share file and folder.
Aim
To create a basic network using Cisco Packet Tracer and enable file sharing between computers.
Topology
PC0 -------- Switch -------- PC1
Procedure
Step 1:
1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer
2. Create a new workspace.
Step 2: Add Devices
From the bottom panel:
Add:
1 Switch (2960)
2 PCs
Drag them into the workspace.
Step 3: Connect Devices
1. Select Connections
2. Choose Copper Straight-Through Cable
3. Connect:
o PC0 → Switch
o PC1 → Switch
Step 4: Configure IP Address
Configure PC0
1. Click PC0
2. Desktop → IP Configuration
3. Enter:
IP Address : [Link]
Subnet Mask: [Link]
Configure PC1
1. Click PC1
2. Desktop → IP Configuration
3. Enter:
IP Address : [Link]
Subnet Mask: [Link]
Step 5: Test Connectivity
From PC0
1. Desktop → Command Prompt
2. Type:
ping [Link]
Expected Output
Reply from [Link]: bytes=32 time<1ms TTL=128
This indicates successful communication.
Step 6: Share File Using Simple PDU (Simulation)
Since real Windows file sharing is not available in Cisco Packet Tracer, communication is
demonstrated using packets.
1. Click Simulation Mode
2. Select Add Simple PDU (envelope icon)
3. Click:
o Source: PC0
o Destination: PC1
If successful:
A green check mark appears.
Result
A basic network was created successfully in Cisco Packet Tracer and communication between
computers was verified using the ping command and simulation packets.
[Link] and execute basic network commands and network configuration commands
Basic Network Commands
[Link]
Displays IP configuration of the PC.
Command-ipconfig
Meaning:
Displays the IP address and network details of a computer.
Use:
To check IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway.
[Link]
Checks connectivity between two devices.
Command- ping [Link]
Meaning:
Tests connectivity between two devices in a network.
Use:
To check whether another computer is reachable.
[Link] -a
Displays ARP table entries.
Command- arp -a
Meaning:
Displays the ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table.
Use:
To view MAC addresses associated with IP addresses.
[Link]
Displays route taken by packets.
Command
tracert [Link]
Meaning:
Shows the path taken by packets from source to destination.
Use:
To identify routing path and network delays.
[Link]
Displays network statistics and connections.
Command
netstat
Meaning:
Displays active network connections and statistics.
Use:
To monitor network activity.
Network Configuration Commands
1. enable
Meaning:
Enters privileged EXEC mode in the switch/router.
Use:
To access advanced configuration commands.
2. configure terminal
Meaning:
Enters global configuration mode.
Use:
To configure switch or router settings.
3. hostname Switch1
Meaning:
Changes the name of the switch to “Switch1”.
Use:
To identify the device easily in a network.
4. interface fastethernet0/1
Meaning:
Selects Fast Ethernet port 0/1 for configuration.
Use:
To configure a specific switch port.
5. no shutdown
Meaning:
Activates/enables the selected interface.
Use:
To turn ON a disabled port.
6. exit
Meaning:
Exits the current configuration mode.
Use:
To return to the previous mode.
7. copy running-config startup-config
Meaning:
Saves the current configuration permanently.
Use:
To retain configuration after restart.