In chapter 2, we looked at a few diagrams showing network nodes connected with cables. In this chapter, we will look at the specific kinds of cables, connectors, and ports used to make those connections. These topics are part of section 1.0, Network Fundamentals, of the CCNA exam. Specifically, we will cover aspects of exam topic 1.3, which is as follows:
- 1.3 Compare physical interface and cabling types
- 1.3.a Single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, copper
- 1.3.b Connections (Ethernet shared media and point-to-point)
In the past, there have been many different ways to connect devices, and there still are. However, in modern networks, Ethernet reigns supreme and is by far the most common connection type. Perhaps you have heard of Ethernet before in reference to Ethernet cables. Ethernet is not one single thing but rather a collection of standards for physical wired connections as well as rules for communicating over those connections. In this chapter, we will look at two different kinds of physical connections between devices: those using copper cables and those using fiber-optic cables.