WHAT IS A NETWORK ADDRESS?

WHAT IS A NETWORK ADDRESS?

• A network address is any logical or physical address that uniquely distinguishes a network node or device over a computer or telecommunications network. It is a numeric/symbolic number or address that is assigned to any device that seeks access to or is part of a network.

A network address is a key networking technology component that facilitates identifying a network node/device and reaching a device over a network. It has several forms, including the Internet Protocol (IP) address, media access control (MAC) address and host address. It

• Computers on a network use a network address to identify, locate and address other computers. Besides individual devices, a network address is typically unique for each interface; for example, a computer's Wi-Fi and local area network (LAN) card has separate network addresses.
  A network address is also known as the numerical network part of an IP address. This is used to distinguish a network that has its own hosts and addresses. 

What is the difference between Straight Through and Crossover Cable?

hen talking about cable pinouts we often get questions as to the difference in Straight-through, and Crossover cables and the intended use for each type of cable. These terms are referring to the way the cables are wired (which pin on one end is connected to which pin on the other end).

A RJ45 connector is a modular 8 position, 8 pin connector used for terminating Cat5e or Cat6 twisted pair cable. A pinout is a specific arrangement of wires that dictate how the connector is terminated. There are two standards recognized by ANSI, TIA and EIA for wiring Ethernet cables. The first is the T568A wiring standard and the second is T568B. T568B has surpassed 568A and is seen as the default wiring scheme for twisted pair structured cabling. If you are unsure of which to use, choose 568B.

What Is Straight Through Cable?

A straight through cable is a type of twisted pair cable that is used in local area networks to connect a computer to a network hub such as a router. This type of cable is also sometimes called a patch cable and is an alternative to wireless connections where one or more computers access a router through a wireless signal. On a straight through cable, the wired pins match. Straight through cable use one wiring standard: both ends use T568A wiring standard or both ends use T568B wiring standard.

What Is Crossover Cable?

An Ethernet crossover cable is a type of Ethernet cable used to connect computing devices together directly. Unlike straight through cable, crossover cables use two different wiring standards: one end uses the T568A wiring standard, and the other end uses the T568B wiring standard. The internal wiring of Ethernet crossover cables reverses the transmit and receive signals. It is most often used to connect two devices of the same type: e.g. two computers (via network interface controller) or two switches to each other.

Choose a Straight Through or Crossover Cable?

Usually, straight through cables are primarily used for connecting unlike devices. And crossover cables are use for connecting unlike devices alike devices.

Use straight through cable for the following cabling:

• Switch to router
• Switch to PC or server
• Hub to PC or server

Use crossover cables for the following cabling:

• Switch to switch
• Switch to hub
• Hub to hub
• Router to router
• Router Ethernet port to PC NIC
• PC to PC

The Main Differences-Straight Through and Crossover Cable

Straight through and crossover cables are wired differently from each other. One easy way to tell what you have is to look at the order of the colored wires inside the RJ45 connector. If the order of the wires is the same on both ends, then you have a straight through cable. If not, then it’s most likely a crossover cable or was wired wrong.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF CABLES?

There are three types of cables used in wired transmission namely twisted pair cables, coaxial cables and fiber optic cables.

• TWISTED PAIR CABLES

·         Twisted pair cables are used for transmitting data in small areas. These cables are further divided into two types. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP). RJ45 connector is used for connecting UTP cables. UTP is further divided into seven categories based on quality of cable. CAT1 cables are used in telephone lines with small data rate whereas CAT6 is used in LAN connections with high rate of data transfer.·

  COAXIAL CABLES

Coaxial cables carry signals with a frequency higher than that of twisted pair cables. These cables are categorized with the help of Radio Government (RG) ratings. RG-59 cables are used for cable TVs, RG-58 for thin Ethernet and RG-11 for thick Ethernet. BNC connectors are used for connecting coaxial cables.

• FIBER OPTIC CABLES

·         Fiber Optic Cables are used for transmitting high speed, longer distance signals with minimum interference.  Two types of connectors are used for connecting fiber optic cables. SC connector is used for connecting cable TVs whereas ST connectors are used for establishing connection between networking devices.