Network Physical Mediums

There are two different types of physical mediums used in networking. They are wired and wireless based networking. Wired based physical mediums may include Token Ring, Fiber, Cable (thick or thin net), PowerLine, PhoneLine and most commonly Ethernet. Wireless may include Infrared, Bluetooth, Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-B (802.11b), and most commonly Wireless-G (802.11g). The newer generation of wireless technology is Wireless-N (802.11n).

Wired solutions
Wired based networks are usually stationary connections from and to a network node (i.e. a computer, hub, switch, router, etc). Although there are many different kinds of wired-based physical mediums, majority of the time Ethernet based communication is used during my experience.

The actual wiring of a wired based Category 5e (CAT5e) cable includes four twisted pairs of wires. One pair used for receiving, one pair used for sending and the other not used for data transmissions. The TIA/EIA (Telecommunication Industry Association and the Electronic Industries Association) are industry standards for making straight-through (patch) and cross-over cabling. Straight-through cabling utilizes T568-A to T568-A or T568-B to T568-B TIA/EIA standards which entitles either green colored or orange colored wire crossed. On the other hand, cross-over cabling utilizes T568-A to T568-B. T568-A TIA/EIA standards are typically used in cable termination whenever IP data transmissions are preferred, while T568-B standards are used whenever MAC data transmissions are preferred.

T568-A&B TIA/EIA Network Cabling Standards

As a network installer and engineer it is outmost important to memorize the standards for terminating network cabling for CAT 5e cabling standards whenever on the job. So many times with the growing need of an “always on Internet” the cabling from and to a Internet modem is either non-category 5, stripped by vacuum cleaning, chewed by animals, or by other means damaged. So creating a new cable in my experience has almost become a routine.

Wireless solutions
Wireless based networks are non-stationary connections usually used for laptops, or where wired based physical medium solutions are not possible. Wireless encompasses at least two wireless capable devices to communicate. On Wireless-A, B, G and N type networks only one access point and a wireless network adaptor is required to properly establish a network. Added: You can however have two wireless computers communicate without an access point.

Linksys Wireless A, B, G and N Comparsion Chart.

Problems of wireless solutions may include reliability and distance factors. Commonly with the use of Wireless-B and G standards communication may reach a maximum of 100-150 feet. Yet with indoor construction, building materials and the room layout 100 feet in my experience never becomes possible. Consequently, upgrading the access point’s antennas or additionally adding a device like the Wireless-G Range Expander by Cisco’s Linksys extends the range of reception. Ultimately, wireless-based solutions cost more than a wired-based home network solution.

Distance and reliability of wireless solutions also become more of an issue when Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security is enabled. Such a security measure is used whenever residents live close to their neighbors or sensitive data is being transmitted. WPA simply encrypts data over the airways of wireless communication.

Majority of clients with more than one computer often use wired based network solutions and is a type of service bundled with setting up a home network solution.

References:
http://www.linksys.com