Networking and Cabling Course

Lesson 1 • Network Devices Overview

Surveys hubs, switches, routers, and access points at a conceptual level. Prepares students to understand where cabling connects to active equipment.

Lesson 2 • Network Topologies and Layouts

Examines physical and logical arrangements of network devices. Students match topology types to real-world deployment scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Data Transmission Fundamentals

Covers how data is encoded, transmitted, and received over a medium. Connects signal theory to physical cabling choices made later in the course.

Lesson 4 • The OSI and TCP/IP Models

Introduces layered communication models that govern how data travels across networks. Provides the conceptual framework for all cabling and device decisions.

Lesson 1 • Cable Categories and Performance Specs

Compares twisted-pair cable categories from Cat5e through Cat8 by frequency and speed. Students select the correct category for a given application.

Lesson 2 • Safety and Building Codes for Cabling

Reviews fire, electrical, and building safety requirements that affect cable selection and routing. Students identify compliant materials and installation zones.

Lesson 3 • Fiber Optic Standards and Classifications

Covers OM and OS fiber classifications and the standards that define them. Connects fiber type selection to distance and bandwidth requirements.

Lesson 4 • Standards Bodies and Their Roles

Identifies the organizations that publish cabling and networking standards. Explains why compliance protects performance, safety, and interoperability.

Lesson 1 • Coaxial Cable Types and Uses

Describes coaxial cable construction and its remaining applications in modern networks. Students identify RG ratings and appropriate connectors.

Lesson 2 • Handling and Storage of Copper Cable

Establishes best practices for pulling, bending, and storing copper cable without degrading performance. Prevents common installation errors before they occur.

Lesson 3 • Twisted-Pair Cable Construction

Examines how UTP and STP cables are built and why twist rates matter. Connects physical construction to crosstalk reduction and signal integrity.

Lesson 4 • Copper Cable Testing Parameters

Introduces the key parameters measured when certifying copper cabling. Prepares students to interpret test results in the next chapter.

Lesson 1 • Light Transmission Principles

Explains how light travels through glass using total internal reflection. Provides the physics foundation needed to understand fiber performance and loss.

Lesson 2 • Safe Handling of Fiber Optic Cable

Addresses the physical and optical hazards of working with fiber. Students apply safety protocols that protect both personnel and cable integrity.

Lesson 3 • Fiber Cable Construction

Details the layers of a fiber optic cable from core to outer jacket. Students identify cable components and understand each layer's protective function.

Lesson 4 • Multimode vs. Single-Mode Fiber

Compares multimode and single-mode fiber by core size, light source, and distance capability. Students select the correct fiber type for a given link budget.

Lesson 1 • Copper Termination Techniques

Teaches step-by-step termination of UTP cable to RJ45 plugs and keystone jacks. Emphasizes pair untwist limits and T568A/B wiring standards.

Lesson 2 • Fiber Splicing Techniques

Teaches fusion and mechanical splicing as permanent fiber joining methods. Students evaluate splice loss and select the appropriate method for each scenario.

Lesson 3 • Fiber Termination Methods

Covers field-installable, pre-polished, and epoxy-polish fiber termination methods. Students choose the method that best fits field conditions and performance needs.

Lesson 4 • Fiber Optic Connector Types

Identifies LC, SC, ST, and MPO connectors and their applications. Students select the correct connector for a given fiber type and equipment port.

Lesson 1 • Firestopping and Penetration Sealing

Addresses the requirement to seal cable penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors. Students apply approved firestop materials and document each penetration.

Lesson 2 • Pulling Cable Through Pathways

Teaches safe cable-pulling techniques that protect cable performance during installation. Students apply tension limits and use proper tools for each cable type.

Lesson 3 • Pathway Planning and Design

Covers how to read floor plans and design cable routes before installation begins. Students produce a pathway plan that meets capacity and code requirements.

Lesson 4 • Conduit Types and Installation

Identifies EMT, rigid, flexible, and PVC conduit and their appropriate uses. Students cut, bend, and join conduit sections to form a complete pathway.

Lesson 1 • Certifying Copper Cabling Runs

Walks through the full certification process for a horizontal copper link. Students configure a certifier, run tests, and interpret pass/fail results.

Lesson 2 • Certifying Fiber Optic Links

Teaches the two-cord reference method for measuring insertion loss on fiber links. Students certify a fiber run against the applicable loss standard.

Lesson 3 • Copper Cable Testing Tools

Introduces cable testers, certifiers, and tone generators used on copper installations. Students select the correct tool for each testing task.

Lesson 4 • Fiber Optic Testing Tools

Covers optical power meters, light sources, OTDRs, and fiber inspection scopes. Students match each tool to the appropriate fiber test procedure.

Lesson 1 • Scalability and Future-Proofing Strategies

Addresses design choices that allow a cabling system to support technology upgrades without full replacement. Students apply headroom and pathway capacity principles.

Lesson 2 • Site Survey and Requirements Gathering

Teaches how to assess a building and capture client requirements before designing a cabling system. Students produce a site survey report that drives all design decisions.

Lesson 3 • Horizontal and Backbone Cabling Design

Guides students through selecting cable types and routing for horizontal and backbone subsystems. Designs meet distance limits and support required bandwidth.

Lesson 4 • Telecommunications Room Design

Covers sizing, layout, and equipment placement for telecommunications rooms. Students design a compliant room that supports current and future cabling loads.