JonGoodCyber Explores Network Topologies and Cabling in Corporate Environments
In this video, JonGoodCyber explores the different network topologies and types of cabling used in corporate environments. He begins by highlighting that not all devices in a business setting necessarily depend on Wi-Fi, which may be surprising given our daily reliance on this technology. It is crucial to understand how all hardware elements are interconnected in a network, which includes the overall design of how things work together.
Network topology is the way in which all hardware components are connected to each other. JonGoodCyber reviews several network topologies, both old and current. The bus topology used a single cable to connect all computers in a straight line, requiring termination at the ends to prevent network failures. The ring topology connected all computers in a circle, allowing data to flow in one direction without the need for termination. However, these topologies had major drawbacks: a failure at any point in the cable would cause the entire network to fail.
The star topology, or hub and spoke, used a central connection box for all computers, providing dedicated and fault-tolerant connections. Although more reliable, this topology was not economical to implement. To overcome this problem, network designers modified the connection boxes to include bus and ring topologies inside, thus creating star-ring or star-bus topologies.
Mesh topologies are used by wireless devices where each computer connects to all others via two or more routes. There are partial and full mesh topologies, the former offering limited redundancy and the latter connecting each computer directly to all others.
JonGoodCyber also highlights the importance of cables in networks. Cable types vary in terms of technology and capabilities, such as speed. The most common cables use copper wires wrapped in a protective sheath. The two main types are coaxial cables and twisted pair cables. Coaxial cables have a central copper conductor wire surrounded by insulation and a braided metal shielding, protecting against electromagnetic interference (EMI). BNC connectors were popular in old bus networks, while F connectors are used for Internet and cable TV connections.
Twisted pair cables are the most common in networks. They come in two types: shielded twisted pair (STP) and unshielded twisted pair (UTP). STP cables are surrounded by shielding to protect against EMI, while UTP cables are cheaper but more susceptible to interference. Twisted pair cables are categorized by category (cat), with varying bandwidth capabilities. For example, cat 6 cables are common today, while cat 6A and cat 7A offer higher transmission speeds.
Fiber optic cables use light instead of electricity, offering immunity to EMI and allowing transmissions over long distances. They are composed of four main elements: the glass fiber core, the cladding to reflect light, the buffer for strength, and the protective jacket. Fiber optics can be multimode (MMF) or single-mode (SMF), the latter offering very high transfer rates over long distances. Fiber optic connectors include ST, SC, LC, and MTRJ, with physical connection types like UPC and APC to minimize signal loss.
Finally, JonGoodCyber addresses cabling and fire safety standards. Cables must have fire safety ratings like PVC or plenum, the latter being safer but more expensive. IEEE 802 standards define the frames, speeds, distances, and cable types for networks, covering groups like Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
In conclusion, understanding network topologies and cabling types is essential for cybersecurity professionals. This knowledge allows for the design of more efficient and secure networks, tailored to the specific needs of corporate environments.