A small office client is requesting a network redesign. Both wired and wireless devices must connect to the network. All of the wireless devices can communicate using the latest standards. The building has a long courtyard in the middle with reinforced walls, which extends up through all the floors. The distance from the switch to the furthest drop is 88 meters. Which of the following is the correct network redesign choice?
A. Fiber optic cabling is necessary due to distance limitations.
B. The wireless network should be 802.11b due to equipment limitations.
C. One WAP will be sufficient to provide wireless coverage to the floor.
D. The wired network should be run with at least CAT6 cabling.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation/Reference:
Explanation: The Category 6 cable, also known as Cat-6, is backward compatible with the Category 5/5 e and Category 3 cable standards. It can create a high speed computer network and operate at an optimal performance if other components in the network are compatible with gigabit speeds.
AdvantagE. Speed and Performance
The cable can handle speed performance of up to 250 MHZ. This fast performance makes it possible to use with a fast ethernet network including Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet. The whole generation of the Cat 6 cable was introduced to complement the Gigabit Ethernet which includes interface cards, patch panels, routers, switches, and other components which is developed to achieve a full gigabit network. Many IT professionals realized that the Cat 6 cable provide very fast network performance and can deliver gigabit speeds.
AdvantagE. Similar Structure with Cat 5 Cable
Cat 6 cable has a similar structure to the Cat 5 and Cat 5e. The Cat 6, Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables have 8 wires that are twisted together to form four pairs. The difference is that one pair of the wires in the Cat 6 cable is kept from contacting with others so that it can produce double the bandwidth of the Cat 5 and Cat 5e.
AdvantagE. Backward Compatible
The plug and port of the Cat 6 cable is the same as the Cat 5 and Cat 5e. Therefore, it can be plugged into any port or connection that supports both of those cables. If you use the Cat 5 port, it will not yield the full speed that it is capable of handling. Instead, it will operate at the speed of the computer or cable. However, the speed will be acceptable.
AdvantagE. Upgradable
If upgrading to a more optimal network, the Cat 6 cable should be included in part of the upgrade. The Cat 6 cable will not operate at the full speed if other units in the network does not support gigabit speeds. Small businesses that are starting should consider installing the Cat 6 cable since it is becoming the industry standard.
