N10-009 Network Implementation Study Guide for the CompTIA Network+

Physical Limitations

When installing a network, either wired or wireless, the physical environment in which the network is placed can have a significant impact on the network’s architecture. For the Network+ N10-009 exam, you should be able to explain important factors related to physical limitations.

Important Installation Implications

Network installation can be a highly complex process involving numerous components, each with unique factors to consider prior to installation.

Location

When choosing a location for network installation, one must consider the placement of the external connection to a service provider, the size and number of frames and racks required for current and future use, heat generation and distribution, and cabling, among other factors.

Main Distribution Frame (MDF)

An MDF serves as the demarcation point between the exterior of a location and the interior of a location and the intermediate distribution frames. In other words, the MDF connects the interior network to the external network lines.

Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF)

An IDF is a distribution frame that provides connections between the MDF and individual end devices in the network. IDFs can be dispersed throughout a building and connect to the MDF.

Rack Size

A rack is a physical container for networking components, such as switches and hubs. Most network racks have a standard width of 19 inches and use rack units (U) to indicate rack height, where one U is 1.75 inches. For example, a commonly used rack is a 42U rack, which is 73.5 inches tall.

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Port-Side Exhaust/Intake

Networking devices generate a significant amount of heat and require proper temperature resolution for optimal performance. The port-side intake refers to the front side, or port side, of a switch pulling cool air into the device and expelling hot air out of the power side, or rear of the device. Port-side Intake, power side exhaust is the most commonly occurring switch configuration. A switch with Port-side exhaust reverses the flow of air and pulls cool air into the device through the power side and expels air through the port side of the device. To ensure proper ventilation, it is important to alternate hot aisles (where the exhaust is expelled) and cold aisles (where the cool air enters).

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Cabling

Cable management refers to how cables are organized, routed, and supported in a network. Cable management includes the devices that are used, such as patch panels or punch-down blocks, as well as how cables are organized for component identification and troubleshooting purposes.

Patch Panel

A patch panel, also known as a patch bay, is a hardware housing assembly that provides connection ports for managing incoming and outgoing cables. A patch panel is a dumb device that has no networking capabilities by itself but merely acts as a connection point between switches.

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Fiber Distribution Panel

A fiber distribution panel, also known as a fiber enclosure, is a patch panel for fiber optic termination and distribution. A fiber distribution panel provides a tray for cable management as well as a splice drawer for fiber connections.

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Lockable

A lockable rack is one that is enclosed and securable with a locking mechanism. A lockable rack, while enclosed, still allows for proper air intake and exhaust.

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Power

Power is essential to a network. There are numerous devices and techniques that can be used to provide power to networking devices depending on factors such as power load, continuous power supply, and voltage.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

A UPS is a battery backup that is connected to networking devices to provide temporary power in the case of a power failure. A UPS minimizes downtime and data loss in a power outage but is only designed for temporary use and should provide power 20 to 30 percent higher than needed by the connected devices.

Power Distribution Unit (PDU)

A PDU is a device designed to disperse electricity between connected devices. A PDU can be a simple power strip or a complex, intelligent PDU that is managed remotely through a centralized interface. These PDUs can also provide environmental monitoring capabilities through humidity, temperature, and airflow sensors and can be used to protect network devices from power anomalies.

Power Load

The power load of a network is the total electrical consumption of all networking devices at a given time, usually measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). Each individual networking component has a load that is summed to equal the total power load.

Voltage

Power voltage refers to the pressure at which electricity is distributed, measured in volts (V). Different networking components are designed to function with different voltage levels. For example, a Cat 6 cable providing power over Ethernet (PoE) has a standard voltage of 48 volts, while a standard PDU in the United States uses 120 volts.

Environmental Factors

For a network to function optimally, the environment in which the hardware devices are located needs to be monitored for different environmental factors that can harm or affect networking devices. Environmental sensors are used to monitor location conditions and provide alerts to potential environmental issues. Since best practice recommendations periodically change, refer to the latest available recommendations for the networking environment.

Humidity

Humidity is the amount of moisture that is contained in the air. Like temperature, there is a recommended humidity level for optimal network performance. Air that is too dry or too damp can result in network malfunctions. For instance, excessively dry air can cause a buildup of static electrical charges, while excessively damp air can cause corrosion.

Fire Suppression

Fire suppression systems are designed to respond to a fire to minimize the effects and spread of the fire. There are various types of fire suppression systems, including wet pipe, dry pipe, preaction, and deluge. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved water, argon, NAF-S-III, and FM-200 for use in these systems.

Temperature

Computing devices, including networking devices such as switches and routers, generate heat. Networking devices should be kept in a cool setting with an appropriate amount of ventilation for optimal performance. Excessively high temperatures can cause malfunctions, such as random server reboots, and low temperatures can likewise cause malfunctions, such as slowed response time.