Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 2-1
Chapter 2
Network Infrastructure and Documentation
At a Glance
Instructor’s Manual Table of Contents
• Overview
• Objectives
• Teaching Tips
• Quick Quizzes
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 2-2
Lecture Notes
Overview
This chapter details the structural hardware necessary to connect and support these hosts, routers,
and switches and connect them to the outside world. Students will learn about cabling, racks,
equipment that monitors the environment, and other equipment that supports the
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, the student will be able to:
• Identify and describe network and cabling equipment in commercial buildings and work
areas
Teaching Tips
Components of Structured Cabling
1. Describe the TIA/EIA-568 Commercial Building Wiring Standard, also known as
structured cabling. Explain that structured cabling is based on a hierarchical design and
assumes a network is based on the star topology.
From the Demarc to a Workstation
2. Use Figure 2-2 to illustrate how structured cabling appears within a building.
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 2-3
3. The next section of the text outlines a tour of the physical network illustrated in Figure 2-
1. Point out that a network begins at the demarcation point in the entrance facility. The
tour covers three stops:
4. Review the components of the tour outlined in the text:
a. Entrance facility
b. demark (demarcation point)
c. MDF (main distribution frame/facility)
d. data room
e. racks
5. Use Figures 2-11 and 2-12 to discuss racks used for attaching devices such as routers,
servers, switches, patch panels, audiovisual equipment, or telephony equipment.
6. Explain to students that rack system provide mounting hardware for network equipment
to optimize the use of square footage in equipment rooms and ensure adequate spacing,
access, and ventilation for these devices.
7. Mention that racks may be wall- or ceiling-mounted, or freestanding on the floor.
8. Explain that racks are measured in rack units (RU or U), with the standard being 42U tall
(6 feet).
10. Use Figure 2-14 to discuss hot aisle/cold aisle rack layout.
11. Discuss the three basic types of cable installations allowed by structured cabling
standards:
12. Use Figure 2-15 to illustrate a horizontal wiring configuration.
13. Use Figure 2-16 to illustrate a cable installation using UTP from the data room to the
14. Discuss the various cable installation tips that will help prevent Physical layer failures:
a. termination
b. bend radius
c. verify continuity
d. cinch cables loosely
e. protect cables
Teaching
Tip
Emphasize the vast knowledge required when specializing in cable installation,
design, or maintenance, and the importance of investing in a reference dedicated
to this topic.
Students may find more information on Cable Considerations for Network
Installations at http://www.cablinginstall.com/articles/print/volume-6/issue-
Monitoring the Environment and Security
1. Explain that due to the sensitive nature of the equipment mounted on racks,
environmental and security monitoring are critical preventative measures.
3. Explain that specialized products are available that monitor the critical factors of a data
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 2-5
Quick Quiz 1
1. Which of the following terms best describe the first point of interconnection between an
organization’s LAN or WAN and a service provider’s facility?
a. data room
b. MDF
c. IDF
d. work area
2. The area above the ceiling tile or below the subflooring is known as which of the
following?
a. crosstalk
b. cable trays
c. plenum
d. grounding
3. True or False: A VoIP gateway device converts signals from a campus’s analog phone
equipment into IP data that can travel over the Internet.
4. How wide is a standard data equipment rack?
a. 42”
b. 12”
c. 23”
d. 19”
5. Which of the following terms best describe the cables or wireless links that provide
interconnection between the entrance facility and MDF?
a. backbone
b. patch
c. demarc
d. horizontal
Network Documentation
Network Diagrams
1. Define and describe network diagrams. Point out that these diagrams may show physical
2. Explain that a network diagram can be created as a product of network mapping, which is
the process of discovering and identifying the devices on a network.
4. Use Figure 2-25 to illustrate a network diagram using Cisco symbols.
5. Direct students to Table 2-1, which shows several of the most common network topology
7. Use Figure 2-29 to illustrate a wiring schematic.
8. Explain that another diagram that students may come across is a rack diagram, which
Operating Procedures
1. Explain that essential documentation covers:
a. logical and physical connections on a network
2. Use Table 2-2 to describe items to consider covering in network documentation. Point out
Inventory Management
1. Define system life cycle as the process of designing, implementing, and maintaining an
2. Explain that inventory management refers to the monitoring and maintaining of all the
3. Point out that the first step in inventory management is to list all the components on the
network, which include:
4. Mention that inventory documentation provides network administrators with information
Labeling and Naming Conventions
1. Discuss the importance of establishing a naming convention when labeling devices.
Further discuss the importance of labeling those devices with those names.
2. Discuss the naming convention tips outlined in the text:
a. Use names that are as descriptive as possible
b. Only include fields that are absolutely essential in identifying the device
3. Discuss these tips for labeling:
a. Use color-coded cables for different general purposes
b. Label ports and jacks that cables connect to
Business Documents
1. Explain to students that there are certain business documents that network professionals
should be familiar with. Discuss the purpose and structure of the following:
a. RFP (request for proposal)
b. MOU (memorandum of understanding)
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 2-8
Change Management
1. Explain why managing change while maintaining a network’s efficiency and availability
requires good planning.
Software and Hardware Changes
1. Point out that an important part of keeping a system running optimally is upgrading its
software.
2. Describe the four common software change types:
a. patch
3. Review the general steps involved in implementing software changes on a network.
5. Explain that most technicians will encounter a situation when you must roll back
changes.
6. Use Table 2-3 to summarize some basic options to reverse a software upgrade.
7. Discuss the change management principles that apply to any type of change:
a. Process all changes through the proper channels
Change Management Documentation
1. Point out that generally, the larger an organization, the more documentation is required
when making hardware and software changes.
2. Explain that required processes and how these processes are documented are designed to
3. Discuss the list of what to expect when managing hardware or software changes:
a. Submit a change request document
Quick Quiz 2
1. Which of the following terms best describe the process of discovering and identifying the
devices on a network?
a. network diagram
b. wiring scheme
c. network mapping
d. network graphing
2. A graphical representation of a network’s wired infrastructure is known as a _________.
3. True or False: The first step in inventory management is to determine the cost and
benefits of certain types of hardware and software.
4. What type of document outlines the intentions of two or more parties to enter into a
binding agreement, or contract, and is sometimes used between an informal handshake
and the legally binding signatures on contracts?
a. RFP (request for proposal)
b. MOU (memorandum of understanding)
c. SOW (statement of work)
d. SLA (service-level agreement)
5. Which of the following terms best describe a major change to a software package that
enhances the functionality and features of the software, while also correcting bugs and
vulnerabilities?
a. service pack
b. rollback
c. backlevel
d. upgrade
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 2-10
Class Discussion Topics
1. As a class, discuss how long an upgraded hardware and software components should be
stored in case there is a need to back out and reinstall. What considerations should be
taken into account when determining the appropriate time to discard old or upgrade
equipment?
2. Documenting a network is essential in troubleshooting and support. Discuss the security
implications in keeping such documentation. How should an organization balance access
to the documentation against protecting the network from intentional hacking,
compromise or damage?
Additional Projects
1. Have the student research companies that specialize in the physical removal or
2. Have the student research network diagramming products on the market and write a
Additional Resources
1. Designing a Structured Cabling System
2. Cisco Network Icons
3. Technology Asset Management
4. TIA/EIA 568 Wiring Standard
5. Five Free Apps for Diagraming a Network
Key Terms
For definitions of key terms, see the Glossary near the end of the book.
➢ KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switch
➢ licensing restrictions
➢ MDF (main distribution frame or main distribution facility)
➢ MLA (master license agreement)
➢ MOU (memorandum of understanding)
➢ RFP (request for proposal)
➢ rollback
➢ SLA (service-level agreement)
➢ SOW (statement of work)
➢ STP (shielded twisted pair)
