CH 2 Short Answer

When deploying a VoIP solution in a network, what are some of the different types of equipment and devices you may encounter?

A VoIP network might contain devices such as VoIP gateways, which convert signals from analog phone equipment into IP data that can travel over the Internet, or vice versa. You might also encounter VoIP PBX equipment, which serves as a dedicated telephone switch or virtual switching device that connects and manages calls within a private organization, and manages call connections that exit the network through a VoIP gateway. Internally, this equipment connects to VoIP endpoints, which might be telephones sitting at each user's location or applications hosted on a user's computer or other device.

What is the purpose of a main distribution frame or main distribution facility?

Also known as the MC (main cross connect), the MDF is the centralized point of interconnection for an organization's LAN or WAN. In practice, the term MDF can refer either to the racks holding the network equipment or the room that houses both the racks and the equipment. The MDF and the entrance facility might be in the same data room, or they could be in separate rooms, depending on the layout of the building. Connections branching out from the MDF include Ethernet cables connecting to nearby work areas, large cables to running to IDFs in other buildings or on other floors of the same building, and the incoming connection from the service provider's facility.

How is a memorandum of understanding document utilized?

An MOU (memorandum of understanding) documents 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 of contracts. The MOU can be helpful in pushing along contract negotiations and in defining specific concerns of each party, but it is usually not a legally binding document, does not grant extensive rights to either party, provides no legal recourse, and is not intended to provide thorough coverage of the agreement to come.

What is electromagnetic interference, and how do you avoid its effects?

Electromagnetic interference is interference that is caused by motors, power lines, televisions, copiers, fluorescent lights, or other sources of electrical activity. In order to reduce the possibility of noise that can affect your network's signals, you should install cable at least 3 feet away from any EMI sources.

What steps should be taken to manage documentation at a cabling plant?

Follow these guidelines to manage documentation at your cabling plant: *Keep your cable plant documentation in a centrally accessible location. Make sure it includes locations, installation dates, lengths, and grades of installed cable. *Label every data jack or port, patch panel or punch-down block, and connector or circuit. *Use color-coded cables for different purposes and record the color schemes in your documentation. Cables can be purchased in a variety of sheath colors. For example, you might want to use pink for patch cables, green for horizontal wiring, purple for DMZ lines, and gray for vertical (backbone) wiring. *Be certain to update your documentation as you make changes to the network. The more you document, the easier it will be to move or add cable segments in the future.

In considering a telecommunications service provider's network, what is the demarc, and where is it located?

In general, the device that marks where a telecommunications service provider's network ends and the organizations's network begins is the demarc, or demarcation point. For example, an ISP (Internet Service Provider) might be responsible for fiber-optic cabling to your building to connect to your LAN. The device where the WAN ends and the LAN begins is the demarc. The service provider is responsible for its network beyond the demarc, and, in most cases, the organization is responsible for devices and services on the campus side of the demarc.

How should a company deal with the documentation of passwords?

Password documentation must be kept secure, but also must be available for access by multiple people. Otherwise, if the network admin is suddenly incapacitated, you might be unable to retrieve high-security passwords. A password manager, such as KeePass or LastPass, should be utilized to secure passwords.

What is plenum, and what must you do to be able to run cable through plenum space?

Plenum is the area above the ceiling tile or below the subflooring. If you run cable in this space, the cable sheath must be plenum-rated. You should also consult with local electric installation codes to be certain you are installing it correctly.

What are some of the different types of software changes?

Some of the software changes that you might be called upon to implement include: *patch-A software patch is a correction, improvement, or enhancement to software. It corrects a bug, closes a vulnerability, or adds minor enhancements to only part of the software, leaving most of the code untouched. *upgrade-A software upgrade is a major change to a software package that enhances the functionality and features of the software, while also correcting bugs and vulnerabilities. *rollback-A software rollback is the process of reverting to a previous version of software after attempting to patch or upgrade it. *installation-New software, such as CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software for sales rep or a financial software package for accountants, must be installed on the relevant devices and incorporated with network resources.

What are the three different types of cabling recognized by TIA/EIA as acceptable for horizontal wiring?

TIA/EIA recognizes three possible cabling types for horizontal wiring: UTP, STP, or fiber optic cable. UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cable is a type of copper-based cable that consists of one or more insulated twisted-wire pairs encased in a plastic sheath. STP (shielded twisted pair) cable is a type of copper-based cable containing twisted-wire pairs that are not only individually insulated, but also surrounded by a shielding made of a metallic substance such as foil. Fiber-optic cable is a form of cable that contains one or several glass or plastic fibers in its core and comes in two types: single-mode fiber (SMF) or multimode fiber (MMF). Copper-based cable transmits data via electric signals, and fiber-optic cable transmits data via pulsing light sent from a laser or light-emitting diode (LED).