6.

0 Layer 1 Design

Working on the Physical Layer

Since the physical layer includes all the media upon which the entire network is based, it is the layer
with which the cable installer will be most concerned. Media includes twisted pair, fiber-optic, and
coaxial cable as well as free space for waves from radio, infrared, and other wireless technologies. This
section of the chapter discusses the functions of the physical layer, the role of repeaters and hubs, the
effect of wiring errors, and how to avoid common wiring errors during installation.
Encoding is another function of Layer 1. Encoding is the conversion of the information into bits (0s and
1s). It is these bits that are then transmitted on the cable. When the source host sends data such as an e-
mail message with its addressing information, the physical layer converts the data into bits and then
transmits those bits over the medium. When the destination host receives these bits, Layer 1 converts
the bits back into the original format of the e-mail message.

6.2 Specific Objectives

6.3 Lecture Outline

6.3.1 Review of Layer 1 Network devices

Two types of LAN devices that operate at this layer are repeaters and hubs. Their role is to regenerate
the signals that pass through them.

6.3.1.1 Repeaters

As a signal travels on a wire, it grows weaker. This is referred to as attenuation. To keep the signal from
becoming unrecognizable to the receiving host, a repeater is placed on the wire. A repeater is a
networking device that takes in the weakened signal, cleans it up, and regenerates it before sending it
on its way. Repeaters are generally used near the outer edges of networks where attenuation is most
likely to occur.

6.3.1.2 Hubs

Like repeaters, active hubs also regenerate signals. The difference between the two is that hubs have
many more ports than repeaters. Hence hubs are often called multi-port repeaters. Unlike repeaters,
hubs are often used as the central point in a star topology or as the secondary points in an extended star
topology to join segments of a network. One drawback to using hubs as the central points in networks
is that it forwards all data to every host on the network. Since the speed of network is dependent on the
amount of traffic that is on the wire, unnecessary traffic results in a slowdown of the network.
Therefore, networking devices that can filter traffic will help cut down on the amount of traffic between
segments of a network. The devices that can filter traffic are Layer 2 and Layer 3 devices.

6.3.2 The Effect of Wiring Errors

When there are problems with a network, troubleshooting should begin with Layer 1. It is estimated
that about three-quarters of all network problems are Layer 1 problems. Many of these could be
avoided when installing cable. Wiring is a critical component in the process of transmitting data across
a network. Common installation errors can be made and the effect these have on a network should be
avoided by implementing proper wiring techniques.

One of the most common wiring errors by cable installers is laying cables near other wires, particularly
power cables, or sources of power. Power cables emit background noise, which can interfere with the
signals on network cables. Other sources of electromagnetic noise like fluorescent lights and machines
can also cause problems with signals on wires.

Another common error is improperly terminating wires with jacks and plugs. This can lead to the wires
emitting signals that interfere with the signals on other wires, a condition called crosstalk. When errors
are caused by crosstalk or other interference, it means that data is lost and must be retransmitted.
Finally, wires can be damaged as they are pulled into place. Pulling cables too tightly, nicking them, or
bending them can cause problems that may not be apparent immediately, but can cause the electrical
properties of the wire to change slowly over time.

All of these problems can be avoided during installation. A professional cable installer will take into
account the location of power cables and other electromagnetic sources, take care when terminating
wires to prevent crosstalk, and take care when pulling wire. It is important that these errors are avoided
when installing cable.
6.3.4 Layer 1 Design

One of the most important components to consider in network design are the cables. Today, most LAN
cabling is based on Fast Ethernet technology. Fast Ethernet is Ethernet that has been upgraded from 10
Mbps to 100 Mbps, and has the ability to utilize full-duplex functionality. Fast Ethernet uses the
standard Ethernet broadcast-oriented logical bus topology of 10BASE-T, and the CSMA/CD method
for MAC addresses.

Design issues at Layer 1 include the type of cabling to be used, typically copper or fiber-optic, and the
overall structure of the cabling. This also includes the TIA/EIA-568-A standard for layout and
connection of wiring schemes. Layer 1 media types include 10/100BASE-TX, Category 5, 5e, or 6
unshielded twisted-pair (UTP), or shielded twisted-pair (STP), and 100BaseFX fiber-optic cable.
Careful evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the topologies should be performed. A network is
only as effective as the cables that are used. Layer 1 issues cause most network problems. A complete
cable audit should be conducted, when significant changes are planned for a network. This helps to
identify areas that require upgrades and rewiring.

Fiber-optic cable should be used in the backbone and risers in all cable designs. Category 5e UTP cable
should be used in the horizontal runs. The cable upgrade should take priority over any other necessary
changes. Enterprises should also make certain that these systems conform to well-defined industry
standards, such as the TIA/EIA-568-A specifications.

The TIA/EIA-568-A standard specifies that every device connected to the network should be linked to
a central location with horizontal cabling. This applies if all the hosts that need to access the network
are within the 100-meter (328 ft.) distance limitation for Category 5e UTP Ethernet.
In a simple star topology with only one wiring closet, the MDF includes one or more horizontal cross-
connect (HCC) patch panels.

HCC patch cables are used to connect the Layer 1 horizontal cabling with the Layer 2 LAN switch
ports. The uplink port of the LAN switch, based on the model, is connected to the Ethernet port of the
Layer 3 router with a patch cable. At this point, the end host has a complete physical connection to the
router port.

When hosts in larger networks exceed the 100-meter (328 ft.) limitation for Category 5e UTP, more
than one wiring closet is required. Multiple wiring closets mean multiple catchment areas. The
secondary wiring closets are referred to as IDFs. TIA/EIA-568-A standards specify that IDFs should be
connected to the MDF by vertical cabling, also called backbone cabling. A vertical cross-connect
(VCC) is used to interconnect the various IDFs to the central MDF. Fiber-optic cable is normally used
because the vertical cable lengths are typically longer than the 100-meter (328 ft.) limit for Category 5e
UTP cable.
The logical diagram is the network topology model without all the details of the exact installation paths
of the cables. The logical diagram is the basic road map of the LAN which includes the following
elements:
 Specify the locations and identification of the MDF and IDF wiring closets.
 Document the type and quantity of cables used to interconnect the IDFs with the MDF.
 Document the number of spare cables that are available to increase the bandwidth between
the wiring closets. For example, if the vertical cabling between IDF 1 and the MDF is at
eighty percent utilization, two additional pairs could be used to double the capacity.
 Provide detailed documentation of all cable runs, the identification numbers, and the port
the run is terminated on at the HCC or VCC.

The logical diagram is essential to troubleshoot network connectivity problems. If Room 203 loses
connectivity to the network, the cut sheet shows that the room has cable run 203-1, which is terminated
on HCC1 port 13. Cable testers can be used to determine Layer 1 failure.
6.4 Lecture Activities
 Go on a fact -finding mission and get information from the Network
Administrator/Engineer of your company/organization. Try to find out the
following:
 Which layer 1 devices have been deployed in your network?
 What are some of the challenges that these devices present to the network?
 Does your organization have an IDF or a MDF? Which transmission media
is deployed in your network?
 6.5 Self –Test Questions
 What are the considerations that one need to take into account when choosing a
transmission media?
 Why are hubs not recommended for big and complex networks?
 Where should IDFs and MDFs be located in a building?

6.6 Summary
In this lesson we have learned:
 About network devices that operate at Layer 1.
 The effects of wiring errors
 About Layer 1 Design.
 About the IDF and MDF requirements