A+ Core 1 • Mission 05 • Module 5
Comparing Local Networking Hardware — learn what builds a local network, how devices connect, which cable/tool fits the job, and how Wi-Fi choices affect performance.
LAN = Local Area NetworkWLAN = Wireless Local Area NetworkWAN = Wide Area NetworkPAN = Personal Area NetworkSAN = Storage Area NetworkSOHO = Small Office/Home OfficeNIC = Network Interface CardMAC = Media Access ControlPoE = Power over EthernetAP = Access PointRFID = Radio-Frequency IdentificationNFC = Near-Field CommunicationEMI = Electromagnetic Interference
By the end, you should be able to look at a small network and explain what each device does, how it connects, and why a technician would choose it.
Do not memorize a picture of one classroom network. Ask four questions:
| Type | Plain-language meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| LAN | Network in one local geographic area. | School lab, home, office floor. |
| WLAN | A LAN using IEEE 802.11 wireless networking. | Devices connected through a Wi-Fi AP. |
| WAN | Connects networks across large geographic areas. | Company sites connected between cities. |
| MAN | Network spanning a metropolitan area. | Multiple sites across a city. |
| PAN | Very short-range personal network. | Phone + Bluetooth headset. |
| SAN | Dedicated network for storage access. | Servers accessing centralized storage. |
| SOHO | Small office/home office; often one appliance combines several network roles. | Home router with routing, switching, Wi-Fi, DHCP. |
| Enterprise | Larger environment with separate, managed network devices. | Dedicated routers, switches, APs, firewalls. |
A network interface card/adapter connects a device to Ethernet, fiber, or wireless networking. A MAC address is a hardware address represented as 48 bits / hexadecimal.
Organizes permanent building cable runs. Rear wires are commonly terminated with a punchdown tool; front RJ-45 ports patch to a switch.
Connects endpoint nodes on a LAN. An unmanaged switch is plug-and-play; a managed switch provides a management interface and configurable features.
PoE can carry power and network data over Ethernet to compatible devices such as APs and cameras.
A PoE-enabled switch can provide power directly. A PoE injector can add power when the switch itself does not provide PoE.
| Medium | Key idea | Common connector / clue |
|---|---|---|
| UTP | Copper twisted pair; typical Ethernet; up to 100 m for common Ethernet runs. | RJ-45 |
| STP | Twisted-pair copper with shielding for EMI protection. | RJ-45 |
| Fiber | Higher bandwidth and longer-distance signaling; single-mode vs multimode. | ST, SC, LC |
| Coaxial | Radio-grade coax used in cable systems. | F-type |
Installation considerations: know when plenum-rated or direct-burial cable is required.
An access point (AP) provides IEEE 802.11 wireless connectivity. The BSSID identifies the AP radio using a MAC address.
| Standard | Band(s) | Remember |
|---|---|---|
| 802.11a | 5 GHz | 54 Mbps; DFS context. |
| 802.11b/g | 2.4 GHz | 11 / 54 Mbps. |
| 802.11n / Wi-Fi 4 | 2.4 & 5 GHz | MIMO; channel bonding. |
| 802.11ac / Wi-Fi 5 | 5 GHz | MU-MIMO; higher throughput. |
| 802.11ax / Wi-Fi 6/6E | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | OFDMA; MU-MIMO. |
| 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7 | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | Newest generation covered in the module. |
2.4 GHz: generally longer range / more congestion. 5 GHz: higher-capacity use with shorter practical range. 6 GHz: newer spectrum requiring compatible devices.
When installing WLANs, think about SSID, frequency band, channel selection, signal strength, and interference. A Wi-Fi analyzer can help inspect signal strength/interference.
Check link/activity Light-Emitting Diode (LED) → cable seating/known-good cable → Network Interface Card (NIC) → switch port → addressing.
Check signal strength → distance → interference → 2.4/5/6 gigahertz (GHz) band → channel → client compatibility.
A switch primarily connects devices on the same local network. A router forwards traffic between networks.
A crimper attaches modular plugs such as RJ-45. A punchdown tool seats wires into insulation-displacement contacts.
Shielding helps reduce Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).
Say the meaning before revealing it.
Patch panel. Rear cabling is typically punched down; front ports patch to the switch.
Crimper. A punchdown tool is for IDC/keystone-style terminations.
Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Fiber optic cabling.
Toner probe.
Signal strength, interference, band, channels, AP placement, and device compatibility.
