Cabling (PDF)

The physical linkages responsible for carrying a company's data
continue to be the most neglected components of the typical
network--to the extent that nearly 70% of all network-related
problems result from poor cabling.

In this third edition of a widely acclaimed resource, three
networking experts share their extensive experience, teaching you
the cabling skills you need to build a reliable, efficient, and
cost-effective network cabling infrastructure. As you master these
techniques, you'll learn to avoid common pitfalls and troubleshoot
problems as quickly as they arise. Coverage includes:

* Choosing the right cables and components for your network
architecture and topology

* Avoiding unnecessary and unexpected costs

* Understanding the current limitations of data communications
and network cabling

* Understanding how laws and building codes constrain
cabling

* Understanding the function and importance of universal cabling
standards

* Determining when you have a cabling-related network
problem

* Assembling a complete cabling toolkit

* Integrating voice and data on the same cable system

* Setting up an infrastructure in which desktops, printers,
copiers, and other nodes share cabling

* Understanding issues of bandwidth, impedance, resistance,
attenuation, crosstalk, capacitance, propagation, delay, and delay
skew

* Working effectively with USB and Firewire

* Knowing when to discard legacy cabling and begin anew

* Documenting your cabling

* Creating an RFP and selecting a vendor