CompTIA Network+ Exam Objectives 2.2

 

2.2 Identify common connector types 

Cables are a necessary part of a functioning network. However, there is a variety of cables that are used for various different purposes. Some cables are used more commonly than others but each of them has a specific function within a network. It’s important to know the common cable types, their basic functions, and the properties and specifications associated with each connector type.

• RJ-11 – Registered jack (RJ) cables are used for telephone connections and are designed to be able to connect two pairs of wires. An RJ-11 is one of the most commonly used connect in today’s world as it is found in homes, businesses, and most locations that have a phone connection. RJ-11 connectors are needed in the case of a network that is running a dial-up connection.

• RJ-45 – The RJ-45 is the most commonly used connector that can connect four pairs of wires but generally only contains two of them. It is often used to connect NICs to a hub or a switch. An RJ-45 cable can also be used to connect network devices.

• BNC – The Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) connector is not widely used today for networking purposes but it is still an important connector to know of. The BNC connector is a terminating coaxial cable that can also be used for radio antenna connections, avionics, RF signal connections, digital and analog signals and others. The connector is used by pushing in and then locking it in place.

• SC – The standard connector (SC) connector is a fiber-optic connection that has a push-pull mechanism that is needed to lock it in place. This function makes the connector easy to insert as well as to remove. Usually SCs are used with multimode fiber-optic connectors as a backbone segment on a network.

• ST – The straight tip (ST) connector is a fiber-optic connector that has a socket that locks in place using a bayonet lock. The ST is today’s standard for fiber-optic cabling.

• LC – The LC connector was created by Lucent and was made to be a mimic of the SC connector just a smaller version of it. LC is widely used in Telco environments.

• RS-232 – RS-232 is a standard connector used for serial binary data signals that have to be connected between Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Circuit-terminating Equipment (DCE). You’ll find RS-232 most commonly used in computer serial ports.

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