• Choose and evaluate cables for LANS.
• Describe how Ethernet works (in simple terms) and when to use Ethernet.
• Explain the difference between a hub and a switch.
• Describe how Wireless LANS work (in simple terms).
• Describe the role of Access points.
• Evaluate wireless technologies and when to use them.
• List the speeds of various LAN technologies.

What is Ethernet?
What is Ethernet?, 7 layer model, how Ethernet works, CSMA/CD, MAC addresses, frames, broadcasts.

Ethernet Cabling
UTP, cat 3,4,5, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7, fibre optic cable, MMF, SMF.

802.3 physical specifications
Distance limitations, hubs and repeaters, 10BaseT, 10BaseF, 100BaseTX, 100BaseFX, 1000BaseSX, 1000BaseT, 10gbe.

Interconnecting LANS
What are bridges? Transparent bridging, What are switches? STP, VLANS, Full/half duplex, What are routers? Layer 3 switches, Connecting Ethernet to the WAN.

Case study: Planning an Ethernet network.

Wireless LANS
Trends, mobile communications, optical vs. radio wireless communications, CSMA/CA,

Components and operation
Access point elements and functions.

Radio technologies
Cells, roaming, overlapping, blackspots, interference, Antenna theory, Antenna types, RF site surveys (Analysing the feasibility of WLANS).

Technologies and standards
Infrared, 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, Bluetooth and WPANS.

System integration
Wireless bridges, wireless switches, gateways.

Older LAN technologies
Token Ring, FDDI.

Case study: Planning a wireless network.