WHEN TO USE STRAIGHT-THROUGH CABLE and WHEN TO USE CROSSOVER CABLE:
To connect two similar devices, we use Crossover cable.
To connect two dissimilar devices, we use Straight- through Cables
If we want to connect a host to console port on a router/ switch, then we use Rollover Cables.
A straight- through cable is needed to connect Hosts and Hubs since they are different devices. If same devices are connected, then, we must use a Crossover Cable
The below diagram provides an easy way to know what type of cable to use where:
MDI and MDIX:
The standard wiring for end stations is known as “MDI” (Media Dependent Interface), and the standard wiring for hubs and switches is known as “MDIX” (Media Dependent Interface with Crossover).
AUTO-MDIX:
WHAT DO PHYSICAL TOPOLOGY DIAGRAMS MEAN:
A network topology is the pattern in which nodes (i.e., computers, printers, routers or other devices) are connected to a local area network (LAN) or other network via links (e.g., twisted pair copper wire cable or optical fiber cable).
There are four principal topologies used in LANs: bus, ring, star and mesh.
The most widely used of these is bus, because it is employed by Ethernet, which is the dominant LAN architecture.
The several basic network topologies can be combined in various ways to form hybrid topologies, such as a ring-star network or a tree network.
Why we need cooling fans and how they work?
Ideally, all processors should have at least two fans: one fan to intakes cool air, while the other fan expels heat by blowing the hot air out. The specification of the heat sinks and cooling fans depends on its compatibility with the processor, and on how much they are expected to perform. The fan is attached to this fin-like structure and improves the transfer of hot air by pulling the hot air from the electrical heat generated by the components and pushing in cooler air between the aluminum fins, thus keeping the processor cool.
There are two types of switches- F and R.
- R= Rear . here, the hot air comes out of the rear
- F= Front. The hot air comes out from front
This helps in datacenter design requirements