Defines how data is transmitted between devices, from the physical perspective.
Important becase:
- Interoperability: Standards ensure equipment from various vendors can work together seamlessly
- Performance Predictability: Engineers can design systems with known performance characteristics
- Troubleshooting: Standardization simplifies diagnostics and problem resolution
- Scalability: Standards enable networks to grow without compatibility issues
- Cost Efficiency: Standardized components typically cost less than proprietary solutions
Common Transmission Media Standards
Section titled “Common Transmission Media Standards”Copper-based Standards
Section titled “Copper-based Standards”- Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A: TIA/EIA-568 standards for twisted pair cabling that define performance parameters like maximum length (100m), bandwidth (1Gbps to 10Gbps), and crosstalk limits
- RG-6/RG-59: Coaxial cable standards used in cable television and some network applications
Fiber Optic Standards
Section titled “Fiber Optic Standards”- OM3/OM4/OM5: Multimode fiber standards optimized for different wavelengths and distances
- OS1/OS2: Single-mode fiber standards for long-distance transmission up to 10km or more
- G.652/G.655: ITU-T standards that define optical fiber characteristics for telecommunications
Wireless Standards
Section titled “Wireless Standards”- IEEE 802.11ac/ax/be: Wi-Fi standards defining frequencies, modulation schemes, and protocols
- Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1): Short-range wireless standard for personal area networks
- 5G NR (New Radio): 3GPP standard for cellular networks with enhanced data rates and lower latency
IEEE 802
Section titled “IEEE 802”A crucial family of specifications for local area networks (LANs) and metropolitan area networks (MANs). Developed and maintained by IEEE. Ensure compatibility and interoperability across network devices and technologies.
Specific IEEE 802 Standards
Section titled “Specific IEEE 802 Standards”- IEEE 802.1: Covers higher-level interface standards, including bridging, network management, and security protocols
- IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet): Defines wired Ethernet technology, from physical media specifications to frame formats and access methods
- Includes variants like 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T, and modern 10/40/100 Gigabit Ethernet
- IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi): Specifies wireless LAN protocols across various frequency bands
- Encompasses popular versions like 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), and emerging 802.11be (Wi-Fi 7)
- IEEE 802.15: Covers wireless personal area networks (WPANs)
- 802.15.1 formed the basis for Bluetooth
- 802.15.4 underpins technologies like ZigBee and Thread
- IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX): Defines broadband wireless access for metropolitan area networks
Structure of IEEE 802 Standards
Section titled “Structure of IEEE 802 Standards”Each IEEE 802 standard typically addresses specific layers of the OSI model:
- Physical Layer (Layer 1): Defines electrical, mechanical, and procedural interfaces
- Data Link Layer (Layer 2): Split into two sublayers:
- Media Access Control (MAC): Controls how devices gain access to the medium
- Logical Link Control (LLC): Handles flow control and error checking