Introduce Yourself To Network Cabling

What is Network Cabling?

Network cabling is basically a connection of multiple computers. Although a network administrator handles safely connecting two or more computers and connecting different network cables which will help build the network securely. 

Network cabling is the medium of connection of multiple cables to make a network. In the network it allows information to be transferred from one platform to another quickly. One of the most common cables to use for communication between computers is LAN, a local area network. LAN helps computers share information from one to another. Other cabling types are twisted pair cable, coaxial cable, and optical fiber cable. 

Network Cable Types 

Coaxial Cable 

Coaxial cables are best utilized for the connection of two or more desktop computers. The main components of a coaxial cable are a sheath, a braiding, an isolator, and a conductor, each component covering each other in increasing order. The structure of a coaxial cable is the topmost layer being the sheath then the braiding, conductor, and isolation. 

Coaxial cables have two types, single-core and multi-core, these were in use before the invention of computers, thus these cables were being used for daily purposes and general work. They are easy to use for building a network and very inexpensive, cheaper but durable. 

Optical Fiber Cable

Fiber optic cables are made up of a jacket, core, buffer, and cladding, all wrapped one after another. The core is used for transmitting data over a longer distance, utilizing the form of light to carry data signals. Cladding then transmits light back to the core, buffer protects the transmission of light from leaking. Lastly, if there is any physical damage then the jacket protects the fiber cable. 

Fiber cables are used for long-distance transmission at the highest speed, sending signals 40 kilometers long at 100Gbps. There are two types of fiver optical cables, single-mode fiber, and multi-mode fiber. Single-mode fiber is more reliable, using only a single beam of light in the cable, supporting a great bandwidth and extensive distances. Multi-mode fiber contains many beams of light, works well with a small distance and contains a great amount of data. 

Twisted Pair Cable 

Twisted pair cables were introduced to satisfy the need for cables for communication and connectivity. The tested pair cable used was called the Ethernet cable, these cables are used in small and large organizations and in-home locations too.

The cables are structured to help with the color-coding concept, twisted pair cables consist of four colored wire pairs made up of insulated copper wires. One wire is a solid color and the other is completely stripped. 

Two types of cables that are used for connectivity between desktops are STP and UTP. UTP is the unshielded twisted pair cable, it is covered in only one plastic sheath. The other is a shielded twisted pair cable, it is more protective and has an additional layer of metal shield that is covered with an outer plastic sheath. 

Differences Between the Twisted Pair Cables

Both UTP and STP cables help for data transmission.

• UTP cable cost less than an STP twisted pair cable.

• Both UTP and STP use connectors, RJ-45 also known as a registered jack is the most common.

• STP cables make noise, UTP cables do not.

• STP cables are EMI resistant.

• STP and UTP cables hold a length of 100 meters or more. 

• There are 1024 nodes used in both the cables segments. 

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3 Potential Benefits of Having an IT Architect

We could think of software architecture as a series of decisions made during the early stages of every software development project. What does happen with this type of project as with many others, is that each decision you make has an impact on the next phases of the project, which means that the work of an architect has a high degree of importance because his work can significantly affect everything that comes after.

Developing a huge and complex software system means that you will need a well-thought-out architecture to increase your chances of success. Software architecture brings a host of benefits when done right, so let's take a look at some of them.

1.Define a solution based on customer requirements

Software is a complex system built to meet different functional, non-functional, operational, and technical requirements. These requirements are obtained by working closely with stakeholders and clients.

The job of a software architect is to define a solution that meets all of these requirements. If the software system lacks a strong architecture, it would be extremely difficult for everyone involved in the project to meet the requirements, the implementation will fail, and the system will be difficult to deploy, maintain, and manage.

2. Facilitate communication between stakeholders

The software architecture is documented to facilitate communication between all interested parties. This document can be consulted during discussions related to aspects of the project, such as cost and duration estimates.

Software architecture is usually easy to understand by all the people related to the project, no matter what their concerns or priorities may be because the software architecture will show a common language that will allow them to understand the software system. Formal software architecture plays an essential role in facilitating discussions and negotiations.

3. Useful as training for team members

There is always the possibility that a software development team undergoes changes, it may be that there are new members of the team or that existing ones leave. This process always takes time, therefore having the system architecture documented definitely serves as training for new developers joining the team. This document helps them to know the proper way in which the functionality should be implemented, it also allows them to see what the structure of the system is like and how it is supposed to interact with other elements. A well-thought-out architecture can provide a significant advantage for team performance.

In conclusion, as shown above, Software Architecture is one of the most essential roles in an IT team. There are several benefits it could bring when done properly.

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Why The Business Analyst Play a Key Role For IT Businesses

The Business Analyst (BAs) is the person in charge of translating the requirements made by the client to facilitate the understanding of the architects and software developers. This person works as a bridge between the client and the IT team.

The BAs usually define the functionalities and characteristics of the software, and also works on prioritizing and refining the backlog. Overall, plays a facilitator role by managing and balancing the different visions of the executives and stakeholders of the project. 

Let's take a look at the responsibilities of BAs and why their role is so important to IT companies.

What are the tasks of a BA throughout the life cycle of the project:

• The BA collects relevant technical and functional information about the project directly from the client.

• The BA creates a document where all the specifications are collected, this document is paramount for planning, monitoring, and execution of the different project phases. 

• Also, the BA participates in all the parts of the project supporting the team by solving doubts and providing suggestions and more information if needed.

• When the project is done, the BA will have to follow up on the results.

What are the abilities and skills that make BAs so important:

A good Business Analyst must possess diverse qualities to be able to complete the requirements analysis for the project. For example:

Analytical thinking is the ability to understand and solve a problem. It is a reflective thought that allows you to make reasonable decisions. This skill gives the BA the ability to deal with problem situations and find solutions. Additionally, coordinating and defining customer requirements requires analytical thinking to synthesize this information and convey it clearly to the development team.

Communication is paramount to BA's work, they spend a lot of their time communicating with customers and the IT team, as BA acts as an intermediary between all stakeholders. Knowing how to communicate means understanding when information is needed and how this information should be communicated.

Cross-cutting knowledge is essential for BAs. They need to understand the technology their business uses as well as become familiar with clients’ needs and know the language of business.

Additionally, the cross-cutting knowledge allowed them to transmit in the most efficient way all the commercial needs between the IT team and the clients.

This could be considered one of the most important skills for BAs because a person with technical and business knowledge is the perfect and most well-rounded candidate for this position.

In conclusion, it is paramount the role of the Business Analyst to achieve success in projects. To succeed in the changing and competitive world, today's BA must acquire and develop new skills that allow them to face the challenges of today's environment.

And for businesses, it is becoming increasingly essential to find versatile BAs that act as an effective link between customers and the IT team.

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