Lesson 1Labeling and documentation materials: label printers, templates, and documentation best practicesThis section explains labeling and documentation materials and methods, including label printers, templates, and digital records, to create clear, durable identifiers that support troubleshooting, audits, and future network expansions.
Labeling standards for outlets and portsChoosing label printers and consumablesCreating consistent labeling templatesCable, rack, and device labeling methodsDigital documentation and as‑built recordsMaintaining and updating documentationLesson 2Fixings and cable support materials: trunking, cable ties, anchors, Velcro, grommets — selection and proper installationThis section focuses on selecting and installing fixings and cable support materials, such as trunking, cable ties, anchors, Velcro, and grommets, to protect cables, maintain bend radius, and comply with safety and building codes.
Choosing trunking size and routing pathsUsing cable ties without damaging jacketsVelcro wraps for serviceable bundlesAnchors, clips, and fasteners selectionGrommets for panel and wall penetrationsMaintaining bend radius and fill ratiosLesson 3Tools for installation: cable stripper, punch-down tool, crimp tool, drill, fish tape — purpose and safe use for eachThis section presents essential installation tools, including cable strippers, punch‑down tools, crimp tools, drills, and fish tape, describing correct operation, safety practices, and how to avoid damaging cables and terminations.
Cable stripper setup and jacket removalUsing punch‑down tools on 110 blocksCrimping RJ‑45 plugs correctlyDrill selection, bits, and safetyPulling cable with fish tape or rodsTool maintenance and inspection routinesLesson 4Switch and wireless access point selection: port counts, PoE requirements, mounting optionsThis section covers how to choose Ethernet switches and wireless access points, focusing on port density, PoE power budgets, mounting styles, environmental limits, and features that support reliable, scalable small office deployments.
Determining required switch port countsEvaluating PoE classes and power budgetsChoosing managed vs unmanaged switchesSelecting indoor vs outdoor access pointsCeiling, wall, and rack mounting optionsRedundancy and future expansion planningLesson 5Patch panels, keystone jacks, surface boxes and wall plates: types and selection criteriaThis section covers patch panels, keystone jacks, surface boxes, and wall plates, explaining types, performance ratings, and selection criteria so that terminations remain reliable, standards compliant, and easy to service.
Selecting patch panel port countsAngled vs flat patch panel designsChoosing keystone jack categoriesSurface boxes vs in‑wall back boxesWall plate port layouts and labelingShielded vs unshielded termination hardwareLesson 6Structured cabling selection: UTP categories (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) and appropriate use for small office networksThis section explains UTP categories used in small offices, comparing Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a performance, distance limits, and use cases, and how to match cable type, connectors, and pathways to bandwidth and budget requirements.
Cat5e capabilities and typical use casesCat6 performance, limits, and benefitsCat6a for 10G and high interference areasMatching patch cords to horizontal cablingPlenum vs riser rated cable selectionVendor specs and standards complianceLesson 7Testing and measurement tools: cable tester, tone generator, multimeter, Wi-Fi analyzer — how and when to useThis section details key testing and measurement tools, including cable testers, tone generators, multimeters, and Wi‑Fi analyzers, explaining when and how to use each to verify continuity, performance, and safety in telecom installations.
Basic continuity and wiremap testingCertifying links to category standardsUsing tone generator and probe kitsSafe multimeter use on low‑voltage circuitsWi‑Fi analyzer surveys and channel planningDocumenting and interpreting test resultsLesson 8Rack and cabinet selection: small wall-mounted vs floor-standing, ventilation, and mounting hardwareThis section guides the selection of racks and cabinets for small offices, comparing wall‑mounted and floor‑standing options, ventilation, cable management, and mounting hardware to ensure safe, accessible equipment installations.
Wall‑mounted vs floor‑standing enclosuresDetermining rack units and load capacityVentilation, fans, and airflow planningFront, rear, and side access needsVertical and horizontal cable managementMounting hardware and seismic bracing
