Module 6
1 week (8 hours)

Network Infrastructure

Part of the Data Center Technician training program

Overview

Master the network infrastructure components that connect and manage data center operations. This module covers structured cabling systems, fiber optics technology, network switching fundamentals, and security system integration. Learn to design, install, and troubleshoot network infrastructure for mission-critical environments.

Sub-topics

Structured Cabling Systems

2 hours

Understand data center cabling standards, cable types, termination techniques, pathway planning, and labeling best practices. Learn about horizontal distribution, backbone systems, and the role of structured cabling in network reliability.

Lessons

Cable Types and Specifications

Twisted pair (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat8), coaxial, fiber optic. Shielding (UTP, S/FTP, F/UTP). Maximum distances: Cat5e 100m, Cat6 100m, fiber up to 550m.

Termination Standards

T568A/T568B wiring standards. RJ-45 connectors. Crimping tools. Proper strain relief. Testing with certifier.

Pathway Planning

Under-floor cabling: Perforated tiles, cable trays. Overhead cabling: J-hooks, ladder racks. Vertical distribution: Riser cables, fire-rated pathways.

Horizontal Distribution

Work area: 90m max from patch panel. Horizontal cross-connect. Distribution frame. Move-add-change processes.

Labeling Best Practices

Permanent markers, label printers. Location identification. Cable tracing. Asset management integration. Color coding schemes.

Practical Exercises

  • Terminate Cat6 cable with RJ-45 connectors using T568B standard
  • Test cable with certifier and verify pass/fail criteria
  • Plan under-floor cable route for 20-server rack deployment
  • Create cable labeling scheme for facility
  • Perform move-add-change for server relocation

Safety Checklist

  • Verify power is off before cable installation
  • Use proper lifting techniques for heavy spools
  • Check for tripping hazards from floor tiles
  • Ensure adequate lighting in work areas
  • Follow lockout/tagout for patch panel work

Required Tools

Cable certifier (Fluke DSX)Crimping toolCable strippersLabel printer and labelsTone generator and probe

Reference Materials

  • TIA-568-D structured cabling standard
  • ISO 11801 generic cabling standard
  • ANSI/EIA/TIA-569 commercial building telecommunications pathways
  • Local fire code requirements for cable pathways
  • Vendor cable installation guides

Fiber Optics Technology

2 hours

Study fiber optic cable construction, connector types, testing methodologies, splicing techniques, and OTDR analysis. Understand single-mode vs. multi-mode applications and the role of fiber in high-density data center environments.

Lessons

Fiber Cable Construction

Core diameter: 9um (single-mode), 50/62.5um (multi-mode). Cladding. Coating. Strengthening yarn. Outer jacket. OS2 (single-mode), OM1-OM5 (multi-mode).

Connector Types

LC (small form factor), SC (screw lock), ST (bayonet), MPO (multi-fiber). Polishing: PC, UPC, APC. Insertion loss: <0.5dB typical.

Splicing Techniques

Fusion splicing: Arc discharge, <0.1dB loss. Mechanical splicing: Temporary solution. Preparation: Strip, clean, cleave. Testing after splice.

OTDR Analysis

Optical Time Domain Reflectometer. Measures loss, reflectance, breaks. Trace interpretation. Event markers. Distance measurement accuracy.

Testing Methods

Power meter/light source: Insertion loss. Visual fault locator: Break/fault location. OLTS (Optical Loss Test Set): End-to-end loss. Pass criteria: <0.5dB (single), <1.0dB (multi).

Practical Exercises

  • Strip and terminate LC connector on single-mode fiber
  • Perform fusion splice and test loss with OTDR
  • Measure insertion loss with power meter/light source
  • Use VFL to locate fiber break in cable plant
  • Create fiber optic cable labeling system

Key Formulas

Insertion Loss (dB) = 10 × log(Pin / Pout)Maximum Loss = Connector Loss + Cable Loss + Splice LossBudget = Available Loss - (0.5dB safety margin)

Safety Checklist

  • Wear safety glasses when working with fiber
  • Dispose of fiber scraps in sharp container
  • Verify laser class before testing
  • Use proper ventilation when heating fibers
  • Follow lockout/tagout for splice enclosures

Required Tools

Fiber strippersFusion splicerOTDR analyzerPower meter/light sourceVisual fault locator

Reference Materials

  • IEC 60794 fiber optic cable standard
  • Telcordia GR-326 connector standard
  • Vendor fiber installation guides
  • OSHA laser safety guidelines
  • Local building codes for fiber pathways

Network Switching & Routing Basics

2 hours

Learn the fundamentals of network switching, VLAN configuration, routing principles, and data center networking best practices. Understand layer 2/3 switching, spanning tree protocol, and network redundancy.

Lessons

Layer 2 Switching Fundamentals

MAC addresses, forwarding tables, CAM tables. Switch types: Unmanaged, managed, modular. Cut-through vs. store-and-forward. Buffer memory.

VLAN Configuration

Virtual LANs for segmentation. 802.1Q tagging. Trunk ports vs. access ports. VLAN IDs: 1-4094. Best practices: Native VLAN, pruning.

Spanning Tree Protocol

Prevent loops in switched networks. STP, RSTP, MST. Root bridge election. Port states: Blocking, listening, learning, forwarding. BPDU protection.

Routing Fundamentals

Layer 3 switching. IP routing tables. Static vs. dynamic routing. OSPF, EIGRP basics. Default routes and gateways.

Data Center Networking

Leaf-spine architecture. Top-of-rack switches. Redundant paths. ECMP (Equal Cost Multi-Path). 10/25/40/100GbE interfaces.

Practical Exercises

  • Configure VLANs on managed switch
  • Verify MAC address table on switch
  • Test spanning tree convergence time
  • Configure static route on layer 3 switch
  • Verify link aggregation (LACP) operation

Key Formulas

Bandwidth Utilization = (Data Rate / Link Capacity) × 100%Latency = Processing Time + Queue Time + Transmission TimeCollision Domain Size = Number of Devices per Collision Domain

Safety Checklist

  • Verify power is off before installing network equipment
  • Use proper ESD protection when handling switches
  • Check rack mounting requirements
  • Verify cable connections before powering on
  • Follow lockout/tagout for switch maintenance

Required Tools

Network switch (managed)Console cable and adapterNetwork tester (ping, traceroute)Cable management bracketsESD wrist strap

Reference Materials

  • IEEE 802.1Q VLAN standard
  • Cisco switching configuration guides
  • Vendor switch CLI documentation
  • Data center networking best practices
  • Local network addressing scheme

Security Systems Integration

2 hours

Integrate physical security systems with network infrastructure. Learn about access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and security monitoring in data center environments.

Lessons

Access Control Systems

Badge readers, biometrics (fingerprint, iris, palm), PIN codes. Mantraps: Single-person entry, prevents tailgating. Integration with HR systems.

Video Surveillance

IP cameras: Resolution (4K, 8MP), frame rate, compression (H.264/H.265). Recording: NVR, cloud storage. Retention: 30-90 days. Analytics: Motion detection, people counting.

Intrusion Detection

Perimeter sensors: Motion, glass break, pressure. Door/window contacts. Panic buttons. Integration with monitoring center. 24/7 monitoring services.

Network Security

Firewalls: Stateful inspection. IDS/IPS: Signature-based, anomaly-based. VPN: Site-to-site, remote access. Segmentation: DMZ, VLANs.

Monitoring and Alerting

Central station monitoring. Mobile apps. Escalation procedures. Audit trails. Compliance reporting (SOC 2, ISO 27001).

Practical Exercises

  • Configure IP camera for network access
  • Set up motion detection and recording schedule
  • Test access control reader with badge
  • Verify video feed in monitoring software
  • Configure email alert for security event

Key Formulas

Storage Requirement = Camera Count × Resolution × Frame Rate × Retention DaysBandwidth = Resolution × Frame Rate × Compression RatioCoverage Area = π × Camera Height² × cos(θ)

Safety Checklist

  • Verify power is off before installing cameras
  • Check network connectivity before commissioning
  • Test all sensors before leaving job site
  • Verify recording storage capacity
  • Follow manufacturer mounting instructions

Required Tools

IP camera and mounting bracketNetwork cable and connectorAccess control readerMotion sensorMonitor/display for testing

Reference Materials

  • ASIS physical security standards
  • Vendor camera installation guides
  • Access control system documentation
  • Local security licensing requirements
  • Privacy laws for video surveillance

Learning Objectives

  • Design and implement structured cabling systems following TIA-568 standards
  • Install and test fiber optic connections using proper termination techniques
  • Configure VLANs and routing on network switches for data center environments
  • Integrate physical security systems with network monitoring platforms
  • Troubleshoot network connectivity and cabling issues in mission-critical environments
  • Verify compliance with data center networking and security standards

Previous Module

Module 5: Capstone Lab

Back to Curriculum

View all modules

Ready to Get Started?

Enroll in the Data Center Technician program and begin your training today.