I’m excited to announce my latest YouTube video, “CCNA with Packet Tracer Chapter 5 Review Lab – SOLVED!” now available for viewing here: Watch the Video. In this video, we explore the chapter review lab dealing with Cisco media and interfaces.

This video continues my ongoing series covering chapter review labs from my newest textbook, “CCNA 200-301 Hands-on Mastery with Packet Tracer,” which you can check out here.

In this specific review lab from Chapter 5, we dive deeply into various Cisco interface technologies essential for network engineers preparing for the CCNA exam.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the critical topics we explore in Chapter 5 of this textbook:

Ethernet Media

Ethernet is the most widely used LAN (Local Area Network) technology and forms the foundation of most modern wired networks. At the CCNA level, it’s important to understand that Ethernet operates at Layer 1 (Physical) and Layer 2 (Data Link) of the OSI model. Ethernet media refers to the physical cables and transmission methods used to carry Ethernet signals. Common Ethernet media types include twisted-pair copper cables (like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a), fiber-optic cables, and older coaxial cables (rarely used today). Twisted-pair cables use RJ-45 connectors and are classified by categories that define their speed and interference resistance. For example, Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps, while Cat6a can handle 10 Gbps over short distances.

Fiber Media

Fiber-optic Ethernet media offers higher bandwidth and longer transmission distances than copper. It comes in two main types: single-mode fiber (SMF) for long-distance connections and multimode fiber (MMF) for shorter, high-speed links typically found within buildings or campuses. Ethernet standards like 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-LX, and 10GBASE-SR define the specific media, connectors, and speeds supported. Understanding these media types helps CCNA candidates choose the correct cabling for different network scenarios and troubleshoot physical connectivity issues effectively.

Category 5e and Category 6 Cabling

Category 5e (Cat5e) and Category 6 (Cat6) cables are both types of twisted-pair copper cabling commonly used in Ethernet networks. Cat5e is an enhanced version of Cat5, designed to reduce crosstalk and support speeds up to 1 Gbps over distances up to 100 meters. It’s widely used in many small to medium-sized networks. Cat6 offers better performance by providing tighter twists and improved shielding, which allows it to support 10 Gbps speeds, but only up to 55 meters (and up to 100 meters at 1 Gbps). Cat6 is also more resistant to interference and is often used in environments that require higher bandwidth or lower latency, such as data centers or backbone connections. Both cable types use RJ-45 connectors and support standards like 1000BASE-T Ethernet.

Auto MDIX

Auto MDIX technology simplifies networking by automatically detecting cable types (straight-through vs. crossover) and configuring the interfaces accordingly, eliminating manual configuration errors.

Power over Ethernet (PoE)

PoE technology is highlighted, covering its functionality, standards like IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at, and common use cases such as IP telephones, wireless access points, and security cameras.

Be sure to watch the full video for detailed insights and practical demonstrations using Cisco Packet Tracer. As always, thanks for your continued support and happy studying!