Securing the Network Infrastructure

Chapter 5: Securing the Network

Infrastructure

Security+ Guide to Network Security

Fundamentals

Second Edition

Objectives

• Work with the network cable plant

• Secure removable media

• Harden network devices

• Design network topologies

Working with the Network

Cable Plant

• Cable plant: physical infrastructure of a network (wire,

connectors, and cables) used to carry data

communication signals between equipment

• Three types of transmission media:

– Coaxial cables

– Twisted-pair cables

– Fiber-optic cables

Coaxial Cables

• Coaxial cable was main type of copper cabling used in

computer networks for many years

• Has a single copper wire at its center surrounded by

insulation and shielding

• Called “coaxial” because it houses two (co) axes or

shafts―the copper wire and the shielding

• Thick coaxial cable has a copper wire in center

surrounded by a thick layer of insulation that is

covered with braided metal shielding

Coaxial Cables (continued)

• Thin coaxial cable looks similar to the cable that

carries a cable TV signal

• A braided copper mesh channel surrounds the

insulation and everything is covered by an outer shield

of insulation for the cable itself

• The copper mesh channel protects the core from

interference

• BNC connectors: connectors used on the ends of a

thin coaxial cable