\subsection*{Practice 2.2: Ethernet Cabling and Wireless Network Characteristics (Subtemas 2.3 y 2.4)}

\begin{objetivopractica}
The student will examine ethernet physical components including cable types and network interface cards, while also exploring wireless network characteristics and IEEE 802.11 standards. This practice will demonstrate how physical layer elements support both wired and wireless ethernet communication and their different operational characteristics.
\end{objetivopractica}

The practice begins with the student examining their computer's physical network interface. They locate the ethernet port on their computer and observe the RJ-45 connector that provides the physical connection point for ethernet cables. The student notes the indicator lights that show link status and activity.

\definicion{network interface card}{A hardware component that connects a computer to an ethernet network}

The student opens their computer's Device Manager or System Information to identify the specific ethernet controller installed in their system. They document the manufacturer, model, and capabilities of their network interface card, including supported speeds and duplex modes.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura22_nic_properties.png}

The practice includes examining cable requirements by researching twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic cable types used in ethernet networks. The student understands how different cable types support various transmission speeds and distances.

\definicion{twisted pair cable}{A cable type where wire pairs are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference}

\definicion{coaxial cable}{A cable type with a central conductor surrounded by insulation and a braided shield}

\definicion{fiber optic cable}{A cable that transmits data using light signals through glass or plastic fibers}

The student investigates different connector types including RJ-45 connectors for twisted pair cables, BNC connectors for coaxial applications, and fiber optic connector types such as SC and ST connectors.

\definicion{RJ-45 connector}{The standard modular connector used for twisted pair ethernet cables}

Using GNS3, the student creates a network topology that demonstrates different ethernet cabling configurations. They configure straight-through cable connections between PCs and switches, understanding when each cable type is appropriate.

% \href{https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXXXXXX}{Ethernet cabling and wireless standards}

\definicion{straight-through cable}{An ethernet cable where wire pairs connect to the same pins on both ends}

The practice transitions to wireless network analysis with the student examining their computer's wireless network capabilities. They access the wireless network adapter properties to identify which IEEE 802.11 standards their device supports.

\definicion{IEEE 802.11}{The family of wireless networking standards that enable ethernet communication over radio frequencies}

The student opens their computer's wireless network settings to observe available wireless networks in their area. They examine network names, signal strengths, and security types, noting how different wireless access points operate simultaneously.

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura22_wireless_networks.png}

Using Wireshark, the student captures wireless network traffic by selecting their wireless network interface. They observe how wireless frames differ from wired ethernet frames while carrying the same upper-layer protocols and data.

The student examines wireless frame structure in Wireshark by expanding the "IEEE 802.11" section of captured packets. They observe additional header fields that wireless networks require for radio communication.

\definicion{wireless frame}{A data structure that carries information over wireless networks according to IEEE 802.11 specifications}

The practice includes researching the different IEEE 802.11 standards and their characteristics. The student creates a comparison table showing the speed, frequency, and range capabilities of 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n standards.

The student examines 802.11b characteristics, noting its 11 Mbps maximum speed and operation in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. This standard provided the first widely adopted wireless ethernet solution.

\definicion{802.11b}{A wireless standard operating at 2.4 GHz with maximum speeds of 11 Mbps}

For 802.11a analysis, the student researches its 54 Mbps capability and operation in the 5 GHz frequency band. They understand how this standard offered higher speeds but limited range compared to 2.4 GHz implementations.

\definicion{802.11a}{A wireless standard operating at 5 GHz with maximum speeds of 54 Mbps}

% \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{figuras/captura22_standards_comparison.png}

The student investigates 802.11g characteristics that combine features of previous standards. This standard provides 54 Mbps speeds while operating in the 2.4 GHz band, offering both performance and compatibility advantages.

\definicion{802.11g}{A wireless standard operating at 2.4 GHz with maximum speeds of 54 Mbps}

The 802.11n analysis focuses on how this standard introduced MIMO technology and higher speeds up to 300 Mbps. The student examines how 802.11n can operate in both frequency bands while maintaining backward compatibility.

\definicion{802.11n}{A wireless standard using MIMO technology to achieve speeds up to 300 Mbps}

\definicion{MIMO}{Multiple Input Multiple Output - a technology that uses multiple antennas to improve wireless performance}

The practice concludes with the student creating a comprehensive comparison between wired ethernet physical components and wireless network characteristics. They document how both technologies provide ethernet services while using different physical transmission methods.

\begin{rubrica}
The student must submit a report containing clear evidence of completing the practice. The document should include screenshots, explanations of observations, and reflection on the learning achieved. The submission must demonstrate that the student understood the concept and was able to apply it with the indicated software.
\end{rubrica}

\subsection*{Suggested Report Format}

\textbf{Title:} Practice 2.2 - Ethernet Cabling and Wireless Network Characteristics \\
\textbf{Objective:} Written by the student according to what they understood. \\
\textbf{Development:} Clear narration of actions performed. \\
\textbf{Evidence:} Screenshots or other data obtained. \\
\textbf{Conclusions:} Technical reflection on what was learned. \\
\textbf{Personal Opinion:} Student's free opinion about the usefulness or difficulty of the practice.