Complete Data Cabling Installers Certification [Hardcover]

The advent of the Data Cabling Installer Certification from ETAI (Evolving Technologies Association International) has provided the IT industry with an introductory, vendor-neutral certification for personnel that install Category 5 copper data cabling. Marcraft International has been producing IT certification courses for various facets of computer technology and networking since 1988. This course represents an important element in that group of IT industry certifications. It expands the knowledge base of people involved in the commercial construction industry, as well as computer service and network administration personnel, since data cabling ties computers together between rooms, buildings, and continents.

The Complete Data Cabling Installers Certification course from Marcraft contains a textbook featuring integrated, hands-on lab procedures that prepare students to pass the certification examination, and to accomplish the actual work required. It provides all of the theory necessary to understand the concepts behind cabling standards and to pass the theory examination. In addition, it fully prepares the student to actually perform the tasks required of a certified cable installer.

ETAI is an organization that establishes certification criteria for entry-level data cable installers in the cabling industry. This organization has created and sponsors the Data Cabling Installer Certification (DCIC) Exam, which is designed to certify cable installers in the installation, testing, and troubleshooting of copper data cable and category rated devices and components. Certification is accomplished by satisfactorily passing the DCIC exam.The DCIC is recognized nationwide and is the hiring criterion used by major communication companies. Therefore, becoming a certified data cable installer will enhance your job opportunities and career advancement potential.

Marcraft has embraced the DCIC because it sets a standard for excellence that we have been preparing students to achieve from our beginning. Therefore, we are offering this course to prepare students to successfully challenge the DCIC examination. From its size, one should gather that this course is not simply a cram course for the test. Instead, it is a complete training course designed to prepare for the exam, as well as to provide the fundamental knowledge base required to establish a career in this rapidly changing industry.

The textbook, with integrated lab procedures, and accompanying test-prep materials are intended for anyone interested in pursuing the Data Cabling Installer Certification. While it contains all of the pedagogical support materials required for use in a classroom environment, it can also be used by experienced technicians to prepare for the exam in a self-study mode.

This first edition of The Complete Data Cabling Installers Certification training guide includes information about all of the current DO objectives needed to pass the certification exam. The latest information has been provided in every chapter as appropriate for the new TIA/EIA and ANSI standards.

The pedagogical features of this book were carefully developed to provide readers with key content information, as well as review and testing opportunities. Each chapter begins with a list of learning objectives that establishes a foundation and systematic view of the chapter and concludes with a summary of the points and objectives to be accomplished. Key terms are presented in bold throughout the text.

Appendix A examines customer satisfaction issues. Traditionally, these issues have not been covered in technical books associated with cabling installation. However, increased demand from cabling providers has finally brought the topic into the spotlight. Many cabling service providers consider the ability to handle customers and their problems effectively as important as ha good technical abilities. Appendix B contains Manufacturer Instruction Sheets, which provide supplemental information us the lab procedures. Appendix C provides complete information on the ETAI Certification exams. Appendix D is a comprehensive glossary of words and meanings to provide quick, easy access to key term definitions that appear in each chapter. Appendix E vides a list of common acronyms used in the cabling industry.

An abundance of test materials is available with this course. At the end of each chapter, there is a question section with open-en review questions, which are designed to test critical thinking. Additional test material in the form of multiple-choice question:; be found on the interactive CD-ROM.

Applying the concepts of the chapter to hands-on exercises is crucial to preparing for a successful career as a data cable installer. Each chapter includes integrated lab sections that call upon the students to perform exercises that reinforce the chapter content hands-on exploration. Questions appear at the end of each lab enabling students to assess their understanding of the lab.

The Complete Data Cabling Installers Certification training guide is accompanied by a comprehensive, electronic practice bank on a CDROM, which is sealed on the back cover of the book. This CD testing material was developed to simulate the L Cabling Installer Certification Exam process and to allow students to complete mock tests, determine their weak points, and study more strategically.

During the question review, the correct answer is presented on the screen, along with the reference heading where the material be found in the text. A single mouse click will take you directly to the corresponding section of the embedded electronic textbook.

In general, it is not necessary to move through this text in the same order that it is presented. Also, it is not necessary to teach any specific portion of the material to its extreme. Instead, the material can be adjusted to fit the length of your course.

Chapter 1-Cabling Installation Safety introduces the student to the safety concerns faced by cable technicians in the normal flow of their work. It begins by discussing different types of protective gear available and the circumstances under which each type should be used. It also examines a number of safety issues related to the working environment. The chapter concludes with an extended presentation of emergency response information.

Chapter 2 - Basic Standards and Practices introduces the student to how the industry is organized and how installation of cabling is standardized. Some insight is provided into why standards are so important. There is also an introduction into the different types and categories of industry-wide cabling. Labs offered in this chapter provide hands-on activities that introduce the tools, cable identification, cable examinations, and terminations used in the industry.

Chapter 3 - Facilities Issues examines a variety of topics related to cabling entrance facilities. The chapter begins with coverage of the primary components of the entrance facility and the different methods commonly used to bring cabling into a building. The discussion moves on to common bonding and grounding strategies used with telecommunication cabling and equipment. It then moves into the special considerations involved in retrofitting a facility or piece of equipment. The chapter concludes with a discussion of firestopping devices and specifications.

Chapter 4 - Cable Ratings and Performance builds on the introductory material from Chapter 1 to show the different ratings applied to cabling used in the industry and to show how the performance of the different types of cable affects installations. The series of hands-on labs included in this chapter examine the different types of cabling and termination methods involved in the installation of cabling in the industry today.

Chapter 5 - Cable Installation and Management examines the different types of buildings and cabling facilities involved in cable installations. It also addresses the different styles of cable terminations used. The hands-on lab procedures included in this chapter assemble and install different types of connections on cabling. They also introduce the testing of cable connections.

Chapter 6 - Testing and Troubleshooting takes an in-depth look at the testing and troubleshooting unique to cable installation, offering techniques and tips as the testing tools are examined. The hands-on labs in this chapter examine the various pieces of test equipment used to test cable and their calibration procedures. These lab activities also cover proper procedures for using the equipment to test and troubleshoot sample cable installations and terminations.

Chapter 7 - Industry Standards provides comprehensive exploration of the importance and variety of standards used by the cabling industry. The student will gain a thorough understanding of specifications and requirements of various standards and TSBs observed by the industry for different cable installation tasks.

Chapter 8 - Pulling Cable deals with how to get cables through conduits that contain massive amounts of installed cabling. The unique problems associated with pulling data cable are examined along with proper techniques for acceptable cable installations. The hands-on procedures associated with this chapter allow students to experiment with pulling of different types of cable and terminations.

Chapter 9 - The Telephone System provides extensive coverage of the backbone of the world's most substantial communications network. The chapter provides basic information about telephone systems including telephone sets and local exchange loops. The discussion then broadens out to cover the public interconnect, modulation methods, and voice channel characteristics. The chapter concludes by examining long distance carrier systems and network engineering.

Chapter 10 - Understanding Blueprints offers a basic knowledge of blueprint reading. This final chapter is essential. Without blueprints, cable installations would be haphazard and unruly. To understand blueprints is to have clarity for the cable installer. The hands-on procedure in this chapter provides an activity in examining and identifying items associated with blueprints.

A full-featured instructor's guide is available for the course. Answers for all of the end-of-chapter quiz questions are included along with a paragraph reference in the chapter where that item is covered. Sample schedules are included as guidelines for possible course implementations. Answers to all lab questions are provided so that there is an indication of what the expected outcomes should be.