CertiGuide to A+ (A+ 4 Real)  9  Chapter 13: Basic Networking Terminology       9  Cables and Fibers

Cables and Fibers 1 Thinnet

In the original days of Ethernet, it was designed for tying together a few mini computers. The early design used what was officially called Thick Ethernet. Those of us who actually had to work with the cable called it a Frozen Garden Hose. That is what it felt like to work with it. It had a maximum length of 500 meters (approximately 540 yards). Physically it featured a solid copper core, with a thick plastic shroud, followed by a braided metal shield, which was enclosed in a plastic covering.

If struggling with this cable didn't get you, the connector, sooner or later would. Cables were 'tapped' with a device known as a Vampire Tap. This device had two 'fangs' of unequal length. One 'bit' the shield, while the other sank down to hit the copper core. These fangs were very sharp, which was needed to penetrate the cable, or draw blood from the installer.

Since it was so much 'fun' to work with, and expensive, other options appeared.

Cables and Fibers 1 Thinnet