In the previous chapter we began looking at the security as it relates to the various elements that comprise a typical IT infrastructure. In this chapter we will look at media security in terms of both cable media and storage media.
In the previous chapter we began looking at the security as it relates to the various elements that comprise a typical IT infrastructure. In this chapter we will look at media security in terms of both cable media and storage media.
== Coax Cable ==
== Coax Cable ==
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Coax cable came to prominence in network installations during the 1980's and was part of the first specification for Ethernet. Coaxial cable will be familiar to those with cable or satellite television connections. It is heavily shielded and as such is much less susceptible to interference than standard twisted pair cabling.
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Coax cable came to prominence in network installations during the 1980s and was part of the first specification for Ethernet. Coaxial cable will be familiar to those with cable or satellite television connections. It is heavily shielded and as such is much less susceptible to interference than standard twisted pair cabling.
Two types of coax are available. ''Thinnet'', also known as ''10Base2'' has a communication speed of 10Mbps, is limited in length to 185 meters per network segment and uses ''BNC'' style connectors. Each end of a 10Base10 network must be terminated by a special connector called a ''terminator''.
Two types of coax are available. ''Thinnet'', also known as ''10Base2'' has a communication speed of 10Mbps, is limited in length to 185 meters per network segment and uses ''BNC'' style connectors. Each end of a 10Base10 network must be terminated by a special connector called a ''terminator''.
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''Thicknet'', also known as ''10Base5'' has communication speed of 10Mbps, a segment length of 500 meters and uses attachment unit interfaces and vampire clicks to connect devices to the network.
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''Thicknet'', also known as ''10Base5'' has communication speed of 10Mbps, a maximum segment length of 500 meters and uses attachment unit interfaces and vampire clips to connect devices to the network.
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Coax cable has no inherent security. The linear nature of the coax network topology is such that the cable may be pierced or spliced at any point a new device added to the network.
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Coax cable has no inherent security. The linear nature of the coax network topology is such that the cable may be pierced or spliced at any point and a new device added to the network.
== Shielded and Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable (UTP/STP) ==
== Shielded and Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable (UTP/STP) ==
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Almost all coax cable has now been replaced with faster twisted pair cable. Twisted pair cable uses pairs of twisted wires (as used by phone lines). The grouping together of multiple twisted pairs limits cross talk and interference enabling greater transmission speeds to be achieved.
Almost all coax cable has now been replaced with faster twisted pair cable. Twisted pair cable uses pairs of twisted wires (as used by phone lines). The grouping together of multiple twisted pairs limits cross talk and interference enabling greater transmission speeds to be achieved.
* ''Category 6 (Cat 6)'' - Suitable for Gigabit Ethernet
* ''Category 6 (Cat 6)'' - Suitable for Gigabit Ethernet
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Twisted pair cables use RF-45 connectors and are harder to tap into than coax cable. The biggest risk for twisted pair cable is the ease with which additional devices and be connected to spare ports on hubs, routers and switches.
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Twisted pair cables use RF-45 connectors and are harder to tap into than coax cable. The biggest risk for twisted pair cable is the ease with which additional devices can be connected to spare ports on hubs, routers and switches.
