1. All remote controls for a home theater/automation system use infrared to transmit commands to the receiver.
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
2. What type of transmission media can be used for home control systems?
   a. PLC
   b. Structured wiring
   c. RF
   d. Any of the above
   
   
3. A system that utilizes the existing electrical power wires to control devices and send data is called
   a. Bluetooth.
   b. Ethernet.
   c. PLC.
   d. None of the above
   
   
4. Which of the following PLC modules will respond to a dim command?
   a. Appliance
   b. Bridge
   c. Lamp
   d. All of the above
   
   
5. All X-10 modules provide two-way communication.
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
6. Connecting the conductors of a Cat 6 cable to different pins on each end can result in a condition called:
   a. crossed pair.
   b. open pair.
   c. shorted pair.
   d. All of the above
   e. None of the above
   
   
7. When running network cables, you should stay at least 3 feet away from fluorescent lights and other sources of electrical interference.
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
8. Because UTP is used, there is no limit on the length of network cables.
   a. True
   b. False
   
   
9. What AWG wire should be run for home theater speakers?
   a. 16
   b. 14
   c. 12
   d. Any of the above
   
   
10. Some satellite TV systems require multiple coaxial cables be run to the DVRs.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
11. Which IEEE standard is utilized for wireless home networking?
    a. 802.11a
    b. 802.11b
    c. 802.11g
    d. All of the above
    e. None of the above
    
    
12. Splitters can be used to connect multiple TVs to a single satellite TV dish.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
13. Wireless home networks require a license from the FCC.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
14. Home network cables should be run in a daisy-chain fashion.
    a. True
    b. False
    
    
15. In the U.S., what frequency do IEEE 802.11g devices utilize?
    a. 900 MHz
    b. 2.4 GHz
    c. 5 GHz
    d. All of the above
    e. None of the above

What's Wrong with This?

Wally `Larman installed a home network wiring system that included a wireless router for one of his residential accounts. The system designed by the network company included 2 RG-6U and two Cat 6 cables from the head end to each location. Wally selected the HVAC room in the garage for the head end and properly ran the appropriate cables. He terminated each cable with the proper connector and tested each cable for opens and shorts, but when the network company arrived to set up the network, they were not pleased with his work. Can you see what Wally did wrong and what he must do to correct the problem?

5-Minute Tech Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to What's Wrong with This? and the 5-Minute Tech Quiz that appears on Page 47.

1. b — Although almost all individual components use IR for remote control, you can use hand-held remote controls that are IR- or RF-based, depending on the application.
2. d
3. c — PLC or power line carrier systems utilize the existing traditional electrical cables for communication to the various modules installed.
4. c — Lamp modules will respond to a dim command. Appliance modules will only respond to on/off commands. A bridge is used to allow signals to travel across electrical phases within the house.
5. b
6. a
7. a — You should also exercise care not to distort the cable by excessive pulling, sharp bends or fasteners. It also is important to maintain the twisting of the pairs when making terminations.
8. b — There is a limit of 100 meters when running LAN cables.
9. d — The size (AWG) used depends upon the total length of the cable run. Larger cables (with lower AWG numbers) should be used for long runs to minimize voltage drops.
10. a — Many satellite DVRs require two coaxial cables to simultaneously record two different channels.
11. d
12. b — Splitters cannot be used to add multiple TVs to a satellite TV system. You must use a multiswitch to connect additional TVs.
13. b
14. b — Home network cabling should be done in a star fashion, home running each cable to the head end.
15. b — IEEE 802.11b and g operate in the 2.4 GHz band, while 802.11a uses the 5 GHz band.

Answer to: What's Wrong with This?

Wally’s problem is caused by where he located the head end and wireless router. The HVAC room typically contains large metal ducts, enclosures and generally has a high level of RF noise from the motors and electric panels. Wally should relocate the head end and wireless router away from the HVAC room into a central area such as in the closet as shown in this diagram, and retest the cabling. He also should install a network jack in the HVAC room in order to provide a means of connecting the HVAC system to the network. If the security system will be utilizing the broadband connection for remote monitoring, he should make sure that the router and modem have battery backup. It is always a good idea when installing any system that includes a wireless LAN to locate the wireless router near the center of the area requiring coverage.