RWDC Data Cabling Installer (R-DCI)
Mapped to: ETA® DCI Competency Requirements (copper cabling, standards, LAN hardware, PoE, grounding, testing))
Course Summary
A structured cabling certification covering twisted-pair, coax, pathways, grounding, termination, PoE, testing and troubleshooting using industry standards (TIA-568, NEC, IEEE).
Duration
40 hours (5 days)
Target Audience
- Structured cabling installers
- ICT technicians
- Network installation teams
Prerequisites
None
MODULE BREAKDOWN
Module 1 — Safety & Basic Electricity
- PPE and hazard management
- Ohm’s law
- AC vs DC
- Noise sources & SNR
- Grounding (TIA-607-D)
Module 2 — Introduction to Data Cabling
- Telephone system basics
- Shielded vs unshielded cabling
- Plenum vs riser
Module 3 — Data Communications Basics
Topics include NEXT, ANEXT, PSNEXT, ACRF, etc.
Outcome: Demonstrate correct PPE and safe fiber disposal.
Module 4 — Cabling Specifications & Standards
- TIA-568.0-E, 568.1-E, 568.2-D
- 10GBASE-T, PoE+/++
- ISO/IEC 11801
Module 5 — Network Architecture
OSI model (focus on data link/physical layers), Ethernet, topology design.
Module 6 — Cable Construction & Performance
- Cat3–Cat8 characteristics
- Mechanical performance
- Bend radius & tensile strength
Module 7 — NEC & UL Requirements
Topics: fire ratings, flame tests, UL 444, NEC chapters.
Module 8 — Telecommunications Spaces & Infrastructure
- TR, ER, TE
- Backbone vs horizontal cabling
Module 9 — Copper Installation Techniques
- Pulling tension
- Dressing and routing
- Conduits & pathways
- Firestopping
Module 10 — Connector Termination
- RJ45 (8P8C) termination
- 66-block / 110-block
- Coax connectorization
Module 11 — LAN Hardware
NICs, media converters, switches, routers.
Module 12 — Testing & Certification
- Wiremap
- NEXT/PSNEXT
- Certification tools
Module 13 — Troubleshooting & Documentation
Creating TIA-606 compliant documentation.
Practical Labs
- Cat6/6A termination
- Coax termination
- Patch panel assembly
- Grounding and bonding
- Certification testing with Fluke testers
- Firestop installation mockup
Assessment
- Written exam
- Termination practical
- Certification report generation
Certification
Completing this course will prepare the participant for sitting the ETA-DCI certification exam.Â
