how to make a ethernet cable cat5

Part 1: Gathering Your Tools & Materials

A successful job starts with the right equipment. Using quality components is not just about performance; it’s about reliability and longevity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bulk Cat5e Cable: This is the backbone of your network. A high-quality cable, like those offered by D-Lay Cable, will have pure copper conductors and proper twisting to minimize interference.
• RJ45 Connectors: These are the plastic plugs at the end of the cable. Ensure they are specifically designed for Cat5e solid or stranded cable, depending on what you’re using.
• Crimping Tool: This is the essential tool that secures the RJ45 connector to the cable by pushing the pins into the wires. A good crimper also includes a built-in cutter and stripper.
• Cable Stripper or Cutters: While a crimper often has a built-in stripper, a dedicated tool can offer more precision, helping you avoid nicking the inner wires.
• Ethernet Cable Tester: This is a non-negotiable final step. A tester verifies that all your connections are correct and that there are no shorts or open circuits.
• Optional: Strain-Relief Boots. These rubber or plastic boots slide over the cable before you crimp, providing extra protection to the connection point and a more professional finish.

Part 2: The Blueprint: Understanding T568A vs. T568B Wiring Standards

Before you touch a single wire, you must understand the wiring standards. The TIA/EIA-568 standard defines two pinout configurations: T568A and T568B. For modern networks, T568B is the most common standard. To create a standard “straight-through” cable (used to connect a computer to a switch, router, or wall jack), you must use the same standard on both ends.

Here is the color code for each, looking at the RJ45 connector with the tab facing down and the copper pins facing up:

Remember: For a standard patch cable, just pick one standard (we recommend T568B) and use it for both ends.

Part 3: The Step-by-Step Guide to a Perfect Crimp

With your tools ready and your standard chosen, it’s time to build your cable. Follow these steps carefully for a professional result.

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Cable

Measure the length of cable you need, adding a little extra just in case. Use the cutter on your crimping tool to make a clean, straight cut.

Step 2: Strip the Outer Jacket

Using your cable stripper, carefully score and remove about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the outer PVC jacket. Be cautious not to cut or nick the twisted pairs inside. Once scored, the jacket should pull off easily.

Step 3: Untwist and Arrange the Wires

You will see four twisted pairs of wires. Gently untwist them and separate all eight individual wires. Now, arrange them in the order of the wiring standard you chose (T568B). This is the most critical step, so take your time. Straighten them out as much as possible.

Step 4: Flatten, Align, and Trim

Pinch the straightened wires between your thumb and forefinger to create a flat, ribbon-like line. Make sure they are still in the correct order. Use the cutting blade on your crimper to trim the ends so they are perfectly aligned and extend about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) from the edge of the jacket.

Step 5: Insert Wires into the RJ45 Connector

Holding the connector with the tab down, carefully slide the aligned wires into the plug. Push gently but firmly until all wires have reached the very end of the connector. You should be able to see the shiny copper ends of the wires through the transparent front of the plug. It’s crucial that the cable’s outer jacket is also inside the connector to be properly secured by the crimp.

Step 6: Crimp the Connector

Double-check the wire order one last time. If it’s correct, insert the RJ45 connector into the appropriate slot on your crimping tool. Squeeze the handles firmly and evenly. You should feel a distinct click as the tool pushes the copper pins through the wire insulation, making a solid connection. The tool will also press a strain-latch onto the cable jacket, securing the entire assembly.

Step 7: Repeat for the Other End

Now, simply repeat steps 2 through 6 for the other end of the cable, ensuring you use the exact same wiring standard.

Part 4: The Final Check: Testing Your Cable for Success

Never assume a cable works. A simple mistake in the wiring order can cause connection issues that are difficult to diagnose later. Plug both ends of your newly created cable into your Ethernet cable tester. A good tester will have a series of lights (1 through 8) that should light up in sequence on both the main and remote units. If they light up in order, your cable is a success! If lights are out of order, dim, or don’t light up at all, you have a fault and will need to re-terminate one or both ends.

Part 5: Professional Tips for Flawless Cables

As experts in the field, we have a few extra tips to elevate your cables from good to great:

• Minimize Untwisting: The twists in the pairs are designed to cancel out electromagnetic interference (EMI). Only untwist the wires as much as is necessary to get them into the connector.
• Use Quality Components: We can’t stress this enough. Using premium bulk cable and connectors from a trusted supplier like D-Lay Cable ensures better performance and a longer lifespan.
• Check Before You Crimp: It takes 20 seconds to double-check the wire order and one minute to cut off a bad end and start over. It can take hours to troubleshoot a faulty cable once it’s installed in a wall.
• Use Strain-Relief Boots: They protect the locking tab from snagging and breaking and reduce stress on the cable connection point, preventing premature failure.