In a world driven by connectivity, a reliable network is paramount. While pre-made patch cords are convenient, knowing how to create your own custom-length Cat5e Ethernet cable is an invaluable skill for any IT professional, network enthusiast, or dedicated DIYer. It allows for perfectly sized cables, cleaner installations, and a deeper understanding of how your network functions.
At D-Lay Cable, we’re experts in high-performance cabling. We not only supply the industry with certified, top-tier components but also believe in empowering our customers with knowledge. dlaycable will walk you through the professional-grade process of terminating a Cat5e cable, ensuring you create a connection that is both durable and reliable.
Article Contents
Before You Begin: Gathering Your Tools & Materials
Craftsmanship begins with the right tools. Using low-quality components can lead to signal loss, connection drops, and endless troubleshooting. For a professional result, we recommend the following:
- High-Quality Bulk Cat5e Cable: The backbone of your network. Choose a cable with 100% solid copper conductors for optimal performance. Our D-Lay Bulk Cat5e Cable is UL-listed and RoHS compliant, ensuring safety and reliability.
- RJ45 Connectors for Cat5e: These are the plastic ends of the cable. Ensure they are specifically designed for Cat5e and match the type of cable you’re using (solid or stranded).
- Ethernet Crimping Tool: This tool performs two key functions: it presses the pins of the RJ45 connector into the wires and secures the connector to the cable jacket. A good crimper is a worthwhile investment.
- Wire Stripper/Cutter: While many crimpers include a basic stripper, a dedicated tool provides a cleaner, more precise cut without nicking the inner conductors.
- Network Cable Tester: This is a crucial, often-skipped tool. A tester verifies that all eight wires are correctly connected and making a good connection, saving you hours of frustration later.
The Blueprint: Understanding T568A vs. T568B Wiring
Inside an Ethernet cable are eight wires, organized into four twisted pairs. To make a functional cable, these wires must be inserted into the RJ45 connector in a specific order. There are two industry-standard wiring schemes recognized by the TIA/EIA: T568A and T568B.
The Golden Rule: For a standard “straight-through” cable (used to connect a device to a switch, router, or wall plate), you must use the same standard on both ends.
While both standards work, T568B is the most common and widely used standard in the United States and for new networks. We recommend sticking with T568B for consistency.
T568B Wiring Color Code
Looking at the RJ45 connector with the tab facing down and the copper pins facing up, the wire order from left to right (Pin 1 to Pin 8) is:
- Orange/White
- Orange
- Green/White
- Blue
- Blue/White
- Green
- Brown/White
- Brown
T568A Wiring Color Code
For reference, the T568A standard swaps the Orange and Green pairs:
- Green/White
- Green
- Orange/White
- Blue
- Blue/White
- Orange
- Brown/White
- Brown
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Cat5e Cable
With your tools gathered and your wiring standard chosen (we’ll proceed with T568B), it’s time to build your cable.
Step 1: Measure and Strip the Cable Jacket
Measure your desired length and cut the bulk cable cleanly. Using your wire stripper, carefully score and remove about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the outer PVC jacket from the end of the cable. Be gentle—you only want to cut the jacket, not the twisted pairs inside.
Step 2: Expose and Untwist the Wires
Once the jacket is removed, you will see the four twisted pairs. Some cables may have a plastic spline or a pull string; you can trim these flush with the jacket. Carefully untwist each pair and begin to straighten them out with your fingers.
Step 3: Arrange the Wires (The T568B Order)
This is the most critical step. Flatten and arrange the eight wires into the correct T568B order from left to right: Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White, Green, Brown/White, Brown. Keep them flat and parallel, holding them tightly between your thumb and forefinger.
Pro-Tip: Double-check the color order. Then check it again. A single misplaced wire will cause the cable to fail.
Step 4: Trim the Wires and Insert into the RJ45 Connector
Hold the aligned wires firmly and trim them so that only about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of wire extends from the cable jacket. The cut should be perfectly straight. Now, keeping the wires in the correct order, slide them into the RJ45 connector. The flat side of the plug should be on top, with the tab on the bottom. Push firmly until all wires reach the very end of the connector. You should be able to see the shiny copper ends of the wires through the clear plastic tip. Importantly, the cable jacket itself should be inside the connector to be properly secured by the crimper.
Step 5: Crimp the Connector
Insert the RJ45 connector into the appropriate slot on your crimping tool. Squeeze the handles of the crimper firmly and evenly. You should hear a ‘click’ as the tool pushes the copper pins down to pierce the wire insulation, making contact with the conductor. It will also press a plastic wedge into the cable jacket, securing it in place. Release the tool and inspect your work. The connector should be securely attached.
Step 6: Repeat for the Other End and Test
Repeat steps 1-5 on the other end of the cable, ensuring you use the same T568B wiring standard. Once both ends are terminated, it’s time for the final, crucial step: testing.
The Final Check: Why Testing is Non-Negotiable
A cable that looks perfect can still be faulty. A network cable tester is the only way to be 100% sure your cable is working correctly. Plug each end of your newly made cable into the tester. A good tester will light up a sequence of LEDs from 1 to 8 on both the main and remote units, confirming that each pin is correctly wired and making a solid connection. If any light is out of order or doesn’t illuminate, you have a fault and will need to re-terminate one or both ends.
Pro-Tips from the D-Lay Cable Experts
- Keep Twists Close: The twists in the wire pairs are essential for preventing crosstalk and interference. Try to keep the wires twisted as close to the connector as possible.
- Jacket Security: Ensure the cable’s outer jacket is pushed far enough into the RJ45 connector so that it gets clamped down during crimping. This provides strain relief and protects the delicate wires.
- Consistency is Key: Always use the same wiring standard (preferably T568B) for all cables in your network to avoid confusion and potential issues.
- Invest in Quality: Your network is only as strong as its weakest link. Using premium, certified cable and connectors from a trusted supplier like D-Lay Cable ensures maximum performance and longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between Cat5e and Cat6?
Cat6 cable has stricter specifications for crosstalk and system noise. It supports speeds up to 10 Gbps at shorter distances (up to 55 meters), whereas Cat5e supports up to 1 Gbps. For most home and small office applications, Cat5e is more than sufficient.
What is a “crossover” cable?
A crossover cable has one end wired to T568A and the other to T568B. It was historically used to connect two similar devices directly (e.g., PC to PC). However, most modern network devices feature Auto MDI-X, which automatically detects the cable type, making crossover cables largely obsolete.
What is the maximum length for a Cat5e cable?
The maximum recommended length for a single run of Cat5e Ethernet cable is 100 meters (328 feet). Beyond this length, you may experience signal degradation and performance issues.