The steps below are general Ethernet cat5 cable construction guidelines. They
will work for making any category of network cables. For our example we will
be making a category 5e patch cable. A key point to remember in making
Ethernet patch cords is that the “twists” in the individual pairs should
remain entwined as long as possible until they reach the RJ-45 plug
termination. The twisting of the pairs in the network cable is what helps to
ensure good connectivity and keeps cross-talk interference to a minimum.
STEP 1 - Stripping
Start by pulling out about 12 feet of bulk network cable to making the process
a little easier. Carefully remove the outer jacket of the cable exposing about
1 1/4" of the twisted pairs. Be careful when stripping the jacket as to not
nick or cut the internal wiring. After removing the outer case you will notice
8 wires twisted in pairs and a rip cord (white thread).
STEP 2 - Inspecting
Inspect the newly revealed wires for any cuts or scrapes that expose the
copper wire inside. If you have breached the protective sheath of any wire you
will need to cut the entire segment of wires off and start over at step one.
Exposed copper wire will lead to cross-talk, poor performance or no
connectivity at all. It is important that the jacket for all network cables
remains intact.
STEP 3 - Preparation
To prepare the wires and to make them easier to work with, you can untwist the
pairs so they will lay flat between your fingers. The white piece of thread
can be cut off even with the jacket and disposed.
STEP 4 - Layout
Now based on the wiring specifications you are following you will need arrange
the wires in a certain pattern. There are two methods set by the TIA, 568A and
568B. 568B is the most common network cables, widely used for computer
networks and digital phone systems. So for our demonstration we will use that.
Starting from the left-top side of the RJ-45 plug, the wiring should be in the
order shown at the right.
STEP 5 - Jack Preparation
Again, press all the wires flat between your thumb and forefinger as shown in
step three. Verify the colors have remained in the correct order. Using a pair
of scissors, cut the top of the wires even with one another so that they are
1/2" long from the base of the jacket. Ensure that the cut leaves the wires
even and clean; failure to do so may cause the wire not to make contact inside
the jack.
STEP 6 - Wire Insertion
Ensuring that the wires remain flat and in order, push them into the RJ-45
plug with the flat surface of the plug on top. The white / orange wire should
be on the left looking down at the jack. You can tell if all the wires made it
into the jack and maintain their positions by looking head-on at the plug. You
should be able to see a wire located in each hole, as seen at the bottom
right. You may have to use a little effort to push the pairs firmly into the
plug. The cabling jacket should also enter the rear of the jack about 3/16" to
help secure the cable once the plug is crimped.
STEP 7 - Crimping
Now place the wired plug into the crimping tool. Give the handle a firm
squeeze, you should hear a ratcheting noise as you continue. Once you have
completed the crimp, the handle will reset to the open position.
STEP 8 - Testing
Once your new cable is completed, it is not a bad idea to test the cable to
ensure that it will function in the field. It is vital that all eight wires
have connectivity and are in the correct order. Mis-wired network cables could
lead to headaches down the road. In addition, with power-over-ethernet making
its way into the market place, crossed wire pairs could lead to physical
damage of computers or phone system equipment; making it even more crucial
that the pairs are in the correct order. A simple cable tester can quickly
verify that information for you.
You can find these instructions with pictures at
http://www.cat-5-cable.com/
