Step 1: What Is This and Necessary Items?
Setting up a wired network on the cheap? Want to have a network cable longer than you can buy at the store? Making your own network cable may be the way to go. We will show you how to make two types of networking cables. Straight through cables and Crossover cables.
NOTE: The maximum length for a CAT 5 cable is 328 feet.
Necessary Items:
1.Crimper
2.CAT 5 Cables
3.RJ45 ends
Step 2: Choose a Cable Type
NOTE: Pin 1 is the pin to the furthest left with the tab facing you.
Straight through cables are cables that have the same pattern of wires at each end. You will need a hub or switch device to use such cables.
The wiring pattern for such a cable is as follows:
Pin 1: White and Green
Pin 2: Green
Pin 3: White and Orange
Pin 4: Blue
Pin 5: White and Blue
Pin 6: Red
Pin 7: White and Brown
Pin 8: Brown
The pattern should be the same on both ends. Now you can go to Step 3
Crossover cables have a different pattern of wires on each end. You do not need a hub or switch to network with such a cable, you can connect one computer to another with a Crossover cable.
The wiring pattern for a crossover cable is as follows:
End 1
Pin 1: White and Green
Pin 2: Green
Pin 3: White and Orange
Pin 4: Blue
Pin 5: White and Blue
Pin 6: Orange
Pin 7: White and Brown
Pin 8: Brown
End 2
Pin 1: White and Orange
Pin 2: Orange
Pin 3: White and Green
Pin 4: Blue
Pin 5: White and Blue
Pin 6: Green
Pin 7: White and Brown
Pin 8: Brown
Step 3: Ready the Cable
Cut off about 1/2 an inch of the insulator (the outer surface) but avoid cutting the wires. If you do cut the wires at all, you will need to start again. Now you can start ordering the wires in the order of either a straight through cable or a crossover cable. Make sure that all of the wires are of the same length.
Insert the wires into the RJ45 end and push them in as far as possible. Make sure that the wires are in the proper order.
Step 4: Crimp it and Go
If everything looks good, crimp it. With a better crimper it will require less effort, but a lower grade crimper may require a little force. Push the lever as hard as possible. Now plug the cable into the computer and whatever device you want to connect to. If a light turns on, your all done with the cable part. If not, look to see if the wires are in the right order or Make sure your hub is turned on.