Why Should You Make Ethernet Cables?

As most of you have probably purchased an Ethernet cable at one point or another, you’ll know that one of the most annoying things about buying an Ethernet cable is that they’re always sold in fixed lengths. As such, you always end up over-ordering and leaving tons of unsightly Ethernet cable leftover, or you end up under-ordering and you end up ordering another longer cable to ensure that the cables are long enough.

 

To solve this problem, the easiest way is to simply build your own network cables. This way the cables are customized to the size needed. As an additional bonus, those who plan to make a lot of Ethernet cables will actually find that it’s much more cost effective to buy in bulk and make your own cables rather than purchasing pre-made cables.

 

What You Need

 

1. Ethernet Cable – For this tutorial, we’ll be using Cable Matters In-Wall Rated Cat6 however, Cat5e and Cat6 can be used for Gigabit speeds as well. This tutorial also works for older network cables and newer ones, but currently the best value to performance is Cat6. As there are several types of Cat6, ensure that the Cat6 you’re planning to purchase is using 100% copper and not some lesser mixture such as copper clad aluminum.

 

2. RJ-45 Ethernet Plug – These are important as these connect the cables to the network interface cards. For this tutorial, we’ll be using C&E Cat 6, Cat5e Crimp Connectors.

 

3. Strain Relief Boots (Optional) – These are important for preventing the Ethernet plugs from snagging. They also help improve the look of the cables. We’ll be using the CableWholesale Black Strain Relief Boots.

 

4. Racheting Crimp Tool – For this tutorial, we’ll be using the Paladin Tools network crimping tool. The tool has racheting functionality which will provide consistent crimping.

 

5. Network Cable Tester (Optional) – This will provide cable testing without a PC. We’ll be using the HDE Network Cable Tester.

 

6. Scissors – Needed for cutting wires. Optional if you have a different cutting tool.

 

Wiring Diagram

 

There are two main wire arrangements for Ethernet cables.

 

Standard Patch Cable – Standard patch cables are the most common cables we deal with on a daily basis. These are cables that primarily connect computers to switches, routers, and modems. While technically any combination of wiring can be used for a standard patch cable (as long as both ends of the cable is the same), the generally accepted method of wiring Ethernet cables is by using the TIA/EIA 568-B wiring standard for both ends of the cable.

 

Crossover Cable – Crossover cables aren’t too common for most networks, but these special cables allow direct connections between one computer and another. In order to make these cables, the TIA/EIA 568-B wiring standard is used for one of the ends and the the TIA/EIA 568-A wiring standard is used for the other.