Cat 5 cable (also known as ethernet cable, network cable, or RJ45) must be run throughout modern dwellings. Cat 5 may be used to transfer data from home networks, security cameras, cellphones, and even HDMI devices, among other items. (In my file-transfer testing, wired ethernet over cat 5 remains around 20 times quicker than a wireless network.)
This article explains how to obtain the few pieces of equipment you’ll need is a straightforward three-step approach. Let’s start.
Cost and flexibility
Regardless of length, pre-crimped CAT-5 installation can cost $10 – $15. However, for approximately $90, you can get a package containing 500 feet of uncrimped cat 5 cables, a crimping tool, and 50 cat 5 plugs. Assume that the typical cat 5 cable length is 10 feet. That’s enough to produce 50 ten-foot cables for $1.80 each. Because most people don’t understand how simple it is to create their own cables, cable manufacturers may charge an 830 per cent markup. (If you buy the cable in quantity and have the necessary skills, you could potentially reduce the marginal cost to $0.50 per cable.) CAT-5 installation
However, saving money isn’t the only advantage of creating your own wires. If you need to run cat 5 through a tight conduit in your home, it’s much easier to run the cable without the heads attached and then crimp the ends once in position.
Alternatively, if you need to run the wire for a very long distance (more than 50 feet), it’s generally difficult to obtain crimped cables of that length in stores.
Finally, if you’re attempting to tidy up a wire-filled closet, you can eliminate twisty ties by cutting cat 5 cables to the exact length you need (plus a little slack, of course.)
Supplies
You’ll need the following materials to construct your own cat 5 cable:
- a length of uncrimped bulk cable
- A tool for crimping
- Cat 5 plugs box
Strip, Arrange, and Crimp are the three stages.
It’s time to connect the plugs once you’ve cut the wire to the correct length and run it between two sites. Fortunately, each end of the procedure is a straightforward three-step process.
Step 1: Strip.
Strip 3-5 millimetres from the sheath at the end of the cable with the stripping razor on the crimp tool. (Crimp instruments include a specific razor that cuts the sheath without harming the internals, but if you’re cautious, you can use any sharp blade or pair of scissors.
If you cut the internal wires by accident, simply cut the wire an inch down and attempt stripping again. (Leave yourself a few extra inches in case you make a mistake.)
After stripping, you’ll discover 8 colour-coded wires within.
Step 2: Organize
To create a typical cat 5 cable, put the colour-coded wires in the same sequence on both ends. It doesn’t matter which sequence the colours are in as long as they are the same on both ends.
If you want to stick to common practice, use the “568B” ordering. The 568Bordering procedure is as follows:
- White/orange striped.
- White/green striped.
- Solid orange.
- Solid blue.
- Solid green.
- White/blue striped.
- White/brown striped.
- Brown.
Notes
If you’re interested in the specifics, 10/100 ethernet requires only four wires to be in the same place. 10/100 creates a circuit for transmitting with two internal wires (wire 1 and wire 2) and a circuit for receiving with two internal wires (wire 3 and wire 6). It’s still a good idea to utilise the same ordering on both ends, because with each passing year, more devices (such as gigabit ethernet, home security cameras, or HDMI transceivers) may operate over cat 5 lines, and these devices need all of the wires to be in the proper location.
(If you wish to create a less common “patch” or “cross-over” connection that goes straight from computer to computer rather than computer to router/modem/hub/switch, you’ll need a slightly different sequence on both ends.) Actually, you seldom need to build a patch connection these days because many gadgets recognise the type of cable that is plugged in. If you’re stuck on ideas, construct the basic wire I described above.)
Step 3: Crimp
Plugin the coloured wires to the cat 5 plugs. Because you probably had to fan them out to get them in the proper sequence, I propose “scooping” them into the socket. After scooping them, double-check that they stayed in the correct sequence. It could take a couple of scoops to get it perfect.
Push them flat against the tip once they’re in the correct sequence in the plug.
The plug should next be inserted into the crimp tool and squeezed.
To produce electrical conductivity, Cat 5 plugs include metal “teeth” that puncture the coloured wires during crimping.
Repeat this technique for the opposite end, and you’re done.
