UTP CAT 5 Wiring Standards

Plug and Socket Wiring Details - T568A Standard:

NOTE: There are various wiring "standards". Some standards have different arrangements of colours. The basic configuration uses two pairs of wires ... Pair 1 - 2 and Pair 3 - 6. The other four wires are connected, but not used. In some standards, the wires in each active pair cross over.

Crossover Cable - For connecting TWO (and only two) computers together. If
possible use a different coloured cable, or mark it very clearly. If someone picks up your 'crossover' cable later and tries to use it as a conventional network cable, it won't work! Generally crossover cables are RED. Crossover Cable RJ-45 PIN RJ-45 PIN 1 Rx+ 2 Rc3 Tx+ 6 Tx3 Tx+ 6 Tx1 Rc+ 2 Rc-

NOTE: A "crossover" cable is wired with T568A at one end and T568B at the other.

Rollover Cable A Rollover cable is used to connect between a computer and the "Console" port on a Router to allow programming of the Router. To make a rollover cable you arrange wires as per a standard patch lead of either type "A", or "B" with the jack on one end "rolled over". ie you turn the jack upside down and then insert the wires. (NOTE: you only 'flip' one end, not both!) Commercial rollover cables are usually made from flat cable to avoid confusion. If you cannot find flat cable you should use YELLOW cable when making rollover cables.

NOTE: This circuit will not indicate if the wires in a pair are crossed over. I haven't tried it yet, but it should be possible to modify the circuit and use 'Bi-polar' Red/Green LEDs instead of conventional LEDs to indicate 'crossed' wires.