Introduction

Networking cables may be straight or crossover cable. Both cable type has a distinct use, and
should not be used in place of another. Network cables are made of 4 pair high performance cable that
consists of twisted pair conductors that used for data transmission. Both end of cable is called RJ45
connector.

Straight-through cables get their name from how they are made.
The pins in both ends of the Ethernet cable are arranged in 568A
Wiring. Crossover cables are very similar to straight-through cables,
except that they have pairs of wires that crisscross. This allows for two
devices to communicate at the same time. Unlike straight-through
cables, the pins on one end are arranged in 568A Wiring while the other
is in 568B Wiring.

The cable can be categorized as Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat6 UTP cable. Cat 5 UTP cable can support
10/100 Mbps Ethernet network, whereas Cat 5e and Cat 6 UTP cable can support Ethernet network
running at 10/100/1000 Mbps. You might have heard about Cat 3 UTP cable, it's not popular anymore
since it can only support 10 Mbps Ethernet network.

Objectives

1. To construct a network cable using the RJ45 connectors and UTP cable.
2. To differentiate straight through and crossover connection
3. To know the purpose Ethernet cables
Materials

1. Ethernet Cable
2. RJ45 Crimpable Connectors
3. RJ45 Crimping Tool
4. Wire Cutter and Stripper

Procedure

Straight Through Crossover

1. Cut into the plastic sheath about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the
end of the cut cable. The crimping tool has a razor blade
that will do the trick with practice.

2. Unwind and pair the similar colors.

3. Pinch the wires between your fingers and straighten them out
as shown. The order of colors are important to get correct.
4. Use wire cutter to make a straight cut across the wires 1/2 Inch (1.3 cm) from the cut sleeve to
the end of the wires.

5. Carefully push all 8 colored wires into the connector. Note

the position of the blue plastic sleeve. Also note how the
wires go all the way to the end.

6. A view from the top. All the wires are all the way in. There
are no short wires.

7. Carefully place the connector into the Ethernet Crimper

and cinch down on the handles tightly. Repeat steps at
the other end.