CONFIGURING COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

Creating Cross-over and Straight-through Cables

Listed below are the steps in creating twisted-pair cables:

1) Prepare all the tools and materials needed.

• Crimping tool – this is a special tool used to cut, hold, and attach and RJ45 jack to the
end of the cable.
• Cutters or Scissors – can be used to cut the cable
• Twisted-pair Cables – these are cables that are specifically used in networking.
• RJ45 Jacks – these are the connectors attached to the end of a twisted-pair cable.
2) Cut the twisted-pair cable based on the needed length.
3) Remove the outer jacket of the cable to expose the four pairs of wires inside.
4) Untwist the wires. Make sure that they are free from any damage. A small cut may result in
failure to transmit.
5) Arrange the wires based on the type of cable you want to create:

• Straight-through Cable – this type of cable is usually used to connect a client to a host, to
a switch, or to a server. This could also be referred to as a patch cable. Shown in the
table is the arrangement of wires for both ends of a straight-through cable:

• Cross-over Cable – this type is used to directly connect a host to another host. This type
of connection is referred to as peer-to-peer. Shown in the table is the arrangement of
wires for both ends of a crossover cable:
6) After determining the type of cable that will be created, cut the wires so that they will be of

exact length. Make sure that the end of the wires are perfectly aligned.

7) Firmly hold the cable and insert the wires into the RJ45 jack. The part with the lock must be

placed at the bottom.

8)Check if the end of the wires touches the end of the RJ45 jack. If not, push it a little more.

9) Once alignment is ensured, plug the cable into the crimping tool, firmly squeeze it while

securely holding the cable. Once a locking sound is heard, release the grip. Do the same with

the other end of the cable.

10) Use a LAN tester or a cable tester to ensure that the connection of all the wires in both ends

of the cable is transmitting.

Having the correct knowledge and skills in cabling is needed in order for a technician to

properly connect the computer systems and peripherals in a network. Following the steps

indicated above and knowing the job requirements before creating a cable is necessary to

ensure that connections will be established, materials will not be wasted, and devices will not

be damaged.