How to Make Network Cables

A CAT 5 Twisted Pair

Introduction

In this lab you will learn to make one type of cable used to network two or more computers to form a LAN (Local Area Network).

Network Cable
Category 5 (CAT 5) cables will be used in this lab. CAT 5 has 4 twisted-pairs of wire for a total of eight individually insulated wires.

Network Cables (cont)

Each pair is color coded with one wire having a solid color (blue, orange, green, or brown) twisted around a second wire with a white background and a stripe of the same color. Cable colors are commonly described using the background color followed by the color of the stripe; e.g., white-orange is a cable with a white background and an orange stripe.

Network Connectors
The patch cables are terminated with CAT 5 RJ-45 modular plugs. RJ-45 plugs are similar to those you'll see on the end of your telephone cable except they have eight versus two to six contacts on the end of the plug and they are about twice as big. RJ means "Registered Jack".

Network Cable Tools

The main tool used will be a modular crimp tool. Basically, a tool which will securely crimp RJ45 connectors. This tool is used to cut, stripe, and crimp the wire.

Colour Code Standards

There are two wire color-code standards apply: T568A and T568B. For class purposes the T568B will be used.

Straight-Thru Cables

We will be creating straight-thru cables, which are identical at each end (whereas as cross-over cable has different ends).

Lets Get Started!

1. Pull the cable off the reel to the desired length and cut (approx. 1 metre. 2. Strip one end of the cable with the stripper (push through until the wire touches the stopper). 3. Inspect the wire for nicks, start again if necessary.

Preparing the Wire

4. Spread and arrange the pairs roughly in the order of the desired cable end. 5. Untwist the pairs and arrange the wires in the order of the desired cable end. Trim the ends of the wires so they are even with one another. There should be little or no space between the wires.

Adding the RJ-45 Plug

6. Hold the RJ-45 plug with the clip facing down or away from you. Push the wire firmly into the plug. 7. INSPECT THE WIRE BEFORE YOU CRIMP!!!!

Ready to Crimp??
8. Hold the wire near the RJ-45 plug with the clip down and firmly push it into the left side of the front of the crimper (it will only go in one way). Make sure that the inner conductors are flush with the tip of the connector and directly under the gold contacts. Hold the wire in place, squeeze the crimper handles quite firmly. This is what will happen:

Crimp it Up!!!
9. Crimp it once. The crimper pushes two plungers down on the RJ-45 plug. One forces a plastic plug/wedge onto the cable jacket and very firmly clinches it. The other seats the "pins," each with two teeth at its end, through the insulation and into the conductors of their respective wires.

Repeat
10. Repeat these steps to the opposite end of the cable. Ensure that the colour order is identical. 11. Once both ends are done, test the cable.
NOTE: You only get 2 modular plugs; thus, you only get 1 chance to crimp.

Cabling Rules
1. Avoid running cables parallel to power cables. 2. If you bundle a group of cables together with cable ties (zip ties), do not over-cinch them so much that you deform the cables. 3. Keep cables away from devices which can introduce noise into them: copy machines, electric heaters, speakers, printers, TV sets, fluorescent lights, copiers, welding machines, microwave ovens, telephones, fans, elevators, motors, electric ovens, dryers, washing machines, and shop equipment.

Cabling Rules (cont)

4. Avoid stretching UTP cables (tension when pulling cables should not exceed 25 LBS). 5. Do not run UTP cable outside of a building. It presents a very dangerous lightning hazard! 6. Do not use a stapler to secure UTP cables. Use telephone wire/RJ6 coaxial wire hangers which are available at most hardware stores.

Marks
50/50 = a successful cable that is prepped, crimped, and connects properly. 25/50 = a cable that does not work but is setup reasonably well and has a detailed typed response as to possible solutions or reasons as to why the cable does not work. 0/50 = cable does not work and no explanation as to why.

LETS GET STARTED!!