Ethernet cables be it Cat6 Cable, Ca6a Cable, or Cat5e Cable have become more important than ever as they fit in every environment providing top-notch, uninterrupted, high-speed data speeds with strong signal quality.
Though you have the luxury to purchase ethernet cables from the market, by doing so, you will be missing the fun part as you can install or make custom crossover cables or custom cable lengths all by yourself. Even repairing a broken connector is not that herculean task; you can easily fix a broken connector all by yourself. If you don’t have any prior knowledge in this field, you should not worry as we have got you covered in this article.
Before diving deep into the details, go through a thorough check that you are in possession of all the necessary tools. Also, figure it out beforehand whether you need a Cat5e cable, Cat6 cable, or Cat6a cable.
Ethernet
Ethernet is the most widely used type of LAN nowadays. Local Area Networks (LANs) are computer networks that span rooms, buildings, and campuses. The term “wide area network” refers to a network that covers a considerably broader area. The IEEE 802.3 protocol, which controls how much data is transferred via a LAN, is also known as Ethernet.
When machines in LANs want to communicate data to other computers or devices, they check to verify if the carrier or cable that connects them is free and not in use by other devices.
If a data packet has already been sent over the network, the device keeps it until it is ready to deliver it. All of the other devices examine the packet to see if it is intended for them.
How long will cabling last?
Cabling can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years before needing to be updated. Before your cabling system reaches the end of its life, you’ll need to replace the network equipment you need for your digital communications three or four times. Cabling typically accounts for about 15% of the total cost of your network. You can reduce downtime, save maintenance costs, and improve performance by investing in the correct cabling solutions for your needs.
Ethernet Cable Installation: What devices do you need?
- Unshielded Twisted Pair Patch Cable,
- Crimping Tool,
- Modular Connector,
- And, cable testers.
There are 4 types of wires (conductors) in an ethernet cable whereas the ethernet connector (8P8C) is accompanied by 8 pin slots; you can identify each pin through a number, beginning from left to right, when you hold it in such a way that clip faces away from you.
The 2 standards set by TIA/EIA for the ethernet cables are T568B and T568A; the former is the most commonly used and in this article, we are using the same standard for our ethernet cable. Now let’s move to the installation part.
Stripping the cable jacket
You shall begin by stripping the cable jacket as much as 1.5 inches from down the end. Perform this task through meticulous care as if anything goes wrong, it will compromise the signal quality.
Spread Pairs Apart
Now you shall move on to the second step that is spreading all four twisted pairs apart. If you are using a Bulk Cat5e cable, you will strip the jacket further down using a pull string. If you are using a Cat6 cable, then you will cut the spline accordingly.
Untwisting Pairs & Aligning Them Neatly
The heading explains it all. In the third step, you will untwist the eight conductors that are bundled together in four twisted pairs. As stated earlier, as we are following the T568B wiring standard, we will align the conductors in accordance with the same. Avoid unnecessary untwisting as leaving cable twisted for longer lengths to make the signal stronger and provides protection against crosstalk.
Cutting The Wires
The unsaid standard for cutting the wire is to cut them 0.5 inches above the end of the jackets and keep them [when cutting] as straight as possible.
Inserting Wires Into Connector
Now you will insert all conductors into the connector. Ensure that each conductor passes perfectly inside the connector following appropriate guidelines.
Crimping Tool & Art of Squeezing
You will insert the connector in a crimping tool and then will squeeze the latter device as the way down. When done with the crimping, one side of your ethernet cable is ready. VOILA!
Repeat Same Steps for Other Side of Ethernet Cable
Now you will do the same with the other side of your bulk ethernet cables.
The Testing Phase
You will test each pin of the ethernet cable through a cable tester. If it passes through the cable tester, it means that you have successfully terminated each end of your Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable.
See, making your own ethernet cable is no rocket science. All you need is some devices and prior knowledge of the subject, rest we are assured you will ace the task.
