How to make a Network Cable

Mario Rodriguez
LTEC 4550 Assignment 4
How to make a Network Cable
A network cable is used to connect a computer or any
other network device to each other.
The following steps will show you how to make a
network cable. The process involves cutting the cable to
appropriate length. Then the cable is stripped and
twisted pairs are unwound. The cable is aligned in the
proper order and crimped. The guide will make network
cables in the 568-b wiring scheme. The cable is then
crimped and tested on a modular cable tester.
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Tools and Supplies
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Category 5 Cable
RJ 45 Modular Plugs
Crimp Tool for RJ45
Wire Cutter
Cat 5 Cable Stripper
Modular Cable
tester
3
Prepare your Cable
 Prepare the cable
 Cut the lengths needed with wire cutters.
4
Cable Stripping
 When stripping cable ensure that you give yourself
plenty room to work. Try to strip off about 2 inches.
When using the stripper
only turn once to avoid
cutting the cables inside
5
Untwist the Twisted
 Once the cable is stripped you can see the four pairs of
twisted cable. These need to be untwisted to align
them in the proper order.
6
Align the Pairs
 The wiring scheme used in this guide is 568-b. This
standard is used to ensure cable easier troubleshooting
later. Straighten the cables as straight as possible and
align according to the table.
Table1. Digital image. How to Make a Category 5 / Cat 5E Patch Cable. N.p., 2012. Web. 14 July 2014.
<http://www.lanshack.com/make-cat5E.aspx>.
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Trim the Cable for the Plug
 In order for the cable to be securely fastened to the
plug, the cable must be trimmed to proper length to
allow only enough uncovered cable. A thumbnail
length is usually just about right.
Slide the plug on and see if it
remains aligned
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Ensure proper Alignment
 The pairs must be in the correct order as in the
diagram on slide 7. Ensure that the pairs are pushed in
completely.
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Crimp the Cable
 Once proper insertion is verified crimp the cable with
a crimp tool.
Ensure the plug is inserted
completely into the tool.
10
Check the Crimp
 Check the crimp made. Make sure the gold blades are
pushed into the cables. Also verify the plastic crimp is
gripping the cable housing properly.
11
Test the Cable
 To test the cable we are using a Progressive Electronics
468T modular cable tester.
The test is done by
plugging into both
finished ends into the
568-b slots and powering
the unit on
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Test the Cable
 The cable tester blinks a green light when a proper
connection is made and both sides should blink the
same light at the same time.
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When things go wrong
 The wires are not aligned in
the correct order
 The wires are not pushed in
completely
 The crimp did not crimp all
the cables
 The test fails on the modular
cable tester
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Review
 Cut the cables to length
 Strip the Cable
 Untwist the twisted pairs
 Align the pairs
 Insert the plug
 Crimp the plug
 Test the cable
 Clean up
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Works Cited
Table1. Digital image. How to Make a Category 5 / Cat 5E Patch Cable. N.p., 2012. Web. 14 July 2014. <http://www.lanshack.com/makecat5E.aspx>.
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