| Although CAT 6 cable is a growing standard in the | | | | afraid of dealing with thin wires and doing a little |
| world of computer networking, bulk CAT 5 cable | | | | cutting. here's how to make one if you feel up to |
| remains a trusted standard that is not going away | | | | the challenge. |
| quickly--especially when you include CAT 5e in the | | | | Start by measuring how much length you need |
| mix. In this short primer, we'll explain what exactly | | | | for your cable. Add 4 or 5 inches to this number |
| CAT 5 is and even focus on how to make your | | | | to make sure you have some slack to work with. |
| own. | | | | Using some wire strippers, strip about an inch or a |
| In the world of Ethernet cables, Bulk CAT 5 cable | | | | bit more off the cable. Then untwist the flexible |
| is considered the original. Within a CAT 5 cable are | | | | cables down to the rubber shield. You should be |
| four pairs of wires twisted together, and | | | | sure to have around half an inch exposed, |
| contained within the same jacket. This ingenious | | | | because you'll want these wires to contact the |
| design lowers the interference from other airs as | | | | RJ45 connector. |
| well as from external sources. This interference is | | | | Next, check and be sure that each wire is in its |
| known as crosstalk. CAT 5 performance specs | | | | correct position before you put on the RJ45. The |
| were created to be used in networks that | | | | colors for normal ends will go as follows (moving |
| operate at speeds of up to 100Mbit/s. A | | | | from left to right): white - orange, orange, white - |
| 100BASETX Ethernet is how bulk CAT 5 cable is | | | | green, blue, blue - white, green, brown - white, |
| most often used. | | | | brown. The colors for crossover cables will go, |
| As network technology advanced, Enhanced CAT, | | | | again from left to right: green - white, green, |
| otherwise called CAT 5e, was developed. While it | | | | orange - white, blue, blue - white, orange, brown - |
| is part of the CAT 5 family its specifications for | | | | white, and brown. |
| performance and speed are stricter. CAT 5e can | | | | Now make sure that each of the wires are in the |
| also be used with Gigabit networks--one of the | | | | right position prior to putting on the RJ45. For |
| chief aspects separating it from regular CAT 5. | | | | normal ends, the colors will go, from right to left, |
| Gigabit networks are those that have transfer | | | | brown, white-brown, green, white-blue, blue, |
| speeds up to 1000Mbit/s (such as 100BASET). A | | | | white-green, orange, white-orange. For crossover |
| slight modified wiring setup in CAT e also gives it | | | | cables, it will be brown, white-brown, orange, |
| superior protection from crosstalk. | | | | white-blue, blue, white-orange, green, white-green. |
| Today, CAT 5e has become the heir to the | | | | Next, you should put on the RJ45 connector. As |
| name CAT 5, replacing it in most networks. | | | | you do,make sure that the copper ends touch |
| Although you can still find CAT 5 here and there, | | | | the metal plates. If they don't touch, you'll need to |
| CAT 5e is widely known to be superior. And since | | | | re-organize the wires until they do. |
| they both cost about the same amount of | | | | And finally, crimp using your crimping tool. At this |
| money, there's little reason to stick with the older | | | | point you'll have one end terminated. Now just |
| iteration of bulk cat 5 cable. | | | | repeat the second through sixth steps for the |
| Some people who don't want to keep spending | | | | other end. Use an Ethernet tester to make sure |
| money for cables have taken to creating their | | | | it's working; if so, the lights will light up green. If |
| own. It's not that difficult, provided you're not | | | | that happens, you've succeeded in your project. |