How to Make a CAT6 Patch Cable

Category 6 (CAT6) is the cable standard for gigabit Ethernet. CAT6 is backward compatible with the old CAT5/5e standards. A CAT6 cable contains four twisted pairs of copper wire. A CAT6 is also known as an RJ-45 or Ethernet cable. The American Wire Gauge (AWG) standard for CAT6 cable is 22- to 24-gauge copper wire. A CAT6 cable can be a maximum length is 100 meters. Making a patch cable involves using one of two different wiring standards designed by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI). The standard described is the T568A or wiring for patch cables. The T568B standard will work for patch cables, but the important part is to have one of the standards on both ends of the cable to work or qualify as a patch cable.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• CAT6 cable Crimping tool Wire cutter 8P8C terminators or cable ends (2 or more)

1. Measure the length of cable that will be needed. Allow approximately 1/2 inch on either side of the cord to accommodate the cable ends.

2. Cut the cable length previously measured. Use the wire cutter to strip approximately a 1/2 inch of each copper wire's colored outer cover.

3. Match the proper color scheme for the T568A standard. (Color order: white/green, green, white/orange, blue, white/blue, orange, white/brown, and brown.)

4. Slide firmly this arrangement of wires into the cable end. Use the crimping tool to lock down the wires into the cable end.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 on the other end of the cord.

6. Test the CAT6 patch cable in a CAT6-compliant component such as a gigabit Ethernet card.

Tips & Warnings

• When placing the wires into the cable ends, make the wires the same length to ensure the end properly clamps into the copper wires. If the T568B standard is used, do not fret. Just use the same standard on the other side of the cord and the cable will still function like a patch cable.
• Wire cutters are very sharp. Know what you are cutting and keep your fingers away from the blades. Do not mix the T568A and T568B. Making an end one of the standard and then making the other end the other standard will result in a crossover cable. This crossover cable will not be compatible as a patch cable.

Resources

• Information on CAT6 cabling
• More information of CAT6 cabling

[woody669]

on 8/9/2009 what about the "Slide" and "Trim"