How to Make a Patch Cord

Also called RJ-45 and ethernet cables, patch cords connect one port to another on a switch, router or computer. Patch cords contain four pairs of copper twisted wire. The AWG, or American Wire Gauge, standard for patch cord is 22- to 24-gauge copper wire. Patch cords are usually short, connecting different network devices, but the maximum length is 100 meters of cable. Making a patch cord consists of using one of two different wiring standard designed by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI). The standard that will be described is the T568B, the most common wiring scheme used. (The T568A standard would also work as a patch cord but is not as common.)

Things You'll Need

• Network cord Crimping tool Wire cutter 2 cable ends or 8P8C terminators

Instructions

1. Measure the length of cable that will be needed. Allow an extra 1/4 to 1/2 inch on either side of the cord to accommodate the cable ends.

2. Cut the cable to the length you previously measured. Use a wire cutter to strip about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of each copper wire's colored outer cover.

3. Match the proper color scheme for the T568B standard. The color order is: white/orange, orange, green, blue, white/blue, green, white/brown and brown.

4. Slide this arrangement of wires firmly 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 patch cord in a network component such as a switch, router or another computer.

Tips & Warnings

• When placing the wires into a cable end, make the wires the same length to ensure the end properly clamps the copper wires. If the T568A standard is used, do not worry. Use the same standard on the other end of the cord, and it will still function like a patch cord.

• Do not mix the T568A and T568B standards. Making one end T568A and the other T568B makes a crossover cable, which cannot be used as a patch cord.

Resources

• More information on patch cabling