How to Make Ethernet Cords

Make Ethernet cables to wire up your home network.

Ethernet cables are a staple of any home network. Creating these cables on your own is not difficult, armed with the right parts and tools. Once these cables are made to your custom length specifications, you can be sure that the data signal traveling throughout the network does not have to traverse excessive cable lengths. Making an Ethernet cable is also a useful skill when you add a networked device, precluding another trip to the store.

Things You'll Need

• Cat5e Ethernet cable
• Wire cutters
• Wire strippers
• RJ-45 crimp connectors
• Modular crimping tool

Instructions

1. Cut the Ethernet cable to the desired length. Attempt to make the end of the cut as straight as possible.

2. Slide the cable into the opening of the strip tool. Rotate two or three times, until the outer jacket is sufficiently scored. Pull off the insulation by hand.

3. Grip the base of the jacket with one hand, while separating the twisted wire pairs with the other. Keep the colored and white wire twists intact.

4. Continue to hold the base of the jacket. Snip the wire pairs straight across, ensuring they are all of equal length.

5. Separate the colored and white pairs, keeping them together. Push the wires into the RJ-45 connector. Make sure at least 1/4 inch of the outer jacket is secured under the base of the connector for adequate strain relief.

6. Slip the connector into the modular crimp tool. Squeeze the handles to compress the connector onto the wires.

Tips & Warnings

• Crossover cables are the same as a conventional Ethernet wire, other than the green and orange wire pairings inverted at one end.

• If you nick any of the wires, or allow them to untwist inside the outer jacket, cut off that portion and start over.

References

• Little White Dog: How To Make a Crossover Cable
• The Great Bagheera: How to Create an Ethernet Cable