How to Apply RJ45 Connectors to the CAT-5E Cable
Terminating a Category 5e network patch cord requires using a color code for the individual conductors that separate the signal and make up the cable. Industry standards exist for the color coding of the individual strands of wire within the network cables and by using these standards a repair can be made quickly in the field and eliminate the need to replace a broken cable. Learn what colors are used for each pin on the RJ45 connector when making a patch cable or terminating the end of a standard Ethernet cable.
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Things You'll Need
- Wire cutters
- Wire strippers
- RJ45 crimp-type plug
- RJ45 crimp pliers
- Network cable tester
Instructions
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1
Disconnect both ends of the Cat-5e network patch cable if connected.
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2
Cut about 2 in. off the end of the cable on the end the RJ45 connector that is going to be put on, or off both ends if they each need a connector.
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3
Strip about a half inch of the outer insulation from the end of the cable, being careful not to nick the insulation on the inner conductors.
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4
Straighten out the individual conductors that are twisted around each other and flatten them to lie side-by-side in the following order: white with green stripe, green solid, white with orange stripe, blue solid, white with blue stripe, orange solid, white with brown stripe and brown solid.
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5
Cut a small amount off the end of the conductors so that they are all the same length and square when held flat. Make sure that each conductor gets cut at least a small amount to make them an even length.
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6
Slide the RJ-45 crimp connector over the end of the cable, and press it onto the cable until each of the conductors is flush against the inside of the connector in the designated hole. Make sure they are still in the desired order, with the white with a green stripe conductor is inserted into pin 1 on the connector and the brown conductor is inserted into pin 8 on the connector.
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7
Place the crimp conductor into the RJ45 crimp pliers and squeeze the handles until the crimp has been completed. Pull on the conductor to ensure a proper connection. Test the connection by using a network cable tester if one is available.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a network cable tester for each patch cord prior to connecting it to networking equipment or a computer.
The wire color codes do not really make any difference in the performance of the cable but help when changes are made at a later date. The important thing is to connect each pin on each end of the cable to the same conductor on both ends.
Do not make Category 5e patch cables longer than 100 meters (about 300 feet) as this is beyond the limit of the equipment to transmit a signal without interference or data loss.
References
Resources
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