Wiring a Cat6 Ethernet cable is an easy way to improve your network management. This process is simple and smooth, and we’ve provided everything you need to get started in this convenient article, including a detailed wiring diagram. So, how can you wire your own Cat6 cables?
What Is a Cat6 Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet cables, also known as network cables, connect two nodes on a network. In most homes, this type of cable will bridge the gap between your router/switch and the computer you use, allowing them to communicate at high speeds.
An Ethernet cable can be broken down into two main parts: a UTP cable and an RJ45 header connector. UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables come in several variants, including Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5. Cat6 cables have a bandwidth of 10 Gbps at 250 MHz, while Cat5e can only reach a gigabit per second, enabling Cat6 cables to carry more data.
The RJ45 connector found on the end of an Ethernet cable will always be the same, no matter the type of cable you use. It is worth noting that shielded RJ45 connectors and Cat6 cables can be used in environments that suffer from crosstalk problems.
Cat6 Cable Wiring Diagram (With an RJ45 Connector)
Wiring your own Cat6 Ethernet cable is easier than you might expect, at least once you have the right information. The steps below will help you tackle the fiddly parts of the process, while the Cat 6 wiring diagram above gives you a cheat sheet to follow.
Both T-568A and T-568B configurations have been included in the diagram, as both of them meet ANSI/TIA-568-C wiring standards. You can use either of the configurations for your network cables, so long as you use the same one on both ends of the Cat6 wire.
You will need a handful of tools and components to complete this process.
- Side cutters/a wire stripper
- An RJ45 crimp tool
- 1 x length of Cat6 cable
- 2 x RJ45 connectors
1. Cut the Cable to Length
The first step in this process is the easiest. You just need to cut the cable to the correct length. We’re using side cutters for this, but you can use any kind of wire cutter as long as it is strong enough to get through the Cat6 cable.
A piece of string can be used as a measuring tool when you’re doing this, making it easier to measure around corners and awkward spaces. Place the cable between the jaws of your cutting tool and apply pressure to make the cut, making sure that your cut is as level as possible.
2. Stripping Copper Cables
Next, it’s time to strip your copper wiring to free the inner twisted pairs. You only need to take about an inch off from each end of the cable when you do this, leaving enough room for the RJ45 jack to sit comfortably on the end.
3. Preparing the Twisted Pairs
You still need to do a little more stripping now, along with organizing the twisted pairs into the right positions. You will find four sets of twisted pairs inside the Cat6 cable you are working with, along with a small plastic X-shaped divider. You can simply cut away the divider.
Untwist the small cables so that they can be moved individually before carefully stripping each of the small wires of about 1/4 of an inch of their insulation. The cores inside the wires are solid, making it easy to avoid a big mess.
Now you can organize your wires to match the diagram above, being careful to get the orientation correct.
4. Inserting Wires Into the RJ45 Plug
With your wires organized, it is time to insert them into the RJ45 connector. This can be a fiddly process, and it’s best to try and insert all the wires simultaneously. You need the wires to go into the jack as far as they can go before you crimp it.
5. Cat6 Crimping
RJ45 jacks are designed to work with universal crimping tools, making it nice and easy to finish this aspect of the job. Simply position your RJ45 connector correctly in the jaws of the crimping tool before pressing down with a good deal of force. You will be able to see if all the wires are seated when you look through the clear plastic shell of the connector.
6. Testing Your Cat6 Patch Cable
Once you have successfully wired both ends of your Cat6 Ethernet cable, you will be able to test it. You can buy network cable testers to see if you have performed the operation correctly, but you could also connect your cable to your computer and a router/switch to see if the connection is strong and stable.
It is unlikely that you will get this perfectly right on the first attempt. This job is fiddly and can take some time to learn, but a little patience will go a long way.
What Are the Benefits of Wiring Your Own Cat6 Cables?
Wiring your own Cat6 cabling is a great way to save money and space while also giving you the chance to create a tidy network that will be easy to live with. You can buy large rolls of Cat6 cabling and bags of RJ45 connectors online, making it much easier to go down this route than finding a bulk Ethernet cable supplier.
Cat6 Wiring Made Simple
Just like we said, wiring your own Cat6 cables is easy, and now you have all the knowledge you need to get started. The important thing to remember is to cut as cleanly and precisely as possible. Cutting your Cat6 wiring accurately makes crimping and wiring the connector so much easier. You’ll begin to wonder why you never wired your own Cat6 Ethernet cables before!
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