Making Ethernet Cables - Tricks of the Trade

Purchasing Ethernet cables can be quite expensive and pre-made lengths are not always the length you need. Making Ethernet cables is easy with a box of bulk Category 5e Ethernet cable and RJ-45 connectors that are attached to the cut ends of your preferred cable length.

Bulk Ethernet Cable - Category 5e or CAT5e

(You may also use Category 6 or CAT6 cabling which has higher performance specifications and is about 20% more expensive than CAT5e.)

Bulk RJ45 Crimpable Connectors

RJ-45 Crimping tool

Ethernet cable tester

There are two kinds of Ethernet cables you can make, Straight Through and Crossover.

Straight Through Cables

Ethernet cables are the standard cable used for almost all purposes, and are often called "patch cables". It is highly recommend you duplicate the color order as shown above. Note how the green pair is not side-by-side as are all the other pairs. This configuration allows for longer wire runs.

Crossover Cables

The purpose of a Crossover Ethernet cable is to directly connect one computer to another computer (or device) without going through a router, switch or hub.

Preparing Cable

Step 1 cut into the plastic sheath about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of the cut cable. The crimping tool has a razor blade that will do the trick with practice. Step 2 Unwind and pair the similar colors. Step 3 Pinch the wires between your fingers and straighten them out as shown. The color order is important to get correct. Use scissors to make a straight cut across the 8 wires to shorten them to 1/2 Inch (1.3 cm) from the cut sleeve to the end of the wires. Step 4 Carefully push all 8 colored wires into the connector. Note the position of the blue plastic sleeve. Also note how the wires go all the way to the end. to be continue...