Buying Ethernet cables in a store is probably a common way for average people. However, have you ever met the problem that the cable length is too long or too short? It's so difficult to find the most appropriate cable length at ordinary stores for your network. Especially when the cable is too long, the extra length may end up becoming a mess at your place. In order to solve this issue, why not make your own Ethernet cables? You can create your desired length and the procedures are fairly simple. This post will guide you to make a DIY Ethernet cable.
There are different types of ethernet cables that you can make, depending on their uses. Here are the most common ones:
The straight-through Ethernet cable is used in local area network to connect a PC to a network hub and router. This is the standard cable used for almost all purposes.
A cross-over cable, on the other hand, can be used to connect two network devices directly, without the need for a router in the middle. It simply reverses some of the pins so that the output on one computer is being sent to the input of another.
Essential Tools and Materials
Here are some of the materials that you need in order to fabricate your own ethernet cable.
Ethernet Cable Category 5 or CAT 5e- standard wire for cabling (you can also use CAT 6 but 5 or 5e is most recommended)
RJ45 crimpable connectors for the cable category that you've chosen.
RJ45 Crimping tool
Wire cutter, stripper or pliers
Ethernet cable tester.
RJ45 Boots (Optional)
Steps to Making the Cable:
Here are the two types of cables that you can make:
Step 1: Cut the cable to the length you need. It's always better to cut off a little extra, just in case you mess up on a connector or find out you estimated short. You will need two connectors and two relief boots if you choose to use them.
Step 2: Strip roughly 1 to 1.5 inches off the end of the cable (you can always do more if you need to). Your cable might have a strand of fiber inside (if you are using CAT 6). We won't need it so we'll cut it off.
Step 3: Untwist and flatten the wires. You can do this with your fingers or a tool, just make sure not to crack the casing.
Step 4: Choose which wiring-scheme you will use, whether straight-through, or crossover. In this tutorial, we'll be using the straight-through scheme. The wiring scheme diagram is already in this blog post.
Step 5: After you've got the wires in the correct order, snip the excess and only leave about ½" left. Part of the cable sleeving will go into the connector so you don't have to worry about it being too short. Having the cable sleeving go into the connector will ensure that the wires won't be exposed and go bad for whatever reason.
Step 6: Slide the wires into the connector with the tab facing the ground. You should be able to see the wires slide into their slot and check if they're in the correct one.
Step 7: Crimp the connector and repeat the process once more on the other end of the cable. You're finished! To test the cable either use a network cable tester or connect an internet device to it.
And, that is how you make your own ethernet cable. Making your own cable really has benefits. It can save you with cost, and it's even an activity that you can do while your bored. It's very easy and fun! We hope this post helped you on how to fabricate or make your own cable.
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