Cat6 Ethernet cable wiring isn’t as complicated as you may think, and it allows you a lot of flexibility when it comes to customizing your home network.
Adding a Cat6 Ethernet cable to your network is a simple approach to improve network administration. This procedure is straightforward and painless, and we’ve included everything you’ll need to get started in this helpful post, including a complete wiring diagram. So, how do you go about making your own Cat6 cables?
What is the difference between a Cat6 Ethernet Cable and a Cat5 Ethernet Cable?
Ethernet cables, also known as network cables, are used to link two network nodes together. This type of connection will bridge the gap between your router/switch and your computer, allowing them to interact at high rates in most households.
A UTP cable and an RJ45 header connector are the two primary components of an Ethernet cable. There are various types of UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables, including Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5. Cat6 cables have a capacity of 10 Gbps @ 250 MHz, but Cat5e only has a bandwidth of one gigabit per second, allowing Cat6 cables to transmit more data.
Regardless of the type of Ethernet cable you select, the RJ45 connector on the end will always be the same. It’s worth mentioning that crosstalk-prone situations can benefit from shielded RJ45 connections and Cat6 cables.
Wiring Diagram for Cat6 Cable (With an RJ45 Connector)
It’s easier than you might think to wire your own Cat6 Ethernet cable, at least after you have the correct information. The instructions below will guide you through the more difficult aspects of the process, while the Cat 6 wiring diagram above will serve as a cheat sheet.
The diagram includes both T-568A and T-568B configurations, as they both meet ANSI/TIA-568-C wiring requirements. For your network cables, you can use either of the configurations as long as you use the same one on both ends of the Cat6 line.
To finish this project, you’ll need a few tools and components.
- Wire stripper/side cutters
- RJ45 crimping tool
- 1 × Cat6 cable length
- RJ45 connectors (two)
1. Trim the Cable to the Correct Length
The first step is the simplest in this procedure. All you have to do now is cut the cable to the proper length. We’re using side cutters for this, but any wire cutter that is strong enough to cut through Cat6 cable will suffice.
When doing this, a piece of string can be used as a measuring instrument to make it easier to measure around corners and tight locations. Place the cable between the jaws of the cutting tool and cut with pressure, ensuring that the cut is as level as possible.
2. Copper Cable Stripping
After that, you’ll need to strip your copper wiring to get the inner twisted pairs free. When you do this, you just need to remove approximately an inch from either end of the wire, leaving enough room for the RJ45 jack to rest comfortably on the other end.
3. Twisted Pairs Preparation
You still have some stripping to complete, as well as putting the twisted pairs into the proper locations. Inside the Cat6 cable you’re working with, there are four sets of twisted pairs and a little plastic X-shaped divider. The partition can simply be cut away. Twist the little cables so that they may be moved individually before carefully removing the insulation off each of the small wires, about 1/4 inch at a time. Because the wires’ cores are solid, it’s easier to avoid a major mess.
Now you can arrange your wires according to the diagram above, paying close attention to the orientation.
4. Using the RJ45 Plug to Connect Wires
After you’ve sorted your wires, it’s time to plug them into the RJ45 socket. It’s better to try to insert all the cables at the same time, as this can be a tricky operation. Before you crimp the jack, make sure the wires have gone as far as they can.
5. Crimping Cat6
RJ45 jacks are designed to work with universal crimping equipment, making this part of the process a breeze to complete. Simply place your RJ45 connector appropriately in the crimping tool’s jaws before pushing down firmly. When you look through the clear plastic shell of the connector, you’ll be able to see if all of the wires are seated.
6. Put Your Cat6 Patch Cable to the Test
You’ll be able to test your Cat6 Ethernet cable once you’ve successfully wired both ends. You can buy network cable testers to determine if you did everything right, but you can also test your cable by connecting it to your computer and a router/switch to see if it’s strong and steady.
It’s improbable that you’ll get everything properly on the first try. This is a fiddly job that will take some time to master, but perseverance will pay off.
What Are the Advantages of Installing Cat6 Cables Yourself?
Ethernet cables are attached to the router.
Wiring your own Cat6 cabling is a terrific method to save money and space while also allowing you to establish a neat, easy-to-live-with network. It’s far easier to go this route than it is to find a bulk Ethernet cable source because you can buy large rolls of Cat6 cabling and bags of RJ45 connectors online.
Cat6 Wiring Isn’t As Difficult As It Seems
Wiring your own Cat6 cables is simple, as we previously stated, and you now have all the information you need to get started. The most important thing to keep in mind is to cut as cleanly and accurately as possible. Crimping and wiring the connector is significantly easier when your Cat6 wiring is cut precisely. You’ll wonder why you’ve never tried wiring your own Cat6 Ethernet wires before!
