Reader Please Note: To the best of my knowledge the information in this document is accurate. If you find any errors, have any comments, additions, or just have questions, please feel free to contact me at billetter@NetworkTechnologist.Com.
Hold the RJ-45 connector so that the tab is towards the floor and the side where the wires go in is facing you. Pin 1 will be on the left and Pin 8 will be on the right.
One End of the Cable is Wired:
Pin 1: White/OrangeThe Other End of the Cable is Wired Like This:
Pin 1: White/Green1. Make sure that you have a good quality set of wire crimpers. They will cost about $30. Cheaper crimpers will not be as easy to use and will result in cables that don't work. More expensive crimpers are not really required for making the occaisional cable - but if you do this for a living, then get the best!
2. Make sure that you have Category 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. This will support 100 MBS ethernet. If you use Category 3 it will only support 10 MBS ethernet. Telephone wire is not supported for use in networks. If you use it, it probably will not work, or it will work poorly and cause many problems.
3. Strip the end of the cable. Most crimpers have a preset stripper which will strip exactly the right amount off. If yours does not, you will probably need about 1/2 inch of wire. NOTE: Do not strip the insulation off of the individual wires!!! You just want the individual wires exposed for about 1/2 inch.
4. Now arrange the 8 wires in the right order and slide them into the RJ-45 connector. If you have never done this, be patient!!! It is much easier said then done at first. Eventually you will figure out exactly how to position the wire so that when you slide them into the RJ-45 each wire slides into a channel in the proper order.
5. Carefully check your work. All 8 wires should be in the correct channel. The ends of each wire should be visible from the front of the RJ-45 (opposite end of where the wires enter the connector). Do not continue until everything looks right. If it doesn't look right, it probably isn't. If you are like me, then glasses are very helpful for this step.
6. Firmly crimp the end. You should feel the connector crimp and you may even hear a satisfying crimping sound. When you have crimped the connector, it should be firmly attached to the wire. Carefully test this by lightly pulling on the end of the cable. If the connector comes off then it wasn't crimped.
7. Test the finished cable by plugging it into a tester. These can be purchased for a very reasonable price from electronics stores, or they are easy to make. This will let you know if your cable is good. If you don't have a tester, then plug it into a known good network connection. You should get link lights at both ends if it works. If you don't get link lights or if the tester indicates a problem, then try again.
Good Luck!