An Ethernet cable is used to manage local area networks (LANs). An Ethernet cable is long and contains many wires. Wiring this type of computer cable involves gathering materials, separating the cables, and connecting the system to the Ethernet connector. Materials can be found at most computer or electrical stores.
Cat 5 cable with RJ45 plug.
The cable for cabling must be a category 5, 5e, 6, or 7 cable. Category 5 is for basic functionality, while 5e is for gigabit operation, and 6 and 7 will be used for additional testing. Wire cutters are also needed to fasten the cable as needed. For patch cords, RJ45 plugs and an RJ45 crimper are required, while fixed wiring requires RJ45 plugs and a 110 punch tool. A wire stripper and cable tester are recommended, but an Ethernet cable can be connected successfully without these items.
An Ethernet cable connected to a laptop.
The cable itself comes in solid or stranded form. Braiding is more flexible and easier to work with and is generally recommended for patch wiring. Solid cable should be used for longer cable runs in one position. Each cable contains eight color-coded wires in four pairs. Each pair contains one white wire and one colored wire, and the wires are twisted together to prevent interference of any kind.
Ethernet cables connected to an internet switch.
The RJ45 plug looks like a phone plug and there are two different types depending on whether the cable is stranded or solid. With stranded cables, the connector should have sharp ends that go through the cable, while a solid cable should use a connector with barbs that grip the cable on both sides. Choosing the correct type of plug is critical as choosing the wrong one will ruin your Ethernet cable wiring. The RJ45 connectors are for use with solid cable only and are color coded for easy reference.
Four Ethernet connectors on the back of a router.
To connect the Ethernet cable to the computer network, first cut off 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the cable jacket with pliers. Then untwist the wire pairs and line them up by color. Cut all cables to equal lengths, leaving about 1.3 cm (1/2 inch) of cable exposed, and insert them into the RJ45 connector, making sure they are in the correct order. Use the RJ45 crimper to crimp the plug and make sure the wires reach the front of the plug, touching the metal contact on the plug. Now cut the cable and repeat the procedure for the second RJ45 connector.
Diagonal pliers can be used to cut Ethernet cables.
