Crimping a straight network cable, often an Ethernet cable, is a fundamental skill for creating custom-length network connections. It involves preparing the cable ends and attaching RJ45 connectors using a specialized crimping tool.
Creating a straight cable means the wire order is the same on both ends of the cable, typically following either the T568A or T568B standard. The T568B standard is the most commonly used for straight-through cables in the United States.
Essential Tools
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Network Cable: Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 6a bulk cable.
- RJ45 Connectors: Ensure they match your cable type (e.g., connectors rated for Cat 6 if using Cat 6 cable).
- Crimping Tool: A tool designed for crimping RJ45 connectors.
- Wire Cutters/Strippers: Often integrated into the crimping tool.
Understanding the Wire Order (T568B Example)
For a straight cable following the T568B standard, the wires must be arranged in a specific order from left to right when looking at the connector with the clip facing away from you.
| Pin | Color |
|---|---|
| 1 | White/Orange |
| 2 | Orange |
| 3 | White/Green |
| 4 | Blue |
| 5 | White/Blue |
| 6 | Green |
| 7 | White/Brown |
| 8 | Brown |
Steps to Crimp a Straight Cable
Follow these steps to properly crimp an RJ45 connector onto your cable end:
Step 1: Prepare the Cable
Using the sharp part of the crimping tool, strip the cable jacket about 2 cm (approximately 0.8 inches) from the end. Be careful not to cut the inner wires. After stripping the jacket, unwind the twisted pairs of wires inside and straighten them out.
Step 2: Arrange and Trim Wires
Referring to the T568B (or T568A if preferred) standard, bring the wires in the correct order. Lay them flat side-by-side according to the sequence (White/Orange, Orange, White/Green, Blue, White/Blue, Green, White/Brown, Brown for T568B). Once they are in the correct order and lying flat, cut the wires straight and evenly so they are all the same length and will fit neatly into the connector. Aim for about 1.2-1.5 cm (around half an inch) of exposed, ordered wires.
Step 3: Insert Wires into the Connector
Holding the RJ45 connector with the clip facing away from you, carefully push the wires into the connector, ensuring each wire slides into its corresponding channel. Gently push the cable forward so the stripped jacket enters slightly into the connector body and the ordered wires reach the very end, making contact with the metal pins inside. Visually inspect to ensure the wire order is correct and all wires extend to the front of the connector.
Step 4: Crimp the Connector
Insert the connector firmly into the RJ45 slot on your crimping tool. Squeeze the connector tool handles together firmly and completely. This action pushes the pins down through the wire insulation, making electrical contact and securing the connector to the cable jacket. Remove the crimped connector from the tool.
Repeat these steps for the other end of the cable, using the same wire order (T568B to T568B, or T568A to T568A) to create a straight-through cable. After crimping both ends, it's recommended to test the cable with a network cable tester to ensure proper connectivity.
