It can be very useful to have an extra Ethernet cable or two on hand when you’re rearranging components or need to connect a new component. However, pre-made Cat 5 patch cables are sometimes expensive to buy, so it may be cheaper to learn how to make your own. But if you don’t do it right, your connection cable will be useless.
One of the most common mistakes that many people make when trying to make their own Cat 5 patch cables is that they try to use the wrong tools. For example, they may have a crimping device designed for use with telephone system modular jacks; try to use this tool to crimp the connectors for your category 5 cable wiring, but it will work just fine, because the phone connectors are different. size of those used in 5 threads.
Another common mistake is not buying enough cable. You can typically purchase Category 5 patch cord wiring in 1,000-foot rolls; if that’s too much for your wiring project, you can keep the rest in storage, in case the installed cable breaks down in the future. Or, you can pass the extra wiring to a friend or family member so they can do the wiring for your home computer themselves.
In addition to these materials, you will also need a good quality wire stripping tool; do not try to use a razor or anything to strip the outer insulation of the category 5 patch cord. When used correctly, a stripping tool will remove the outer jacket, without cutting or nicking the smaller inner wires, and it is very important that you do not Do it.
Another very important item to have on hand is a cable tester. This device will allow you to verify the integrity of your cable connections before attempting to use it with your computer equipment. Many people struggle to figure out what is wrong with their computer’s network connections, when the problem can be traced to a faulty patch cord.
If you look inside your cat 5 cable you will see four pairs of smaller wires, two wires twisted together, it is very important that you do not untwist these wires any more than necessary to expose enough wiring to connect your connector The reason for this is that each pair of twisted wires has been designed to work together to minimize interference with the other sets of wires within the cable. If you untwist these cables more than necessary, this cushioning effect is lost and could affect the performance of your patch cable.
Another area where people go wrong is that they mishandle Category 5 cable. A common mistake is to staple this cable to the bottom of a wall or baseboard. This can bend or crush the wires inside your cable. Instead, use only the manufacturer’s recommended supplies to hold the Cat 5 cable in place. Also, be sure not to run the cable near any existing wiring, as this can interfere with signal transmission through the cable.
One final mistake many people make when building their own Category 5 patch cables is not testing the cable once the connectors have been attached. It is always good practice to use your test device to verify the quality and integrity of your connections before you begin using your hose. If your test device indicates a problem, cut one end of the cable and plug in a new connector, then try again. If there is still a problem with your Cat 5 patch cord, flip it over and cut off the other end and plug a new connector in there as well. Now give it a try: Once you get the green light from your test kit, then you can start putting that patch cord to good use.
