CREATING A 568A, 568B, OR CROSSOVER CABLE Creator:Dennis Groseclose

RJ-45 Color Codes

Pin # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Use Transmit + Transmit Receive + Not used Not used Receive Not used Not used Color White & Green Green White & Orange Blue White & Blue Orange White & Brown Brown

TROUBLESHOOTING TECHNIQUES

If a user says they cant get on the network, it must be determined what happened. Troubleshooting involves asking many questions that will help pinpoint the cause of the problem. Pertaining to cables-Is the cable plugged in at both ends? Is there a light on the Dongle? Was the cable plugged in before the machine was booted? Obviously the determination is concerned with the root of the problem. Is the problem occurring because of user error, cable failure, or equipment/software failure.
Suspecting the cable would lead to a visual inspection of the cable and the end connectors. You would look for wires that were not pushed far enough into the RJ45 to make contact, or had crossed. If those appear to be sound, the next step is using an electronic tester. If the cable passes then check the connections the cable plugs into.

REPAIR TECHNIQUES The Steps to Rebuilding a CAT 5 Cable

1. Inspect the cable and determine the problem 2. Cut off the damaged section 3. Cut away the sheathing 4. Separate the pairs by colors 5. Align the wires in the proper pattern 6. Hold the wires in place between thumb and forefinger 7. Cut the wires evenly across

8. Push the wires into the RJ45

9. Inspect the clip to make sure the wires are fully inserted 10. Crimp and Test

REQUIRED TOOLS

Crimp Tool

Punch-Down Tool

INSPECT THE CABLE

Look at the cable for defects. What you will usually see with cables undergoing many insertions will be a broken top clip. This will prevent the cable from remaining secured in the jack.

Cut Off the Unwanted Section

Cut the Sheathing Back About One Inch

Very carefully cut the blue sheathing back about 0ne inch. Be careful not to cut into the inside wires.

The sheathing can usually be twisted off if the cut does not separate the pieces. This is actually preferable to cutting too deeply and cutting the wires.

Separate The Wires by Pairs

There are four pairs in the cable. Separate each pair without separating the individual wires.

Align the Individual Wires into the 568A Pattern

Align the wires into the 568A pattern.

Green- White Green Orange-White Blue Blue-White

8-BR 7-BRW

6-OR
5-BLW 4-BL 3-ORW 2-GR 1-GRW

Orange
Brown-White Brown

THE 568-B PATTERN

Align the wires into the 568B pattern.

Orange- White Orange Green- White Blue Blue-White

8-BR 7-BRW 6-GR 5-BLW 4-BL 3-GW 2-O 1-OW

Green
Brown-White Brown

Firmly Grip Wires

Hold the wires firmly between the thumb and forefinger, maintaining the proper pattern.

Cut The Wires Evenly

Cut the wires evenly across all eight wires simultaneously while maintaining a firm grip, do not release the wires. The cut should leave about 3/4 of an inch of wire exposed.

Insertion into the RJ45

Maintain the firm grip on the wires and slowly ease the array of wires into the RJ45 clip.The clip part should be on top and the #1 wire should be on the left.( Front reference ) Closely observe to make certain all wires are being pushed completely to the front of the clip, no wires are crossed, and the correct pattern is installed.

#1 Wire

TOP of CLIP

FRONT

Check Cable Wires for Proper Insertion

Check to insure all wires are inserted completely to the front of the RJ45 connector.

Crimp the RJ45

Hold the cable and RJ45 while inserting the clip into a crimping tool. Use a strong and measured squeeze to make certain the pins are all pushed down into the wires. Failure to push the connectors all the way into the wires will result in a defective cable.