How to Make a Category 6 Patch Cable
It is now not only possible but easy to field terminate category 6 modular plugs thanks to the new Sentinel 111-08080054L34 Category 6 modular plug which contains a new Patented Conductive NEXT Reduction System. The Conductor Loading Bar is molded from a material that substantially reduces the affect of NEXT within the Plug Body. The conductors are isolated by plastic that absorbs the NEXT from between the conductors and channels it away so that the Plug can perform to Category 6 levels. When assembled onto Category 6 compliant patch cable it will pass all TIA/EIA requirements for NEXT and Return Loss. This will help your Category 6 channel maintain increased headroom to assure your network operates at it's best.
Due to an overwhelming response to our category 5E tutorial, and many requests for information and wiring diagrams of "straight through" and "crossover" (cross-pinned) patch cords, I have made this informational page. On this page, we will cover making patch cords, and other technical and non-technical issues relating to category 6 patching and connectivity from device to device. Below, you will find the diagrams for 568A, 568B, and crossover patch cables. I suggest that you read on, past the diagrams for some very useful and important information.
As always, there continues to be Controversies over standards and practices regarding the use and making of patch cords, and UTP cable in general. Please see our section below titled: "Controversies and Caveats : Category 5, 5E, and Cat 6 Patch Cables". I hope that you will find it interesting and informative.
Tony Casazza, RCDD
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568-B Wiring
| Pair # |
Wire |
Pin # |
| 1-White/Blue |
White/Blue |
5 |
| Blue/White |
4 |
| 2-Wht./Orange |
White/Orange |
1 |
| Orange White |
2 |
| 3-White/Green |
White/Green |
3 |
| Green/White |
6 |
| 4-White/Brown |
White/Brown |
7 |
| Brown/White |
8 |
| < 568-B Diagram |
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568-A Wiring
| Pair # |
Wire |
Pin # |
| 1-White/Blue |
White/Blue |
5 |
| Blue/White |
4 |
| 2-White/Green |
White/Green |
1 |
| Green/White |
2 |
| 3-White/Orange |
White/Orange |
3 |
| Orange/White |
6 |
| 4-White/Brown |
White/Brown |
7 |
| Brown/White |
8 |
| < 568-A Diagram |
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Notes for wiring diagrams above:
1. For patch cables, 568-B wiring is by far, the most common method.
2. There is no difference in connectivity between 568B and 568A cables. Either wiring should work fine on any system*. (*see notes below)
3. For a straight through cable, wire both ends identical.
4. For a crossover cable, wire one end 568A and the other end 568B.
5. Do not confuse pair numbers with pin numbers. A pair number is used for reference only (eg: 10BaseT Ethernet uses pairs 2 & 3). The pin numbers indicate actual physical locations on the plug and jack.
Steps in Making a Perfect Category 6 Patch Cable
1) If you are planning to use boots than slide them on to the cable as
shown. If you prefer not to use boots than start from step 2. |
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2) Skin off approximately 1.5" of the cable's jacket. For precise and
effortless cable skinning we recommend the EZ UTP Cable Stripper |
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3) Partially untwist the pairs leaving one twist remaining at the bottom
being sure not to untwist into the cable's jacket. Straighten and
organize the conductors to the diagram above. Note: Choose 568B (most
common) or 568A wiring. For crossover see Below |
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4) (Optional) Cut the end of the conductors on an angle while holding them
in proper order. This will make it easier to install the load bar on the
next step. |
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5) Slide the conductors into the load bar in their proper order with the
hollow portion of the load bar facing the jacket. The holes in the load
bar alternate up and down. For that reason, you may find it easier to
insert the conductors one at a time. This would be a good time to
re-check the color order. |
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6) Push the load bar as far down as it will go. Then cut the conductors
straight across approximately 0.14" from the front of the load bar. It
is very important to get a very straight and even cut. The use of a pair
of
Electrician's Scissors is highly recommended. |
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7) Pull the load bar back up near to the cut end of the conductors. Then
slide wires and load bar into the connector body holding it with the
pins facing you. That is the way the wiring diagrams above are shown so
be sure to look at the color order. A very slight amount of jiggling may
be helpful to make the wires find their slots in the connector body. |
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8) Once all of the wires have entered their slots firmly push the connector
body toward the cable. You will need to be sure that a) the wires have
reached the end of the connector body, and b) that the cable's jacket is
about half way into the connector and past the first crimp point (the
jacket crimp). |
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10) Install the connector on the other end of the cable. For
a straight through (standard) cable use the same wiring. To make a
crossover cable, wire one end using the 568A method and the other end
using the 568B method. |
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11) Test the cable for continuity and proper wiring using a high quality
cable tester such as the LANTEST-PRO Cable Tester
that is sold on this website. Optional: Use a "Scanner" to test for NEXT, and other parameters. Please note that
scanners that test for Category 6 cable usually start at around $4000. |
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Notes Regarding Making Category 6 Patch Cable
1) The RJ-45 plugs are normally made for either solid conductors or stranded conductors. It is very important to be sure that the plug that you use matches the conductor type. It is extremely difficult to tell the difference between the two by looking at them. When you buy these plugs, be sure to categorize, and store them carefully. Using the wrong type can cause intermittent problems. The Cat 6, 8 Conductor Modular Plugs from Sentinel (TM) that we sell are rated for both Solid and Stranded cable.
2) Ordinarily, it would be taboo to untwist the pairs of any category 6 cable. The one exception to this rule is when crimping on RJ-45 plugs. It would be impossible to insert the wires into the channels without first untwisting and straightening them. Be sure not to extend the un-twisting, past the skin point.
3) If the completed assembly does not pass continuity, you may have a problem in one, or both ends. First try giving each end another crimp. If that does not work, then carefully examine each end. Are the wires in the proper order? Do all of the wires fully extend to the end of the connector? Are all of the pins pushed down fully. If the pins are not fully pushed down than it is possible that your crimper may require adjustment or replacement. Cut off the suspected bad connector, and re-terminate it. If you still have a problem, then repeat the process, this time giving more scrutiny to the end that was not replaced.
4) It is good to be prepared to make your own patch cables. There may be many instances where you may fall short on supply, and making a cable will surely get you out of a jam. However, there comes a point where the practicality curve will lead you to factory made cables. Making several cables can be very labor intense. Factory made cables typically have better tolerances, and consequently have better quality than field made cables.
Cat 6, 8 Conductor Modular Plug - Bag of 100
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SKU # 111-08080054L34
MSRP $46.80
Your Price $37.00
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Controversies and Caveats: Category 5, 5E, and Cat 6 Patch Cables
568B vs. 568A - For patch cables, 568-B wiring is by far, the most common wiring method. Virtually all pre-assembled patch cables are wired to the B standard. There is no difference in connectivity between 568B and 568A cables. Therefore, a 568B patch cable should work fine on a 568A cabling system, and visa-versa. To my knowledge, there has never been an issue with networks of up to 100 megabits. However, with the advent of Gigabit over copper cabling, it may very well become a factor at some point. We have conferred with several cable manufacturers, and many other technical resources, on this subject. The consensus is that mixing of the standards on patch cables should not cause a problem. Since Gigabit networks over copper cabling are in their infancy, and no one can say for sure, we would advise our customers to take the safe approach on all future patch cable orders. We now offer our custom cat 5E and category 6 cables in both 568A and 568B wiring schemes for this reason.
Re-Use of Old Cables - We have seen this happen time and time again. Perfectly good patch cables that have been working fine for years, get removed from their installation, and re-installed on the same, or different network. The result can be a nightmare. What happens is that the cable, over time, adapts to the way that it is bent in it's original installation. When these cables are removed and re-installed, they can either completely loose their connection, or develop intermittent problems. This is due to stresses that may be opposite to what they were originally subject to. If the integrity of your network is more valuable than the price of new patch cables, then we strongly suggest that you use brand new cables for all closet cleanups, network moves, etc.
Stranded vs. Solid Wire - Almost all patch cables that are made have stranded wire. Stranded wire is normally specified for use in patch cables due to it's superior flexibility. There has been some talk recently, in the technical sector of the structured wiring community, regarding the possible use of solid conductors for patch cables. The reason for the spotlight on solid wire is that it is supposedly more stable, under a variety of conditions.
We have all the plugs and the boots that you'll need to make your own cable.
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