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HOW TO MAKE A CATEGORY 6 / CAT 5E PATCH CABLE
Due to an overwhelming response to our category 5 & 6 tutorial, and many requests for information and wiring diagrams of "straight through" and "crossover" (cross-pinned) patch cords, we have made this informational page and technical video. On this page, we will cover making patch cords, and other technical and non-technical issues relating to category 5 and 6 patching and connectivity from device to device. Below, you will find the diagrams for 568A, 568B, and crossover patch cables. We 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". We hope that you will find it interesting and informative.
Tony Casazza, RCDD
568-B Wiring
| Pair # | Wire | Pin # |
|---|---|---|
|
1White / Blue
|
White / Blue | 5 |
| 4 | ||
|
2White / Orange
|
White / Orange | 1 |
| 2 | ||
|
3White / Green
|
White / Green | 3 |
| 6 | ||
|
4White / Brown
|
White / Brown | 7 |
| 8 |
568-A Wiring
| Pair # | Wire | Pin # |
|---|---|---|
|
1White / Blue
|
White / | 5 |
| 4 | ||
|
2 White / Orange
|
White / Orange | 1 |
| 2 | ||
|
3White / Green
|
White / Green | 3 |
| 6 | ||
|
4White / Brown
|
White / Brown | 7 |
| 8 |
Notes for wiring diagrams above
- For patch cables, 568-B wiring is by far, the most common method.
- There is no difference in connectivity between 568B and 568A cables. Either wiring should work fine on any system*. (*see notes below)
- For a straight through cable, wire both ends identical.
- For a crossover cable, wire one end 568A and the other end 568B.
- 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.