networking question

[Texas Diesel]

A local computer shop wants $40 to install new ends on my CAT5 cable. Where can I buy the ends and tool to install my own? What is the name of the cable ends? Thanks

 

[klenger]

The cable ends are called RJ-45 connectors. They are like a phone plug, but have 8 contacts instead of 6. You can buy the cards at anyplace that sells computer stuff. CompUSA, Circuit City, Best Buy, etc. The installation should be plug-in-play on most modern computers (on a good day).

 

[Doc Tinker]

Buy a new cable



http://www.compusa.com/products/pro...e&Ntk=All&Nty=1&D=cat 5e&sid=3FEF6E801366617F





I buy cabling supplies at nearby Graybar supplier. Click here for Texas locations



Doc

 

[Bertram65]

If you are only doing a couple ends the Radio Shack crimper would probably be good enough, plus easy to get. Pay attention to the color code of the connectors you remove and duplicate it. The only wires actually used are pins 1,2,3 and 6. If the pairs are not split correctly it will run at 10MB but have errors at 100MB.



These are the connectors

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog_name=CTLG&product_id=279-406

This is the crimp tool

http://www.radioshack.com/product.a..._name=CTLG_008_008_001_007&product_id=279-405

 

[Texas Diesel]

Thanks!! Now to get the tool and RJ-45 plugs

 

[LRoy]

Most Lowes or Home Depot stores carry the crimp tool and RJ-45 connectors these days - might be easier to find then a Radio Shack.

 

[DLausche]

Got my crimp tool at the local Home Depot. Crimp tool also does phone connectors too if ever needed.



I wrote down the color code and order of the wires.



Orange

Orange/White

Green/White

Blue/White

Blue

Green

Brown

Brown/White



Not sure if that is ordered 1-8 or 8-1 or even which pin is #1 in the RJ-45 connector. Check an existing cable and it should be obvious which side the orange starts on.



-Deon



Edit: The color sequence I outlined here isn't right. Jim set me straight - see below post for correct order.

 

[jwoelfle]

One correction to Deon's post... the correct color code is:



white/orange

orange

white/green

blue

white/blue

green

white/brown

brown



This is the 568B color code standard for CAT5 cables.



With this order being established, let's establish the correct connector orientation for this color code



hold the cable in your left hand with the wires pointing to the right



holding the RJ45 connector in your right hand, wire insertion point facing left(toward the wires you want to insert)... connector locking tab pointing towards the floor



I could have done it for you in less time than it took to type this.



Jim

 

[DLausche]

Originally posted by jwoelfle

One correction to Deon's post... the correct color code is:



white/orange

orange

white/green

blue

white/blue

green

white/brown

brown



This is the 568B color code standard for CAT5 cables.



With this order being established, let's establish the correct connector orientation for this color code



hold the cable in your left hand with the wires pointing to the right



holding the RJ45 connector in your right hand, wire insertion point facing left(toward the wires you want to insert)... connector locking tab pointing towards the floor



I could have done it for you in less time than it took to type this.



Jim

Jim's color sequence is the correct one, mine is not. I compared Jim's sequence to the label (and I notice now pin # refs) on my Leviton modular wall jacks and you are right with your sequence. I am confused though why all my wiring seems to work correctly, at 100Mb too. Comparing the two sequences it appears as though the difference is that I have the orange, blue, and brown pairs swapped polarity-wise. Does the polarity of each pair not matter? Previous post indicates only wires 1, 2, 3, and 6 are used. This would mean the orange and green pairs, right? Guess I'm gonna have to read up on how the cable signals work in order to understand how I happened to get it to work with several wires reversed. Thanks for setting me straight Jim.



-Deon

 

[jwoelfle]

yes, polarity matters, however if you made the color code the same on both ends, it doesn't matter... as long as the same pairs go the same place. Kinda like replacing a brown wire on your truck with a yellow one... it's just a color as long as it goes to the right place.

 

[Texas Diesel]

and the sequence for a crossover cable is... ?

 

[Texas Diesel]

nevermind



http://www.duxcw.com/digest/Howto/network/cable/cable5.htm

 

[jwoelfle]

that's a handy linkl to have on hand... you might want to print out that page, or at least bookmark it. Personally, I'd do both.



Jim