How to make a custom Ethernet cable yourself.

You want to install a new computer network in your home (In the article 'What is a network?' we explain what it is) or replace the existing network cabling. The time of plastic cable ducts on the skirting boards is over and you really get to work. The new cable must be neatly concealed through the wall, floor or ceiling. And because the (drill) opening in the wall, floor or ceiling must be as small as possible, you choose cable 'on a roll', because this cable does not yet have connectors. So you only have to take into account the diameter of the cable and not the much wider plug. And after you have pulled the cable from A to B, you finish the cable with connectors. In this article you can read which type of cable you need and how you can make a custom Ethernet cable in 5 easy steps.

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What type of cable do I need?

If you do not yet know which cable category, material and shielding you need, we will briefly explain below when you should choose which version.

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Select cable category

You can choose from the categories Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7 and Cat8.

Cat5e and Cat6 can handle speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s and are suitable for Gigabit networks. However, the bandwidth of Cat6 with 250mhz is 2.5 times as large as Cat5e. Both cables are suitable for home networks.

Cat6a and Cat7 are suitable for 10-Gig networks with 10,000 Mbit/s. While Cat6a has a bandwidth of 500mhz, Cat7 offers 600mhz. Cat6a and Cat7 cables are optimal for intensive network use by SMEs and larger companies. The latest generation of Cat8 supports speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s with a bandwidth of 2000mhz. This makes them used in large professional IT networks. In summary, you can say: The higher the category, the faster the data traffic and the more data can be processed simultaneously.

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Material of wired pairs

If you have chosen a category that suits your internet use, you can choose between CCA and 100% copper. By this we mean the material that the core of the cable - the wires - consists of. A 100% copper cable is the best choice because it is less sensitive to cable breakage and network signals are better conducted. A 100% copper cable is also suitable for PoE.

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Flexible or stiff cable

To terminate a cable on a 'normal' RJ45 connector, you use a 'flexible' cable. Because we now use 'straight' (1-on-1, so not crossover) cables, you attach the connectors to both cable ends in the same way. If you connect the cable to an LSA strip of a wall socket or patch panel, you need a 'rigid' cable.

But what do you choose if you want to connect the cable to an LSA strip on one side and to an RJ45 plug on the other? In this case, you choose a rigid cable and a connector that is suitable for rigid cables.

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Shielding

With a cable on a roll, you choose between an unshielded (UTP) and shielded (FTP) cable. The choice is simple: If the cable is not next to a power or coaxial cable and your other network components and cables are unshielded, a UTP cable will suffice. If your other network cables and, for example, your patch panel are shielded or you are not sure, choose an FTP cable.

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What do you need to make an internet cable?

• Cat5e cable 'on a roll' or Cat6 cable 'on a roll'

• RJ45 connectors

• A cable stripper

• A crimping tool

• A cable tester is recommended!

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Step 1: Strip network cable

Remove the cable sheathing from the network cable with a stripper. You will now see 4 pairs of wires: white-blue & blue, white-orange & orange, white-green & green, white-brown & brown.

Option: If you want to attach a cable grommet to the cable, slide it over the cable first, before you crimp the connectors.

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Step 2: Cut straight across

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Step 3: Place the veins in the correct order

Lay the cable cores in the following order (this is the B-standard EIA/TIA-568B):

1. white-orange

2. orange

3. white-green

4. blue

5. blue-white

6. green

7. brown-white

8. brown

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Step 4: Insert the wires into the connector

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​​​​​​Please note: in both images the 'tab' points downwards!

 

Step 5: Crimping the connector

​Once you have placed the wires in the connector in the correct color order, crimp the connector with a crimping tool. After connecting the connectors, check whether the connection between the cable and the plug is optimal, because only then will you have a strong and stable network connection. To do this, use a special cable tester. The cable tester sends signals through the cable and indicates whether all wires are connected correctly. If the tester detects a problem, you can solve it in a targeted manner. If you do not receive an error message, your internet cable is now ready for use.

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