PCWorld Forums: Make Your Own Ethernet Patch Cables - PCWorld Forums

Post your comments for Make Your Own Ethernet Patch Cables here

There are several items in this article that require clarification or are simply incorrect. First, patch cables should always be made from stranded, not solid wire; solid wire is intended for in-wall installation between fixed connection points (such as ethernet keystone jacks) and will not withstand repeated handling, connecting and disconnecting without eventually failing. Second, the order of conductors is definitely important - maintaining the twisted pairs from end to end is critical to ensure that the cable will perform correctly. The pairs are not in order (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8), but rather are 1-2, 3-6, 4-5, and 7-8. Interchanging wires between pairs will make cables susceptible to noise and crosstalk and will degrade network performance. Third, the twisted pairs must be maintained all the way into the connector - 1/2" maximum not twisted. Fourth, the homemade tester you describe only tests continuity and does not test proper wiring of individual pairs or short circuits within the connectors or cable.
Using the correct tools makes any job easier - a scissors is not the right tool for cutting or stripping cat5 wire. A decent compound crimp tool (not the cheap plastic tool often sold online or in big box stores) will make installing the connectors much easier - if the plug is not properly and completely crimped, it may damage the ethernet jack it is connected to, resulting in an unusable router or network card. A magnifier can help in making sure the conductors are seated and in the correct order inside the connector before it is crimped. A properly designed cable tester will identify miswired pairs as well as continuity, and is not expensive - as little as $30.00 or so (it also comes in handy for tracing problems in network and phone cables installed in the wall).
Finally, consider why you are making your own cables at all. You will have to assemble a lot of cables to justify the cost of the tools and supplies you need - plan on $75 to $100 for decent crimping and cutting tools and a cable tester, plus the cost of the cable (around .15/ft in bulk), connectors, and boots. How many ready-made cables can that buy?