An Ethernet cable carries the broadband signals between your modem, router, computer, and other wired Internet-capable devices.
Before you get started, make sure you have the necessary tools, and decide whether you're going to use Cat 5e or Cat 6 network cables.
What you'll need:
- Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) patch cable
- Modular connector (8P8C plug, aka RJ45)
- Crimping tool
- Cable tester (optional, but recommended)
How to make your own Ethernet cable？
Step 1: Cut into the plastic sheath about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of the cut cable. The crimping tool has a razor blade that will do the trick with practice.
Step 2: Unwind and pair the similar colors.
Step 3: Pinch the wires between your fingers and straighten them out as shown. The color order is important to get correct.
Step 4: Use scissors to make a straight cut across the 8 wires to shorten them to 1/2 Inch (1.3 cm) from the cut sleeve to the end of the wires.
Step 5: Carefully push all 8 unstripped colored wires into the connector. Note the position of the blue plastic sleeve. Also note how the wires go all the way to the end.
Step 6: A view from the top. All the wires are all the way in. There are no short wires.
Step 7: WRONG WAY - Note how the blue plastic sleeve is not inside the connector where it can be locked into place. The wires are too long. The wires should extend only 1/2 inch from the blue cut sleeve.
Step 8: WRONG WAY - Note how the wires do not go all the way to the end of the connector.
Step 9: CRIMPING THE CABLE ... carefully place the connector into the Ethernet Crimper and cinch down on the handles tightly. The copper splicing tabs on the connector will pierce into each of the eight wires. There is also a locking tab that holds the blue plastic sleeve in place for a tight compression fit. When you remove the cable from the crimper, that end is ready to use.
Step 10: For a standard "Straight Through" cable, repeat all steps and wire color order on the other end of cable. For a cross-over cable, the other end will have a different color order as shown by the crossover picture above.
Step 11: Make sure to test the cables before installing them. An inexpensive Ethernet cable tester does this quite well.
NOTE - The maximum cable length of CAT-5, CAT-5e or CAT-6 Ethernet cable is 328 feet or 100 meters.