How to Terminate Ethernet Cables

Crosstalk Solutions17 minutes read

Chris discusses terminating ethernet cables, emphasizing his experience and various methods, detailing the differences between Cat 5 and Cat 6 cables, and demonstrating the termination process for male and female connectors using specific tools and methods. He highlights the importance of testing the cables using various tools to ensure proper functionality, mentioning different cable categories and features but emphasizing the similar termination process once the wires are exposed to enhance efficiency.

Insights

  • Chris emphasizes the importance of using specific tools like Easy Cat6 connectors and pass-through crimpers for terminating male ends of ethernet cables, showcasing a detailed process for accuracy.
  • The text underscores the significance of testing ethernet cables post-termination using tools like the Pocket Ethernet tester, highlighting the range of available testing options and the necessity of ensuring proper wire mapping and functionality for different cable types, ultimately enhancing the quality and reliability of network connections.

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Recent questions

  • How does one terminate ethernet cables?

    With tools like Easy Cat6 connectors and pass-through crimper.

  • What tools are used for terminating ethernet cables?

    Easy Cat6 connectors and pass-through crimper.

  • What is the difference between Cat 5 and Cat 6 cables?

    Cat 6 plenum has a plastic separator.

  • How are male ends of ethernet cables terminated?

    By cutting off plastic separator and untwisting pairs.

  • What is recommended for testing ethernet cables after termination?

    Pocket Ethernet tester for wire mapping.

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Summary

00:00

"Terminating Ethernet Cables: Tools and Techniques"

  • Chris from Crosstalk Solutions discusses terminating ethernet cables and tools used for male and female ends.
  • He emphasizes his experience in terminating hundreds of cables but acknowledges there are various methods.
  • The differences between terminating Cat 5 and Cat 6 cables are highlighted, with a focus on Cat 6 plenum having a plastic separator.
  • For terminating male ends, Chris uses Easy Cat6 connectors from Platinum Tools along with a pass-through crimper.
  • To expose the wires inside, he uses a tool with adjustable cutting depth and recommends it for accuracy.
  • Chris demonstrates cutting off the plastic separator and untwisting the pairs of cables, showing a manual method and an untwist tool for efficiency.
  • He details the correct order of cables for male connectors and demonstrates feeding them into the pass-through connector.
  • The process of crimping the male connector using the Platinum Tools crimper is shown, ensuring the correct order of cables.
  • For female connectors, Chris prefers using Keystone jacks for their versatility and clear pin-out guides.
  • After completing the termination, Chris recommends testing the cable using a Pocket Ethernet tester by connecting the male end to the tester and the female end with a jumper cable for wire mapping.

15:46

Testing Tools for Cable Connections and Termination

  • Various testing tools are available for checking cable connections, ranging from basic ones that confirm correct pair order to more advanced tools that can test different cable types, including power over ethernet. An app can be used in conjunction with a specific tool to connect and perform tests, such as wire mapping and length measurement, with successful results indicating proper cable functionality.
  • Different categories of cables, like Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat7, may have varying features like shielding or plastic separators, but the termination process remains similar once the wires are exposed. Tools like an untwist tool can simplify cable termination, enhancing efficiency, and ease of use. Links to recommended products are provided for further exploration.
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