Step 1
You will need the following items:
Ethernet cable, RJ45 connector, RJ45 crimper, scissors or wire cutters
Step 2: Cable Length
You will need to measure the length of the cable to determine how long it will need to be from your computer to your router/switch. Then cut the cable from the cable spool. I personally always make my cables longer than they need to be, just in case I need to move my computer.
Step 3: Remove the Cable Shield
You will now need to strip the shield off the cable. There are eight small wires within the shield. I always make sure not to damage any of the wires; if there are small cuts in the wires, it can cause interference and problems. If any wires are cut, I cut the wires and start over.
Step 4: Prepare the Wires
Once you have stripped the shield, start untangling the wire pairs. Then separate the wire pairs. Separate the wire pairs to the four corners for easier management. This will help when you need to move the wires. Also, it will be easier to align the wires when installing the terminator.
Step 5: Align the Wires
Once the wires are separated, start arranging them in order. There are two ways to keep them in order, but the most common type of cable is T-568B, which is how the cable is made. The order is white-orange, orange, white-green, blue, white-blue, green, white-brown, and brown. Now hold these wires between your index finger and thumb to keep them in order.
Step 6: Insert the wires into the RJ45
Also, the order of the wires should be correct. The RJ45 connector is used to measure the length of the wire by holding it against the wire. The wire must be completely inside the connector; otherwise, the connection will not be good. Also, the shield of the cable should be inside the connector, where there is a notch to push up onto the shield. Cut off the excess length with wire cutters or scissors. When putting the wires into the RJ 45 connector, make sure the tabs of the RJ 45 are facing down, otherwise the cable will be facing the opposite direction and will not work.
Step 7: Crimping the RJ45
Finally, take the crimper and push the cable into the RJ 45 slot, making sure to push it in when crimping the connector. Now that the cable is crimped, let's verify that the wires are still in the correct order and against the end of the RJ 45 connector. If the wires are not in the correct order or are not against the end of the connector, you will need to cut them off and try again. Also, make sure the shield is inside the connector.
Step 8: Verify the Cable
Once the wires in the connector are in the correct order, the shield is inside the connector, and the wires are against the end of the connector, we can create the other end of the Ethernet cable. Then with the other end of the cable together, we can test it by plugging it into our computer and router/switch and checking if we have an internet connection.