This is how to make a patch cable or a crossover cable for ethernet.

There are 2 different ways to arrange the wire in the connectors. 568A and 568B. 568B is most commonly used for cables. For a crossover cable, use 568A on one end and 568B on the other. For a straight through cable, use 568A or 568B on both ends, but they must be the same.




This is what the connector looks like.


Here is my crimper, I really like the Ideal ratcheting one. It will do RJ45 and RJ11


First thing you are going to do is remove about 3/4" to 1" of the outer jacket. This makes it much easier to arrange the wires. I like to use my wire strippers to score the outside and then pull it off.


Then arrange the wires in the correct order. I like to use the 568B as it is the most common. The order from left to right is as follows:
W/O, O, W/G, B, W/B, G, W/Br, Br. You will then need to clip the wires down to approximately 1/2" long and make sure that the end is straight.


Then put the connector onto your cable making sure that the wires are still in the correct order. Crimp it down with the crimper and then you're done.

 

What in the hell is a cross over cable, and where would it be used, and why?

 

a crossover cable is for connecting two computers together without needing to use a switch, hub or router. It is commonly used to transfer data without extra gear. It is also used to connect two switches together.

 

If there's ever a computer in my garage, I give up! And that includes under the hood....
Looks like good info to those that can use it, though. I have a teenage son for that stuff.

 

You'd be surprised how handy it is to have a PC in the garage. I have one out there for shop manuals on the computer, music and looking up tech info on forums and such.

 

crimping cables is cool. I wired all 3 stories of my parents house in 2000. I ran wireless in my house...lol

 

One more word of advice on Crossovers, once you make it, MARK it. I'm getting old and looking thru those plastic connectors is a pain. Nothing worse than looking thru a pile of patch cables to find a Crossover.

 

I have an extra computer that will be going into the garage. It would be good for ordering parts and chatting on this site.