How to Make Your Own Network Cables

If you want to connect your computer to a wired network you must have a network cable or Category 5 cable. Custom cable lengths are not available at most retailers, so to get a custom length network cable, you must make your own. Making your network cables allows you to reduce cable clutter. Another benefit of making your own cables is the ability to make as many as you need, especially if creating a wired home network.

Supplies

There are a few supplies you'll need before creating your own network table. First, you'll need network cable. This can be purchased in feet, yards or in a roll. Most rolls are at least 100 feet. Some computer retailers will sell you custom lengths of network cable. The cable should not have plastic ends at this point. Be sure to purchase Category 5 cable.

To make the cable usable, you'll need at least two RJ-45 connectors, a crimper tool and a wire cutter/stripper. Some websites, such as Tiger Direct, sell these supplies as a kit, along with the cable. This is great if you're creating a network at your home or office. If you are extremely carefully, you can use scissors instead of the wire cutter/stripper. You'll also need a pair of sharp scissors to trim wires.

Create Your Cable

Cut your network cable to the length you need. Allow for errors by adding at least two inches to your desired cable length. Use the wire stripper to strip at ¾ of an inch of insulation from each end of the cable. Untwist all wire pairs and straighten the wires as much as possible.

Order the wires, from left to right, in the following order: Orange White, Orange, Green White, Blue, Blue White, Green, Brown White and Brown. Use your scissors to trim the ends of the wires until all wires are the same length.

Slide the wires into the RJ-45 connector, with the flat side of the connector facing you. Ensure the wires go all the way to the end of the connector. Also check to see if any wires are exposed between the RJ-45 connector and the wire insulation. If any wires are exposed, remove the wires from the RJ-45 connector and trim the wires until a small portion of the wire insulation fits in the RJ-45 connector.

Double check that the wires are still in the correct order and that the wires touch the end of the RJ-45 connector. Insert the RJ-45 connector into the wire crimper and press the crimper tool until you hear a soft click. Remove the connector from the crimper. Repeat the entire process on the other end of the cable.

Anyone not used to working with wires should strip at least an inch of insulation from the ends of the cable. This will give you plenty of room to maneuver the wires, especially when trying to order the colors. You can always trim the wires later to fit into the RJ-45 connector properly. Test the cable using your computer and router, switch or hub.