How to make your own Ethernet Cables

Tools Required

To make it simple, I just bought this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JYTBDXN

• RJ45 Crimper Pass Through
• 20PCS CAT6 Pass-Thru Connectors
• 20PCS Connector Covers
• 1 x Wire Stripper
• 1 x Network Cable Tester

Wiring Standard

Hold the RJ45 connector with the clip facing away from you, pins facing up. Pin 1 is on the left.

 ┌───────────────────┐
 │  RJ45 (clip down) │  1. Orange/Write Stripe  5. Blue/White Stripe
 │ ┌─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┬─┐ │  2. Orange Solid         6. Green Solid
 │ │1│2│3│4│5│6│7│8│ │  3. Green/Write Stripe   7. Brown/White Stripe
 │ └─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┴─┘ │  4. Blue Solid           8. Brown Solid
 └────────┬─┬────────┘

Step-by-Step Process

1. Cut and Strip the Cable

• Cut cable to desired length - then add an extra 2 inches.
• Use the stripper to remove about 1 to 1.5 inches of the outer jacket from each end.
• Only strip the outer jacket - do not split the insulation on the inner colored wires.

2. Untwist and Arrange the Wires

• You'll see 4 twisted pairs (8 wires total).
• Untwist and straighten each wire.
• Arrange in order from table above.

3. Attach connector cover

• Slide over connection cover and move down the wire.
• Helps to twist cable cover down the wire rather than pull.

5. Insert into the RJ45 Connector

• Hold connector with clip facing away.
• Slide wires into the connector — each wire into its own channel.
• Push wires all the way to the front and through the connector.
• Visually verify wire order and seating from the front before crimping.

4. Crimp

• Place connector into the crimper.
• Squeeze firmly - one strong squeeze.
• Metal pins pierce into each wire to make contact.
• Strain relief clamps onto the outer jacket.
• Crimping tool linked above also trims the wires.

6. Repeat on Other End

Same process, same wire order.

7. Test

• Use a cable tester if available - all 8 lights should illuminate in sequence.
• Otherwise, plug it in and verify (test in prod?).

Tips

• After 2nd cable, I was able to wire new connections sub 30s.
• Really straighten the wires before pushing them into the connector.
• Pass-through connectors have made life significantly easier.
• Always verify wire order visually before crimping.