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Module One - Activity 5: Creating and Testing a Patch Cable
  • Use the correct material: For patch cables, ensure that stranded twisted pair is used. If stranded CAT5 is not available in the field, solid core can be used. However, be aware that because solid core is not as flexible, it may work harden and break. In the field, there is more chance of cables being moved around a great deal. If a solid core patch cable MUST be made, try to replace it with a stranded cable as soon as possible.

  • Patch cables should be EASILY RECOGNIZABLE as patch cables. For your system, pick a cable jacket colour such as the commonly used BLACK or BLUE which you will consistently use for patch cables, and stick to that system. It will make it much easier for you when maintaining your network if you can easily differentiate cable types at first glance.

  • Terminate using the correct standard: To create the patch cable, carefully follow the instructions in this module for attaching the RJ45 connectors onto the stranded CAT5, and follow the correct "B" standard for both ends, as shown below.



"B" standard wire colour order, Pins #1-#8:
orange striped, orange, green striped, blue, blue striped, green, brown striped, brown.

  • Test the cable: It is essential that patch cables be tested. Several different kinds of testers are available. Once the patch cord is completed, insert the ends into the appropriate slots on the tester that you have purchased, and follow the manufacturers instructions to see if your patch cable is working correctly.
TIP: When choosing a tester, first determine your needs and capabilities. If you are not going to be creating a lot of patch and crossover cables yourself, a simplified tester may work just fine for you. Testing equipment can be expensive, so ensure that any purchased is appropriate to your needs!

    A good tester will tell you both:

    if the wires are in the correct order,


    and,

    if they are working correctly.

    A good tester may even automatically identify whether the cable plugged into it is a patch cable or a crossover.

    Some special testers will tell you the length of the cable run, which can be helpful in determining the location of specific jacks in an ethernet LAN.

TIP: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

DID IT WORK?? In order for the network to work correctly, all of the cables need to function well. If, after testing the cable, it doesn't work properly, cut the end off, and begin again.


  • Repeat if necessary: If your cable is NOT working correctly, you will need to cut the end off which is causing the problems, and begin again, installing further RJ45 connectors until the cable does work properly.