How to Make Your Own Ethernet Cables

Making your own Ethernet cables can be a fun and useful DIY project. With just a few simple tools and supplies, you can create custom-length network cables to connect devices in your home or office. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own Ethernet cables.

What You'll Need

To start, gather the following supplies:

Ethernet cable - This will be the networking cable you cut and modify. Go for solid core, Cat5e or Cat6. Stranded core cables are more prone to breakage when crimping.
RJ45 connectors - You'll need an RJ45 plug for each end of the cable. Make sure they match the cable type (Cat5e vs Cat6).
Crimping tool - This specialized plier crimps the RJ45 plugs onto the cable. Get one designed for RJ45 connectors.
Wire stripper - To strip off the cable jacket and expose the inner wiring.Flush cutters - To cleanly cut the cables.
Ethernet cable tester - For testing connectivity once the cable is complete.

Cable and Wiring Overview

Before crimping, it helps to understand Ethernet cable construction and wiring:

Ethernet cables have 8 inner color-coded wires inside the outer jacket. Each wire is covered by colored insulation.
Wires must be arranged in a specific pinout order when crimping onto the RJ45 plugs.
The most common is the T568B standard pinout. There are diagrams on the RJ45 plugs showing this order.

Steps to Make Your Own Ethernet Cable

Follow these steps to create your custom Ethernet cable:

1. Cut the Cable to Length

Measure how long you need the full cable to be.
Add around 6 inches on each end to have room to strip the wires and crimp the plugs.
Use the flush cutters to cleanly cut the cable to length.

2. Strip the Wires on Each End

On both ends of the cable, use the wire strippers to remove 1.5 inches of the outer jacket.
Take care not to nick the inner wires.
You should have 1.5 inches of the inner colored wires exposed.

3. Arrange the Wires

Verify the T568B pinout order printed on the RJ45 plugs.
Arrange the cable's inner wires to match this 1-to-1 order.
Trim any excess wire length if needed so the tips align.

4. Crimp the RJ45 Plugs

Insert the aligned wires fully into the RJ45 plug.
Place the plug into the crimping tool. Squeeze firmly so the metal teeth pinch the plug onto the cable.
Repeat steps 2-4 for the other end of the cable. It's best if both ends use the T568B standard pinouts.

5. Test the Ethernet Cable

To test, plug each end of the finished cable into devices to form a network connection.
Alternatively, use an Ethernet cable tester to verify proper connectivity through each wire.
If the cable fails, re-crimp the ends and test again until successful.

And that's it! Making your own Ethernet cables is easy and only takes a few tools. Custom-length cables can really clean up your networking setup.

Common Ethernet Cable Problems

Here are some common issues and fixes when making your own cables:

Won't click into sockets - The RJ45 plugs may not be crimped tightly enough over the wires. Re-crimp with more force.
No network connectivity - Use a cable tester to isolate wiring problems. Re-strip and re-crimp ends to correct any mixed-up wires.
Slow network speeds - Make sure you are using Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Cat5 and lower grades can impact speeds. Re-crimp ends firmly in case of loose wires.
Cables keep failing - The inner wires or cuts may be degraded. Try a brand new cable instead of re-using old ones.

Advantages of Making Your Own Cables

Crafting DIY Ethernet cables has these benefits:

Custom lengths - Make exactly the size needed for any setup. No more coiling extra cable.
More durable - Properly self-crimped cables tend to last longer than pre-made generic ones.
Cost savings - Bulk cable and plugs cost less than pre-made cables.
Matches color scheme - Choose cable colors to match your decor.
Learning experience - Gain networking wiring skills and tool knowledge.

So don't be afraid to put together your own Ethernet cables! Just follow the steps carefully and test thoroughly. With practice you'll be networking like a pro.