Question How to install the ends of a network cable?

[axlrose]

I don't know if there is generic information for this or if it's brand specific, but I need to run a couple more ethernet lines in my house. The last time I installed them was prepandemic I think. I can't remember how to install the connectors on either end of the line. I found the connectors, and the tool to do it with, but it's gone from my brain. Thanks for any help.

 

[bill001g]

For inwall cables you really want to use keystones on the end rather than just terminate them to rj45. Keystones are also really easy compared to rj45. You can do 1 wire at a time and the color pattern is marked on the side of the jacks in most cases.

Rj45 is a matter of getting all the wires aligned and properly inserted and then not have them move or slip as you crimp the end on. No magic to this really it is a learned and practiced skill. You can tell by feel if the wires properly insert and you will be able to see that the wires go to the end of the plug.

You can find charts of the color patterns but this is one of those thing you watch youtube videos if you want to see it done.

Again if they are in wall cables I would use keystone and if they are patch cable just buy them premade.

 

[axlrose]

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=15696&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PMax+%7C+Offers+%7C+$20+off+$75+%7C+Monoprice&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&hsa_acc=6614305189&hsa_cam=20831917320&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4NWrBhD-ARIsAFCKwWthlId_ICYbu2AiXMIFxRu-RVWMLDSEdqr0kdrJuxDwC9n2iGFTgC8aAuqDEALw_wcB

I believe this is what I have.

 

[punkncat]

If you are shopping at the BBS, they often have keystones that you don't actually have to have a tool to terminate. They will typically be marked as A or B schedule and have a color code on the keystone. You place the wires in the appropriate slots on the keystone and then there is a plastic piece that snaps over that and in some cases will trim the ends. If not, you can use your 'snips' to cut off the extra.

If you need the tool, it is called a punchdown tool (typically) and you need to make sure you get the one with multiple ends on it for trimming as it terminates.

 

[bill001g]

That is a simple coupler. You would have to put RJ45 ends on the cable first. There are cases you could do it that way but it tends to be more work and expensive. Mostly I have seen those couplers used in patch panels not in wall jacks.

This is a example of what they call a tool less keystone. Just a example not sure why it is that color.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=1075

If you look it is pretty simple you match the wires to the color code and then snap the plastic lid shut and it crimps the wires in.

Monoprice is going to be expensive because of shipping. Many home improvement stores sell similar keystones. It depends on how many you need, if you need a lot they are cheaper to order on the internet.

 

[axlrose]

That is a simple coupler. You would have to put RJ45 ends on the cable first. There are cases you could do it that way but it tends to be more work and expensive. Mostly I have seen those couplers used in patch panels not in wall jacks.

This is a example of what they call a tool less keystone. Just a example not sure why it is that color.

https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=1075

If you look it is pretty simple you match the wires to the color code and then snap the plastic lid shut and it crimps the wires in.

Monoprice is going to be expensive because of shipping. Many home improvement stores sell similar keystones. It depends on how many you need, if you need a lot they are cheaper to order on the internet.

Sorry. Didn't click through the pictures enough. I have one of those, but there is just a round end on the back side where the cat6a cable goes in and crimps down the ends after you spaghetti them in there just right. Is there a generic diagram for what color goes where on those?

 

[bill001g]

You can find the pattern by looking up 568a or 568b. Both ends need to be the same but you can choose either.

The more tricky thing is does the left most place you punch the wire on the jack go to pin 1 or does it go to pin 8 or worse does it go to some other pin. There is no real standard.

If you look at the jack I linked the wires go from left to right 4,5,2,1,6,3,8,7. Without the color chart printed on the jack I don't know how you figure that out. Almost every jack I have ever seen there is something printed on the jack so I would check yours