How to make Ethernet Category 5 Straight Through and Crossover Patch Cable
Category 5 and 5e cable consists of 4 pairs of wires in 4 color groups, Blue, Orange, Green and Brown. Each color group has 2 wires twisted together, with one of the two wires having a solid color of the group and the other a striped white.
The twisting of of the wires is an important feature that contributes to the cables abiilty to resist interference. For this reason, cre should be taken not to untwist the pairs. When crimping, there should be no more than 1/2" of untwisted conductors as this is the allowable limit defined within the cat 5 specification.
There are are two standards for connecting Category 5 and 5e wire to connectors, TIA/EIA-568A and TIA/EIA-568B. Both are appropriate for high speed data. There is no performance advantage with either. The only real difference between the two is the order in which the orange and green pairs are used.
Note: To make a cross-over cable, use the 568A standard on one end and the 568B on the other.
Straight-Through Cable
| Pair # | Wire | Pin |
|---|
| Pair 1: Blue & White Group | White/Blue | 5 |
| Blue/White | 4 |
| Pair 3: Green & White Group | White/Green | 1 |
| Green | 2 |
| Pair 2: Orange & White Group | White/Orane | 3 |
| Orange/White | 6 |
| Pair 4: Brown & White Group | White/Brown | 7 |
| Brown | 8 |
Cross-Over Cable
| Pairs | Wire | Pin |
|---|
| Pair 1: Blue & White Group | White/Blue | 5 |
| Blue | 4 |
| Pair 2: Orange & White Group | White/Orange | 1 |
| Orange | 2 |
| Pair 3: Green & White Group | White/Green | 3 |
| Green | 6 |
| Pair 4: Brown & White Group | White/Brown | 7 |
| Brown | 8 |
