Ethernet cables

UTP Patch cable

A UTP Patch Cable is used to connect a device (PC, laptop, workstation, etc.) to an Ethernet hub or switch. Factory-made patch cables can be purchased in almost any computer hardware or electronics store.

UTP Cross-Over or Direct Connect cable

A UTP Cross-Over cable can be used to connect two Ethernet devices together without using an Ethernet hub or switch. Factory-made Cross-Over cables can be purchased in almost any computer hardware or electronics store. Cross-Over cables can be recognized by the use of different colors for their connectors, generally red and blue.

Making your own connectors

In order to save on costs and customize the length of your cables, you can make your own connections using bulk cable, appropriate 8P8C plugs and a suitable crimping tool. In order for your cables to work and to ensure interchangeability, some standards need to be followed.

TIA/EIA 568-A vs. TIA/EIA 568-B

Two standards are in use when creating connections for UTP cables. Generally speaking, it does not matter which standard you choose, as long as you use the same standard across the entire installation. However, the most commonly used standard today is TIA/EIA 568-B.

Recommended lengths for UTP cables

The total length of a UTP cable run should never be greater than 100 meters (330 feet), all cable types combined, between two active (powered) Ethernet devices. Active Ethernet devices include computers, workstations, hubs, switches, routers and repeaters.

Maximum Stranded wire cable length

Because stranded cable becomes less reliable as distance increases, its use needs to be limited to two lengths of up to 5 meters each (16 feet), at each end of a single cable run. For example, you could use a 5-meter patch cable between a computer and a wall jack, and another 5-meter patch cable from the patch panel to the Ethernet switch.

If your computers and workstations are connected directly to a hub or switch without using wall jacks or patch panels, you may use a single length of up to 10 meters (32 feet) of stranded wire UTP cable. For longer distances, use solid core wire cable.

Wiring diagram – TIA/EIA 568-A

In order to follow the TIA/EIA 568-A standard, the wires need to be ordered as illustrated in the image below. Pins are numbered from 1 to 8 while holding the plastic locking tab away from you.

Wiring diagram – TIA/EIA 568-B

In order to follow the TIA/EIA 568-B standard, the wires need to be ordered as illustrated in the image below. Pins are numbered from 1 to 8 while holding the plastic locking tab away from you.

Wiring diagram – Cross-Over cable

In order to create a Cross-Over cable, all you need to do is to make one end of the cable using the TIA/EIA 568-A standard, and the other end using the TIA/EIA 568-B standard. Such a cable will allow you to connect two Ethernet devices together without a hub or switch.