A network administrator must always take care that his designed Ethernet and Ethernet cable wiring has to be compatible with upcoming technologies. Although newer technologies are developed keeping in mind the older systems, but sometimes these newer technologies are developed independently (and have nothing to do with the older version). In this scenario, a network administrator's Ethernet cable wiring design, must be able to adapt to the new technology as far as possible.

What is Ethernet?

An Ethernet is a type of network technology comparable to local area network (LAN). But in computer network protocol design, there is an OSI (Open System Interconnection) reference model. The entire computer network (world wide web) or any Ethernet (LAN) is governed according to the Ethernet network protocols of OSI reference model. There are seven layers in the OSI model. Conceptually similar components (softwares, network applications) reside on similar layers (application layer). Every layer receives services from the layer below it. Ethernet cable wiring and its various components reside on the physical layer of the OSI reference model. Read more on Ethernet protocol.

The underlying structure of the network is called a Ethernet network topology. It's simply the arrangement of various network devices in the Ethernet. There are basically five different topologies for Ethernet networks. They are bus, ring, mesh, tree, and star. Ethernet cable wiring largely depends on the kind of underlying topology that is used.

Types of Cables

Broadly there are three Ethernet cable types. A normal Ethernet cable, Ethernet cable categories (CAT 3, CAT 5, CAT 5, CAT 5e, CAT 6, CAT 7), and Ethernet crossover types. A normal Ethernet cable is used to connect a computer with other computer networking devices such as a switch or a router. Ethernet cable categories or the CAT series are defined on the basis of the speed that they can relay. And Ethernet crossover cable in Ethernet cable wiring is designed for those devices which do not intend the use of a switch or a HUB.

Ethernet Cable Wiring Chart

Before we know about the Ethernet cable wiring procedure, it's imperative to know about the Ethernet cable wiring color code standards. There are two such standards - T568A and T568B. These standards are usually referred to as 'A coding standard' and 'B coding standard'. The above Ethernet cable wiring diagram illustrates the 'A color coding standard'. It is the internal arrangement of the Ethernet cabling wire. This wire arrangement is true for both the ends of the wire in case of 'A coding standard'. But, in case of 'B coding standard', pin 2 (left hand side) is connected to pin 6 (right hand side). Similarly pin 1, pin 3 and pin 6 (L.H.S.) are connected to pin 3, pin 1 and pin 2. Both the ends of the wire are connected to RJ45 connectors. Various tools are used to connect the RJ45 connectors to the wire, these tools are known as crimping tools. Following table shows the T568A and T568B wiring standards.

How to Wire Ethernet Cable?

1. The length of the Ethernet cable wire should not be more than 100m.
2. Peel off about one inch at one end of the wire. This can be done using a stripper knife.
3. Untwist the internal wire as shown in the figure. Peel off about half an inch of the plastic coating of the internal wires. Flatten them such that there is no space left between them.
4. Hold the RJ45 connector in your other hand with the clip of the connector hanging upside down.
5. Push the wire through the connector till some part of the peeled wires come out. Internal wires should still be flat.
6. Check the order of the wire. (A coding standard or B coding standard)
7. Crimp the RJ45 connector using a crimping tool.
8. Repeat this process for the other end of the wire as well.