LOL Oh wow, posted by accident. Obviously not done. Will take suggestions on how to improve it in the meantime 
Should be done by the end of the night!
Disclaimer:
To start off, I apologize if this was in the wrong section, I didn't know where to put it, so move if you wish. This is my first real guide I've ever done for anything, so just try and bear with me. I also apologize for the low-res photos, I took them with my iPhone at work, at least I tried my best. 
Hope you enjoy it! 
Onwards to the actual thread...
What is this guide about?
This is a guide to show all of you techys out there how to make your own Ethernet cables, or Cat 5 (5e)/RJ45 cables. I'm sure most of you know what they do, but for those who don't an Ethernet cable transmits network data to and from your router into your PC. If you're interested in learning more about these cables, you can find some great facts here.
Why would I want to make my own cables?
Making your own cables is just a simple convenience. Not only can you save quite a bit of money in the longrun, you could vastly improve the effectiveness of your home network. You will also be able to design cables to certain specifications, and prevent yourself from having to tie up that excess 4 feet of cable when you really only needed two. Not to mention Ethernet cables are a great bridge into making other types of cable, but I won't get into that here
So if you're still reading I'm guessing you're probably interested in making some yourself, so let's get started...
Materials Required:
RJ45 Crimpers: Simple, straightforward tool for ending your termination. Places pressure on the tab closing the connector over the cable. Goes for anywhere between $10-30, found at any local home improvement store. Be sure to buy some that are for 8 pin connectors (will be clearly marked 8P).
Picture!
RJ45 Connectors: Probably the most crucial material required aside from the cable itself. Make sure they are male, 8-pin. Buy 2 for each cable you decide to make (one for each end, LOL), with a few extra in case you mess up. Most commonly sold in bulk, found at a local electronic store or easily purchased online. Dirt cheap.
Picture!
Box Cutter: I'm sure everyone has one of these lying around somewhere. Used to "score" the cable to strip off the insulation. Could buy actual wire strippers but not necessary, save yourself the money.
Picture!
Cat5(5e) Cable: The most costly of all items you'll need. This is industry standard Ethernet cable. Make sure you're buying unshielded cable, otherwise you'd just be wasting your money. You'll only have to use as much as you need. When stripped should appear just like in the picture, aside from changes in color. Most commonly bought in 1000 ft. spools. Around $40 per 1000 feet.
Picture!
Wire "Snips": Wish I knew the technical term for these. Fairly self explanatory I think. Good, strong industrial scissors could be substituted, just make sure you could get a very straight cut with them. Bought for $10-20 at any home improvement store.
Picture!
Optional Materials:
Ethernet Tester: Helpful if you plan to make a lot of cables. Checks your terminations and reports any failures. Nice to know there's an issue before you rewire your network and try to troubleshoot everything. Can be ordered here.
Picture!
THE ACTUAL TUTORIAL (finally!)
Step 1: To start, cut your cable to the length you need. Until you get these process down, I suggest you give yourself an extra foot in case you screw up a couple times. Then, take one end and using your razor, "score" about 2" from the end of the cable. For those who don't know was scoring is, you cut all the way around the insulation, while keeping the inside wires intact (see Step 2 picture if still confused).
Step 2: Next, you're wall to twist the end to get a clean break and pull off the insulation.
**Note: Some wires may have a piece of string inside, that's useless to us, cut it off.
Step 3: Here is where you need to do some research. Read up on your router and determine whether you will be need to be making a crossover cable or a straight-through cable. More information on crossover and straight-though cables can be found here.
In this tutorial, I made a crossover connection, which are done the same way aside from the order of wires.
Now that you know which one you're going to make, sort out your 4 twisted pairs accordingly.
Should be done by the end of the night!Disclaimer:
To start off, I apologize if this was in the wrong section, I didn't know where to put it, so move if you wish.
This is my first real guide I've ever done for anything, so just try and bear with me. I also apologize for the low-res photos, I took them with my iPhone at work, at least I tried my best. Hope you enjoy it! Onwards to the actual thread...
What is this guide about?
This is a guide to show all of you techys out there how to make your own Ethernet cables, or Cat 5 (5e)/RJ45 cables. I'm sure most of you know what they do, but for those who don't an Ethernet cable transmits network data to and from your router into your PC. If you're interested in learning more about these cables, you can find some great facts here.
Why would I want to make my own cables?
Making your own cables is just a simple convenience. Not only can you save quite a bit of money in the longrun, you could vastly improve the effectiveness of your home network. You will also be able to design cables to certain specifications, and prevent yourself from having to tie up that excess 4 feet of cable when you really only needed two. Not to mention Ethernet cables are a great bridge into making other types of cable, but I won't get into that here
So if you're still reading I'm guessing you're probably interested in making some yourself, so let's get started...
Materials Required:
RJ45 Crimpers: Simple, straightforward tool for ending your termination. Places pressure on the tab closing the connector over the cable. Goes for anywhere between $10-30, found at any local home improvement store. Be sure to buy some that are for 8 pin connectors (will be clearly marked 8P).
Picture!
RJ45 Connectors: Probably the most crucial material required aside from the cable itself. Make sure they are male, 8-pin. Buy 2 for each cable you decide to make (one for each end, LOL), with a few extra in case you mess up. Most commonly sold in bulk, found at a local electronic store or easily purchased online. Dirt cheap.
Picture!
Box Cutter: I'm sure everyone has one of these lying around somewhere. Used to "score" the cable to strip off the insulation. Could buy actual wire strippers but not necessary, save yourself the money.
Picture!
Cat5(5e) Cable: The most costly of all items you'll need. This is industry standard Ethernet cable. Make sure you're buying unshielded cable, otherwise you'd just be wasting your money. You'll only have to use as much as you need. When stripped should appear just like in the picture, aside from changes in color. Most commonly bought in 1000 ft. spools. Around $40 per 1000 feet.
Picture!
Wire "Snips": Wish I knew the technical term for these. Fairly self explanatory I think. Good, strong industrial scissors could be substituted, just make sure you could get a very straight cut with them. Bought for $10-20 at any home improvement store.
Picture!
Optional Materials:
Ethernet Tester: Helpful if you plan to make a lot of cables. Checks your terminations and reports any failures. Nice to know there's an issue before you rewire your network and try to troubleshoot everything. Can be ordered here.
Picture!
THE ACTUAL TUTORIAL (finally!)
Step 1: To start, cut your cable to the length you need. Until you get these process down, I suggest you give yourself an extra foot in case you screw up a couple times. Then, take one end and using your razor, "score" about 2" from the end of the cable. For those who don't know was scoring is, you cut all the way around the insulation, while keeping the inside wires intact (see Step 2 picture if still confused).
Spoiler (Click to View)
![[Image: IMG_0441-1.jpg]](http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/scalisee/IMG_0441-1.jpg)
Step 2: Next, you're wall to twist the end to get a clean break and pull off the insulation.
**Note: Some wires may have a piece of string inside, that's useless to us, cut it off.
Spoiler (Click to View)
![[Image: IMG_0442.jpg]](http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/scalisee/IMG_0442.jpg)
Step 3: Here is where you need to do some research. Read up on your router and determine whether you will be need to be making a crossover cable or a straight-through cable. More information on crossover and straight-though cables can be found here.
In this tutorial, I made a crossover connection, which are done the same way aside from the order of wires.
Now that you know which one you're going to make, sort out your 4 twisted pairs accordingly.
Spoiler (Click to View)
![[Image: IMG_0443.jpg]](http://i1212.photobucket.com/albums/cc454/scalisee/IMG_0443.jpg)
