Network Cabling

[slimslob]

Re: Network Cabling

Just as an aside: There's 2 ways you can configure the wiring: 568A or 568B. It doesn't matter which one you use as long as it's the same on both ends.

With most modern day devices, ti doesn't matter. The device will auto adjust. In fact a crossover cable is one where both ends are not the same.

[SalesServiceGuy]

Re: Network Cabling

I got back from the customer after installing a Toshiba/Lexmark A4 copier using the generic print driver provided on Toshiba | Business to Business Integrated Solutions on the latest Apple OSX 12 Monterey operating system.

Again after watching a couple of YouTube videos and practicing at home, the Keystone/ wall plate ($11.00) was fairly easy to install with the provided plastic punch down tool and snipping off the excess.

The data plug was a bit more challenging (four attempts) using the insert the eight wires individually method and making sure there was no resistance as each of the eight wires slid into place. I used a nice Klein Pass Thru Modular Crimper I bought at Home Depot for $61.00 to terminate the data plug.

I could see the IP address of the copier on the first attempt.

I added $3.00 to the lease x60 as a cable installer was not available until next week. There was one desktop and three laptops all OSX 12 Monterey.

The main objective was to make the customer happy and to get the lease signed today and funded tomorrow.

Anyway, a new skill for me. I do not plan to make a habit of it and I am rarely called upon to perform this task.

[slimslob]

Re: Network Cabling

You're making a mistake relying on a laptop to test the cable. You'll have no idea which end is miswired. Been there, done that.


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What I used was a Lanscaper NT750. From what I understand it is no longer available.

Platinum Tools does make a similar device. Available from Home Depot and others.

[J_Arnold]

Re: Network Cabling

I have to do an install tomorrow after delivering the copier yesterday into a new luxury home office.

Upon inspection, the building contractor ran Cat 5e cabling from the "mechanical room" to the home office 30' away. Unfortunately, the contractor did not terminate either end of the cable run. This is a task that I have not performed in quite awhile and after watching a few YouTube videos and buying a nice crimping tool, I have a few questions.

1. On the home office side, there is a wall receptacle that the Cat 5e enters into covered in a solid face plate. When I remove the face plate, I see a cable end without a lot of extra cable. I know that I have to install a Keystone there. I first need to strip the cable cover and unwind the four pairs. The Keystone includes a cheap plastic punch down tool with a wiring diagram. You can select either the residential or business wiring plan. Business is the most common so I will go with that. I bought a wall plate to attach the Keystone when I am done and will trim any excess wires on the Keystone.

2. On the other mechanical room end, there is a lot of excess cabling leaving me with a un-terminated Cat 5e cable. I will remove the excess and still leave extra.

3. YouTube suggested to me that the way to go is with a Pass-Thru data plug. So I acquired those and a those and a nice modular crimping tool for Pass-Thru.

4. I understand how to strip the wire and un twist and straighten the four pairs.

5. Practicing at home, try as hard as I could, I could not get the eight wires, held together like the pro on YouTube, to pass through the Data plug without fowling.

6. I tired pushing the eight wires individually through the data port and I could never get past the 7th wire. The 8th wire would always jam.

7. Out of frustration, I simply tried a different Data plug, from the 10 pack that I had and I was able on the first attempt to individually push all eight wires through and terminate and trim them with the crimping tool according to the Business wiring diagram.

8.Is there a better way to do this?

I can test the quality of my working by first using my laptop to connect to the copier, bypassing the customer's computer.

Only thing I can think to add because everyone else has covered it perfectly would be ...when you are untwisting the wires untwist a little more past the sheath itself then separate pairs and flatten, hold untwisted pairs tight at base of sheath with thumb and finger and cut wires with your snips (cable scissors) leaving approx. 3/4 in , still holding tight insert into RJ45 sleeve or terminal make sure everything is even and flush then insert into crimper still holding firm and crimp. Also agree a cable tester is a must if this is something you see yourself doing a lot of in the future. You can buy a combination tester and tracer setup , then you can really go to town.

[slimslob]

Re: Network Cabling

One thing to be aware of is that there are two types of conductors that are used, solid and twisted stranded. Solid is best for cable pulls. Stranded is better for patch cords as it is more flexible. When making your own patch cords, be sure the end are for the type of cable you are using to insure good conductivity. If your supplier does not know the difference, you need a new supplier.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Network Cabling

I have a cable tester made by Ideal. It'll tell you almost anything: short, open, which wires are crossed, ect. However, there's one flaw that I found. One time I inserted the wires in the connector while holding it upside down and on the other end, I inserted the wires in the connector the right way.

When I tested the cable, each end passed when tested individually. So I was more than a little confused when it didn't work. It's always best to test both ends at the same time. That revealed the problem.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Network Cabling

Also worth investing in: toner probe and label maker.
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[J_Arnold]

Re: Network Cabling

Also worth investing in: toner probe and label maker.
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I have a progressive probe/ tester combo. Thing works great. I think fluke makes something as well. Hell if I had to guess I bet several companies make one. I also have a stand alone probe and test kit for multi tasking situations.

[BillyCarpenter]

Re: Network Cabling

I have a progressive probe/ tester combo. Thing works great. I think fluke makes something as well. Hell if I had to guess I bet several companies make one. I also have a stand alone probe and test kit for multi tasking situations.

That's a fluke in the picture. I just had to buy a new probe because the last one fell off a ladder. I like the fluke because you can trace cables that are live. Most toners can't do that.

[J_Arnold]

Re: Network Cabling

That's a fluke in the picture. I just had to buy a new probe because the last one fell off a ladder. I like the fluke because you can trace cables that are live. Most toners can't do that.

Agreed, As proven before I am an idiot and failed to see the fluke in your last post, just saw the one about you having an ideal , so I assumed that is what it was...they say assumption is the mother of all F*** ups...look at me go.

[tonerhead]

Re: Network Cabling

This is a little late in coming to this thread, but it sounds to me like you are using the older cat5 end terminals. I had the priviledge of working with a guy that does cable terminations on a regular basis a couple years ago. It was the first time I saw cat6 end terminals. These are quick and foolproof. You untwist and put the wires through a loom, the loom holds the wires in perfect position. You then push the loom into the cat6 terminal and crimp. No more struggle getting the wires into the right positions in the terminals, the loom does it for you.

link:

Cat6 RJ45 Modular Plug


Use a cat6 connector going forward.

[SalesServiceGuy]

Re: Network Cabling

This is a little late in coming to this thread, but it sounds to me like you are using the older cat5 end terminals. I had the priviledge of working with a guy that does cable terminations on a regular basis a couple years ago. It was the first time I saw cat6 end terminals. These are quick and foolproof. You untwist and put the wires through a loom, the loom holds the wires in perfect position. You then push the loom into the cat6 terminal and crimp. No more struggle getting the wires into the right positions in the terminals, the loom does it for you.

link:

Cat6 RJ45 Modular Plug


Use a cat6 connector going forward.

I think 100% of the copier installs I have ever done have been on Cat 5e cables. I have never configured the web browser for IPV6. I guess Cat 6 has not become popular in my small part of the world although I certainly do not deny its technological superiority.

I also found a cheap cable end tester for $16.00 .

[tonerhead]

Re: Network Cabling

I see they also make a cat6 push-through connector. This is better yet.

Using RJ45 Crimping Tool With Push Through CAT5e / CAT6 Connectors - YouTube

[Hansoon]

Re: Network Cabling

Yes, but how'bout shielded cable??
Am I right that for a good solid Cat6 network shielded cable is mandatory?

Hans

[slimslob]

Re: Network Cabling

Yes, but how'bout shielded cable??
Am I right that for a good solid Cat6 network shielded cable is mandatory?

Hans

Only when running cable in environments with electromagnetic or radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI)when rigid or thin wall metal conduit it not available. For proper shielding, it will require the use of CAT6 shielded connectors and keystone jacks.