FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIROMENT
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL
AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
MODULE: NETWORKS 2B
MODULE CODE: NETELB2
LABORATORY 0-2: NETWORK CABLE CONSTRUCTION
LECTURER: MR A ALONGE
(SUBMITTED OCTOBER/2023)
NAME: LIYEMA KOLISI & STUDENT NUMBER: 222229454
DECLARATION
I, Liyema Kolisi, Student Number 222229454, affirm that I am submitting is entirely my own and has
not been previously published. I acknowledge that if it is proven that this project is not my original
work or substantially resembles the work of another student, I will be subjected to the University of
Johannesburg’s academic misconduct procedures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION ......................................................................................................................................... 2
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 4
MAIN OBJECTIVE .................................................................................................................................... 4
APPARATUS ............................................................................................................................................. 5
PROCEDURE ............................................................................................................................................ 5
LAB CONSTRUCTION............................................................................................................................... 7
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIA/EIA 568A and 568B CABLING STANDARDS................................................ 8
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CROSSOVER AND STRAIGHT-THROUGH CABLE ............................................... 8
CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................................................... 8
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 9
INTRODUCTION
In the realm of networking and telecommunications, the construction and understanding of Ethernet
cables are fundamental skills. This knowledge encompasses the ability to create both CAT-5e straightthrough and cross-over UTP cables, as well as recognizing the differences between the two TIA/EIA
twisted pair cabling standards: 568A and 568B. These skills are vital for anyone involved in setting up
or maintaining network connections.
Ethernet cables are the lifeblood of modern connectivity, facilitating the transfer of data and
information across the vast expanse of the internet and local area networks. A CAT-5e straightthrough UTP cable is a workhorse in this context, connecting devices such as computers to network
switches and routers. Conversely, a CAT-5e cross-over UTP cable takes on a specialized role, directly
connecting similar devices like two computers or two switches.
Understanding the differences between the TIA/EIA 568A and 568B standards is equally crucial.
These standards dictate the colour codes and arrangement of wires within an Ethernet cable.
Whether it's for government networks, commercial enterprises, or home networking, choosing the
right standard and correctly constructing the cable is essential for seamless communication.
MAIN OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the discussion is to provide a comprehensive understanding of Ethernet
cabling in the context of CAT-5e UTP (Category 5e Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables, with a particular
focus on:
1. Cable Construction: The primary aim is to teach how to construct two types of CAT-5e cables:
•
Straight-Through UTP Cable: This cable type is used to connect different devices, like
computers to network switches or routers.
•
Cross-Over UTP Cable: This cable is employed to connect similar devices directly, such as
connecting two computers or two switches.
2. Standard Differentiation: The objective is to explain and identify the differences between the two
primary TIA/EIA twisted pair cabling standards: 568A and 568B. Key points of focus include:
•
Understanding the wire colour arrangements for both 568A and 568B.
•
Recognizing when and where to use each standard, based on specific network and
application requirements.
By achieving these objectives, students will be equipped with the knowledge and practical skills
needed to create Ethernet cables tailored to their specific networking needs and standards. This
knowledge is essential for maintaining and expanding network connections in various environments,
from homes and offices to commercial and industrial settings, ensuring reliable and efficient data
transmission.
APPARATUS
➢
➢
➢
➢
➢
➢
CAT-5e UTP cable
RJ-45 connectors (4)
Crimping tool (provided by lecturer)
Wire stripper
Cable cutter
Ethernet cable tester (provided by lecturer)
PROCEDURE
The procedure to follow is mentioned in the instruction manual, nonetheless, below are the steps
according to my knowledge and understanding.
1. Cut the Cable: Use the cable cutter to cut the CAT-5e cable to the desired length(1m)
2. Strip the Cable: Strip about 2 cm of the outer jacket from both ends of the cable to expose
the twisted pairs inside.
3. Arrange the Wires: Untwist the pairs and arrange the wires according to the TIA/EIA 568B
colour code for both ends of the cable. For 568B, the arrangement is as follows:
End 1:
➢ White/Orange
➢ Orange
➢ White/Green
➢ Blue
➢ White/Blue
➢ Green
➢ White/Brown
➢ Brown
End 2:
➢ White/Orange
➢ Orange
➢ White/Green
➢ Blue
➢ White/Blue
➢ Green
➢ White/Brown
➢ Brown
4. Insert Wires into RJ-45 Connectors: Insert the wires into the RJ-45 connectors, ensuring they
are fully pushed in and that the colour coding is consistent on both ends.
5. Crimp the Connectors: Use the crimping tool to secure the connectors onto the cable. Make
sure the connectors are properly crimped, holding the wires in place.
6. Test the Cable: the lecturer will test the cable in the lab to ensure a proper connection.
The above combination is for a straight-through connection using the TIA/EIA 568B colour code.
For the crossover connection follow the same steps as above for a straight-through cable but use
the TIA/EIA 568A colour code for one end and the 568B colour code for the other end. The colour
code arrangement is as follows:
End 1 (568A):
➢ White/Green
➢ Green
➢ White/Orange
➢ Blue
➢ White/Blue
➢ Orange
➢ White/Brown
➢ Brown
End 2 (568B):
➢ White/Orange
➢ Orange
➢ White/Green
➢ Blue
➢ White/Blue
➢ Green
➢ White/Brown
➢ Brown
LAB CONSTRUCTION
FIGURE 1.1 Straight-through cable constructed in the lab.
FIGURE 1.2 crossover cable constructed in the lab.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TIA/EIA 568A and 568B CABLING STANDARDS
The main difference between TIA/EIA 568A and 568B standards lies in the order of the wire colour
pairs. These standards are used for terminating RJ-45 connectors on UTP cables and are critical for
ensuring proper connectivity in network cables.
Another difference is where they are used:
➢ 568A: Primarily used in government and commercial networks.
➢ 568B: More common in residential and general networking applications.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CROSSOVER AND STRAIGHT-THROUGH CABLE
Straight-Through Cable:
In a straight-through cable, both ends of the cable have the same wiring arrangement. This means
that the wire on pin 1 at one end is connected to pin 1 at the other end, pin 2 to pin 2, and so on.
Straight-through cables are used to connect devices with different functions, such as connecting a
computer to a network switch or a router to a modem.
Crossover Cable:
In a crossover cable, the wiring arrangement is different at each end. Specifically, some wires are
swapped. The wire on pin 1 at one end is connected to a different pin at the other end, and the same
goes for other pins. Crossover cables are used to connect devices with similar functions, such as
connecting two computers directly to one another or two switches.
CONCLUSION
In summary, understanding the distinctions between crossover and straight-through Ethernet cables,
as well as the TIA/EIA twisted pair cabling standards 568A and 568B, is fundamental in the world of
networking. These differences are essential for creating and maintaining robust and efficient network
connections. Straight-through cables are designed to link devices with differing functions, ensuring
one-way communication, while crossover cables facilitate two-way communication between devices
with similar roles. Moreover, the choice between 568A and 568B standards determines the
arrangement of wires within an Ethernet cable and should be based on the specific requirements of
the network environment. This knowledge empowers network administrators and IT professionals to
tailor network cabling for optimal performance, making it a valuable skillset for various networking
scenarios, from homes to complex enterprise infrastructures.
REFERENCES
[1]
M. A. Dye, R. Mcdonald, and A. W. Rufi, Network fundamentals : CCNA exploration companion guide.
Indianapolis, Ind.: Cisco Press, 2008.