How to Properly Terminate Cat 6a Network Cables
Cat 6a network cables are the latest and greatest in Ethernet cabling, offering speeds of up to 10 Gigabit per second (Gbps). They are also backward compatible with Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables, making them a great choice for future-proofing your network.
If you’re looking to install Cat 6a cables in your home or office, it’s important to terminate them properly. This will ensure that you get the best possible performance from your network.
Tools You’ll Need
You will need the following tools to terminate Cat 6a cables:
RJ-45 connectors
Crimping tool
Wire strippers
Cable tester
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Strip the cable jacket. Use the wire strippers to remove about 1 inch of the cable jacket from the end of the cable. Be careful not to cut into the individual wires.
2. Untwist the wire pairs. Gently untwist the four pairs of wires inside the cable.
3. Straighten the wires. Straighten the wires so that they are all parallel to each other.
4. Insert the wires into the RJ-45 connector. Insert the wires into the RJ-45 connector in the following order:
Orange/white
Orange
Green/white
Blue
Blue/white
Green
Brown/white
Brown
5. Trim the wires. Trim the excess wire so that about 1/2 inch of wire is left exposed beyond the end of the RJ-45 connector.
6. Crimp the connector. Use the crimping tool to crimp the RJ-45 connector onto the cable.
7. Test the cable. Use the cable tester to test the cable to make sure it is properly terminated.
Tips for Proper Termination
Make sure that the cable jacket is stripped back far enough to expose the individual wires.
Untwist the wire pairs as much as possible without breaking them.
Straighten the wires so that they are all parallel to each other.
Insert the wires into the RJ-45 connector in the correct order.
Trim the excess wire so that about 1/2 inch of wire is left exposed beyond the end of the RJ-45 connector.
Crimp the connector firmly onto the cable.
Test the cable to make sure it is properly terminated.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble terminating Cat 6a cables, here are a few troubleshooting tips:
Make sure that you are using the correct tools.
Check that the cable jacket is stripped back far enough to expose the individual wires.
Untwist the wire pairs as much as possible without breaking them.
Straighten the wires so that they are all parallel to each other.
Insert the wires into the RJ-45 connector in the correct order.
Trim the excess wire so that about 1/2 inch of wire is left exposed beyond the end of the RJ-45 connector.
Crimp the connector firmly onto the cable.
Test the cable to make sure it is properly terminated.
If you’re still having trouble, you may want to consult with a professional electrician.