Network Cable Wiring Sequence

[crc-ict]

Dear All,

 

I have interviews tomorrow and Thursday for ICT Technician posts and both of these have practical test components to them.

 

One question/task that I am dreading coming up is the making of a network cable - I can never remember the wiring sequence without having to look at a diagram!

 

I was just wondering if anyone out there knows a clever mnemonic or some other way of remembering the colour sequence easily?

 

Cheers,

 

Chris.

[ChrisC]

Seriously, if you're expected to do it on the job, you'd of course have a diagram and/or set of instructions, for people to ask you to do it by memory would be unreasonable!

 

Chris

[plexer]

I would answer that unless the school has or intends to rent the relevant piece of test equipent to certify those cables that it is a false economy to make them yourselves. With mass production pre made patch lead costs are very cheap and they have been tested and certified.

 

Ben

[plexer]

But if you insist:

 

http://www.lanshack.com/make-cat5E.aspx

 

There some info on there.

 

Ben

[CyberNerd]

orangewhiteorange greenwhiteblue bluewhitegreen brownwhitebrown

 

as long as you consistent (using A or B standards) its not a problem

[plexer]

Well for that matter as long as you do the same at both ends you can do it however you want and it would work.

 

Ben

[crc-ict]

Thanks, guys.

 

The job description actually states Network Cabling and Installations, so I guess having to do it is a good possibility!

 

Any more ideas - was hoping for something like the "Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain" thing for the colours of the rainbow...

 

Not sure that this particular sequence really lends itself, though!

 

Chris

[plexer]

Even though it says network cabling and installations I would still argue for buying ready made patch leads. If you are expected to perform structured cabling installations again you'd need to have the relevant training courses and access to test equipment.

 

Ben

[Jake]

I dont really know any clever way of remembering the order, I just always remember it. We make all our cables up so I do it regularly and the order is just emblazoned into my mind

[ChrisC]

Yea, when you're doing it regularly you just remember.

 

As said before working out how long it takes you to make up the cable compare that to the rate of pay, then compare that number with the cost of buying the cable.

 

If the description states "network cabling and installations" couldn't that just mean running a length of cable and connecting it (probably not).

 

If they ask you to cable it, I'm sure they'd be more interested in your ability to find and follow a diagram than just have it all stuck in your head.

 

Chris

[webman]

Just remember that all the stripes go before the solid except blue.

 

Here's how I do it.

 

Separate the colours into this order:

Orange/White+Orange, Green/White+Green, Brown/White+Brown.

 

Then separate the green one and put the blue ones inbetween (but solid blue on the left)

[OutToLunch]

Grab some coloured pens and roll up your sleeve... All network gurus should have useful tattoos of colour schemes and wiring standards on their arms! Alternatively, just remember LOOLGBlLBlGLBrBr

 

Good luck!

[ChrisC]

Hrm, colour coded tattoo................

 

also, a network map/diagram on your hand, so then you can truly say "I know this network like the back of my hand!"

 

Chris

[Snuffkins]

We make a lot of our own cables too, just make 20 or so and then you'll never forget. It's not worth the cramp and sore fingers though, lol.

 

Have they only got to make a straight through cable? I think buying patch leads is def the way to go, although it's always nice to be able to have exactly the length you want and be able to do it yourself.

 

I had to make this 90ish meter crossover recently. Schools too cheap to pay for a fibre link. Couldn't believe it when it actually worked...

 

I always remember the pin out though. 1 2 3 6 5 4 7 8

 

Pins 1 and 2 are orange, 3 and 4 are green, 5 and 6 are blue and 7 and 8 are brown and that all the even numbers are solid coloured and the odd are broken with white. Unless you have some nasty cable that just happens to be all solid colours... lol

[Ric_]

My favourite diagram is at http://www.texarkanacollege.edu/rj45_wiring_scheme.html and I have it printed out and pinned up in my office

[Jake]

I think buying patch leads is def the way to go, although it's always nice to be able to have exactly the length you want and be able to do it yourself.

 

Yeah thats why we do it, especially when it comes to outfitting a new IT suite, its just easier for us to buy a few rolls of 300m of catv and run it around the trunking in the room to each workstation and pop some rj45 sockets into the trunking. Saves us the hassle of having to get a supplier to provide us with the right lengths of cable

[ChrisC]

I had to make this 90ish meter crossover recently. Schools too cheap to pay for a fibre link. Couldn't believe it when it actually worked...

 

You get much signal deteriation(sp) from that length? I know you can hit around 100m relliably, but was just wondering.

 

@ Ric, nice pinnup!

 

Chris

[Snuffkins]

It tested ok, seems to be running with no probs signals ok. We've even managed to hang this CCTV system on the other end of it with no performance problems. Was pleasantly surprised with it.

 

100m the wholy grail of copper cabling, lol.

[wesleyw]

@Snuffkins - I know that route, you had fun laying it!

 

Wes

[crc-ict]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.

 

I think I'll just slip a diagram into my jacket pocket just in case that does come up!

 

Cheers,

Chris.

[NetworkGeezer]

What you could also do is cut off a lug from a patch lead, attach it to a gold chain and wear it round your neck. If asked you can just say it's your lucky RJ45 plug.

 

When noone's watching you can just take a quick peek at the wires through the transparent plastic.

[GrumbleDook]

Why not just visit EduGeek.net ... there is a dirty great big picture of it at the top ...

 

Or failing that buy a t-shirt and/or mug to take in with you. These have the logo on too.

[crc-ict]

What you could also do is cut off a lug from a patch lead, attach it to a gold chain and wear it round your neck. If asked you can just say it's your lucky RJ45 plug.

 

ROFL I love it!

 

What a fine idea!

[webman]

Or something like this?

 

http://www.thinkgeek.com/images/products/front/cat5bracelet.jpg

[tommy330]

WG What goes

G goes

WO Wipes out

B Blues

WB Whos blues

O oops

WB White be

B Brown