Lesson#10 Creating Cross-over and Straight-through Cables

Objectives
This lesson aims to help you learn to create cross-over and straight-through cables.
In configuring networks, it is needed that a transmission medium be established to allow
data to flow along the different computer systems and components connected to it. It acts
as the main pathway for data and signals that runs through a network. The most common
transmission medium used in networking is a cable. Twisted-pair cables are normally the
first option to use in establishing connections within the network because it is both cheap
and efficient. It is composed of four pairs of wire with different colors, four solid and four
with white stripe. The colors are orange, green, blue, and brown.

Learn about it!

Listed below are the steps in creating twisted-pair cables:
1) Prepare all the tools and materials needed.

 Crimping tool – this is a special tool used to cut, hold, and attach and RJ45 jack to the end
of the cable.
 Cutters or Scissors – can be used to cut the cable
 Twisted-pair Cables – these are cables that are specifically used in networking.
 RJ45 Jacks – these are the connectors attached to the end of a twisted-pair cable.
2) Cut the twisted-pair cable based on the needed length.
3) Remove the outer jacket of the cable to expose the four pairs of wires inside.
4) Untwist the wires. Make sure that they are free from any damage. A small cut may result
in failure to transmit.
5) Arrange the wires based on the type of cable you want to create:

 Straight-through Cable – this type of cable is usually used to connect a client to a host, to a
switch, or to a server. This could also be referred to as a patch cable. Shown in the table is
the arrangement of wires for both ends of a straight-through cable:
  Cross-over Cable – this type is used to directly connect a host to another host. This type of
connection is referred to as peer-to-peer. Shown in the table is the arrangement of wires for
both ends of a crossover cable:

6) After determining the type of cable that will be created, cut the wires so that they will be
of exact length. Make sure that the end of the wires are perfectly aligned.
7) Firmly hold the cable and insert the wires into the RJ45 jack. The part with the lock must
be placed at the bottom.
8)Check if the end of the wires touches the end of the RJ45 jack. If not, push it a little more.
9) Once alignment is ensured, plug the cable into the crimping tool, firmly squeeze it while
securely holding the cable. Once a locking sound is heard, release the grip. Do the same
with the other end of the cable.
10) Use a LAN tester or a cable tester to ensure that the connection of all the wires in both
ends of the cable is transmitting.
Having the correct knowledge and skills in cabling is needed in order for a technician to
properly connect the computer systems and peripherals in a network. Following the steps
indicated above and knowing the job requirements before creating a cable is necessary to
ensure that connections will be established, materials will not be wasted, and devices will
not be damaged.
Quiz#10 Creating Cross-over and Straight-through Cables
Question 1
What must be established to ensure that data will be communicated in a network?

Transmission Medium
The transmission medium acts as a lane for both data and signals within a network to successfully travel from
one component to another.
Question 2
What type of cable is the most commonly used transmission medium?

Twisted-pair
The most commonly used cable is the twisted-pair because of its low cost and high efficiency.
Question 3
What type of connector is usually attached to both ends of a twisted-pair cable?

RJ45
An RJ45 is a jack that is specifically designed to fit the eight individual wires that is found inside a twisted pair
cable.
Question 4
How many pairs of wires does a twisted-pair cable has?
Four
A twisted-pair cable is composed of four pairs of colored cables. Each pair is composed of one solid and white-
striped color.
Question 5
Which of the following is used to attach the RJ45 jack to the end of a twisted-pair cable?

Crimping tool
A crimping tool is used specifically to attach an RJ45 jack to the end of a twisted pair cable. It can also be used
as a plier or a cutter.
Question 6
What type of cable is used to connect a client to a host?

Straight-through
A straight-through cable is used to connect a client to a different component, such as a switch, a router or a
server.
Question 7
What type of cable is used to connect a host to another host?

Cross-over
A crossover cable is used to connect similar components together, like a host to another host.
Question 8
What other name is used for a straight-through cable?

Patch cable
A common term used for a straight-through cable is patch cable.
Question 9
The arrangement of the wires in both ends of a straight-through cable is ___________.

similar
A straight-through cable’s wire arrangements at both ends must be similar at all times.
Question 10
In inserting the wires to the RJ45 jack, the lock must be located at the _______________.

bottom
In placing the wires into the RJ45 jack, the part where the lock is located must be facing down.