Really struggling with RJ45 connectors.

[HappyHippyDad]

I have fitted RJ45 connectors to either side of a piece of cat5 cable but when I test it on the laptop I get no ethernet connection. I also have a pre-made ethernet cable which works fine so I know it's my home made ethernet cable. I cut the cat5 to 12.5mm and connect both ends the same (i.e s68A)

I have practised this a few times now each with the same result, i.e. it doesn't work.

With a piece of twin and earth I could test for continuity at both ends but how do I test for continuity through an RJ45 connector?

The problems that I can see it as being are the following but I dont know which is the most likely or if there are other problems I missing?

1. Poor quality connectors, not actually making contact in the laptop or router.
2. cat 5 not actually terminated inside RJ45 connector
3. RJ45 Crimping tool not effective which leads to 2 above.

Cheers all.

 

[SparkyChick]

You can get cheapish network cable testers from ScrewFix.

I suspect it's something simple like you're not pushing the cable fully home. The gold contacts have insulation piercing spikes on them and they aren't that long, so it's entirely possible if the cable isn't fully home, they'll miss.

It's just practice. I've done hundreds over the years and still manage to cock up the odd one.

You can test continuity using your MFT, just make sure your probe tips are nice and sharp so they make good contact with the gold contacts.

Personally I would stick with T568B as that seems to be most common here, although it actually doesn't matter unless you're making a cross-over cable (in which case, one end should be T568A and the other T568B I believe).

 

[SparkyAndGeorge]

Try the push through RJ45 connectors, much quicker and easier.

 

[FatAlan]

You can get Cat5/6 continuity testers that will also confirm the order of the conductors. Termination of RJ45 is a right pain. I’ve tried various types and have come to the conclusion that patch panels are the way to go and avoid fitting full stop unless you have to.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Agree with SC, its practice and i could not be without my tester. One thing i did notice is that i got a load of Rj45 plugs from wholesaler A and everyone failed, they simply did not line up properly with my crimper, got a load from wholesaler B and they worked perfectly.
You do need to test all 8 wires, even though sometimes not all are used , speedier lines use more cores

 

[freddo]

The cores should generally be wired to the T568 B standard not in the order you have done. See diagram below:

Your wires don't look fully inserted, and the contacts look like they might be crimped too far in. I use a Platinum Tools crimper with the matching connectors that allow the wires to protrude through the plug, the crimper trims them to length. Dead easy and very reliable.

 

[Moley]

Wiring a RJ45 is one of my pet hates. You really do need a tester. Don't waste money on an expensive on if you are only doing a few. Mine is similar to THIS Costs a fiver and saves a lot of agro. you can see if the lead is okay straight away. It'll also tell you if you have any crossed.

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Cheers everyone

I took a deep breath and started again, this time it worked!

I'm pretty sure i didn't have the ends long enough. I measured 12.5mm but when you actually push them into the connector they shorten a little and they wern't reaching the metal spikes.

 

[Moley]

This one is cheaper - £3.50!!
LINK

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Wiring a RJ45 is one of my pet hates. You really do need a tester. Don't waste money on an expensive on if you are only doing a few. Mine is similar to THIS Costs a fiver and saves a lot of agro. you can see if the lead is okay straight away. It'll also tell you if you have any crossed.

Just bought one!

 

[Moley]

Just bought one!

You won't regret it

 

[bill01803]

Don't cut the cable to length first, have it longer and once you have them in the correct order trim it then.

 

[FatAlan]

The thing I hate to most is unravelling the wires and then trying to straighten them out prior to putting in order. Is there a tool that assists with this?

 

[littlespark]

I think I’ve got a spare tester and crimper going begging. Bought a kit myself then obtained another from a retired IT guy.
will look it out and advertise them on here for selling, but I think postage will be as much as the items cost

 

[Zerax]

I strongly recommend the wire-through type of plug where all the individual conductors poke out the end of the plug before you crimp down/trim off with the crimper. These have the advantage of not having to be accurate with length and you can easily see the order you've inserted them in.

If you think Cat5 is tricky... wait until you try Cat6 !!