How To Make a Category 6 / Cat6 Patch Cable

How To Make a Category 6 / Cat6 Patch Cable

 

ComputerCableStore has created the following "How to Make Cat6 Patch Cables" to help you make your own custom length Cat 6 network cables. Within this "How To" article we have included you will need to find the materials, tools, and information on how to build straight through Category 6 Patch Cords and Crossover Cat6 Patch Cords. 

 

We will discuss materials needed, cable preparation, as well as connector termination.

 

 

Materials:

 

First of all, building quality network cables depends on ordering the correct materials.  The most important material will be the cable that we will be using. Bulk Cat 6 cable is available in a variety of different types:

 

Stranded

Stranded is primarily used for building patch cables. The core of the conductors is comprised of many strands of copper enabling greater flexibility without damaging the copper conductor cores. 

 

 

Solid

Solid cable is primarily used for in-wall or permanent applications. The copper conductor cores are comprised of a single solid strand of copper. This allows for greater transmission distances, however, it can not be flexed repeatedly without causing damage. 

 

 

Plenum

Plenum is primarily used for in-wall or permanent applications where the local building codes require that plenum be used. Plenum is essentially the same as solid except the jacketing is comprised of a PVC Teflon mix. This plenum jacket is a low smoke/flame retardant jacket that reduces the amount of toxic fumes that are released into the air in case of a fire.

 

 

 

Stranded is best for building patch cord. The flexible stranded cores will hold up well against the daily abuses these cords inevitably endure. Here at ComputerCableStore we carry Stranded Cat 6 cable in a variety of colors.