Question

Create a step-by-step procedure on the proper way of crimping and testing a twisted pair cable. Prior to this, you have to define the required components.

Answer 1

The tools that you can use to crimp and test twisted-pair network cables.

Cables are the backbone of a wired network. The stability, reliability, and performance of a wired network depend on cables. Installing and maintaining cables in a wired network is a difficult task.

To make this task easier, a variety of network cable crimping and testing tools are available.

Crimping tools are used for the following purposes.

1> To cut the network cable of the required length from the bundle.

2> To remove the outer and inner jackets of the network cable.

3> To attach the connectors on both ends of the cable.

Some crimping tools provide all the functionality while others provide one or two functionalities. The most common twisted-pair network cable crimping tools are described below.

Wire Cutter: - To cut the network cable of the required length from the bundle, you can use any standard wire cutter tool or can use a wire cutter tool that is specially designed for the twisted-pair cable. A twisted-pair wire cutter usually includes additional blades for stripping the wire.

Wire Stripper: - This tool is used to remove the outer and inner jackets of the network cable. Typically, you do not need to purchase this tool separately as all standard twisted-pair wire cutters are equipped with wire-strippers.

The following image shows two twisted-pair wire cutter tools equipped with wire-strippers.

Network cable testing and troubleshooting tools

A network cable testing and troubleshooting tool is used for the following purposes.

• · To measure the length of a segment or network cable.
• · To detect loose connectors.
• · To identify an un-labeled network cable from all network cables.
• · To find a break in the network cable.
• · To certify the cable installation.

The following section describes the most common network cable testing and troubleshooting tools.

Cable certifier

This device thoroughly tests a network cable and certifies that the cable installation meets a special wiring standard such as Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, and so forth. This device can check and test total segment length, crosstalk, noise, wiremap, resistance, impedance, and the capability to transfer data at the maximum frequency rated for the cable.

Since this device performs a complete test and certifies the cable installation, it will cost you more than all the other test devices listed in this section. If you have a mid-size network or if you can buy this device, then you should always buy and use this device to manage network cables.

Basic cable tester

If you can't afford a network cable certifier, you can buy and use this device to manage your network cables. Besides certifying the cable installation, this device provides all remaining functionalities of a network cable certifier. It can test cable length, cross talk, and breaks in the cable. It can also check whether the connectors on both ends of a network cable are properly attached or not.

Tone generator and the probe

This device is used to trace the unlabeled network cables. This device comes in two pieces: the tone generator and the probe. The tone generator generates tones or signals and places them on the network cable. The probe detects these signals on the other end of the cable.

You can use this tool to identify network cables that run from a central location to remote locations. For example, if you are working on a patch-panel or switch and trying to figure out which network cable connects back to an end-device (such as a PC), then you can use this device.

Place a tone generator at one end of the connection (end-device), and use the probe on another side (switch or patch-panel) to determine which network cable the tone generator is connected to.

Steps for crimping the twisted wire

Step1

Strip the cable back 1 inch (25 mm) from the end. Insert the cable into the stripper section of the tool and squeeze it tight. Then, rotate the crimping tool around the cable in a smooth and even motion to create a clean cut. Keep the tool clamped and pull away towards the end of the wire to remove the sheathing.

· The stripping section is a round hole near the handle of the tool.

· The sheathing should come off cleanly, leaving the wires exposed.

Step2

Untwist and straighten the wires inside of the cable. Inside of the cable you’ll see a bunch of smaller wires twisted together. Separate the twisted wires and straighten them out so they’re easier to sort into the right order.

· Cut off the small plastic wire separator or core so it’s out of the way.

· Don’t cut off or remove any of the wires or you won’t be able to crimp them into the connector.

·

Step3

Arrange the wires into the right order. Use your fingers to put the wires in the correct order so they can be properly crimped. The proper sequence is as follows from left to right: Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White, Green, Brown/White, Brown.

· There are 8 wires in total that need to be arranged in the right sequence.

· Note that the wires labeled Orange/White or Brown/White indicate the small wires that have 2 colors.

Step4

Cut the wires into an even line ¹⁄₂ inch (13 mm) from sheathing. Hold the wires with your thumb and index finger to keep them in order. Then, use the cutting section of the crimping tool to cut them into an even line.

• · The cutting section of the tool will resemble wire cutters.
• · The wires must be in an even line to be crimped into the RJ-45 connector properly. If you cut them in an uneven line, move further down the wires and cut them again.

Step5

Fit the wires into the grooves of the RJ-45 connector. Hold the connector so the metal pins or brackets are facing up and the clip is facing down. Hold the small wires together in the right order and slide them into the connector. They should fit into the grooves of the connector, with the end of the sheath of the cable fitting just past the base of the connector

Step6

Press the pins down with a flathead screwdriver. Locate the small metal pins at the ends of the grooves of the connector. Use a thin, flathead screwdriver to push each of the pins down. Push the pins 1 by 1 so they’re pressed all the way into each wire.

· Be careful not to crack or break the plastic connector.

Step7

Tug on the end of the connector to make sure it’s secure. Double check that all of the pins are pressed into the wire, and give a light tug on the connector to make sure it won’t slide off. Each of the pins should be inserted at the same level to form an even line.

· Lightly shake the cable and listen for any rattling that could indicate that one of the pins isn’t secure.

And after completing all the steps you test the wire wheather it is working or not.