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SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

TVL- CSS
Computer Systems Servicing
Quarter 2 – Module 8:
SETTING-UP COMPUTER NETWORKS (SUCN)

Network Cable Configuration

TLE_IACSS9-12SUCN-IVa-j-33

Picture
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SEVERINO R. CANTUBA JR.

Teacher - I

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After reading this module, student must be able to:

1. Configure ethernet cable Straight Through (T568A) configuration

2. Configure ethernet cable Straight Through (T568B) configuration
3. Configure ethernet cable Cross-Over configuration

INTRODUCTION

Even though there have been advances in wireless technologies, many computer networks in the 21st
century rely on cables as the physical medium that devices use to transfer data. Several standard types of
network cables exist, each designed for specific purposes.

In the Networking Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device
to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a network
will utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen
for a network is related to the network’s topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of
different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary for the development
of a successful network.

Vocabulary
Crossover Ethernet Cable - Its purpose is to allow the direct connection of two LAN devices, such
as two hubs, two switches or a hub and a switch. It can also be used to
create a direct connection between two computers.
Straight-through Cable - Straight-through cable is used to connect computers and other end-user
devices (e.g., printers) to networking devices such as hubs and switches
LAN Tester - A cable tester is a device used to test the strength and connectivity of a
particular type of cable or other wired assemblies
RJ45 - Short for Registered Jack-45, an RJ-45 is an 8-pin connection used
for Ethernet network adapters
T568 - is the result of more than 60 contributing organizations, including
manufacturers, end-users, and consultants. Use to define cabling
types, distances, connectors, cable system architectures, cable
termination standards as well as performance standards.

P reTest
Direction: Read the sentence carefully. Encircle the letter of the correct answer from the given
choices. Write your answer in your data notebook.
1. Its one purpose is to allow the direct connection of two computers.
a. Straight Through b. T568B c. Cross-Over d. T568A
2. Which of the following is true about Straight-Through Cabling?
a. connects same networking equipment
b. uses T568B and the end and T568A at the other end of the cable.
c. use to connect computer to a network switch.
d. none of the above
3. Which of the following is the color scheme standard for T568B?
a. White Orange, Orange, White Green, Blue, White Blue, Green, White Brown, Brown
b. White Green, Blue, White Green, Orange, White Brown, Green, White Brown, Blue
c. White Green, Green, White Orange, Blue, White Blue, Orange, White Brown, Brown
d. White Brown, Brown, White Green, Blue, White Blue, Green, White Orange, Orange
4. used to connect computer to a hub or switch.
b. Straight Through b. T568B c. Cross-Over d. T568A
5. A connector used to terminate UTP cable.
a. RJ45 b. RJ11 c. BNC d. Terminator

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 Learning Activities

Activity 8.1
Directions: Analyze the pictures below of different LAN layout. From your observation, write a paragraph
that explains your own idea of how those two networks work.

Picture Picture
1 2

INFORMATION SHEET 8.1

ETHERNET CABLE
An Ethernet cable is a common type of network cable used with wired networks. Ethernet cables connect
devices such as PCs, routers, and switches within a local area network. These physical cables are limited
by length and durability. If a network cable is too long or of poor quality, it won't carry a good network signal.
These limits are one reason there are different types of Ethernet cables that are optimized to perform certain
tasks in specific situations.

There are two basic ethernet cable pin outs. A straight through ethernet cable, which is used to connect
to a hub or switch, and a crossover ethernet cable used to operate in a peer-to-peer fashion without a
hub/switch. Generally, all fixed wiring should be run as straight through. Some ethernet interfaces can cross
and un-cross a cable automatically as needed, a handy feature. Ethernet cable uses TIA-568 color scheme
which is the standard color code for network cabling.

Here is what the internals of the ethernet cable look like:

Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable (UTP)

What is TIA-568?

TIA-568 is the result of more than 60 contributing organizations, including manufacturers, end-users, and
consultants. That's an impressive piece of work! The very first revision (A) was published in 1991, with the
second (B) in 1995.

The main goal of the standard is to define cabling types, distances, connectors, cable system architectures,
cable termination standards as well as performance standards.

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Two UTP Cable Color Standard (T568A and T568B)
1. White Orange
T568A 1.
2.
White Green
Green T568B 2. Orange
3. White Orange 3. White Green
4. Blue 4. Blue
5. White Blue 5. White Blue
6. Orange 6. Green
7. White Brown 7. White Brown
8. Brown 8. Brown

STRAIGHT-THROUGH ETHERNET CABLING

Straight-through cable is a type of twisted pair copper wire cable for local area network (LAN) use for
which the RJ-45 connectors at each end have the same pinout (i.e., arrangement of conductors).

Straight-through cable is used to connect computers and other end-user devices (e.g., printers) to
networking devices such as hubs and switches. It can also be used to directly connect like devices (e.g.,
two hubs or two switches) if the cable is plugged into an uplink port on one (but not both) of the devices.
Crossover cable is used to connect two like devices without the use of an uplink port.

Standard, Straight-Through Wiring Diagram (both ends of the cable are the same):

UTP Cable

Straight-Through Cable
using T568A Color Code

If you want to use T568A all of your cables must be at the same color code. Normally
STRAIGHT THROUGH cabling is being used in Networking or LAN.

UTP Cable

Straight-Through Cable
using T568B Color Code

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Straight-Through Typical Application:
1. Between a computer and a modem, router, or switch
2. Between other dissimilar networking equipment

T568B
This LAN uses Straight Switch
Through Cabling with
T568B color code

T568B Computer 1
T568B

T568B

T568B

Router
Straight Through
T568B Computer 2
Cable

CROSS-OVER ETHERNET CABLING

A crossover cable is a type of twisted pair copper wire cable for LANs (local area network) in which the
wires on the cable are crossed over so that the receive signal pins on the RJ-45 connector on one end are
connected to the transmit signal pins on the RJ-45 connector on the other end.

This is the opposite of the usual straight-through LAN cable, in which the receive and transmit signal pins
on one connector are connected to the corresponding pints on the other connector. Its purpose is to allow
the direct connection of two LAN devices, such as two hubs, two switches or a hub and a switch. It can also
be used to create a direct connection between two computers.

This simple LAN

uses T568A in one
end and T568B at
the other end of the
cable. The process
Cross-Over Cable using T568A and T568B Color Code of Cross-over
cabling is to connect
or network two
Cross-Over Typical Application: similar device (ex.
Computers)
1. Between two computers without a hub or switch device
2. Between other similar networking equipment

T568A T568B

Cross-Over Cable

Computer 1 Computer 2

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 Activity 8.2
Directions: Based from the previous lesson. Provide at least two sentences of a short description of your
own understanding from the terms below. Include in your answer when are you going to use each of the
cabling scheme. Write your answer on your data notebook.

1. Cross-Over Cabling
2. Straight Through Cabling

HOW TO MAKE AN ETHERNET CABLE

Purchasing Ethernet cables can be quite expensive and pre-made lengths are not always the length you
need. Making Ethernet cables is easy with a box of bulk Category 5e Ethernet cable and RJ-45 connectors
that are attached to the cut ends of your preferred cable length.

Materials Needed:
1. 2 pcs RJ45 (at least 4 pcs as reserved if mistake is made)
2. RJ-45 Crimping tool
3. LAN Tester
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1 2

Here's how to make a standard cable:

1. Cut into the plastic sheath about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the end of the
cut cable. The crimping tool has a razor blade that will do the trick with
practice. Be sure not to cut or nick any of the wires! Otherwise, you'll
need to start over.

2. Unwind and pair the similar colors. Separate and straighten out the
wires so they are no longer twisted. Note how the wires are each
different color. The order you arrange them in will determine what the
cable can do.

3. Pinch the wires between your fingers and straighten them out as
shown. The color order is important to get correct. Arrange the wire in
which you want to crimp them (T568A or T568B). Follow the color
code for Straight-Through cabling shown in page 3 or Cross-over in
page 4.

4. Make sure the wires lay flat and parallel, with no spaces between
them. Use crimping tool or scissors to make a straight cut across the
8 wires to shorten them to 1/2 Inch (1.3 cm) from the cut sleeve to the
end of the wires. Check once more that the color order is still correct.

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5. Hold the RJ-45 connector with the clip facing down and
away from you. Carefully push all 8 unstripped colored
wires into the connector (RJ45). Note the position of the
blue plastic sleeve. Also note how the wires go all the
way to the end.

6. A view from the top. All the wires are all the way in.
There are no short wires. Check that the wires are flat
and even at the front of the plug, so that they will make
a good electrical connection.

Note : The color code is based on what setup you are

using. The picture color code is for reference only

WRONG WAY - Note how the blue plastic sleeve is not

inside the connector where it can be locked into place.
The wires are too long. The wires should extend only
1/2 inch from the blue cut sleeve.

WRONG WAY - Note how the wires do not go all the

way to the end of the connector.

RIGHT WAY – Note that the pins of the wire are visible
at the tip of the RJ45. And the blue sleeve is pushed
through inside the RJ45.

7. CRIMPING THE CABLE ... carefully place the

connector into the Ethernet Crimper and squeeze down
on the handles tightly. Release the handles, then
squeeze the tool again to make sure all the pins are
pushed down. The copper splicing tabs on the
connector will pierce into each of the eight wires.

There is also a locking tab that holds the blue plastic

sleeve in place for a tight compression fit. When you
remove the cable from the crimper, that end is ready to
use.

8. For a standard "Straight Through" cable, repeat all

steps and wire color order on the other end of cable.
For a cross-over cable, the other end will have a
different color order as shown by the crossover picture
above.

9. Make sure to test the cables before installing them. An

inexpensive Ethernet cable tester does this quite well.

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 TEST ETHERNET CABLE USING LAN TESTER
To test an Ethernet cable, you need a cable tester. There are different models of cable testers you can
purchase. Some have a detachable receiver unit that you can use to test a cable across two rooms.

1. Check your LAN tester Battery and ports: There are many models you can purchase. Make sure
it has a battery in it and power it on.

2. Plug one end of the cable into the transmit jack. When you are ready, you can begin the test
by turning on the network cable tester device. The tester will send a signal from one end of the box
to the other. The message will then be relayed through the cable. Always keep the network cable
tester connected to the cable during the test, otherwise, the test will not work.

3. Check the lights on the tester. Most testers will have 2 sets of 8 LED lights that correspond to
the 8 pins on the transmitting and receiving end of the Ethernet cable. There will also be a G light
for the ground. It will test each pin one at a time. If all 8 pins light up on both ends, the cable is
good. If any of the lights do not light up on either end, this indicates a short in the cable. Don't worry
if the G light doesn't light up. If the lights on either end flash out of order, this indicates that you are
testing a crossover cable. As long as all 8 lights flash, the cable is good.

Synchronized light indicator during testing

means you are using or setting up a Straight
Through Cabling

Master – Remote Master – Remote

1 – 1 5 – 5
2 – 2 6 – 6
3 – 3 7 – 7
4 – 4 8 – 8

If the Light Indicator match with the pattern

below:

Master – Remote Master – Remote

1 – 3 5 – 5
2 – 6 6 – 2
3 – 1 7 – 7
4 – 4 8 – 8
This means you are using or setting up a
Cross-Over Cabling

4. If you are encountered a problem like missing light indicator or wrong pattern of lights for Straight-
through or cross-over cable, you might need to check the rj45 and Crimp it again. Otherwise you
are going to cut the rj45 and start over again with the faulty color code setup.

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 P ractice Task 8.1
Direction: Study the given scenario below. Recall the steps on how to create an ethernet cable.

Scenario: You have two computers in your home. You want to create a simple LAN with a limited resources
you have. You only want to connect the two computers for LAN games and sharing of files and printer.

Guide Questions:
1. What type of network cabling you recommend to apply for your simple LAN of two computers.
2. What color code standard you are going to use? Enumerate the color scheme/code for you cable.
3. State the steps on your own words without copying the exact procedure given in this module.

P ostTest
I. Multiple Choice Directions: read each question and their corresponding answers carefully. Choose
the answer that best fits the question. Please circle the appropriate letter.
1. Which pattern of LED number of LAN tester indicates a cross-over ethernet cable?
a. 1-2,2-1,3-4,4-3,5-7,6-6,7-5,8-8
b. 1-1,2-2,3-3,4-4,5-5,6-6,7-7,8-8
c. 1-3,2-6,3-1,4-4,5-5,6-2,7-7,8-8
d. 1-3,2-4,3-5,4-2,5-3,6-8,7-7,8-6
2. Which of the following is true about Cross-over Cabling?
a. connects same networking equipment
b. uses T568A and the end and T568A at the other end of the cable.
c. use to connect computer to a network switch.
d. none of the above
3. Which of the following is the color scheme standard for T568A?
a. White Orange, Orange, White Green, Blue, White Blue, Green, White Brown, Brown
b. White Green, Blue, White Green, Orange, White Brown, Green, White Brown, Blue
c. White Green, Green, White Orange, Blue, White Blue, Orange, White Brown, Brown
d. White Brown, Brown, White Green, Blue, White Blue, Green, White Orange, Orange
4. used to connect computer to a computer
a. Straight Through b. T568B c. Cross-Over d. T568A
5. A connector used to terminate UTP cable.
a. RJ45 b. RJ11 c. BNC d. Terminator

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 Answer Key

PRETEST
1. c
2. c
3. a
4. b
5. a

POSTTEST
1. c
2. a
3. c
4. c
5. a

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