Homemade gigabit ethernet cable woes

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raydenl

99 posts

Master Geek

#177857 16-Aug-2015 16:47

Hey

I'm trying to make up some short (35cm) Ethernet cables to go between my patch board and switch. I had some old long ones (CAT5 - 26AWG) that I used temporarily, and the switch used to negotiate at gigabit speeds using them.

My shorts ones using quality Dynamix CAT5E - 24AWG cable and Dynamix RJ45 connectors only connect at 10/100 speed. I have made 4 of them, each one meticulously made, each one gives me the same result, 10/100. It's driving me a bit crazy! The router at the other end is also reporting a 10/100 connection, so it's not just the switch reporting the lower speed.

Any idea what I'm doing wrong?

RunningMan

8965 posts

Uber Geek

#1367512 16-Aug-2015 16:54

Gigabit requires all four pairs, so one bad pin at one end will make the cable bad. They're pretty cheap to buy ready made with none of the drama so that might be a better way to go....

raydenl

99 posts

Master Geek

#1367515 16-Aug-2015 16:57

Hi thanks

Yea, I just assumed after four attempts I would have nailed it at least once :D I will try a couple more times, if I'm not successful, I'll just buy them ready made.

InstallerUFB

840 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1367516 16-Aug-2015 17:07

raydenl: Hi thanks

Yea, I just assumed after four attempts I would have nailed it at least once :D I will try a couple more times, if I'm not successful, I'll just buy them ready made.

You could also have a mismatch of cable/connector type? ie are you useing stranded core cable / with stranded core plugs or useing Sold core cable with sold cor plugs - a mis match of either way around can cause misconnections

and if they are short and sold core - just the act of bending them around can cause them to disconnect

raydenl

99 posts

Master Geek

#1367519 16-Aug-2015 17:14

InstallerUFB:
raydenl: Hi thanks

Yea, I just assumed after four attempts I would have nailed it at least once :D I will try a couple more times, if I'm not successful, I'll just buy them ready made.

You could also have a mismatch of cable/connector type? ie are you useing stranded core cable / with stranded core plugs or useing Sold core cable with sold cor plugs - a mis match of either way around can cause misconnections

and if they are short and sold core - just the act of bending them around can cause them to disconnect

Hmm, now I feel stupid. Looks like I bought RJ-45 (flat, stranded) plugs, I have round, solid cable... could have sworn I checked that when I bought them... oh well at least now it makes sense why it's not working. Thanks!

froob

692 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1367567 16-Aug-2015 18:40

People on here will tell you that you should just buy patch cables, and they are probably right! The cables are very inexpensive and will help you avoid issues like this. Having said that, I have made the odd cable here and there without any trouble. It's really useful to have a cable tester, so you can make sure each wire is making a connection. To be honest, I didn't know there were different plugs ends for solid and stranded core cable either...

Guide: Installing Network Cabling in New Zealand Homes

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#1367578 16-Aug-2015 18:59

Make sure you're using a 568a or 568b wiring standard. The NZ standard is 568a but either will work fine as long as you do it the same on both ends.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1367579 16-Aug-2015 19:00

It makes no sense to make short patch leads when you can buy them so cheaply (ie under $1)

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nakedmolerat

4629 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1367599 16-Aug-2015 19:40

sbiddle: It makes no sense to make short patch leads when you can buy them so cheaply (ie under $1)

Where is the fun in life if we don't DIY every now and then!