Right and standard compliant Straight and Crossover cable (UTP cable)

In building a computer network, you will know the term UTP cable. Then, what is the UTP cable? UTP or Unshielded Twisted Pair is a type of data cable that is often used to connect between the same device or different devices, such as computers with computers, computers with other devices (routers, switches, printers, servers, access points and hubs).

Most people use UTP cables only to limit building a LAN (Local Area Network) network. The price is relatively cheap and easy to obtain, making this UTP cable often used. However, according to the name of the UTP cable is not equipped with a protective (Unshielded) so that the cable is not resistant to the presence of electromagnetic interference.

UTP cables consist of cables that are arranged in between. Basically, the cables that will be compiled in number 8 with different color arrangement, where the cable is wrapped into 4 pairs. There are two models that are making UTP cable, straight and crossover. Do you know what is a straight or crossover model in the preparation of UTP cables?

In this article, it will be explained and discussed in detail about the understanding of straight cables and straight wiring arrangement. Discussed also about the understanding of crossover cables and crossover cable arrangement. Immediately, you can read more about this.

Standard UTP Cable
In general, there is an international standard used in the color sequence of UTP cable is TIA/EIA 568A and TIA/EIA 568B.

By doing so, the straight cable is a cable color drafting technique using the same color sequence at both ends of the UTP cable. If you use the standard arrangement of TIA/EIA 568A at the first tip then the second tip also uses the TIA/EIA 568A standard as well. Likewise, when you use the standard TIA/EIA 568B (the most commonly used) the second cable end should also use the same standard arrangement.

Straight wiring Arrangement
If you want to make a type of straight cable, then the first thing to be considered is the color arrangement of the end of the cable with the other must use the same color sequence. Consider the picture below.

Usually, to connect between computer devices using the RJ-45 connector as a link. The RJ-45 connector has 8 pins inside. Thus, to create a straight type of cable then you have to insert each of the cables that you have stacked into the RJ-45 connector pin according to your desired standard.

Simply put, pin 1 on one end of the cable will be connected to pin 1 at the other end of the cable. So on until pin 8.

Crossover wiring Arrangement
Unlike the straight cable, the crossover cable means cable color drafting technique using a different sequence between the first cable end and the second. For example, if you are using the standard TIA/EIA 568B at the first end, then the second tip uses the EIA/TIA 568A standard.

To create a type of crossover cable, then you should also pay attention to the different color sequences between the first cable ends with the second cable end. Consider the image below to better understand the order of crossover cables. More details, see the picture below:

Difference of Straight and Crossover cables
From the discussion above, it is obvious understanding differences between the types of straight cables and crossover cables. In addition, there are a few differences that will be described below.

A. Based on color arrangement

As discussed earlier that the wiring arrangement of straight and crossover is slightly different. If on a straight cable both ends of the cable (connector) has the same color arrangement. Different on the crossover cable The two ends have a different color arrangement.

B. by function

1. Basically, a straight cable is used to connect two different devices.
Examples of Use:

• Connecting a computer with Switch
• Connecting switches with routers
• Connecting hubs with routers
• Connecting the Router with Access Point
• Connecting switches with Access Point
• Connecting the Modem with Switch

2. While the crossover cable is used to connect two devices the same.
Examples of Use:

• Connecting computers with Computers
• Connecting switches with Switches
• Connecting hubs with hubs
• Connecting routers with routers

How to make a Straight or Crossover cable?

In general, to make a network cable using UTP cable requires equipment and materials, such as UTP cable, Crimping Tools, RJ-45 connector, and RJ-45 LAN Tester. The following will be explained regarding the cable making steps of either a straight or crossover model.

1. Cut each end of the cable, about 2 cm.
2. Open the cable and then straighten the cable. Then set the cable arrangement as per standard. If you are going to create a straight type cable then both ends use the same standard order, if the crossover then both ends use a different standard order at each end.
3. Once sorted, cut the cable so that the 8 wires are the same size.
4. When the wires have been flat, perform crimping activities using Crimping Tools. Crimping means to ensure that the cable is inserted into the pin in the RJ-45 connector in accordance with the rules. Then clip the cable that has been inserted into the RJ-45 connector using Crimping Tools until the sound is heard.
5. Do stage 2-4 for the other end of the cable.
6. The final step is to check if the cables you have crimping successfully or not by using LAN Tester. How to insert the cable end into each of the ports available in LAN Tester. Then turn on the LAN Tester. If the LED light in LAN Tester is on, then you have successfully made a straight or crossover cable. If not lit, there is a possibility that the wiring arrangement is not suitable and the cables inserted in the RJ-45 connector do not fit.

That's a discussion about straight and crossover wiring and the difference between the two. Thus, the above article can help you to understand the color sequence contained in the UTP cable so that you can create a cable with a type of straight or crossover to connect the device in a network.