Whether you’re wiring a new office, upgrading your home network, or replacing a faulty connection, knowing how to terminate Ethernet cable is essential. Proper termination ensures the cable carries data reliably, avoids interference, and fits securely into your devices. In this guide, you’ll find the tools you need, a clear step-by-step process for Cat5e/Cat6 cables, and tips for avoiding common mistakes that often cause weak or unstable connections.
How to Terminate an Ethernet (Cat5e/Cat6) Cable
Terminating your own Ethernet cable lets you create the perfect length, ensure a snug fit, and avoid messy excess. Here’s how to do it right, whether you’re working with Cat5e or Cat6.
Tools & Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather everything in one place. Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need:
- Ethernet cable:Use Cat5e or Cat6 depending on your network. Solid cable is best for in-wall or permanent runs; stranded works well for flexible patch leads.
- 8P8C modular plugs (often called RJ45):These are the plastic connectors you crimp onto the cable ends. While they all look alike, there are important differences. Cat6 connectors are built to handle the slightly thicker wires and tighter performance standards of Cat6. Always choose connectors rated for the cable you’re using—Cat5e connectors for Cat5e cable, Cat6 connectors for Cat6 termination. Also, match your plug to the cable type (solid vs stranded) as well.
- Crimp tool:Make sure it matches your plug type. Standard crimpers work with closed-end plugs, while pass-through crimpers trim the wires flush as you crimp, handy for beginners.
- Cable jacket stripper:A small hand tool that lightly scores the outer jacket without nicking the wires. In a pinch, electrician’s scissors or a sharp knife can work, but go slow.
- Flush cutters or scissors:You’ll need them to trim the conductors evenly before inserting them into the plug.
- Cable tester:Don’t skip this; it’s the only way to confirm every pin is connected and in the right order.
- Strain-relief boots (optional):Slide one onto the cable before you crimp. They protect the plug latch from breaking and reduce stress on the jacket.
- Shielded supplies (if needed):If your cable is shielded, use shielded plugs and follow the manufacturer’s grounding method.
- Small ruler or measuring tape: To measure jacket strip length and maintain accuracy.
Tip for beginners: If you’re new to this, try one or two short practice cables first. You’ll quickly get a feel for how deep to strip the jacket, how straight the conductors need to be, and how firmly to squeeze the crimper.
Step-by-Step Guide to Terminate an Ethernet (Cat5e/Cat6) Cable
Now, let’s walk through the process of how to put an Ethernet cable end on. Take your time on the prep—the actual crimp takes seconds, but everything leading up to it determines whether the cable will actually work.
Step 1: Measure and cut the cable
Pull the run of cable and leave extra slack at both ends (2–3 inches more than needed). Use cable cutters to make a clean, square cut at the end of Ethernet cable. A perpendicular cut keeps the conductors aligned for easier termination.
Step 2: Slide on the boot (optional)
If you’re using a strain-relief boot, now’s the time to slide it onto the cable. Forget this step and you’ll be staring at a finished cable with no way to add the boot.
Step 3: Strip the jacket
Use your stripper to remove about 1-1.5 inches of the outer jacket. Spin the tool gently around the cable; you’re aiming to score just the jacket, not the insulation on the pairs inside. Peel off the jacket and check that none of the wires are nicked.
Cat 6 cables often have a plastic center spline—remove just enough to fit the plug while keeping twisted pairs tight.
Step 4: Untwist and arrange the conductors
You’ll see four twisted pairs: Orange, Green, Blue, and Brown (each with a white-striped wire).
Gently separate them and straighten each wire enough to line them up. Don’t overdo it—keep the twists right up to where they enter the plug. A good rule: never untwist more than half an inch.
Step 5: Choose your wiring scheme
For Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable ends, you’ll see two wiring standards: T568A and T568B. Both work the same, but their use differs.
T568B is the most common in U.S. homes and businesses, while T568A shows up more in government installs and offers backward compatibility with older phone wiring. The important part is to pick one standard and use it consistently across your network.
If you’re matching existing wiring, double-check which standard is used (T568A vs. T568B). For a typical straight-through cable, both ends must match.
Here are the T568A vs. T568B color sequences from pin 1 to pin 8 (left to right, clip facing down):
- T568A:white/green, green, white/orange, blue, white/blue, orange, white/brown, brown
- T568B:white/orange, orange, white/green, blue, white/blue, green, white/brown, brown
Step 6: Flatten and trim the wires
Line up the eight wires in order and pinch them between your thumb and finger to keep them straight. Then trim them to an even length so the tips form a neat line—this helps them all reach the front of the plug at the same time.
Step 7: Insert into the plug
Hold the RJ45 plug with the latch down. Feed the wires into the channels, keeping them in order. Push firmly until each wire tip reaches the very front of the plug and the cable jacket slides inside far enough for the crimp tab to grip it.
If you’re using a pass-through plug, the wires will poke through the nose, which makes checking the order easy.
Step 8: Crimp the connector
Place the RJ45 plug into your crimper, making sure it’s fully seated. Squeeze the handles until the tool completes its full ratchet cycle—don’t stop halfway.
If it’s a pass-through plug, the crimper will also cut the excess wire flush.
Step 9: Grounding (shielded cable only)
If you’re using shielded cable, secure the drain wire or foil shield according to your plug’s instructions. This usually means folding the shield back over the jacket and clamping it under a metal tab.
Step 10: Inspect your work
Check that the color order is correct by looking at the front of the plug. Verify all eight gold contacts have been pushed down evenly, and that the cable jacket is firmly clamped under the strain relief. Slide the boot up now if you’re using one.
Step11: Test the cable
Plug both ends into your cable tester. It should show continuity on all eight wires in the correct order. If not, re-check the color sequence and re-terminate as needed. Skipping this step is a classic way to discover problems only after you’ve tucked the cable behind walls or furniture.
From Cabling to PoE Cameras: Putting Your Work to Use
Once you’ve learned how to terminate an Ethernet cable, you’re ready for one of the best uses of PoE (Power over Ethernet): PoE security cameras. A single cable carries both power and video, so you don’t have to juggle power outlets outside or run bulky adapters.
If you want reliable 24/7 recording without depending on the cloud, a good match for those cables is the eufy PoE NVR Security System S4. It records around the clock, organizes video with built-in AI, and can scale from 8 channels up to 16 as your system grows. It comes with 2TB of storage out of the box and supports up to 16TB for longer retention.
Two strong camera options that work seamlessly with the NVR S4 are the eufy PoE Bullet-PTZ Cam S4 and the eufy PoE Turret Security Camera E41:
eufy PoE Bullet-PTZ Cam S4: wide coverage with detail on demand
If you have a spot like a driveway, long walkway, or front entrance where activity can happen across a wide area, the eufy PoE Bullet-PTZ Cam S4 gives you both the overview and the zoomed-in detail.
- Two cameras in one housing:On top, a fixed 4K ultra-wide lens (122°) captures the entire scene. Below it, a dual-2K PTZ module rotates 360° and zooms up to 8× Together they deliver 16MP clarity, so you can see the big picture and still make out details—like a license plate or face—from as far as 164 feet away.
- Night vision you can choose:In low light, Starlight Color mode keeps video clear without switching on a light. If you want more brightness, the built-in spotlight can light up the scene. For a discreet setup, you can flip to infrared for black-and-white footage. HDR helps balance tricky lighting, so headlights or porch lights don’t blow out the image.
- Smarter tracking:The camera’s AI can tell people, vehicles, and pets apart, then keep them centered as they move. If you install two of these cameras, they can even hand off a moving subject from one to the other, so you don’t lose track.
- Built for outdoors:With an IP65 rating, it stands up to weather. Two-way talk and warning lights (white or red/blue) give you active ways to respond.
eufy PoE Turret Security Camera E41: compact, sharp, and flexible
When you need reliable 4K coverage in a smaller, less obtrusive package, the eufy PoE Turret Security Camera E41 is a practical choice. Its turret design makes it easy to fine-tune the angle after installation, which is handy under eaves, on garage corners, or by side gates.
- High-resolution coverage:It records in 4K (8MP) with a 122° field of view, giving you wide coverage that stays crisp when you zoom in on playback. The head tilts up to 82°, so you can dial in the exact framing.
- Nighttime options:Like the S4 Bullet-PTZ, you get Starlight Color mode in low light, spotlight-assisted color in full darkness, or infrared for discreet monitoring. HDR comes standard to keep bright spots from washing out.
- Smart detection and deterrence:Built-in AI identifies people, vehicles, pets, and strangers. It also has two-way audio and warning lights for quick responses.
- Rugged design:With an IP67 rating, the E41 can handle exposed outdoor locations where rain, dust, or snow might be a concern.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even if you follow the steps carefully, a few small oversights can leave you with a cable that looks fine but performs poorly. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them:
- Untwisting too much: Ethernet relies on the twist in each pair to cancel interference. If you untwist more than half an inch, you’ll weaken the signal. Keep the twists as close to the plug as possible.
- Mixing up the wiring order: It’s easy to swap two wires when lining them up. Always double-check the T568A or T568B sequence before inserting into the plug. A quick glance at the front of the connector can save you from having to redo it.
- Using the wrong plug for the cable: Solid and stranded conductors need different plug types. If they don’t match, the contacts won’t bite properly, and you’ll end up with intermittent or dead connections. Category ratings matter too. Cat6 cable with Cat5e plugs can fail at higher frequencies.
- Not seating the jacket in the plug: If the plug only grips the bare wires, any pull or bend will stress the conductors and break the connection. Make sure the outer jacket goes inside far enough for the crimp tab to catch it.
- Skipping the cable test: A cable might “click” into place but still be wired wrong. A simple tester confirms all eight conductors are correctly terminated before you run the cable through walls or furniture.
Conclusion
Learning how to terminate Ethernet cable gives you control over your network setup, whether you’re wiring a home office, setting up a gaming station, or running connections in an office. With the right tools, careful prep, and attention to detail, you can create custom-length Cat5e or Cat6 cables that perform as reliably as store-bought ones. Avoiding common mistakes, like untwisting too much or skipping the tester, ensures your cables last and your connection stays strong. Take your time, follow the steps, and you’ll end up with neat, professional results every time.
FAQs
How to terminate an Ethernet connection?
To terminate an Ethernet connection, you cut the cable cleanly, strip about 1–1.5 inches of jacket, untwist and align the pairs in T568A or T568B order, insert them into an RJ45 plug, crimp it firmly, and then test with a cable tester.
What order do you terminate Ethernet cables?
Ethernet cables are wired using either the T568A or T568B standard, and both ends must match.
- T568B is the most common in U.S. homes and businesses. Wire order: 1-white/orange, 2-orange, 3-white/green, 4-blue, 5-white/blue, 6-green, 7-white/brown, 8-brown.
- T568A is often used in government installs. Wire order: 1-white/green, 2-green, 3-white/orange, 4-blue, 5-white/blue, 6-orange, 7-white/brown, 8-brown.
Both work equally well—just choose one and use it consistently across your network to avoid wiring issues.
Can you reuse Ethernet ends?
Once an RJ45 plug has been crimped, it can’t be reused—you’ll need to cut it off and install a new one. However, keystone jacks and many modern field-termination plugs are designed to be re-terminated, sometimes more than once depending on the manufacturer’s guidance. If you do re-terminate, it’s always best to test the connection afterward to ensure it performs reliably.
Can you crimp Ethernet without a crimper?
Crimping Ethernet without a crimper isn’t recommended. A proper crimper ensures all pins seat correctly and the strain relief grips the jacket. Without it, connections are unreliable and prone to failure.
