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Wired computer network require cables to pass the information from one computer to another. Wired networks are now mainly used in offices where an uninterrupted, reliable and very quick networks are required. In homes, the wireless devices are used instead but sometimes it is necessary to install a wired network. This requirement may come for example because of the fear about the network security or in order to guarantee the network speed because the speeds in the wired network are not affected by the distance (within 100 metres if the ordinary cable types are used) and by atmospheric activity.

Mainly the Ethernet technology is used for home and office local networks (LAN). It is possible to join computers one to one directly with the cable or to connect them through the router or a hub. All this is discussed in the second part of this article (please go to “Creating a wired network at home part 2: routers, hubs and network types”).

Cable types and usage. For Ethernet, at the moment there are 4 main types of cables one can choose from to build their local network: category 5 (cat5), category 5e (cat 5e), category 6 (cat6), category 6a (cat6a - augmented) and category 7 (cat7). The most common and offering the best value for money cable is a category 5e cable. The category 7 cable is for future cabling and is not being sold and used at the moment. The newer the the cable category the higher is the data transfer speed. The latest cable types support the new data transfer standards too.

It’s better not to use the category 5 cable any more as it’s an old standard. The best category to use is cat6. Cat5e is the best choice if a lot of cable is to be used and the cost of creating a network is an issue.

All the cables are backward-compatible, which means that the cat6 cable can be used where cat5 was used to be and so on. I’d recommend to use cat6 or cat6a because of their near-future provability.

Patch and crossover cables. Patch cables are used for connections between a computer and a hub or a router i.e. between two devices with the different functionality. Crossover cables are used for same-to-same types of connections like computer to computer or hub to hub.

Connectors. For Ethernet networks, RJ45 connectors (plugs) are used. The official name is “The 8 Position 8 Contact (8P8C)”. They are sold in bulk and are attached to the cable with the crimping tool. It is possible to do it with an ordinary screwdriver but with the crimping tool it will be quicker and easier.

Boots. Boots are the plastic caps that are put on the connectors in order to avoid damaging them. If you manually add a connector to a cable, make sure you’ve put a boot on the cable before you attach a connector.

Crimping tools (crimp tools). When buying, make sure that the crimping tool is designed for RJ45 plugs. More expensive crimping tools can support different types of plug standards like RJ11.

Important tips when working with Ethernet cables:

– It is easier and cheaper to buy cable in bulk and then cut it as necessary and attach connectors manually using the crimping tool. When cutting the cable, don’t forget to allow some spare space in case users decide to move their computer or the cable’s path would need changing;

– It’s recommended not to mix different types of cables in one network installation;

– Don’t bend the cable excessively as the bending may damage the cable. It is recommended not to bend it when the bend diameter is less than 10 cable widths. Also, try not to squeese the cable tightly when attaching to walls or floors as this my damage the cable.

The second article about the network cabling can be found here: Creating a wired network at home part 2: routers, hubs and network types.