Ethernet Reference Guide

Ethernet cable serves as the backbone for CadetNet.  It provides the connection between Access Points and Switches, and shorter ethernet patch cables connect Switches to Modems.  In total, CadetNet uses over 25 miles of ethernet cable.

CadetNet primarily relies on CAT5e cables with RF-45 connectors (CAT6 is also used in some areas).

If you suspect that a cable in your area is not crimped correctly, because it is either not providing any connection (access point is not powered on) or because it is providing a limited connection (access point is operating at 100Mbps instead of 1Gbps as per the Access Point Reference Guide), then you may re-crimp the cable.  CadetNet has a supply of crimping kits which come with all the equipment needed to do the work according to the following video, just submit a support request to pick up the tools.

Important: CadetNet uses a mixture of type A and B RJ-45 crimping.  Make sure to inspect existing cables for your area to ensure you are crimping using the correct pattern.  If unsure, re-crimp both ends of each cable using the same method to ensure consistency.

Here are the steps for crimping an Ethernet cable:

1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a wire stripper, a crimping tool, and the Ethernet cable you want to crimp.

2. Cut the cable to the desired length: Measure out the length of cable you need and cut it using a wire cutter or a sharp knife.

3. Strip the outer jacket of the cable: Use the wire stripper to remove about 1.5 inches of the outer jacket from the end of the cable.

4. Un twist the wires: Separate the individual wires inside the cable and untwist them so that they are straight.

5. Arrange the wires in the correct order: Ethernet cables have a specific color-coded wire arrangement. Make sure the wires are arranged in the following order: white/orange, orange, white/green, blue, white/blue, green, white/brown, brown.

6. Trim the wires: Trim the wires so that they are even with the end of the outer jacket.

7. Insert the wires into the connector: Hold the connector with the wire entry slot facing up and the release tab facing away from you. Insert the wires into the connector so that they are evenly spaced and the wire ends are even with the end of the connector.

8. Crimp the connector: Place the connector into the crimping tool and squeeze the handles together to crimp the connector onto the wires.

9. Test the cable: Once you have crimped the connector onto the cable, test the cable by plugging it into a device to ensure that it is working properly.

Here is a good video with a visual demonstration!