All Ethernet cables require proper wiring to maintain network connectivity. Failing to wire a jack or an RJ-45 plug properly can place businesses in violation of wiring standards. Always look for wiring diagrams to ensure appropriate connectivity, reduce downtime, and maintain networking standard compliance. If a Cat6 cable does not meet your needs, find and use wiring diagrams to customize networking patch cables easily.
Understanding Wiring in Cat6 Cabling
Cat6 cables rely on standardized wiring configurations to create clear lines of communication. Two main standards for wiring schemes with RJ-45 plugs are used today – T568A and T568B. Of the two, T568B is the newest standard and the most commonly used in commercial networking applications today. Always check Ethernet jack wiring diagrams or color codes (these often come with the jack) to ensure the cable features appropriate wiring patterns.
In the T568B wiring specification, the eight pins should follow this color scheme: white/orange, orange, white/green, blue, white/blue, green, white/brown, brown. The T568A wiring pattern is slightly different and follows this scheme: white/green, green, white/orange, blue, white/blue, orange, white/brown, brown. In some Cat6 cables, the two-color schemed wires appear white. To determine the wire’s placement, look at the color of the accompanying twisted wire and assign it a white/orange, white/blue, white/green, or white/brown color code.
If you try to connect a T568A and T568B together in a straight configuration, the network connection will fail. Wiring diagrams help novice and experienced networking professionals remember the appropriate wiring configurations for different case uses.
Where to Find a Cat6 Wiring Diagram
You will find assembly drawings featuring the wiring specification and connector types for Cat6 patch cables available from C Enterprises on our technical specifications page. We offer copper wiring diagrams for patch cables and Telco assemblies. In addition to this helpful guide, you can easily search for wiring diagrams in product materials and online. Patch panels, jacks, and other ports typically feature a color-coded diagram labeled as T568A or B, which makes the wiring process simple.
Look in similar places for wiring diagrams regarding other UTP/STP patch cables including Cat5 and enhanced iterations. Most will use the same networking specifications. Because networking professionals and DIYers may reconfigure networks according to changing needs, many resources exist to clarify wiring patterns and plug orientations.
One key difference in Cat6 wiring changes is the loading process. The stacked pairs in a Cat6 cable require a load bar to maintain wire alignment. Load bars improve the protective qualities of the cable and reduce electrical noise for better connectivity.
If you need additional information, many colorful diagrams from a Google search will reveal network cable configurations, color-coded diagrams, pin orientation information, and the unique configuration of crossover vs. straight-through wiring. Use a punch-down tool to place each colored wire into the corresponding insert, then test the connection before replacing a cable boot and completing the process.
Finding the Right Cat6 Cable
A clear and accurate wiring diagram will simplify the initial setup of a Cat6 cable, but the cable materials and construction will determine the overall performance of the network. At C Enterprises, we use high-quality materials and the latest industry standards to create Cat5 and Cat6 copper cables designed to meet even the most stringent consumer needs. Our Southern California manufacturing site is ISO9001:2008 certified, and all our team members are cross-trained to improve quality assurance and turnaround times.
From our technical designers to our sales and support representatives, each C Enterprises employee understands the importance of high-quality infrastructure components. We can help you determine the correct cable solution for the job, confirm any wiring diagram questions you may have, and quickly deliver routine and custom fiber or copper cables. With the proper wiring, we deliver some of the most reliable cables available on the market today. For more information about a Cat6 wiring diagram or any other Cat cable, reach out to a member of our regional support team.
