Wiring an Ethernet cable can seem straightforward, especially for simple setups, but businesses often require more than just a basic connection. Choosing the right type of cable, ensuring proper installation, and planning for scalability are all key to building a reliable network.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of wiring an Ethernet cable, explain the differences between cable types, and show why professional installation can make a big difference for long-term performance.

Why Should You Rewire an Ethernet Cable?
Why Businesses Should Invest in Professional Ethernet Wiring
The Difference Between Ethernet Cables and Which to Choose
How Network Telecom Supports Businesses with Network Cabling
Steps for Wiring an Ethernet Cable:

• Step 1: Get the right tools
• Step 2: Measure your wire
• Step 3: Cut and strip your wire
• Step 4: Separate and straighten out the individual wires
• Step 5: Put the wires into the correct order
• Step 6: Insert the wires into the Ethernet socket head
• Step 7: Double check the order of the wires
• Step 8: Crimp the wires
• Step 9: Test your cable

If you are setting up a home office or a new business and you need help with the cabling or wireless network set-ups, contact us. For comprehensive network solutions, explore our Network Cabling Services.

Key Takeaways: Small Business Phone System Fixes

• Wiring an Ethernet cable correctly is essential for a reliable and high-performing network, whether for home or business use.
• Businesses should consider professional Ethernet wiring to ensure scalability, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
• Different Ethernet cable categories (Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7, etc.) offer varying speeds, shielding, and distance capabilities, so choosing the right type is critical.
• Network Telecom provides expert consultation, customized solutions, professional installation, and ongoing support to help businesses meet their network cabling needs.
• Proper planning, cable selection, and installation practices reduce downtime and future-proof your network infrastructure.
• DIY wiring is possible for simpler setups, but businesses often benefit from structured cabling and professional expertise to optimize performance.

Why Should You Rewire an Ethernet Cable?

By wiring your own cables, you can cut them to the exact length that you need.

There are a couple of advantages to wiring an ethernet cable yourself. These include:

Lower cost:

It is much cheaper to make your own lengths of Ethernet cable than to get them pre-made. For example, you can purchase a 1,000 foot spool of Ethernet cable for about $60, depending on the kind you get, and a bag of connectors will cost a few dollars more.

If you were to purchase individual, pre-made, 25-foot Ethernet cables, it would cost you about $8 each. This may seem inexpensive, but if you need 1,000 feet of these cables, you would actually spend about $320.

Custom lengths:

Pre-made Ethernet cables come in set lengths. By wiring your own cables, you can cut them to the exact length that you need.

Why Businesses Should Invest in Professional Ethernet Wiring

Professional Ethernet wiring offers several long-term benefits that DIY approaches often cannot match.

When it comes to business networks, wiring an Ethernet cable goes beyond simply connecting devices. A properly designed and installed cabling system ensures that your organization can operate efficiently today while being prepared for future growth. Professional Ethernet wiring offers several long-term benefits that DIY approaches often cannot match.

• Scalability: Professional Ethernet wiring ensures your network can grow with your business needs. A structured cabling system allows you to add new devices, users, or even entire departments without requiring a complete network overhaul.
• Reliability: Professional installations reduce downtime with high-quality materials and expert setup. Businesses depend on consistent connectivity, and reliable cabling minimizes disruptions that can affect productivity and revenue.
• Compliance: Professional wiring adheres to industry standards and regulations. Certified installers follow proper codes, ensuring your system meets safety, performance, and legal requirements while avoiding costly issues in the future.

By investing in professional Ethernet wiring, businesses set the foundation for a secure, scalable, and efficient network that supports long-term success.

How Network Telecom Supports Businesses with Network Cabling

Network Telecom not only installs network cabling but also ensures it continues to deliver value long after installation.

At Network Telecom, we understand that every business has unique networking needs. Our team provides end-to-end network cabling services that ensure your infrastructure is reliable, scalable, and ready for the future. From the planning stage to ongoing maintenance, we focus on delivering solutions that support your business goals.

• Expert Consultation: We assess your current and future network requirements. Our team takes the time to understand how your business operates, ensuring your cabling system is built to handle both today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.
• Customized Solutions: We design tailored cabling layouts to fit your business environment. Whether you operate a small office or a large facility, our designs prioritize efficiency, organization, and performance.
• Professional Installation: We provide certified technicians to ensure optimal performance. Our team follows best practices and industry standards so that your cabling system is installed correctly the first time.
• Ongoing Support: We offer maintenance and troubleshooting services to keep your network running smoothly. With dedicated support, you can count on consistent performance and quick resolution of any issues that arise.

By partnering with Network Telecom, businesses gain a trusted provider that not only installs network cabling but also ensures it continues to deliver value long after installation.

The Difference Between Ethernet Cables and Which to Choose

“Cat” (category) ratings, such as Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7, and beyond, indicate variations in speed, shielding, and distance capabilities.

Not all Ethernet cables are created equal. The different “Cat” (category) ratings, such as Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7, and beyond, indicate variations in speed, shielding, and distance capabilities. Choosing the right one ensures your network performs reliably and efficiently.

Cat 6 (Category 6):
Cat 6 (Category 6) cables are commonly used for gigabit Ethernet with support for 1 Gbps over moderate distances; they are backward compatible with earlier cable types.

Cat 6a (Category 6 augmented):
Cat 6a (Category 6 augmented) cables extend the capabilities of Cat 6, allowing 10 Gbps speeds over longer runs, often with better shielding to reduce interference.

Cat 7 (and higher standard types):
Cat 7 (and higher standard types) offer even greater performance, including higher bandwidth and more stringent shielding, though they come at a higher cost and may require specialized connectors.

*Note: Some manufacturers label “Cat 6e,” but that is not a formal standard and isn’t officially recognized by standards organizations.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the technical differences, performance trade-offs, and recommendations for business environments, check out our detailed comparison here:
Cat 6 vs Cat 6a vs Cat 6e vs Cat 7: What You Need to Know

By understanding these distinctions, businesses can make smarter decisions about which cable type best suits their current needs and helps future-proof their infrastructure.

Steps for Wiring an Ethernet Cable

Here are the steps that you need to take when you are wiring an ethernet cable.

Step 1: Get the right tools

Start wiring an Ethernet cable by gathering all the tools and supplies you will need | Image Source: ColoradoRMN

As with most tasks, having all the right tools that you will need will make all the difference in successfully wiring an Ethernet cable. Here is a list of things that you should have:

• Ethernet cable: You should get Category (Cat) 5, 5e,6, 6a, or higher depending on the speed and size you need.
• Wire Cutters and Strippers: You will use these to cut and strip the Ethernet cable.
• Ethernet socket head: This is the plastic end piece that you put the wires into and that connects to your devices.
• Ethernet Socket head crimper: This tool will seal your socket head together.

If you are not sure which type of Ethernet cable you will need, check out this article to learn about the different types.

Step 2: Measure your wire

Make sure that you have enough wire for the distance that you want to cover. Measure out how long you will need the wire to be before you start cutting it. It’s always best to cut it a little bit longer than you think you will need, just in case.

Step 3: Cut and strip your wire

Be careful not to damage the wires when you remove the outer jacket | Image Source: ColoradoRMN

If you have more wire than you need, cut it to the right length with your wire cutters. Carefully strip off the outer covering with your wire stripper. Be careful not to damage any of the smaller wires that are inside the casing. If you damage any of the wires, they may not work properly or they may not work at all.

Step 4: Separate and straighten out the individual wires

Inside the casing, you will find four sets of two wires twisted together. That is why they are referred to as twisted pairs. Each of the four pairs has a colour scheme as follows:

• Blue and blue/white
• Brown and brown/white
• Green and green/white
• Orange and orange/white

Untwist each pair of wires and straighten them out. This will make it easier for you to put them into the correct order.

Step 5: Put the wires into the correct order

When wiring an ethernet cable make sure the wires are in the correct order | Image Source: ColoradoRMN

Once your wires are straightened out arrange them in the following order from left to right:

• Orange/white
• Orange
• Green/white
• Blue
• Blue/white
• Green
• Brown/white
• Brown

It may be difficult at first to get them to stay in the right position, but be patient and eventually they will stay put.

Step 6: Insert the wires into the Ethernet socket head

Double check that your wires are in the right order | Image Source: ColoradoRMN

Your wires should be about a half an inch long. You will need to cut them to this length. You want to make sure that the wires are not crushed by the plastic clip.

Make sure that the “clip” on the Ethernet socket head is facing away from you. If you don’t have it facing away from you, then the wires will be backwards. Slowly insert the wires into the Ethernet socket head keeping them in the order given above.

Step 7: Double check the order of the wires

Double check that your wires are in the correct order. Once you have crimped them you can’t change them so you need to make sure that it is right.

Step 8: Crimp the wires

Once you are sure that you have the wires in the right order, push them as far forward as they will go. Make sure that they are seated properly next to the gold pins located at the end of the socket head. You should also make sure that you have lots of sleeving so that you don’t cut into your wires when you are crimping them.

Push the socket head into the crimping device. You will need to push down really hard to correctly crimp the cable. You won’t feel or hear any sound letting you know that it has been crimped properly; that’s why you just need to push down as hard as you can.

Step 9: Test your cable

Plug your cable into the device that you need it for and test to see that it is working.

The following video will show you all the steps in wiring an Ethernet cable.

Watch all the steps in wiring an Ethernet cable.