If you plan on setting up a high-speed wired network at home or office, you’ll need to use Cat6 cables. These cables are specifically designed to handle gigabit Ethernet and other high-speed applications. But you’ll also need to use Cat6 Keystone jacks to connect these cables to your devices.
Keystone jacks are modular connectors that snap into keystone wall plates, patch panels, surface mount boxes, etc. They come in various types and configurations, including Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. But before using them, you’ll need to know how to wire them correctly.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through wiring Cat 6 Keystone jacks, focusing on two wiring standards: T568A and T568B. We’ll explain the differences between these two standards and help you choose the right one for your application.
What are T568A and T568B?
T568A and T568B are two wiring standards for Ethernet cables, including Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6. These standards define the pin assignments for the eight wires in a typical Ethernet cable and are used to ensure compatibility between different devices.
T568A and T568B use four pairs of wires in the cable, each Pair consisting of a solid-colored wire and a striped wire with a matching color. The pairs are twisted together to reduce crosstalk and improve performance.
In T568A, the pin assignments for the pairs are as follows:
1st Pair: white-green, green
2nd Pair: white-orange, orange
3rd Pair: white-blue, blue
4th Pair: white-brown, brown
In T568B, the pin assignments are slightly different:
1st Pair: white-orange, orange
2nd Pair: white-green, green
3rd Pair: white-blue, blue
4th Pair: white-brown, brown
As you can see, the only difference between the two standards is the order of the wires in pairs 1 and 2. Pairs 3 and 4 are identical in both standards.
Why do you need to choose between T568A and T568B?
When wiring Ethernet cables, you must choose one of these standards for consistency. If you mix and match T568A and T568B, you’ll end up with a Cat6 keystone jack that won’t work correctly. The pins on one end of the line won’t match the other, causing connectivity issues and potentially damaging your devices.
So how do you decide which standard to use? The short answer is that it doesn’t matter. Both T568A and T568B are equally valid and will work fine if you use the same standard on both ends of the cable.
That being said, there are some situations where one standard might be more appropriate. For example, T568B is more commonly used in the United States, while T568A is more common in Europe and other parts of the world. If you’re working on a network that will be used primarily in one region, using the more widely used standard might make sense.
In general, though, the choice between T568A and T568B comes from personal preference or organizational standards. If you’re working on an existing network, you should check to see if there are any established standards you need to follow. You can choose whichever standard you like if you’re working on a new network with no existing standards.
How to wire Cat6 Keystone jacks: T568A or T568B?
Now that you understand the differences between T568A and T568B, let’s look at how to wire Cat 6 Keystone jacks using these standards.
What you’ll need:
- Keystone jacks Cat6
- Cat6 cable
- Wire cutter/stripper tool
- Punch down tool
Instructions for T568A or T568B wiring standard
Step 1: Strip the cable
Use a wire cutter/stripper tool to strip about an inch of the outer sheath from the end of the Cat 6 cable. Be careful not to cut or damage any of the inner wires.
Step 2: Untwist the wires
Once the outer sheath is removed, you’ll see four pairs of wires. Untwist each Pair, and keep the cables twisted as close to the base as possible.
Step 3: Arrange the wires
Follow the wiring standard of your choice, T568A or T568B, and arrange the wires in the specified order. Remember to keep the wires twisted as close to the base as possible.
Step 4: Trim the wires
Use the wire cutter/stripper tool to trim the ends of the wires so that they are all the same length. This will make inserting the wires easier into the Keystone jack.
Step 5: Insert the wires
Insert the wires into the rj45 Keystone jack according to your wiring standard. The color-coded labels on the Keystone jacks will indicate where to insert each wire. Be sure to push the wires into the jack so that they make good contact with the metal contacts inside.
Step 6: Punch down the wires
Use a punch-down tool to push the wires down into the metal contacts. This will ensure that the cables are securely connected and won’t come loose. Be sure to follow the instructions for your Keystone jack to punch down the wires correctly.
Step 7: Test the connection
Once you’ve wired the RJ45 Keystone jacks, use a cable tester to test the connection. This will ensure the wiring is correct and the cable can transmit data at high speeds.
Conclusion
Wiring Cat 6 Keystone jacks can initially seem intimidating, but it’s a relatively simple process. Following the instructions for T568A or T568B wiring standards, you can wire Keystone jacks that will work perfectly with your Bulk Ethernet cables.
Remember to choose the proper wiring standard for your application and use the same bar on both cable ends. And always test your connections with a cable tester to ensure they work correctly.
With these tips, you can wire Cat 6 Keystone jacks like a pro in no time. Happy networking!
