In this section we will cover hardwired home computer network wiring. The first thing you need to consider is the locations of the computers in your home, and where you will be placing the router. I would suggest you place the router near one of your computers; this will help reduce the amount of cable you need to run.
Once you have your locations set you will need to run a cat5e cable from each computer location back to the router location. Next you need to decide which color code you want to use; thanks to disputes between big companies we have two color codes, 568-B and 568-A. There is no difference between the two you can use either one as long as you use the same on each end of your cable. At each location you can install either a surface jack, a flush mount jack or just install a RJ45 crimp connector directly on the end of the cable.
Wiring a computer network jack
As you can see in the pictures the color code for both 569-A and 568-B are shown directly on the side of the jack, you only need to connect the wires according to the color code you choose to use, for this you will need a punch down tool. Simply follow the steps below. 
1) Remove about 1 inch of the insulation around the conductors.
2) Route the conductors into the slots as per the color code you are using.
3) Secure the conductors in place using a punch down tool.
4) Snap the cover for the connections into place.
5) Snap the jack into the faceplate or surface housing.
Installing a RJ45 crimp connector on a Cat5e or Cat6 cable
When installing a crimp connector on a cable you can use either solid or stranded cable, I have found that solid cable is much easier to work with than stranded when installing the connector.
Most pre-made patch cords that you purchase are made of stranded cable. This has been standard practice in the industry due the increased flexibility of stranded cable. I have found that using solid cable works just as good as stranded cable, unless it is going to be a high use cable. Example: unplugged and plugged in many times per day, or twisted and kinked a lot. Most people just plug it in and only unplug it once in a while; bottom line is that if the cable is not going to be abused solid cable is fine.
If you are not going to install a jack or a patch panel you will need to install a crimp connector on each end of your cable. I you do install jacks or a patch panel you will need to make or purchase a short patch cord with a connector on each end the make the final connection of your equipment. The patch cord should be kept as short as possible while leaving you enough slack to move your computer in order to connect cables. A patch cord should not exceed 25 feet, and the total length of your cable including the patch cord should not exceed 300 feet. Also make sure you use the proper type and size of connector for the type of cable you are using. There are different types or connectors for solid and stranded cable.
568-B and 568-A Color Codes
568-B
White/Blue Pin 5
Blue/White Pin 4
White/Orange Pin 1
Orange White Pin 2
White/Green Pin 3
Green/White Pin 6
White/Brown Pin 7
Brown/White Pin 8
|
568-A
White/Blue Pin 5
Blue/White Pin 4
White/Green Pin 1
Green/White Pin 2
White/Orange Pin 3
Orange/White Pin 6
White/Brown Pin 7
Brown/White Pin 8
|
For a straight through cable, wire both ends identical.
For a crossover cable, wire one end 568-A and the other end 568-B.
Now let�s install an RJ45 crimp connector.
1) Strip back about 2 inches of insulation from the outer jacket of the cable.
2) Separate all the conductors and straighten out the twist in the conductors.
3) Arrange the conductors in the order of the color code you plan the use in a flat manor.
4) Holding the conductors in order of the color code cut off the excess leaving only about � inch remaining.
5) Insert into the connector with the clip facing down, and pres forward until the conductors reach the front of the connector.
6) While holding it in place visually double check to make sure all conductors are past the gold pins, and the order of the color code did not change.
7) Next insert the connector into a
Crimp Tool and crimp the connector.
Hook up your router
Once you have your patch cords and installed your cables and connectors, the installation of your home router is a simple process. The very first thing you need to do is read the instructions for the router/switch that you purchased. Most have some software setup that needs to be done which you should do as per the manufactures instructions. Some routers will work right out of the box with little or no setup. For security reasons make sure you use a hard to guess password, do not leave it as default.
Below is an example of a simple Linksys etherfast cable/DSL router with a 4-port switch. As you can see making your connections is nothing more than plugging everything in.
Next Plug your patch cords into your computers network card, and set up the software side of your internet connection and enjoy surfing the net at high speed.
ETHERFAST CABLE MODEM ENET AND USB
Are you ready to step up to high-speed broadband Internet? The EtherFast® Cable Modem with USB and Ethernet Connection from Linksys provides you with the perfect solution for a fast and easy Internet connection. Now you can make the most of the Internet and cruise the Web at speeds you never imagined possible. Cable Modem Internet service means no more waiting for lagging downloads- even the most graphic-intensive Web pages load in seconds. And if you're looking for convenience and affordability, the EtherFast® Cable Modem with USB really delivers! Installation is quick and easy. The Plug-and-Play EtherFast® Cable Modem with USB connects directly to any USB-ready PC-just plug it in and you're ready to surf the Internet. Or connect it to your LAN using a Linksys router and share that speed with everyone on your network. So if you're ready to enjoy broadband Internet speed, then you're ready for the EtherFast® Cable Modem with USB and Ethernet connection from Linksys. It's the easiest and most affordable way to harness the full potential of the Internet.
