Networking

When it comes to building or maintaining a reliable wired network, the quality of your cables matters, but so does the precision of how they’re made. Whether you’re setting up Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat7 cables, having the right tools can make the difference between a clean, high-speed connection and a frustrating mess of dropped signals and intermittent connectivity. Let’s go over the most essential tools used for network cable wiring, their purpose, and how to use them properly. Cable Stripper The first step in creating an Ethernet cable is removing the outer jacket cleanly without nicking the internal wires.A cable stripper allows you to quickly expose the twisted pairs by scoring the insulation evenly around the cable. Pro Tip: Adjustable strippers are best for different cable categories (Cat5e–Cat8). Avoid: Using a knife — it often cuts too deep and damages the copper conductors. You can get it from Amazon. Crimping Tool Once your wires are arranged correctly (T568A or T568B), a crimping tool secures the RJ45 connector to the cable ends.A high-quality crimper ensures: Solid connection between pins and copper conductors Even pressure for reliable data transmission Longer connector life Pro Tip: Choose a ratcheting crimper with replaceable dies for professional use — it provides consistent results and reduces hand fatigue. You can get it from Amazon.   RJ45 Connectors & Boots RJ45 connectors are the plug ends that attach to your cable. Choose connectors that match your cable category and type (solid vs. stranded). Newer version called Pass-through. Cable boots (the rubber covers) protect the clip from snapping and keep the bend radius within limits. Pro Tip: Pass-through RJ45 connectors are great for beginners — you can visually confirm the correct wire order before crimping.   You can get it from Amazon. Cable Tester After wiring both ends, testing your cable is a must.A network cable tester checks continuity, pin alignment, and pairing integrity — confirming there are no shorts or miswires. Basic Testers: Verify if all eight wires are connected properly. Advanced Testers: Measure signal loss, crosstalk, and certification for Cat6/Cat7 compliance. Pro Tip: Always test before installation, redoing a buried or wall-mounted cable can be time-consuming. You can get it from Amazon. Cable Management Tools Professional-looking installations also require organization tools like: Velcro ties (for adjustable bundling) Cable raceways or trays (to protect wiring) Labels (for easy troubleshooting later) Pro Tip: Never zip-tie cables too tightly — it can distort the pairs and reduce performance. You can get it from Amazon. Tone Generator & Probe Kit Optional but Handy If you’re tracing cables through walls or ceilings, this tool combo helps you identify which cable goes where.The tone generator sends an audible signal through the wire, and the probe detects it on the other end,  saving hours during troubleshooting. You can get it from Amazon. Investing in the right network cabling tools means faster installation, fewer connection issues, and a cleaner, more professional setup. At Microsys, we use industry-grade tools to ensure every cable meets performance standards, so your business network runs fast, stable, and error-free.

When it comes to networking, not all Ethernet cables are created equal. Whether you’re wiring a small office or upgrading your home network, the type of cable you choose determines how fast and reliable your connection will be. At Microsys, we often get asked: What’s the real difference between Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, and Cat8 cables — and which one should I use?Let’s break it down simply and clearly. What Does “Cat” Mean? “Cat” stands for Category, and each number (5e, 6, 7, 8) represents a performance standard defined by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).As the category number increases, so do speed, bandwidth, and signal quality. Cat5e – Enhanced Performance for Everyday Networking Cat6 — Faster, Cleaner Signal for Modern Networks Cat7 — Shielded for Stability and Speed Cat8 — The Future of Networking Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) Bandwidth: 100 MHz Maximum Distance: 100 meters (328 ft) Shielding: Typically unshielded (UTP), but shielded (STP) versions exist Connector Type: RJ45 Cat5e (Category 5 Enhanced) replaced older Cat5 cables and remains common in residential and small business networks. It supports Gigabit Ethernet and is great for general web browsing, video streaming, and small office LANs. Microsys Tip: If you already have Cat5e installed, it’s still perfectly fine for most home users – but upgrading may be worth it for higher network loads or future-proofing. Speed: Up to 10 Gbps (at 55 meters or less) Bandwidth: 250 MHz Maximum Distance: 100 meters for 1 Gbps / 55 meters for 10 Gbps Shielding: UTP or STP available Connector Type: RJ45 Cat6 cables use tighter twists and improved insulation to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI). They’re ideal for environments with high data usage – such as offices, gaming setups, or small data networks. Microsys Tip: Cat6 is often the sweet spot, affordable, reliable, and compatible with most networking equipment. Speed: Up to 10 Gbps Bandwidth: 600 MHz Maximum Distance: 100 meters Shielding: Always shielded (S/FTP – shielded foiled twisted pair) Connector Type: GG45 or TERA (backward compatible with RJ45) Cat7 cables feature individual shielding around each pair of wires, reducing interference to almost zero. This makes them suitable for server rooms, high-performance workstations, and environments with heavy electrical noise. Microsys Tip: While Cat7 offers great performance, its connectors are less common – so it’s mainly used in specialized or professional setups. Speed: Up to 40 Gbps Bandwidth: 2000 MHz Maximum Distance: 30 meters (98.42 ft) Shielding: Fully shielded (S/FTP) Connector Type: RJ45 Cat8 is designed for data centers and enterprise-grade networks. It supports ultra-high speeds over short distances and is backward compatible with previous categories. However, it’s overkill for most home users. Microsys Tip: Cat8 is ideal if you’re building a new server rack or upgrading core infrastructure – but for typical networking, Cat6 or Cat6a provides more than enough performance. Choosing the Right able for You Category Max Speed Bandwidth Shielding Best Use Case Cat5e 1 Gbps 100 MHz Optional Home / Office Basics Cat6 10 Gbps (short runs) 250 MHz Optional Small Business / Gaming Cat7 10 Gbps 600 MHz Shielded Enterprise / Server Rooms Cat8 40 Gbps 2000 MHz Shielded Data Centers / High-End Labs Wiring Standards: T568A vs. T568B No matter which cable you choose, proper wiring is key to performance.Ethernet cables use 8 color-coded wires, arranged in pairs. The two common standards are T568A and T568B. Both perform identically, the only difference is how the color pairs are ordered inside the RJ45 connector.It’s important to use the same standard on both ends of a cable for a straight-through connection. Crossover Pinout This configuration is used for connecting similar devices, such as two computers or two switches, directly without an intermediary device (like a router). In a crossover cable, one end is wired using the T568A standard, and the other end uses the T568B standard. This arrangement ensures that the transmit and receive wires are “crossed” so that the transmitting pins on one end connect to the receiving pins on the other, facilitating communication between the two devices. Which standards to use T568A or T568B? When deciding between RJ45 Color Code A or B, the choice largely depends on compatibility with existing infrastructure and regional preferences. T568A is often used in environments that require backward compatibility with older systems, such as legacy telephone networks or government installations, commonly seen in Europe and the Pacific region. It is the preferred choice when projects involve older systems or require federal compliance due to its backward compatibility with older telecom systems. On the other hand, T568B is more widely adopted in modern commercial and residential networks, aligning better with contemporary equipment and making it the default standard in most telecom installations, particularly in the United States. For most setups, consistency is crucial. If you’re expanding an existing network, it’s best to stick with the current wiring standard. However, for new installations, T568B is often recommended due to its widespread use and better alignment with modern systems​. Lastly, keep in mind that for straight-through cables, use the same standard at both ends, while for crossover cables, mix T568A and T568B to ensure proper data transmission​.