4 Steps to Start Wireless Zero Configuration (WZC)

The major reason for not detecting wireless networks on a wireless computer is the wireless service WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) is not started. After starting the Wireless Zero Configuration most of the wireless related issues will be resolved.

How to Enable Wireless Zero Configuration

 1. Click on start 

2. Click on Run

3. On Run window type services.msc hit Enter

Now the services windows will be opened. The WZC (Wireless Zero Configuration) is third service from last.

4. Open the service and click on start button to enable the WZC service.

 

I think it helps to resolve your Zero configuration issue 

How to Connect Two Computers Without a Router

Let’s assume you have two computers at home and you want to connect them together so that you can easily share an internet connection between the two machines or transfer photos, music and other files from one computer to another. How do you do this?

Connect Two Computers Directly

There are two options – you can either buy a router or, if you are looking for something more simple and don’t want to spend money on new networking hardware, you can connect the two computers using a commonly-available cable. The latter method doesn’t involve any complicated network settings and you will still be able to share files, internet connection, and even printers between computers.

Things you need:

To set up this basic wired home network, all you need is an inexpensive Ethernet crossover cable and the other requirement is that network cards* (also known as LAN or Ethernet cards) should be installed on each of you computers.

[*] This should not be an issue because network cards are available on most newer machines by default but if you are working with a very old computer, you can either attach an internal LAN card to your computer’s motherboard or go for a USB Network adapter that will turn a USB port into an Ethernet (RJ45) port.

An Ethernet crossover cable looks like a standard Ethernet cable but the internal wiring is a little different. You can purchase crossover cables at Amazon.com or from your local computer store. If you have trouble finding them, you can purchase an inexpensive crossover adaptor and that will let you use any standard Ethernet cable as a crossover cable.

Connect Computers with an Ethernet Crossover Cable

Before connecting the two computers with a physical cable, make sure that both machine are using the same workgroup*. Here is step-by-step guide that explains how you can change the workgroup of your computers.

Changing workgroup in Windows XP – From the Start menu, right-click “My Computer.” Select Properties in the drop-down menu, and then select the second tab that says “Computer Name” from the System Properties window. Now click the “Change…” button, enter a unique Workgroup name and reboot your computer.

Changing workgroup in Windows 7 or Vista – Open the Control Panel, type “Workgroup” in the search box, and select the entry that says “Change Workgroup Name.” Click the “Change…” button, enter a Workgroup name and restart the computer. Windows 7 users can skip one step; simply type “Workgroup” in the search box in the start menu, and select the first entry, then proceed as above.

Now that the workgroups are same for both computers, connect the two computers together using the Ethernet crossover cable. Simply plug-in one end of the crossover cable into the network adapter of Computer A and connect the other end of the cable to the network adapter of Computer B.

Windows will automatically recognize the new network, and you can now easily view files and folder that the other computer has shared. Simply open Networks from the Start Menu (or the Control Panel), and you should see the other computer by its name. You can then browse any shared files on the other computer, and can even utilize shared printers.

Troubleshooting – If you do not see the other computer under Networks, you probably have a prompt at the top of your Network window saying that Network discovery is turned off (screenshots below). Select “Turn on Network Discovery and File Sharing.” In the next prompt, select “No, make the network I am connected to a private network.” Now you should see the other computer on the home network.

While it is possible to share files between two computers connected with a crossover cable without making them part of the same workgroup, the method will only work if both computers have this network set as a private network, and may still cause problems. It is therefore advisable to have both computers on the same workgroup before sharing files and printers.

Share an Internet Connection Between Two Computers

There are scenarios where you may want to share the same internet connection between two computers. For instance:

Situation A - You have setup a Wi-Fi network at home but your old desktop computer doesn’t have a wireless network card. In that case, you can use the laptop to connect to the internet wirelessly and then share that same connection with the desktop over a crossover Ethernet cable.

Situation B – You have a netbook with a built-in cellular data connection. You can share that connection with any another computer at home through the crossover Ethernet cable.

Situation C – You use a (slow) Wireless USB modem with your laptop computer while your desktop is connected to an ADSL Broadband line and there’s no router at home. For any bandwidth intensive tasks, like when you want to backup photos from your laptop to an online service, you can connect the laptop to the desktop and things will happen much faster.

OK, let’s look at the steps required for sharing an Internet connection.

First, if you only wish to share internet connection and not files, both computers need not belong to the same workgroup. All you need to do is to connect the two computers with the Ethernet crossover cable, and then turn on Internet connection sharing in the computer that already has an Internet connection. The instructions vary for different versions of Windows:

For Windows XP – Select “Network and Internet Connections” from the Control Panel and click “Network Connections.”

Right-click on the network connection you wish to share (the one connected to the internet), select Properties, click on the “Advanced” tab, and then check the box that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.” Click OK, and the second computer that you have connected to this computer with the Crossover Cable should have internet access now.

For Windows 7 and Vista – Open Control Panel, enter “network connections” in the search box on the top right and select “View Network Connections.”

Right-click on the network connection you wish to share (this must be the one connected to the internet) and select Properties. Select the "Sharing" tab and then check the option that says “Allow other network users to connect through this computer’s Internet connection.” Click OK, and the other computer you have connected to this Windows 7 or Vista computer should have internet access now.

Read more>>

Steps to IncreaseNetwork Browsing Speed

If you’ve ever browsed folders on a network, you’ll know how slow it can be. With a simple registry hack, you can increase your network browsing speed. Here’s how to do it:

1. Click Start>Run and enter ‘regedit’.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/Software/Microsoft/Windows/Current Version/Explorer/RemoteComputer/NameSpace
3. Locate the key named {D6277990-4C6A-11CF-8D87-00AA0060F5BF}. This key tells Windows to search for scheduled tasks, of which there are none. Right click on it and delete it.
4. If you have no use for viewing remote shared printers and is only interested in shared files, consider deleting the printers key as follows: {2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}. This will further improve network browsing speed.

Your networking browsing speed should be now considerably faster, as it will have no delay.

Steps to increase speed of Internet Connection with TweakMaster

TweakMaster automatically optimize and speed up any type of Internet connection. TweakMaster can substantially improve download speeds for all types of connections from dial-up to DSL, Cable, and Wireless. TweakMaster work for every Windows version from Windows 2000 to Windows 7.

On the TweakMaster website there are two version of Tweak Master: TweakMaster Free and TweakMaster Pro version. The difference between TweakMaster pro and TweakMaster free edition, on tweak master pro there are two additional features are LinkFox and DU meter. LinkFox is web accelerator for Internet Explorer and DU Meter provides an accurate account of the data which is flowing through your computer’s network connection at any given moment.

How to Tweak and Optimize your Internet Connection using this Software?

It’s easy. You can optimize your connection automatically, using the Connection Optimization Wizard, or manually, using the Advanced Optimization Settings dialog box. The choice is yours, but we highly recommend trying the wizard first, and moving to more advanced optimizations only after you have read this documentation.

For detail info about TweakMaster and download TweakMaster free edition browse to http://www.tweakmaster.com or you want TweakMaster Pro full version you can buy.

How to Repair Safecom Router / Upgrade Firmware via USB

Firmware Upgrade:

Click here Download the new firmware and save it to your desktop. Unzip it. Locate the reset button which is on the back panel of the router. Hold the hidden reset switch with paper clip for 5 seconds with the router is on. After you release that switch wait for the ADSL LED to start flashing or becoming solid. Now click on file Run while the router is connected to to your computer through RJ45 cable or USB cable. When you click on Run a MS-DOS window will start so must wait until the DS-window disappear. You will find that some time this Dos window will stop its ok as it does take some time to upgrade the firmware. After the upgrade the MS-dos disappear then it mean the router is now upgraded. Now power off the Router and powered on. When you see the ADSL LED then simply go into the router,s smart setup page by typing 10.0.0.2 into the broswer, you will be prompted for router user name which is admin and password is epicrouter Now you will your find the smart setup page just insert your ISP User name and if password then password also. Then Click on the save and reboot Button. Wait 30 seconds for the router to be fully rebooted and now you should be online.

Do you need to upgrade the firmware ??? From the smart setup click on advance link and if you see Customer Software Version: safecom.cn 10-07-04 then do not upgrade the firmware. If not and your router is not stable or if you are having msn problem then upgrade it.

Router Repair:

After powering on, a correctly operating router will have the ADSL LED flashing continuously when the ADSL line cable (RJ11) is disconnected. When the ADSL line cable is connected to a line that has been activated for ADSL the ADSL LED should be on constantly. That said, on some revisions of PCB the ADSL LED will remain on constantly and flash once every 15 seconds or so.

If the ADSL LED does not come on after powering on the router then the likely scenario is that the on-board flash memory has become corrupt.

If this is the case you will have to carry out a USB firmware flash in order to fix it.

• A PC with an Intel or VIA chipset and onboard USB port (other chipsets may not be compatible with the repair program) and FAT based file system (Not NTFS)
• A Philips or plus screw driver to open the router
• A USB cable (one was supplied with your router) to connect the router to the PC via the USB port
• A jumper (like the ones used on hard drives or CD-ROMs to determine Master or Slave operation)
• Make a note of the router's MAC address. This is a unique number that identifies the router. You will need to enter this number when the prompted to do so by the repair program. An example would be 00064F15395A (it is a 12 digit hexadecimal number). Look for a barcode sticker on the underside of the case. You should also find a similar barcode sticker with the MAC address on the circuit board (see below)
  

Step 1: POWER OFF and open the router

• Power off and unplug all the cables from your router. Turn the router upside down and place it on a flat surface. Carefully peel off the rubber feet to reveal the screws beneath. You might find it useful to stick them on the base of the router so you do not lose them. Undo the screws (usually four) and keep them in a safe place.
  
• Turn the router the right way up and carefully remove the top cover by gently lifting it. The front panel may have a slight lip on it making it a little tricky but don't use brute force.
  

STEP 2: Connect the jumper

• You should discharge any static electricity stored in your body by touching something 'earthed' like a metal radiator or any metallic object/surface.
• Locate the 2-pin link (the position on the board may vary but there is only one) on the circuit board. Carefully push the jumper onto the pins ensuring that both pins are covered and avoid touching any other parts of the circuit board. You may want to use tweezers.

Place the jumper here

• Disconnect all USB devices from your PC including hubs

STEP 3: Flash the router

• If your PC is off, power it on. Once it has finished booting put the Safecom router CD into the CD-ROM drive and browse for the firmware folder 'SAMR-4110'. Copy this entire folder to your C: drive (We assume that you have a FAT file system and not NTFS since NTFS partitions cannot be seen with DOS and the repair program is DOS based)
• Power off your PC and connect the USB cable to the USB port on the router and connect the other end of the cable to one of the USB ports on your PC (preferably one on the main board as USB ports on add-on cards may not be compatible with the repair program)
• Power on the router and start your computer and select boot from CD-ROM in your BIOS setup. Save settings and reboot.
• Make sure the Safecom router CD provided with router is still in the CD-ROM drive.
• When prompted, select "Start Computer with CD-ROM support" to boot to DOS from CD.
• At the command prompt change your default drive to C by typing "C:" and press the "Enter" key (do not include the "" when typing). Then change directory to the firmware folder you copied earlier by typing "cd SAMR-4110" and press the "Enter" key.
• You should now see that your command prompt has changed to the following:
  
  C: \SAMR-4110>
  
  
• At the above prompt type "rm_usb" and press the "Enter" key. The USB repair process will initialise.
• After a short time you will be prompted to enter the "Start MAC Address" Type in the router's MAC address (the one you should have noted earlier from the barcode label) - Enter it in 2 digit pairs with a hyphen in between "-"each pair of digits. For example: 00-06-4F-15-39-5A
• You will also be prompted to enter the "End MAC Address" This is the same for all routers and should be entered like so: 00-06-4F-FF-FF-FF (This should already be the default so you should be able to just press the "Enter" key. The reprogramming of the router will then continue and after about 60 seconds you should see a message indicating that the process was completed successfully.
• Once the process has successfully completed power off the router, disconnect the USB cable and carefully remove the jumper
• Replace the top cover of the router, screw it back together and stick the rubber feet back in place.
• Power the router on once again. Do not connect any other cables at this stage. The router will then reset itself (be patient as this can take up to 2 minutes) and the ADSL LED will start to flash continuously

STEP 4: Reconnect the router as before

• Reconnect the router to your ADSL line and your PC and restart your PC remembering to change the boot device back to your hard drive. Also remember that you need to re-enter and save your ISP login details to the newly repaired router

Important to note:

If you accidentally lose the Safecom CD then download it from the link below.
http://www.safecom.cn/code/product/adsl/samr-4110/repair.zip

Benefits of Home Networking

Why Home Networking? The concept of the Personal Computer has become popular since the Third Generation of Computers proliferated in the consumer market. Since then, computers have become part and parcel of almost every home. In fact, at present, there are many homes housing more than one computer, one for each member of the household. At this point, having these computers connected in a home network or a home area network (HAN) using a home networking solution has numerous advantages.

Photo by Travelin Librarian (under CC)

Home Networking Advantages

A home network is a residence-based local area network and it connects multiple computers within the vicinity of the residential area. The simplest of home networks usually connect two or more computing devices so that files, printers, scanners etc. can be shared between these along with a single Internet connection. For increased functionality a server may also be added.

One of the major advantages of home networking in a house with multiple computers is that Internet access can be provided to all the connected computers with the help of a home networking setup in spite of there being only one computer that is physically connected to the Internet via a modem. This is one of the main benefits for which homes with several computers look towards home networking.

Image by kenchanayao (released under CC)

File sharing is another such advantage provided by home networking, providing an extremely effective storage solution. In most home computers, there is a build-up of old files over long periods of time. When new files must be created and stored, it may so happen that there is not enough space on the hard disk of a certain computer which contains too many of such old files. An effective way of dealing with such a situation is to transfer files from the computer to any of the other computers connected in the home network which have adequate memory space. In fact, one computer can be designated the “file server” which stores all these files and every time the file needs to be accessed, the networked computer just has to connect to the file server and retrieve it. As there is only one storage location, data handling is simpler and disk space is saved. Information exchange also provides a big boost to multiplayer gaming and easier file printing by printer sharing.

Home networking generally needs a manual setup. Connecting cables physically interconnect the computers in the home networking setup while hubs, routers or switches interconnect the connected computers to allow file sharing. These devices are therefore information ‘distributors’.

This guest article was written by Amit Bhawani who blogs different How to Guides. You can also write a guest article and share your tips and tools.

How to Crimp Network Cable

1. Pull the cable off the reel to the desired length and cut. I have a box of cable at one end of my shop and a mark on the floor 10' away. For cable lengths which are a fraction of ten feet, I eye-ball the length as I pull the cable out of the box (also, my feet are about one foot long). For longer cables, I pull it out to the ten foot mark and go back to the box and pull the remaining fraction or another ten feet. If you are pulling cables through walls, a hole in the floor, etc., it easier to attach the RJ-45 plugs after the cable is pulled. The total length of wire segments between a PC and a hub or between two PC's cannot exceed 100 Meters (328 feet or about the length of a football field) for 100BASE-TX (and 10BASE-T).

2. Strip one end of the cable with the stripper or a knife and diags. If you are using the stripper, place the cable in the groove on the blade (left) side of the stripper and align the end of the cable with the right side of the stripper. This is about right to strip a little over 1/2" of the jacket off the cable. Turn the stripper about one turn or so. If you turn it much more, you will probably nick the wires. The idea is to score the outer jacket, but not go all the way through. Once scored, you should be able to twist the end of the jacket loose and pull it off with one hand while holding the rest of the cable with the other. If you are using a knife and diags, carefully slit the cable for about an inch or so and neatly trim around the circumference of the cable with the diags to remove the jacket.

3. Inspect the wires for nicks. Cut off the end and start over if you see any. You may have to adjust the blade with the screw at the front stripper. Cable diameters and jacket thicknesses vary.

4. Spread and arrange the pairs roughly in the order of the desired cable end.

5. Untwist the pairs and arrange the wires in the order of the desired cable end. Flatten the end between your thumb and forefinger. Trim the ends of the wires so they are even with one another. It is very important that the unstripped (untwisted) end be slightly less than 1/2" long. If it is longer than 1/2" it will be out-of-spec and susceptible to crosstalk. If it less than slightly less than 1/2" it will not be properly clinched when RJ-45 plug is crimped on.. Flatten again. There should be little or no space between the wires.

6. Hold the RJ-45 plug with the clip facing down or away from you. Push the wire firmly into the plug. Now, inspect the darn thing... before crimping and wasting the plug! Looking through the bottom of the plug, the wire on the far left side will have a white background. The wires should alternate light and dark from left to right. The furthest right wire is brown. The wires should all end evenly at the front of the plug. The jacket should end just about where you see it in the diagram--right on the line. Aren't you glad you didn't crimp the plug?

7. Hold the wire near the RJ-45 plug with the clip down and firmly push it into the left side of the front of the crimper (it will only go in one way). Hold the wire in place squeeze the crimper handles quite firmly. This is what will happen:

(Crimp it once.) The crimper pushes two plungers down on the RJ-45 plug. One forces what amounts to a cleverly designed plastic plug/wedge onto the cable jacket and very firmly clinches it. The other seats the "pins," each with two teeth at its end, through the insulation and into the conductors of their respective wires.

8. Test the crimp... If done properly an average person will not be able to pull the plug off the cable with his or her bare hands. And that quite simply, besides lower cost, is the primary advantage of twisted-pair cables over the older thinwire, coaxial cables. In fact, I would say the RJ-45 and ease of its installation is the main reason coaxial cable is no longer widely used for small Ethernets. But, don't pull that hard on the plug. It could stretch the cable and change its characteristics. Look at the side of the plug and see if it looks like the diagram and give it a fairly firm tug to make sure it is crimped well.

9. Prepare the other end of the cable so it has the desired end and crimp.

10. If both ends of the cable are within reach, hold them next to each other and with RJ-45 clips facing away. Look through the bottom of the plugs. If the plugs are wired correctly, and they are identical, it is a straight-thru cable. If they are wired correctly and they are different, it is a crossover cable.

11. If you have an operational network, test the cable. Copy some large files.

12. If the cable doesn't work, inspect the ends again and make sure you have the right cable and that it is plugged into the correct units for the type of cable. Try power-cycling (cold booting) the involved computers.

13. If you have many straight-thru cables and a crossover cable in your system, you should consider labeling the crossover cable or using a different colored cable for the crossover cable so you don't mix them up. I do not recommend implementing the crossover function, as recommended elsewhere, with two RJ-45 jacks, appropriately wired back to back, and two straight-thru cables. This method costs noticeably more, introduces more than the necessary number of components and connections, increases the complexity and time of assembly, and decreases reliability.

Networking Basics - Key Concepts in Computer Networking

What is (Computer) Networking?Networking is the practice of linking computing devices together with hardware and software that supports data communications across these devices.
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Networking Basics Quiz / Q&AAnswer this series of common questions about basic computer networking concepts to quickly expand your knowledge of the topic.

Visual Networking BasicsThis guide presents the essential concepts of computer networks in a sequence of visual illustrations designed to teach networking basics by example.

Network File Sharing 101Computer networks allow you to share files with friends, family, coworkers and customers. Learn about the different methods for file sharing including Windows, FTP, P2P and Web based.

Connecting Two ComputersThe simplest kind of home network contains exactly two computers. You can use this kind of network to share files, a printer or another peripheral device, and even an Internet connection. To connect two computers for sharing network resources, consider these alternatives.

Introduction to Area Networks and Network TypesLAN and WAN are two common types of networks but many others exist.

Basic Network TopologiesOne way to classify computer networks is by their topology. Common network topologies include the bus, star, and ring.

Free Computer Networking BooksNumerous published books are available for free download on the Internet. However, not very many quality, free titles are available on basic computer networking topics.

Network RoutersA router is a small hardware device that joins multiple networks together. These networks can include wired or wireless home networks, and the Internet.

What Is a Network Protocol?Protocols serve as a language of communication among network devices. Network protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, and SMTP provide a foundation that much of the Internet is built on. Find out more about these protocols and how they work.

What Is a Server?In computer networking, a server is a computer designed to process requests and deliver data to other computers over a local network or the Internet. Common types of network servers include Web, proxy and FTP servers.

TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol TCP/IP provides connection-oriented communication between network devices. TCP/IP is very commonly used both on the Internet and in home computer networks.

FirewallsA network firewall guards a computer against unauthorized network access. Firewalls are one of the essential elements of a safe home or business network.

Networking Basics: EthernetEthernet is a physical and data link layer technology for local area networks (LANs). Ethernet is reliable and inexpensive, the leading standard worldwide for building wired LANs.

Networking Basics: SwitchA network switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple computers together at a low-level network protocol layer. Switches differ in important ways from both routers and hubs.

Network AddressesNetwork addresses give computers unique identities they can use to communicate with each other. Specifically, IP addresses and MAC addresses are used on most home and business networks.

Basic Computer ArchitectureUnderstanding these concepts in computer architecture is essential to learning computer networking. Discover the fundamental elements of computer system and network architecture here.

"Computer Networking First-Step"Many books exist dedicated to home networking, specific network technologies like wireless or TCP/IP, or various academic networking topics. This one covers the overall field of computer networking.
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How to set up a Router for Home Computer Networks.

This guide explains how to set up a router for home computer networks. The exact names of configuration settings on a network router vary depending on the model and whether it is wired or wireless. However, this general procedure will guide you through the process for the common kinds of home network equipment.

1.
Choose a convenient location to begin installing your router such as an open floor space or table.
This does not need to be the permanent location of the device. Particularly for wireless routers, you may find it necessary to re-position the unit after installing it as the cables / signals may not reach all areas needed. At the beginning, its better to choose a location where it's easiest to work with the router and worry about final placement later.
2.
Plug in the router's electrical power source, then turn on the router by pushing the power button.
3.
(Optional) Connect your Internet modem to the router. Most network modems connect via an Ethernet cable but USB connections are becoming increasingly common. The cable plugs into the router jack named "WAN" or "uplink" or "Internet." After connecting the cable, be sure to power cycle (turn off and turn back on) the modem to ensure the router recognizes it.
4.
Connect one computer to the router. Even if the router is a wireless model, connect this first computer to the router via a network cable. Using a cable during router installation ensures the maximum reliability of the equipment. Once a wireless router installation is complete, the computer can be changed over to a wireless connection if desired.
5.
Open the router's administration tool. From the computer connected to the router, first open your Web browser. Then enter the router's address for network administration in the Web address field and hit return to reach the router's home page.Many routers are reached by either the Web address "http://192.168.1.1" or "http://192.168.0.1" Consult your router's documentation to determine the exact address for your model. Note that you do not need a working Internet connection for this step.
6.
Log in to the router. The router's home page will ask you for a username and password. Both are provided in the router's documentation. You should change the router's password for security reasons, but do this after the installation is complete to avoid unnecessary complications during the basic setup.
7.
If you want your router to connect to the Internet, you must enter Internet connection information into that section of the router's configuration (exact location varies). If using DSL Internet, you may need to enter the PPPoE username and password. Likewise, if you have been issued a static IP address by your provider (you would need to have requested it), the static IP fields (including network mask and gateway) given to you by the provider must also must be set in the router.
8.
If you were using a primary computer or an older network router to connect to the Internet, your provider may require you to update the MAC address of the router with the MAC address of the device you were using previously. Read How to Change a MAC Address for a detailed description of this process.
9.
If this is a wireless router, change the network name (often called SSID). While the router comes to you with a network name set at the factory, you will never want to use this name on your network. Read How to Change the Router SSID for detailed instructions.
10.
Verify the network connection is working between your one computer and the router. To do this, you must confirmed that the computer has received IP address information from the router. See How to Find IP Addresses for a description of this process.
11.
(If applicable) Verify your one computer can connect to the Internet properly. Open your Web browser and visit a few Internet sites such as http://freecomputercourses.blogspot.com/
Connect additional computers to the router as needed. If connecting wirelessly, ensure the network name (SSID) of each is computer matches that of the router.
12.
Finally, configure additional network security features as desired to guard your systems against Internet attackers. These WiFi Home Network Security Tips offer a good checklist to follow.
Tips:
a)When connecting devices with network cables, be sure each end of the cable connects tightly. b)Loose cables are one of the most common sources of network setup problems.
What You Need:
1.A network router (wireless or wired)
2.Network adapters installed on all devices to be connected to the router
3.A working Internet modem (optional)
4.A Web browser installed at least one computer in the network
More Wireless / Networking How To's

Ethernet Cable - Color Coding Diagram

The information listed here is to assist Network Administrators in the color coding of Ethernet cables. Please be aware that modifying Ethernet cables improperly may cause loss of network connectivity. Use this information at your own risk, and insure all connectors and cables are modified in accordance with standards. The Internet Centre and its affiliates cannot be held liable for the use of this information in whole or in part

T-568B Straight-Through Ethernet Cable

The TIA/EIA 568-A standard which was ratified in 1995, was replaced by the TIA/EIA 568-B standard in 2002 and has been updated since. Both standards define the T-568A and T-568B pin-outs for using Unshielded Twisted Pair cable and RJ-45 connectors for Ethernet connectivity. The standards and pin-out specification appear to be related and interchangeable, but are not the same and should not be used interchangeably
T-568B Straight-Through Ethernet Cable

Both the T-568A and the T-568B standard Straight-Through cables are used most often as patch cords for your Ethernet connections. If you require a cable to connect two Ethernet devices directly together without a hub or when you connect two hubs together, you will need to use a Crossover cable instead.

RJ-45 Crossover Ethernet Cable

A good way of remembering how to wire a Crossover Ethernet cable is to wire one end using the T-568A standard and the other end using the T-568B standard. Another way of remembering the color coding is to simply switch the Green set of wires in place with the Orange set of wires. Specifically, switch the solid Green (G) with the solid Orange, and switch the green/white with the orange/white.

Ethernet Cable Instructions:

Pull the cable off the reel to the desired length and cut. If you are pulling cables through holes, its easier to attach the RJ-45 plugs after the cable is pulled. The total length of wire segments between a PC and a hub or between two PC's cannot exceed 100 Meters (328 feet) for 100BASE-TX and 300 Meters for 10BASE-T. Start on one end and strip the cable jacket off (about 1") using a stripper or a knife. Be extra careful not to nick the wires, otherwise you will need to start over. Spread, untwist the pairs, and arrange the wires in the order of the desired cable end. Flatten the end between your thumb and forefinger. Trim the ends of the wires so they are even with one another, leaving only 1/2" in wire length. If it is longer than 1/2" it will be out-of-spec and susceptible to crosstalk. Flatten and insure there are no spaces between wires. Hold the RJ-45 plug with the clip facing down or away from you. Push the wires firmly into the plug. Inspect each wire is flat even at the front of the plug. Check the order of the wires. Double check again. Check that the jacket is fitted right against the stop of the plug. Carefully hold the wire and firmly crimp the RJ-45 with the crimper. Check the color orientation, check that the crimped connection is not about to come apart, and check to see if the wires are flat against the front of the plug. If even one of these are incorrect, you will have to start over. Test the Ethernet cable.
Ethernet Cable Tips:
*A straight-thru cable has identical ends.
*A crossover cable has different ends.
*A straight-thru is used as a patch cord in Ethernet connections.
*A crossover is used to connect two Ethernet devices without a hub or for connecting two hubs.
*A crossover has one end with the Orange set of wires switched with the Green set.
Odd numbered pins are always striped, even numbered pins are always solid colored.
Looking at the RJ-45 with the clip facing away from you, Brown is always on the right, and pin 1 is on the left.
*No more than 1/2" of the Ethernet cable should be untwisted otherwise it will be susceptible to crosstalk.
*Do not deform, do not bend, do not stretch, do not staple, do not run parallel with power cables, and do not run Ethernet cables near noise inducing components

BASIC THEOREY

By looking at a T-568A UTP Ethernet straight-thru cable and an Ethernet crossover cable with a T-568B end, we see that the TX (transmitter) pins are connected to the corresponding RX (receiver) pins, plus to plus and minus to minus. You can also see that both the blue and brown wire pairs on pins 4, 5, 7, and 8 are not used in either standard. What you may not realize is that, these same pins 4, 5, 7, and 8 are not used or required in 100BASE-TX as well. So why bother using these wires, well for one thing its simply easier to make a connection with all the wires grouped together. Otherwise you'll be spending time trying to fit those tiny little wires into each of the corresponding holes in the RJ-45 connector.

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