View source for Ethernet cables

== What is Ethernet cable? ==

Ethernet cable is the normal network cable that you know from your everyday life ("twisted pairs"), or the super network cable in datacentres that is the "fiberoptic".

== What is Ethernet? ==

Ethernet is an OSI Layer 2 (data link) protocol, the cable is the medium for Layer 1 (physical layer). Wifi (802.11...) is another OSI Layer 2 (data link) protocol. Above Layer 2 is the OSI Layer 3 (network) is IP (~Internet) / ICMP (~ping) / IPX (~network boot) / etc. and Layer 4 (transport) is TCP (~World Wide Web) / UDP (~streaming) / etc.

== Where are Ethernet cables? ==

In the Hacklab corner:

[[file:Cornerofcables.jpg|600px|Corner of hacklab with cables]]

[[file:Cables0.jpg|600px|Corner of hacklab with cables]]

[[file:Cables1.jpg|600px|Corner of hacklab with cables]]

[[file:Cables2.jpg|600px|Corner of hacklab with cables]]

== Where is the crimper and the connectors? ==

In the little white cupboard:

[[file:White-cupboard.jpg|600px|Corner of hacklab with cables]]

[[file:Drawer.jpg|600px|Corner of hacklab with cables]]

[[file:CrimperConnectorsSwitches.jpg|600px|Corner of hacklab with cables]]

'''The crimper is an expensive tool so please please please take care of it and put it back. We decided to keep it in a public space so everybody can use it. Leave a note in the drawer if you take it.'''

== How to make an Ethernet cable? ==

1. Use the crimper to cut the cable to be as long as you need.
2. Then use the crimper to install a connector on both ends.
3. Finally, test if the cable works!

Nota bene: connectors and cables are cheap, so feel free to experiment, but try not to install dodgy cables on the network that are not working properly!

=== Tutorials ===

You can easily find instructions on the World Wide Web, for example:

http://matt.might.net/articles/how-to-make-your-own-cat-5-ethernet-cable/

http://www.groundcontrol.com/galileo/ch5-ethernet.htm

http://www.linuxplanet.com/linuxplanet/tutorials/6892/1

== Who can I ask for help with Ethernet cables? ==

You can ask maxigas, ariel and others.