What Color Is Ethernet Cable? Understanding the Standard Color Codes

What Color Is Ethernet Cable: Unveiling the Rainbow of Ethernet Cable Colors

02/08/2024|Anker

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While the internet seems like magic, the invisible force connecting your devices is a network of physical cables. These unsung heroes, ethernet cables, come in a variety of colors, but what do those colors actually mean? What color is ethernet cable? This guide will unveil the rainbow of ethernet cables, explaining the standard color schemes, what each color signifies, how to choose the right cable, some DIY tips, and how to leverage this knowledge for a smoother networking experience.

Network Cable Colors Standard

The color of the ethernet cable itself doesn't hold any inherent meaning regarding performance. However, the individual wires inside the cable jacket follow a specific color-coding standard. These standards ensure consistency and proper functionality when connecting devices on your network. The two most common wiring schemes are T568A and T568B, defined by the Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance (TIA/EIA).

Both standards utilize eight color-coded wires twisted into four pairs. Each pair is designed to minimize crosstalk, which is the electrical interference between neighboring wires. Here's a breakdown of the individual wire colors:

Orange:This color represents one half of the first pair.
Orange & White:This striped version pairs with the solid orange wire.
Green:This color represents one half of the second pair.
Green & White:This striped version pairs with the solid green wire.
Blue:This color represents one half of the third pair.
Blue & White:This striped version pairs with the solid blue wire.
Brown:This color represents one half of the fourth pair.
Brown & White:This striped version pairs with the solid brown wire.

The major difference between T568B and T568A is nothing but the arrangement of the green and orange pairs. T568A positions the orange pair at the first and third positions, while T568B swaps them, placing the green pair at the first and third positions. Both standards are accepted widely and can be used interchangeably for standard network connections.

What Do Different Colored Ethernet Cables Mean?

While the internal wiring scheme dictates functionality, the overall cable jacket color can sometimes be used for identification purposes. However, there's no universal standard for colored ethernet cable jackets. Manufacturers may use specific colors to differentiate cable types or for internal organization purposes. Here are some common examples to understand different ethernet cable color meaning:

Gray:This is the most common color for standard ethernet cables used for everyday network connections.
Yellow:What is the yellow ethernet cable for? Well, some manufacturers utilize yellow ethernet cables for Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications. PoE cables deliver both data and electrical power to devices like VoIP phones or security cameras.
Blue:Blue ethernet cables might be used for specific network segments or to denote terminal server connections within a data center.
Green:Green ethernet cables are less common but might be used for crossover cables, which are a special type of cable used for connecting devices directly without needing a network switch.
Other Colors:Manufacturers may utilize other colors like red, white, or purple for their own internal cable management or to denote specific functionalities.

It's important to remember that the color of the cable jacket itself doesn't guarantee its purpose. Always rely on the internal wiring scheme (T568A or T568B) to ensure proper network connectivity.

What Colored Ethernet Cable Should I Use?

For standard network connections between devices like computers, routers, or access points, any ethernet cable with either T568A or T568B wiring will work. The color of the cable jacket is irrelevant in these scenarios.

However, if you're dealing with PoE applications or a specific network setup where color-coding is used for identification, consult your network documentation or the cable manufacturer's specifications to understand the designated color scheme for those purposes.

Patch Cable Color Standards

Patch cables are short ethernet cables typically used for connecting devices within a rack or on a desktop. The network cable colours standard (T568A or T568B) still applies to the internal wiring of these cables. However, the color of the jacket itself can be useful for managing and organizing a network with multiple devices.

For instance, you might choose to use blue patch cables for all connections to a specific switch port or designate green patch cables for connections to specific types of devices like printers. This color-coding scheme can simplify troubleshooting and network maintenance.

The following is a frequently used patch cable color standard:

Grey: Used for regular network connections.
Black: Serves as a general, default color.
Purple: Designated for non-ethernet digital connections.
Blue: Utilized for terminal server connections.
Green: Indicates crossover ethernet connections.
Yellow: Reserved for Power over Ethernet (POE) connections.
Orange: Assigned to non-ethernet analog connections.
Pink: Available as an additional color for any purpose.
Red: Specifically for IP camera connections.
White: Another optional color for any use.

How to Cut and Crimp Ethernet Cables Properly?

Cutting and crimping ethernet cables correctly is essential for maintaining network reliability and performance. Make sure you have the following tools and materials before your begin:

Ethernet cable (Category 5, 5e, 6, or 6e)
RJ-45 connectors
Crimping tool
Cable stripper or knife
Cable tester (optional but recommended)

Follow the below steps to know how to properly cut and crimp ethernet cables:

Measure and Cut the Cable:
1. Determine the Length:Measure the length of Ethernet cable required, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum allowable length (100 meters for 100BASE-TX and 300 meters for 10BASE-T).
2. Cut the Cable:Use a cable cutter to cut the cable to the desired length. If you’re pulling the cable through walls or conduits, cut it after pulling.
Strip the Cable Jacket:
1. Remove the Outer Jacket:Strip about 1 inch of the outer jacket from the cable end using a cable stripper or a knife. Be careful not to nick the internal wires.
2. Separate and Untwist Wires:Separate the twisted pairs of wires and untwist them. Arrange the wires in the correct order according to the desired wiring standard (T-568A or T-568B).
Arrange and Trim Wires:
1. Order the Wires:Arrange the wires flat and in the correct sequence. The T-568B standard is commonly used, with the following color order from left to right:
  1. Orange/White
  2. Orange

Green/White

Blue
Blue/White
Green

Brown/White
Brown

Trim the Wires:Using a wire cutter, trim the wires to ensure they are even and about 1/2 inch long. This length is crucial to avoid crosstalk and ensure a proper fit within the connector.

Insert Wires into the RJ-45 Connector:
1. Prepare the Connector:Hold the RJ-45 connector with the clip facing down.
2. Insert the Wires:Carefully insert the wires into the connector, ensuring each wire reaches the end of the connector and maintains the correct order.
3. Inspect:Check that the cable jacket is inserted into the connector to help secure the wires and that the wires are flat and aligned properly.
Crimp the Connector:
1. Place in Crimping Tool:Insert the connector into the crimping tool.
2. Crimp:Squeeze the crimping tool firmly to secure the connector onto the cable. The metal pins inside the connector will pierce the insulation of each wire, ensuring an electrical connection.
Test the Cable:
1. Visual Inspection:Ensure all wires are fully inserted and in the correct order.
2. Cable Tester:Use a cable tester to verify the connectivity and correctness of the cable. This step is crucial to ensure there are no wiring errors or connectivity issues.

Tips for Differentiating Straight-Thru and Crossover Ethernet Cables

Understanding the difference between straight-thru and crossover ethernet cables is essential for proper network setup and troubleshooting. Here are some tips to help you distinguish between the two types of cables:

Straight-Thru Ethernet Cables:

Identical Ends:A straight-thru cable has identical wiring on both ends, following either the T-568A or T-568B wiring standard.
Common Use:These cables are typically used as patch cords for connecting different types of devices, such as a computer to a switch or router.
Wiring Standard:
- T-568A: Green/White, Green, Orange/White, Blue, Blue/White, Orange, Brown/White, Brown.
- T-568B: Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White, Green, Brown/White, Brown.
Pin Configuration:When looking at the RJ-45 connector with the clip facing down, the pin configuration should be the same on both ends.

Crossover Ethernet Cables:

Different Ends:A crossover cable has different wiring on each end—one end follows the T-568A standard and the other follows the T-568B standard.
Special Use:These cables are used to connect similar devices directly without a hub or switch, such as connecting two computers or two switches.
Wiring Standard:
- End 1 (T-568A): Green/White, Green, Orange/White, Blue, Blue/White, Orange, Brown/White, Brown.
- End 2 (T-568B): Orange/White, Orange, Green/White, Blue, Blue/White, Green, Brown/White, Brown.
Wire Swapping:Specifically, the green and orange pairs are swapped. The solid green wire (pin 1) is swapped with the solid orange wire, and the green/white wire (pin 3) is swapped with the orange/white wire.
Visual Check:By holding the two ends side by side, you can see the difference in the wire order.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, we just saw what color is ethernet cable. The world of ethernet cables may seem like a rainbow of mystery, but understanding the color codes and their applications unlocks a powerful tool for network organization and troubleshooting. Remember, consistency in wiring schemes (T568-A or B) is key, while the cable jacket color itself offers a chance for customization. With the skills to create your own cables and differentiate between straight-thru and crossover types, you can gain valuable knowledge to navigate the colorful world of ethernet connectivity.

FAQs

Is Ethernet cable blue or yellow?

Ethernet cables can come in various colors, including blue and yellow, among others. Blue is commonly used for terminal server connections, while yellow is often reserved for Power over Ethernet (POE) connections. However, the color of an Ethernet cable can vary based on the specific color-coding standards or personal preference.

What color Ethernet cable is the fastest?

The color of an Ethernet cable does not affect its speed or performance. The speed and performance of an Ethernet cable are determined by its category (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, Cat8) and not by its color. Each category supports different maximum speeds and bandwidths, with higher categories generally supporting faster speeds and greater bandwidths.

How do I know if my wire is Ethernet?

To determine if your wire is an Ethernet cable, check for RJ45 connectors on both ends, which have eight metal contacts. Look for category markings (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6) on the cable. Also, ethernet cables are thicker and usually contain eight wires twisted into four pairs inside the jacket. These cables are commonly used for network connections.