If you do want to see how to clean it including with a toothpick, see this article. But, be aware that is not the end-all be-all cleaning method.

Why is a toothpick not the most effective for cleaning your phone charger port?

Sure, a toothpick can get in and scrape out the bulk of the lint from your pocket that collects in the charger port.

I also like them because they are wood and fine, which means they are a little flexible. Less likely to break something. Not only that, but they will also likely break instead of your phone if you use too much force.

But they are not the only option by far. 

If soot has already started to burn onto the connector pins, the metal connectors that transfer power between the charger and the phone, can get soot deposited on them.

To clean them you need more than just to scrape the lint or dust out.

We will first look at alternative options for use instead of a toothpick for scraping. Then we will look at how to give an even better clean.

When you do use a toothpick, the idea is to gently glide up and into one edge of the charger port.

Then swipe across and then retain it at an angle and withdraw to scrape out any lint or dust collected in there. Repeat.

How to clean iPhone charging port without toothpick – Preferred Options

I talk about an iPhone charger port here, but of course it is relevant to any smartphone with a ‘female’ connector that makes a catchment pocket.

You can do something similar to above without a toothpick.

You will need something that is similar in size to the hole in your iPhone for the lightning connector. It’s surprisingly narrow!

WARNING: Make sure you do not use anything too hard. It could scratch and damage your phone. Also, I recommend you turn your phone off before putting anything other than the charger in it.

You can try one of the following.

1. Q-tip or Cotton Bud

A Q-tip often works well. Sometimes called a cotton bud in some locations.

I often recommended them, especially when doing a better clean with a cleaning fluid (see end of this article).

You can use pliers or your teeth to crush the stem to make it narrower.

I find that, even when crushed, the stems are still a little too wide to fit inside the port. 

This means often only the cotton part fits in. This allows you to do a partial clean. It is okay but perhaps not the best way to remove all lint from the port.

In fact, it’s better for rubbing the pins to clean them than to remove lint jammed up inside.

A great tool to use to clean iPhone charging port without toothpick, is a twist-tie.

2. Twist-tie

By twist-tie, I mean those plastic-coated wires that we use to twist around other things to keep them together or freezer bag, not a cable tie.

The ones that come with freezer bags are not very strong so are not very good at all.

The black or white ones used on loose parts in toys or cables or work quite well.

The best ones are the stronger black ones that are typically on serious quality electrical goods. Including on new USB cables! If you buy new charger cable, look for and use the twist-tie to clear out the phone charger port before you start using your new cable.

Use the same method as explained above for the toothpick, but of course you do it without the toothpick!

In fact, it might be better than a toothpick because you can bend slightly the end to make a tiny hook.

In the photo below, you can see some lint or dust removed when I did a clean that was a success. There was more removed than shown in the photo.

This is how I got lint out of iPhone charging port without a toothpick.

I had the black twist tie wrapped around my new charger cable when it arrived! Perfect to give the phone charger port a wipe before inserting my new cable.

After all, you don’t want to get a black stuff on your new charger cable right away.

How I cleaned my iPhone charging port without toothpick using the twist-tie that came with my new iPhone charger cable!

My choice of iPhone charger cable?

I bought some like this iPhone charger cable and found the two cables to be awesome with a very robust design, and I’m really happy with them.

That is my choice but there are many more options, of course. You can search and find your own choice. This one is just to get you started.

TIP: Look for something that is going to protect the cable near the ends as that is where they fail in a way you can’t easily fix them.

Note: the above link is an affiliate link and if you click and buy one and it qualifies then I’ll probably get a tiny fraction of that. Which is to say (with the price of a charger cable), almost nothing, lol!

More ways to clean an iPhone charger port without toothpick

Along similar lines to Part 1, there are other small plastic-only items you can use.

A great one, though not always handy, is a ‘cable tie’.

3. Cable Tie

I’m referring to the plastic ones.

Metal ones are rare but if you have one, and want to use it because you have nothing else, please take extra care!

A metal one will be hard and you run the risk of damaging your iPhone or Android phone port. Not worth it to just clean out some lint or other stuff!

A cable tie for those that don’t know is a narrow plastic strip with a step pattern on one side, and an end that it zips into. People clamp cables and hold other things tightly together using cable ties very often.

These come in all sorts or sizes and variations.

You can typically cut them with good scissors and strong force, or a knife.

The method is the same:

Push it gently up into one end.

Drag it along the inside of the port.

Hook out the lint at the other end.

Repeat a few times, including from the other side.

4. Plastic 3D printing filament

If you or a friend has a 3D printer, then they likely have bits and pieces of tiny plastic parts that they don’t know what to do with. In any case there will be spare off-cuts of raw filament that we use that don’t serve any other purpose.

These plastic filament ‘threads’ can be quite useful.

They are strong enough to not break off inside your phone port.

3D filament can be harder than compressed lint from clothes or jeans.

I had to shave off a small edge just slightly for it to fit into the iPhone charger port. It made a sharper point for scraping the lint out. You could squeeze it with pliers to make it narrower, or you could bite it if you don’t have any tools!

You can bend plastic filament, just enough at the end to help make it a little more L-shaped or hook-like.

Less recommended ways to clean an iPhone charger port without toothpick.

Here are some more alternatives, but these are less recommended.

Some are metal so the warning above holds true. You run a risk to damage your phone so be gentle.

5. iPhone Ejector Tool

You will know the iPhone ejector tool for accessing the SIM card tray is metal. It can be handy as some iPhone users keep them in their phone case.

It has a nice little handle and a long thin projecting part. Insert it gently and scrape outwards.

NOTE: For iPhone 14 models bought in the United States, they use an eSIM so you probably won’t have an ejector tool either!

6. Paper clip

This can be less preferred because it is metal.

Having written that, some paper clips come with a plastic coating or paint which makes them an ideal option to clean your phone or iPhone charger port.

Blue works better than yellow (no that is just a joke!)

Bend open the paper clip just at one end to provide a handle (the looped part) and a cleaning prong (the open end).

If you only have a metal paper clip, you can try to wrap some paper around the end before you insert. I’m mixed about this idea because you do not want a little piece of paper to become trapped in the end so you cannot insert your charger cable all the way in.

7. Folded cardboard

I have tested folded paper and typically it isn’t strong enough. Perhaps an origami expert can fold one to make a great hook that is also strong? I actually tried to make folded paper hooks, but found they unfold rather than being useful!

But I think there will always be some cardboard lying around that you can get your hands on if there are no toothpicks in sight.

You will need to make a few folds after you tear off a small piece. That can give it strength as well as creating extra pockets to catch the lint or dust.

Compacted cardboard may be enough like wood, and so it gives another way to clean your iPhone charger port without a toothpick.

After Removing Lint, Clean the Phone Connector Pins

It is a good idea to rub the tiny metal connector pins inside the phone/iPhone port to clean them with a suitable cleaning fluid. 

I use a mix of bicarb soda and vinegar on a Q-tip.

Those who tout a toothpick probably never do this and wonder why their chargers are always failing so soon.

The cleaning mix and Q-tip can work quite well. I can see the black remains coming off onto the Q-tip. That proves the pins inside are becoming cleaner.

It can take a little set up and effort, but it is worth it.

For detail on how to make a suitable cleaning fluid and what else to use and do, see this article.

Also Clean the Charge Cable

It is important to clean the iPhone lightning cable or other phone USB charging cable once you have removed lint.

It might even be more important!

Why? Because the cable pins may have some soot burnt on them. That started off as the lint or dust and maybe oils from our skin we try to remove from the port. 

When the power starts to flow for charging, the first arc can burn that dust or lint. Carbon (ie. Soot) is not a great conductor! Plus, some of it can wipe off one surface to foul another.

To clean and fix a lightning cable of the burnt soot on the pins as per this article is just as important as removing the lint.

Rub the burnt pin or black line on the charger with cleaning fluid.

After cleaning, be sure to keep a look out for a black line on your charger cable to reclean it before it gets too bad.

Summary

We have now shown how to clean iPhone charging port without toothpick. As you now know, it may be best to clean your phone/iPhone charger port without a toothpick! Some FAQs follow.

The post How to clean phone charging port with/without toothpick appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

Find your best external hard disc (HDD) or solid state (SSD) drive for backup purposes in this article. We tell you what to consider when choosing between SSD and HDD for backup storage. We focus on which models have built-in back up systems provided. We also look at a few alternative that could save you money or get you more storage bang for your buck! Read on.

Introduction – what do I need for external backup?

The main thing most people consider when buying extra storage capacity is cost. Or rather, cost per unit of capacity.

We can give you a few ideas for deciding what capacity you need.

A big determinant of price is solid state drive versus hard disk drive.

To find the capacity you need, consider getting something that can contain your entire PC or Mac internal capacity.

This may be somewhat excessive, so the next size down target would be the size on non-operating system capacity.

That would be the internal drive size less the operating system. The size of a typical Windows 10 installation is around 20 to 30 GB.

You might know that for a new computer. It is roughly the size of empty or available space on the internal drive.

Once people know they want a certain size capacity once that is settled then it is relatively easy to scan through different brands to see what ranges of price there are for that.

There are more things to consider that can save you!

Firstly, If you have no idea what size to get

Which to Choose – HDD or SSD is better for Backup?

Spinning disk or hard disk drives (HDD) store the data on a metal platter and read it with a sensor on an arm that sweeps across the disk.

These have mechanical moving parts and can be damaged by rough treatment.

Even without rough treatment, they have multiple failure modes due to their moving parts.

They are the older technology and therefore are much cheaper.

Solid state drives (SSD) have no moving parts and so have different failure modes. They are less likely to be damaged.

Under most situations they are faster too.

For this latest technology you will pay much more.

Alternatively you will need to get a smaller capacity drive to keep the cost down relative to a similar priced HDD.

You do not really need super high speed for storage purposes.

The drive should be there doing its thing in the background. Hopefully you don’t need to recover files or photos from backup very often.

In most backup situations, I recommend a HDD to my clients.

It is very nice to have a SSD, though.

If you have the additional cash, I do recommend a SSD due to the improved speed and lower risk – especially if you are going to be carrying it around.

Legal Note: You will find here our efforts to help you by giving you an easy link to follow through to buy. If you want to search and find your own alternatives you certainly can. We get a very small fee if you buy in a qualifying way but it does not affect the purchase price. There is no obligation to buy – these are just in case it helps you.

Get an External Drive With Auto Backup to prevent using third party software to recover deleted files.

Sometimes our clients need to recover deleted files, sometimes after they have cleared their trash or recycle bin.

They can be recovered with free software in most cases.

But it is a pain and it is worth it to avoid that problem in the first place.

Start and Automate Your Backups!

For the general user, I’d advise to get an external hard drive of similar size that does the backup properly for you. Much easier than copying and pasting the files you hope are the recent ones, and avoids a lot of duplication.

I suggest the “Seagate Backup” models if you want it to do the backup management for you.

Our recommendation for External Hard drives with backup:

The top brands of external drives I have used are the Seagate Backup models and the WD backup models.

Personally, I use File History, but if that is too complicated you can use these drives which automate the backup process for you.

The links within our recommendations below will open in a separate tab so you can continue to read and browse the store after.

WD External drive for data backup

Here are the Seagate Backup models I mentioned elsewhere previously,  if you are not a tech.

I have bought these for others who are not technically oriented for an easy backup up system for them.

For computer techs (or for your clients with larger file storage demand), and to achieve large storage there are of course a lot of options, but one way to get a lot of extra hard drive storage is to buy a drive docking station and with it buy large internal hard drives to permanently dock inside – it’s a lot cheaper that way for a greater amount of memory. I hope this helps you implement a good back up strategy.

Anyhow, on to recovering your files deleted from the recycle bin!

The post Best External HDD or SSD Drives for backup appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

This article will help you with our list of the best Surface Pro Accessories, with many being suitable for Surface Go, Surface Laptop and Surface Book. These of course are suitable for Surface Pro 6, 7, etc. and the new Surface Pro X, plus we some interesting and unique suggestions. These should help spark your imagination as gift ideas or to boost your productivity!

We have helpful links to take you straight to where you can buy or read on to learn more.

Bigger image of this accessory in the detailed review below!

You can be more productive, be more connected and you will have the best fun! This list of the best accessories will also help you with gift ideas for Surface Pro owners.

Winner Best Surface Pro Accessory 2021

OMAX Digital LED Compound Microscope

Top of the list as a unique gift or accessory is this microscope! I first saw it late last year (this list was put together in 2020 and updated for 2021) and immediately wanted to buy one as a gift for my nephews (who are students)!

Is anyone out there reading this studying the COVID-19 virus?!

An unusual choice perhaps, but this list of Surface Accessories is unique!

This list is genuinely what I have, have used, have bought, have needed or have dreamed about!

This microscope comes with a built-in 1.3 MegaPixel Camera and more.

Read on to check it out in more detail below.

As suggested above, if you have a Surface Go, Surface or Surface Laptop, this type of accessory will work with all of them.

We have many more awesome accessories below. Do read on and enjoy!

Do read this whole article when you have time. I promise to make it interesting!

If not, I’ll die trying… Maybe that is too extreme. How about I promise that I’ll type for so long I’ll get a dead hand…?

Legal note: As a Microsoft affiliate and an Amazon associate we are paid a small fee by Amazon if a referral makes a qualifying purchase (not all qualify, and it won’t cost you any more either way as it has no effect on purchase price).

I emphasize you do not get charged any differently. In fact, we aim to find some bargains that save you!

Okay, let us HELP YOU find the best Surface Pro Accessories out there in 2021!

Index – highlights of the best Surface Pro accessories!

Best Microsoft Surface Pro Accessory in detail

Must-have Microsoft Surface Pro Accessories

Microsoft Surface Pro Docking Station

Superseded Docking Station Model for Surface Pro 3

Microsoft Arc Mouse Accessory

Surface Type Cover Accessories

Surface Go Keyboard

Best Microsoft Surface Pro Accessories for Entertainment

Surface Pro KVM

Best of Alternative Brand Surface Pro Accessories

Best second monitor for your MS Surface

Non-Microsoft-type-cover

The Best Surface Micro SD Card

Most common Surface Accessory – USB Hub

Best Surface Accessories for Students (see also the best overall)

Surface Pro Accessories for Portability or Mobility

Surface Car Charger and Power Supply

Additional External Battery For Surface Models

Other Keyboard accessories for the Surface Pro

Best Accessories for Surface Pro Protection

The Best Gift for Surface Owners

Unique and Best Microsoft Surface Pro Accessory

Microscope and Surface Pro – a match made in heaven! Click image to view and buy this microscope on Amazon. Winner of the most unique Surface Pro Accessory.

The unique award goes to this USB digital microscope by Omax.

YES, Microscope!

It is so awesome you want one even though you might not have thought about using one since studying!

Science reports were never so easy, with its built in digital camera straight to USB. The compound microscope magnifies from 40X-2000X.

If you have kids or want to be a young again, you have to get one.

If you work in the scientific field, having one of these on your desk connected as an accessory to your Surface Pro is bound to impress you and anyone else who walks into your office (or home).

It cannot rate as the best surface pro accessory overall because it is not for everyone, but it is a great gift idea.

A gift for yourself, perhaps?

Alternatively (and I emphasize we want to save you money) the runner up is this microscope with digital camera which works differently but is cheaper and has a higher resolution camera, with a discount on ready made slides at the time of writing (look for the Promotion).

I know it is not one of the branded Microsoft accessories, but it does lead a nice introduction to those that are.

Introduction to the best Microsoft Surface Pro Accessories

I know this introduction is a long way into the article, but I wanted to make sure I inserted that unique Surface Pro accessory first! So cool!

Note: My wife and I are long time Surface Pro owners and fans. A few non-airbrushed photos of our own tablets throughout this site prove it!

Other family members have bought their own after seeing ours. We have bought several Surface tablets and many Surface Pro accessories.

I am an Engineer with 27 years’ experience and Casey co-writer for TheTechMentor.com is a very experienced computer tech and IT consultant (see the About Us for more, well, about us).

What sort of things will you find in this article? We have the best list of Surface Pro accessories for you here, based on our experience, research, and sought after accessories, put together this year.

Must-have Surface Accessories

• With such a big investment in your Surface Pro, you are wise to look for accessories that will protect your New Surface further below.
• Another important accessory, we help you find the best micro SD card to increase Surface Pro memory. Rather than a long list of test results, we reference them and get straight to the point to show you the best one for you.
• We have also identified what we think are the best Surface Pro USB hub, keyboard options and replacement chargers in our list.
• Whether you have just bought the new Surface Pro X model, the not-so-recent 2017 model, or Surface Laptop, or have an older Surface Pro 3 or Surface Pro 4, I want to cover all your Surface Pro accessories. So, where it makes sense to do so I’ll point out the appropriate accessory for your device and mention any limits you might need to know. I want to make sure you get the right accessory for your Surface Pro (or other Surface model).

Has someone you know just bought a new Surface Pro, or one of the Surface Pro accessories below? Then share this page with them – sharing is caring!

You can help us by clicking through from here if you decide to buy – but you are under no obligation to do so! If not ready to buy it would be nice of you to come back here to click through when you are ready (you can add a bookmark or save this page as a favorite). As I wrote above, it is good karma!

The Best Microsoft Surface Pro Accessories:

Under this category are solely Microsoft Surface accessories (i.e. Microsoft branded Surface accessories).

The dock has to be regarded as the best Microsoft Surface Pro Accessory, because it just brings so much functionality. Click image to see more photos and buy on Amazon.

Microsoft Surface Pro Docking Station

The best of all Microsoft Surface Pro accessories we say is the Microsoft Surface Pro Dock. This accessory is compatible with most Microsoft Pro devices, i.e. the Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4, Surface Book, Surface Pro, and Surface Laptop.

There is also this Microsoft docking station which is cheaper and is pretty much the same as far as service. The only problem might be whether there are any left (as there was low stock at the time of writing).

The most recent version of the Microsoft Surface Pro docking station is the 1661 here, but that will cost you more.

Greater power capability means support for greater power draw accessories or longer life with more standard accessories.

How to get the most out of it?

Tablet mode is brilliant, but when you get back to the office or home (or the office at home) you will no doubt want to connect to speakers, larger monitor(s) and keyboard. Maybe you can do like me and have a wireless keyboard and mouse pair connect via WiFi and a USB WiFi receiver. Not to mention instant connection to all the other peripherals you probably have.

There are blue tooth and Wi-Fi connections of course. These easily cover you for mouse or keyboard, or both.

I still operate in Surface tablet mode quite a bit when at home, don’t get me wrong. Moving around the home, and Skype-ing from anywhere is cool. (Anywhere? Except maybe the washroom! Maybe that is not so cool…)

However, there is a certain ‘home base’ or ‘HQ’ feel about setting your Surface up as a PC too.

After all, that is what having a 2-in-1 is about. The Surface Pro certainly has the power and capacity for it.

When docked it is easy to have your Surface model hooked up to an external drive for automatic backup via File History. Never lose a file again, and never pay to get lost files back. See how to set up File History here (and how to use it! Opens in a new tab). Please do it as it can really save you!

Specifications:

4x USB 3.0 ports. 2x Mini Display Ports. 1x Audio out port. 1x Gigabit Ethernet Port.

There is yet another reason why you must have a Surface Pro Dock – instant power and recharge. Need I say more?

All right, I’ll say just a little more.

You can use a portable (smaller) surface charger when on the go. Still, it just seems right to dock and know it takes care of everything at once.

You kind of do get two computers for the price of the dock in addition to the actual Surface tablet 2-in-1. Or is that three in total: tablet, laptop and Desktop PC? Bargain!

You do not have to get a dock I suppose (although I did).

Superseded Docking Station Model for Surface Pro 3:

The following dock is superseded as stated, but some of you might want to find the older style stand-dock within the Surface Pro 3 accessories category.

We loved using this and had to have one when they came out and I still have my Surface Pro 3 docked that way. To reemphasize; it is not for all Surface devices, only the Surface Pro 3.

Here is a link if you like the idea and want to buy the old docking station with in-built stand.

It was a nice design and functions fine.

My only warning based on my experience, is that the back does keep heat in.

It can cause your Surface Pro 3 to run hotter and have reduced performance.

If you run your machine hard for long hours, you might find it can overheat and performance will deteriorate. Secondly you will probably want to set it up higher than your desk, then use a separate keyboard on the desk.

I often used my Surface Pro 3 in a dual keyboard arrangement.

NOTE: Do not buy this stand style docking station for a Surface 3. The two are not compatible!

You could get by very well with the Arc Mouse and Type Cover keyboard. These certainly are two of the best Surface Pro accessories.

Microsoft Arc Mouse Accessory

Microsoft Arc Mouse accessory

I am impressed with the arc mouse after many years of ‘use and abuse’ although I was a little skeptic at first.

I bought one for my wife.

She loves the feel of the scroll feedback mechanism.

It really looks different; the mouse, reinvented.

I believe Microsoft designed it that way so it can snap flat to make it easier to pack to travel (which also turns it off).

I admit her arc mouse has copped some punishment because at night when I walk past I have been known to smack it flat to turn it off (when I notice the cool blue sensing light).

To be fair it is far more robust than I would have originally given it credit. It has never skipped a beat! By this I mean it works well, not that I never missed to smack it flat!

Factoid: you may know the Microsoft Arc Mouse connects to your surface pro via blue-tooth so it doesn’t consume your Surface Pro’s one-and-only built-in USB port.
Smart in many ways this mouse is (read in a Yoda-like voice if you like).
(Sorry, this is a fact, not a factoid!)

The arc mouse therefore is highly recommended.

Now there are several different editions:

This Surface Arc Mouse is cobalt blue, and is the newest version. It also comes in black, burgundy and light gray. You can scroll vertically and horizontally with the “innovative full scroll plane”.

You must have Bluetooth!

This Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse is similar with touch to scroll function (no horizontal scroll built-in). It is cheaper.

So if you want an awesome mouse but save money at the same time, this is the one to get.

Type Cover Accessory

A close second must-have Microsoft Surface Pro Accessory is the Type Cover keyboard.

Although if you don’t want a docking station (and some people don’t ever use one), it becomes the number one must-have Surface accessory.

We originally bought and love the Microsoft Blue (even though it is either cyan or bright blue – that is just what I call it).

Bright Blue Type Cover

This revamped version of the Surface Pro Type Cover has a new improved design with the keys slightly spread out for a feel that is more like traditional laptop.

FEWER TYPOS!

Lesser-known facts

I have found the Surface Type Cover keyboard is quieter than any other keyboard I have ever used.

The integral mouse pad also is quieter than your standard mouse.

People who don’t have real experience with these keyboard accessories will not be able to tell you that! We do!

Think using it in bed next to my wife sleeping. With the backlight it is just made for that!

In addition the fact it is a back-lit keyboard is awesome and works perfectly.

All these combined can be handy when you need it, like when you are watching – er, I mean – working late at night next to your spouse, or not wanting to wake kids! (Well, maybe that is just me.)

It comes in colors matching the other most recent accessories (use the text link for the cobalt blue, burgundy etc.).

This version the Microsoft Surface Pro Type Cover with fingerprint ID costs only slightly more (currently with a good discount at the time of writing) and it has the larger mouse track pad and the FINGERPRINT ID sensor. Cool!

As we haven’t used this one ourselves it was difficult to put it ahead of the standard new type cover. I imagine if you work late or wake up early and jump straight onto your Surface Pro, then the fingerprint ID is a nice touch to save typing your password. The technology is quite mature now.

Both keyboard accessories are compatible with Surface Pro 3, Surface Pro 4 as well as the more recent Surface Pro (2017) Surface Pro 6, Pro 7 and Surface Pro X.

This one is a more recent version of the Type Cover. More expensive but more recent.

Save money or get the most recent – it’s up to you!

Other Surface Type Covers

We also own the gray (professional looking) and the purple Surface type covers. If you only have the tablet then we strongly recommend you buy the keyboard as your next best accessory.

• It helps protect your tablet screen, first of all. Otherwise you end up buying a cover anyway, right?
• Secondly, there are more convenient functions available direct from the keyboard. For example, you can screen copy easily.
• It has the mouse track pad built-in.

You can initiate a screen copy with the Surface Pen, of course. However, I still find it easier (or more practical) with the type cover. Now, where did I put that Surface Pen…?

One interesting thing you might not know – The French or Spanish Keyboard

I promised to make this an interesting read rather than just a boring list of Microsoft Surface accessories.

The AZERTY French keyboard (note the differences to the QWERTY). Whilst this is not mine, remind me to clean it before I photograph it next time… Click the image to buy the latest design with the spaced keys and larger mouse track pad from the Amazon store in France.

Did you know in different countries, the keyboard has different arrangement of keys?

Some are quite similar with only a few characters different here and there, and others are very different.

You probably know the English keyboard as QWERTY. These are the first 6 top left-hand side letters on the keyboard.

However, the French New Surface Pro Keyboard has the first letters as AZERTY.

The many different accents used in the French language means that the function of the French keyboard is necessarily very different.

So not only does the Surface type cover come in several different colors, it is one of the most varied accessories because it also comes in different language key arrangements too!

Not only for the French living in the US, some Canadians will want to get a English-French Keyboard as an accessory to their Surface Pro. Also great if you live in… oh where else to they speak French?

DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE BY MISTAKE if you only want the QWERTY keyboard!

Tip: When you hear someone complain that their <A> and <Q> keys are mixed up or <M> and <;> keys are swapped, suspect the language of the keyboard!

Surface Go Keyboard

The Surface Go is still very popular.

Here is the cheaper Surface Go Keyboard.

This is the Microsoft Surface Go Signature Type Cover (Platinum).

You can go for the newer Surface Go Signature Type Cover here, which will cost you just a little more (around $30 more).

To see more go back to the index at the start.

Replacement Surface Keyboard:

Help for existing Surface Keyboard problems (as I wrote above there is more to this article than just a long list of Microsoft surface accessories). If you are one of the unlucky ones for whom there is a problem with your type cover, then try checking all the connectors, cleaning them and also see if you can download new driver for it.

No need to get a replacement if you can fix it, right?

If you do not have success with that then I suggest you buy a new one, in a new color. You might be shocked by this, but it is such innovative technology to have the tactile feedback in such a thin keyboard cover, you really would not want to be without one. Students (apply stern voice here), I point out that you need to take some care with this technology rather than just throw it in a bag and throw the bag on the floor!

For non-Microsoft branded Surface Pro keyboards, which can save you money, see just a little further below.

Best Microsoft Surface Pro Accessories for Entertainment

Eye Popping Surface Pro Accessory

We bought a device that allows us to project the surface pro screen direct to our big screen TV. It makes the Surface Pro the perfect device for streaming, projecting and watching movies.

It is a a Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter to connect to a screen, using Miracast. There is a USB dongle to insert into your smart TV.

I wanted to put this one into the best accessories section, just because I love it so much. You should have seen my brother-in-law’s eyes!

Shocked and Impressed! (That is my brother-in-law on the right!)

My compromise was to put entertainment directly under the best accessories section.

I find it is very easy to use after the first one or two attempts. Like anything, there is a learning curve yet it is easy for this great accessory. Very easy in fact.

Surface Pro KVM

Well the above two sections just happen to hit the KVM (Keyboard Video Mouse) combo! Video device accessories such as a second monitor, do not rank in our list of the top MS Surface accessories (above) for a few reasons:

1. A video device does not make this list in the above section because you really can get along fine only using the tablet screen for your only display, especially for single person viewing.
   Two people viewing a movie works okay.
   
2. I don’t think there is a Microsoft branded monitor out there. Feel free to correct me in the comments below If I’m wrong!

This makes a nice segue (“seg-way”) to the next section!

Best of Alternative Brand Surface Pro Accessories

Are you wondering what are the best non-Microsoft Surface accessories?

This section shows the most useful and best alternative brands – other than Microsoft – Surface Accessories.

Best second monitor for MS Surface

A really cool second monitor to consider is this portable monitor.

After all, your Surface is portable, so why not make your second monitor portable. Great idea!

The Best in our opinion is this Samsung monitor. I have a Samsung screen myself.

That said, of course there are very many you can view and try in your local computer or electronics store.

It is a great way to try before you buy.

See them in action first and support your local computer outlet too!

Non Microsoft Surface Pro Type Cover

Fintie Type Cover

This one is the Fintie Type Cover for Microsoft Surface Pro 7 / Pro 6 / Pro 5 / Pro 4 / Pro 3.

Hey, my guess tells me it’ll work for the Surface Pro X too!

See also the best Wifi Keyboard selection.

The Best Surface Micro SD Card

SanDisk Extreme was the best Surface Pro Accessory, no upstaged by the Ultra. Click image to buy on Amazon

There are no branded Microsoft microSD card, we think. Feel free to ‘rub our noses in it’ in the comments below if we are wrong!

Whist most people would benefit from a microSD card and so should make any ‘best of’ list, we have to select one from brands other than Microsoft, as you probably expect.

No More Worrying about What to Keep and What to Delete!

The best of alternative brand Surface Accessories is the microSD card for the microSDXC card reader.

Why?

Because the microSD is the best Surface Pro accessory for adding memory, due to the tiny size and minuscule weight.

SanDisk Ultra is the best non-Microsoft Surface Pro Accessory.

Click to buy on Amazon.

Next best  micorSD card accessory for Surface Pro

Next best is the SanDisk Ultra microSDXC.

You want the models shown if you are doing some heavy duty video recording, or other demanding service.

There are other good options for less demanding high-data-transfer rate applications (pretty much everything other than video recording).

Highly Rated MicroSD

Also rated highly is the Samsung EXO, which places 3rd in the best Surface Pro Accessories.

If you are look for standard performance with a reasonable price, you can try the following SD cards and also go for smaller memory capacity.

Best External hard drive for Surface Pro

A hardware option for backups is an external SSD ‘hard drive’. A Solid State Drive is smaller than an external HDD and doesn’t need a separate power source. This makes it a better accessory as it is conveniently portable for on-the-go tablet use.

Of course, the microSD is the best Surface Pro accessory for adding memory, due to the tiny size (and miniscule weight). You insert it into the Surface’s microSD slot in the back under the kickstand.

For large backups and mass storage, you must go for an SSD external drive.

Another more point about backups – I recommend the ‘Seagate backup’ model to make it very easy to prepare backups. But I also have bought Western Digital and others.

Final point on the subject: get a HUGE external drive, the most you can afford.

There are many people out there searching for how to increase Surface Memory because modern massive digital photos and videos, music MP3s and MP4 collections use up that memory FAST!

Stretch your money further

For practically trhe same amount of money, you can get ten times the amount of storage with an HDD.

Check out this 10Tb backupplus hub!

Most Common Surface Pro Accessory – USB-Hub

Most people want to get a USB hub for the Surface Pro.

Let’s face it, with only a single in-built USB port due to the tiny minimalist tablet base-design, you will always find this useful. It will not replace the docking station of course, and it is small enough to carry with your Surface whenever you travel or commute.

You cannot go wrong if you buy a USB hub as a gift for a Surface Pro owner.

Best Surface Accessories for Students

Let’s agree, the best surface accessories for students are often those that are the cheapest.

This would be true for many students anyhow.

This means all the above non-Microsoft brand accessories above are worth a look.

For students who type a lot, I’d recommend a WiFi mouse and keyboard combo.

To see more go back to the index at the start.

Best accessory for biology, medicine and science students

Well, you saw my microscope suggestion right at the top of this article! What a great idea to spark an interest in STEM (science technology engineering and mathematics)!

The ‘type cover’ Microsoft keyboard (also above) is a great one to buy as a gift for a student who might not have bought the cover with their Surface Pro tablet.

Best Surface Pro Accessory for Students

This suggestion is an important one for students:

• Make sure you have a backpack with a PADDED laptop section.

Why?

Because many students hae the tendency to throw their tablet into their back pack and forget it’s there.

This means it gets thrown around.

At the end of the day, the Microsoft Surface Pro is high tech hardware with tiny components in the computer boards and cables and wiring all soldered in place. In addition, the manufacturer glues together some parts – I assume for tight fit and size miniaturization. This is in line with the trend of increasingly non-customable tech products.

Consider also that the size makes it less robust than a smartphone.

Back to my point: All this means is you do want to minimize jarring and bending! I make this warning with solid knowledge of people searching for fixes when their surface pro won’t turn on, for example. We can fix the most common cause. In the worst case however, some physical misuse can lead to internal components becoming weakened and broken.

I read in a forum a guy said he would have to warm his Surface Pro with a hair dryer for it to start.

This means loose connections inside. Probably from mistreatment.

Nasty!

Avoid these terrible problems and protect the physical integrity of the device.

To learn more, see this article on what to do when your surface wont turn on.

Surface Pro Accessories for Portability or Mobility

Please take note of the back-back ideas in the above section. for students as they are relevant for carrying your Surface.

The strong message first to get is to make sure you PROTECT IT!

Some big names are investing in battery research.

Elon Musk (of Tesla) for example. The technology will continue to get better, but why wait (and pay for) the next breakthrough technology when these charger accessories will help you right now.

Surface Car Charger

This MS Surface car charger is very handy if you need to run and recharge while in the car.

Brilliant if you travel around by car for business.

Wonderful for holidays and road trips!

Like many chargers, it has a handy general USB charging port too.

External Batteries For MS Surface

We’re talking additional “horsepower” – External Battery extension accessory!

Can you buy external batteries for the Microsoft Surface? Yes you can!

Our choice of the best external Battery for Surface like this one has a large capacity is a sought after accessory when you travel a lot for work.

The best external battery for Surface Book and Surface Pro is one with large capacity. This one is rated at 210 Wh and charges at a maximum of 90 W.

If you are not likely to be in or near a car all the time, then you will likely want to get one of these.

TIP: In our experience, external batteries are great but after a while they don’t quite achieve what the original claims are (in terms of battery life or recharge capability). So get the most powerful money can buy if you are buying for work.

On a positive note, these external batteries are getting better every year.

Other Keyboard accessories for the Surface Pro

I mentioned the surface dock above. You will want a brilliant keyboard to give to better typing performance and ease.

I use a Logitech keyboard and mouse combo.

One thing I like and occasionally find useful is the USB connector WiFi receiver fits inside the mouse so you don’t lose it.

Battery life is really long. Sorry I am not more specific about it, but I have NEVER replaced the batteries.

I’m not sure if it is this exact one, but one like it. You can pay more and get a back-lit keyboard, which is one of the things I love and really find useful about the Surface Type Cover itself.

More Windows Surface Accessories

Using Windows, Surface accessories that help getting the most out of it are:

The Surface Pen stylus

That dial thingy (not the official name!).

More seriously, ‘that dial thingy’ you might have seen around is called a Surface Dial.

It is a very interesting new tool designed by Microsoft to integrate with Windows Surface.

When you are working with only the Surface Pen (without the keyboard or mouse), the Surface Dial makes a great accompaniment.

It readily gives you access to on screen menus and more. So these two combined work well together as Windows Surface accessories.

You expect a learning curve, but no doubt there is a rewarding feeling for exploring its use and knowing you are on the cutting edge with these pair of Windows Surface Pro accessories.

Best Accessories for Surface Pro Protection

Protecting your Surface Book, Surface Pro or Surface Tablet requires getting one or more accessories that cover your Surface in use or in transit.

Has that someone special ever asked you, “Have you got protection?”

Accessories for Microsoft Surface Pro that help provide additional protection are

• Type Cover (i.e. keyboard already ‘covered’ above )
• Screen protector
• Hard Case
• Soft case
• Backpack with laptop/tablet slot

Well, actually I think these are all covered above.

To see more go back to the index at the start.

If not you can search once you have followed some of the other links provided.

The best accessories for Microsoft Surface are either one of the protective cases or a protective bag or both (not the screen protector in my opinion, as you will see it has a tough screen).

You be wise to get a soft or hard case in addition to the Surface Type Cover. My wife bought a beautiful purple one that goes nicely with her purple type cover keyboard.

Is a Screen Protector necessary?

I never had a screen protector or case (other than the keyboard).

Instead, I bought a backpack with a laptop/tablet slot. I travel (much less so right now!), and a bag with easy access laptop or tablet slot is essential if you will be traveling through airports like me. The padding all around protects my Surface nicely. I’d say it even helps minimize bending when my bag is crammed full for those long trips away.

Whichever way you chose to go, make sure you think about protection. I do not recommend this lightly.

Note: I have a very popular article that gives fixes to web surfers looking for help with a Surface pro not turning on. It works well, unfortunately I cannot help some unfortunate people whose Surface won’t turn on at all because the internals become loose or disconnected. This might have been due to a lack of protection or lack of care and thoughtfulness.

We love readers to come back to read TheTechMentor.com, but not for problems that we can’t fix. So look after your Surface please!

Tough Screen

The newer 2017 Surface Pro and more recent models has gorilla glass on the screen. That stuff is tough! It is also is on iPhone’s and for sure it takes some beating. (Yes, in this case I mean knocking about.)

However having said that they do claim less finger smudging.

In addition, I suppose my engineering brain can see that a flexible membrane over the hardened glass has potential to stop or reduce risk of brittle fracture under certain circumstances. I have not bought and used one on my Surface Pro, but we list it here because I am serious when it comes to accessories for Microsoft Surface Pro protection.

A screen protector accessory must provide some incremental protection particularly for the Surface Pro 3 or 4. One advantage is they are a low cost option for sure.

A Microsoft Surface Pro is a big investment and a wonderful purchase, so look after it!

Replacement kit

Not sure that you call replacement items that come with Surface accessories or just OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts!

In any case, I suppose the Surface Pro and other Surface models (Book, Surface 3 or Surface 4 etc.) have been around long enough that, new parts exist with improved designs and features. So if you are buying a new Surface Pen or the new keyboard, you kind of are getting Microsoft Surface Pro 4 accessories (or Surface Pro 3 accessories). I hope by now we have covered all of those above for you.

The Best gift for Surface Owners

The best gift is the one that will let them get any Microsoft App or accessory they like.

In my opinion though, the docking station is the most useful gift. If you get one of those you can’t go wrong, if they don’t have one already.

I say this, because of all the accessories out there for the Surface and Surface Pro rage, even if you have one you can always find a good use for another. In this case portability, for example you can leave one and use at home and work. (Especially those who work both in the office and away from home after the Covid-19 pandemic which has drastically increased the number of worker at home.)

Microsoft Windows Store Gift Card

I prefer to think of it as a very generous ‘get what pleases you’ style gift.

I prefer to think this, rather than call it ‘I can’t think of what you like’ gift!

Following the gift card line and if appropriate (that is they like games and more from Xbox), you might want to buy Xbox gift cards.

Whatever-else-we-could-think of Surface Pro Accessories

I couldn’t think of what to call this section (giggles – I’m kidding of course. Sort of).

The above are certainly good gifts to buy for Surface and Surface Pro owners. What about other ideas for accessories from our own experience?

Surface Accessories for Internet connection

How you you connect a Surface to the internet?

Well of course one thing we didn’t cover before here is connecting your Surface to the internet.

So let’s do it now.

If you need a wired connection, you will want an Ethernet cable.

See our article for the best Ethernet cables here.

If you do not have a dock which can connect via an Ethernet cable, you will want a USB-Ethernet cable connector accessory for the Surface’s USB connection.

Do understand there is nothing special do to to make it work.

Your Surface pro will connect automatically to the wired Ethernet cable to the internet as soon as you connect it.

It will take precedence over the WiFi connection.

Microsoft Surface Pro Accessory we wish existed

I always wished there was a cable I could use that would connect from the Surface Type Cover to the connector at the base of the Surface Pro tablet.

If anyone EVER hears about something like this, please let me know.

To get around this I have a wireless keyboard and mouse with a wifi receiver that I kepp almost permantly in the one USB on the Surface Pro itself. 

Reason 1

That way I could have the type cover disconnected and in a comfortable location such as on my lap or simply on the table (and elbow-hand height). I would then mount the Surface tablet at a good height for my eyes (top of the screen near to even with eyes).

Thankfully, my eyes are much higher than my elbows in a normal seated position! However, for long periods of working it means either a second monitor or a second keyboard plus docking station. All of which I have!

Reason 2

Such a cable would be a great invention for the lounge room. The tablet could then be over on the coffee table, projecting to the TV, and thus avoid the downpour of popcorn crumbs.

The type cover would be handy nearby. If on my lap, I guess it would just have to cope with the popcorn. Maybe I did not think this one through quite as well as the first reason.

As I wrote above, if you know of such a cable accessory then please, PLEASE tell me in the comments!

You’ll probably just tell me to get a WiFi keyboard (I do have one!)

I hope I have been somewhat entertaining, if not thorough. It is now time to wrap up.

• If we’ve missed something or you have your own non-Microsoft accessories to add, please write in the comments below.
• Has someone you know just bought the New 2017 Surface Pro, or one of the above Surface Pro accessories? Then PLEASE share this page with them for additional ideas – as they say sharing is caring!

Wrap up of the Best Surface Pro Accessories

Well, this sure has been a long article as I wrote at the start. Well done for reading right through to here. From Surface Docks to USB memory extension accessories, we’ve covered a great selection of the best. I am without a doubt you now want to buy many of the best Surface Pro Accessories today!

The post Best list of Surface Accessories appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

We look at Cat5 verses Cat6 cables’ speed, price and selection. You likely want to know what the difference between Cat5 and Cat6 cable is. I simplify the jargon and clarify the differences in this article. A key difference in these two standards is performance and it comes at a price. The trick is you might not get better performance in your application.  You could save money or prevent poor performance. Read on to learn more, clarify the difference between them, and know which to buy.

Cat5 Vs Cat6 Ethernet Cables

Whether you are looking to install in the home or professionally, the brief introduction and quick facts will get you started.

Then I provide everything you could need to know with information that is more in depth. Here are some shortcuts to jump to specific items:

Cat5 Speed

Cat5e Speed

Cat6 Speed

Cat5 vs Cat6 price

Cat5 vs Cat6 connectors

Cat5 vs Cat5e vs Cat 6 in detail

The Basics

Cat5 stands for Category 5 Ethernet cable and Cat6 refers to Category 6 Ethernet cable.

These are copper cables with the copper arranged in 4 twisted wire pairs inside.

A thermoplastic material electrically insulates each individual wire, and the cable then has an overall plastic jacket.

Cat5 Vs Cat6 cable – Ethernet cables are always blue aren’t they?!

The external sheath can be blue (most common), green, red, yellow, pink, purple or other; it doesn’t have any specific meaning.

Your workplace might have defined their own system to make it obvious at a glance which cable is which service.

The standards set out consistent design for performance within commercial buildings (and between campus buildings). The standards define the specifications and name the category.

I give more details on the standards further below.

In simple terms, Cat5 is an older and lower level standard with less stringent requirements than Cat6.

Is it Cat5 vs Cat6 or Cat5e Vs Cat6?

We often use Cat5 as a general term. Mostly what is actually used is Cat5e cable (since 2001). This has specifications improved over Cat 5. The ‘e’ stands for ‘enhanced’.

So while I use the term Cat5 Ethernet cable, I cover Cat5 vs Cat5e and Cat5e vs Cat6 in this article. You will be able to tell the difference between Cat5e and Cat6 and all variations in the end.

Cat5 Vs Cat6 Speed Performance

Cat 6 Ethernet cable can transmit data at a higher rate than Cat5 (better bandwidth). That means it can carry more data in the same time. This is only potentially so (more on this later).

In non-technical language, Cat6 is ‘faster’ than Cat5e and Cat 5e is ‘faster’ than Cat5. It is so because the cables’ designs defend against interference to different extents (explained below).

So, the Cat6 cable speed wins the Cat5 vs Cat6 battle in terms of performance.

Cat5 Vs Cat6 Cable Speed Performance in Numbers

To talk about performance limitations we need to use certain terms relating to Ethernet network performance. In case these are new to you, I clarify these terms and units in detail further below.

Cat 5 Cable Speed

Cat5 Ethernet cable is the older version, and the standards defined the Cat5e speed to include 10 Mbps up to 100 Mbps.

Cat5E Cable Speed

Cat5e, the enhanced version, is able to carry 1000 Mbps also known as 1000Base-T, also known as Gigabit Ethernet.

Cat.5e cable label

Cat5E vs Cat6 Cable Speed

Cat5e versus Cat6 speed is close, because Cat6 can also carry Gigabit Ethernet. It can do this and more; it can carry two-and-a-half times the data frequency over the same nominal distance. If this sounds a little leading, then I mean it to be…

Cat6 Cable Speed

The Cat6 speed can go beyond this and the standards specify it for 10 Gigabits/s, also known as 10GBase-T, but only over half the nominal distance. I will explain this ‘trickery’ in more detail below!

It is very useful though as often we need patch cable or backbone cable of only short lengths.

There is a further advancement to Cat 6 Cable design too (details on Cat6A cable speed to follow).

Jump to Cat6A speed.

Interference or Crosstalk in Brief

When cables side by side transmit data, they also create changing electromagnetic fields in each other. These external sources of electromagnetic fields create interference, similar to distortion or noise, which can cause errors in the data.

The worse the interference and errors the more restricted the overall data transmission rate must be so the data is not corrupted.

That is, interference means the system will need to be ‘run slower’.

See ‘Interference and Crosstalk in Detail’ further below for more information (like where the term ‘crosstalk’ comes from).

Which is more common?

We use these Ethernet cables both in commercial offices and at home, but which is used more, Cat5 vs Cat6?

We use Cat5 Ethernet cable (or more likely Cat5e Ethernet cable) in almost every home situation rather than Cat6. Speed is important, but so is price.

Cat 5e Ethernet cable is currently the most common in buildings between the telecommunications hub and each office wall jack. It is also typically in place between the wall jack and the end device (workstation Computer, laptop, digital phone).

Cat5 Vs Cat6 Price

Cat5 (and even Cat5e) with its less stringent requirements mean it is cheaper to manufacture and cheaper to buy. The difference might not be significant depending on your project and the lengths you buy.

As for most things, the more you buy the lower the price. ‘Economy of scale’ they call it!

You may observe that terminating the end connectors and the cost of the end connectors is a base cost, so a short cable isn’t much cheaper than a long cable.

Often the Cat6 costs only 20% more than Cat5.

This isn’t always true as the newer flat design Cat6 cable cost isn’t much more expensive to manufacture.

None-the-less, Cat5/5e still wins the Cat5 Vs Cat6 battle on price.

Here is some typical pricing.

Prices change from time to time, but here is some typical pricing to give you an idea how little difference between Cat5 and Cat6 there is.

The Cat5e price is around $5 (USD) for very short lengths online (with connectors). Expect to pay a little more in-stores where you can get advice, feel exactly what you are buying, and pick it up straight away.

Long lengths of Cat5e with connectors are priced at around $15 (USD) for around 100 feet (30 meters).

The Cat6 price is around $6 (USD) for short lengths

Cat6 Cable price is around $17 (USD) for 100 ft.

How to Determine the Difference between Cat 5 Cable Vs Cat6 Cable

If you have Ethernet cables already, and you want to know which they are, you can inspect a couple of places to determine the difference.

1. Firstly, look on the side of the cable for lightly printed information. This will have details like “CAT.5E” and “VARIFIED FOR GIGABIT ETHERNET”.
2. Secondly, you can look at the cable’s Ethernet connector end on. While both Cat5e and Cat6 connectors fit into the same wall jack, Cat 5 connectors and Cat 5e connectors have the pins all in a straight (flat) row versus the Cat6 cable’s connectors might bot. Typically have them in an alternating high/low arrangement. Also known as row stitching.
   

Easiest way to tell the difference between Cat5e and Cat6 cable – inspect the side. This Cat5e cable is verified for Gigabit Ethernet.

In addition, some versions of cat 6 cable (often the older versions) have an internal spine.

The spine is there to give extra physical separation between the twisted wire pairs as a means to reduce interference.

While you might not cut them open to see if this is the case, you can tell the Cat 6 Ethernet cable of this type because the spine makes it stiffer or less flexible.

Flat Cat6A cable and cost

A newer design of Cat6 cable is flat with the external plastic also positioned between and separating each pair of twisted wires (instead of using the spine to do so). Just a different way to achieve reduced interference and higher Cat6 speed.

Flat Cat6A cable seems to be cheaper to make (and to buy) compared to the older Cat6 cable with the spine.

I expect that the spine was additional material and created an additional cost in the manufacturing set-up. By separating the twisted wire pairs with the coating sheath-in-one, there are fewer components and manufacturing costs and price to buy seems less.

Cat6 Vs Cat6e or Cat6A Ethernet Cable?

Some people get confused and expect the enhanced version of Cat6 is Cat6E.

The advanced version of Cat 6 cable is ‘Cat 6A’ (often written with a subscript ‘A’, i.e. Cat6_A) not Cat 6e cable (i.e. the question is Cat6 vs Cat6A rather than Cat6 vs Cat6e). We look at it in detail next and look at the differences between it and the other categories mentioned.

Cat5 Vs Cat6 Vs Cat6A

Not unlike with Cat5 and Cat5e, the authorities created an improved category of Cat 6 cable called Cat 6A, to increase performance to the next desired level. The standards defined it with 10GBase-T performance over the full 100 meters maximum length (328 ft. rather than 164 ft.).

As stated in brief above, Cat6 performs higher rates over a shorter distance than the official rate for the maximum length.

This is because there will be less interference over shorter cable runs (the adjacent cables have less length over which to distort the intended signal).

The standard allows Cat6 for 10GBase-T or Gigabit Ethernet (1000 MHz) over 55 meters or 180 ft.

Thus, a Cat 6 cable can carry 10 times the data frequency of a Cat 5 cable over the shorter 55 m maximum length.

These limitations mean that for applications in system components that require higher data transfer rates, 10Gigabit Ethernet performance, the Cat6A cable is the preferred option.

Cat5 and Cat6 Application

The typical internet performance to the home makes it unlikely to be an advantage to have more than that installed, based on performance of the two Ethernet cable types. This is certainly the case for surfing the internet.

If you have ever tried an internet speed test, then you will know how fast your overall speed is. This tests the speed from your computer to the test server and includes everything between.

It is not great to test with Wi-Fi connecting your computer to the nearest modem. Ideally you connect with Ethernet cable to your modem to see what else is limiting because often Wifi makes a notable limitation. It can be the weakest link in the chain.

The point is, in most cases the internet speed is somewhere between 5 and 100 Mbits/s.

It is not worth paying for Cat6 Cable speed of Gbase-T to 10Gbase-T if it is for surfing the internet, if for you it is limited to your door at only 10 Mbits/s!

Cat5 Vs Cat6 – The details

Now we can get into some juicy details! Hang in there with me; it will be useful and interesting and could save you money or improve the speed and performance you get!

Remember Price is what you pay and value is what you get!

When can it be worth it to pay for Cat 6 Speed?

As stated above, Cat 5 cable will be sufficient from your modem to your computer or digital TV when surfing the internet and streaming Youtube videos.

Note: Cat 5 Ethernet cable between the two is certainly better than Wi-Fi!

If your application has a system that will run at the higher speeds, then the small incremental price buys a huge performance increase! In this case it is worth it to buy Cat6 or Cat6A Ethernet Cable rather then Cat5 or Cat5e.

Here a few situations as examples in which you might want to select Cat6 Cable.

• If you have a NAS (network-attached server) and you stream movies or other video at very high speeds from there to your viewing device, it might be worth installing Cat6 Cable.
• If you often watch or edit video, or 3D images and designs, or 3D video and read or write from/to some form of data storage device on your local network (LAN) attached via your modem or otherwise connect to a separate storage device via Ethernet cable, then you can benefit by installing Cat6 or Cat6A cable for its speed.
• I’ve witnessed some companies doing complex modeling of underground rock formations in 3D from seismic data. Interesting and most definitely an example of heavy computational power and data transfer.
• Similarly, within your office building you can benefit from Cat6 cable speeds for your company intranet. Here you want fast speeds if your company has significant internal data transfer between users and servers.
  

In other words, even if your internet isn’t that fast, there is potential for benefits for Cat 6 as your LAN cable within your local area network.

Should You Select Cat6 Cable for Future-proofing?

Some people suggest installing Cat6 or Cat 6A for 10Gbase-T speed so that your infrastructure is not limiting when future advancements occur beyond your area of control (eg. Optic fibre to the home). If you have money to spare, why not?!

Seriously though, the cost of Cat6A Ethernet cable isn’t much more these days with the newer flat design.

Horizontal vs Backbone Ethernet Cables

Cat5e is commonly used for so-called ‘horizontal’ cabling.

Note: The term horizontal refers to the physical arrangement. It is for cabling that runs through the office from the telecommunications hub on each floor of the commercial building to the office terminals, computer workstations, or other equipment.

Hence, it runs more or less horizontally through the building.

Cat6 cables have been around for only a few years less than Cat5e cables.

However, we often use Cat 6 Ethernet cables as the backbone in building networks, instead of to workstations themselves (the ‘horizontal cables’) for which, as indicated, we use the Cat5e Ethernet cable.

One reason for this (beyond cost) is the fact that the maximum length is less. While Cat6 cables can handle up to 10 Gigabits of data, that bandwidth is limited to around half the maximum distance (say 164 feet 50 meters or so). Anything beyond that will rapidly decay to only 1 Gigabit (the same as Cat5e).

You will not find it cost effective to use Cat6 cable in long runs to workstations in which the performance is no better in practice than Cat5e.

Cat5 Vs Cat6 Connectors

Both Cat5 and Cat6 cable connectors can use the standard jack known as RJ45. The connectors themselves (on the ends of the cables) are not the same (see image below), but they are suitable for the same connecting jack.

This makes them both backward compatible to earlier versions and each other.

Cat5 vs cat6 connectors. Note the Cat6 connector has adjacent wires offset vertically due to the thicker diameter to allow an identical width.

As indicated above, they designed Cat 6 Ethernet cable for less interference resulting in higher transmission rates. In other words, it is ‘faster’! Note it has ‘the ability’ to perform greater data transfer rate but won’t under all circumstances.

Yes we know it is not technically about the speed the signal travels in the cable, rather the frequency at which the system can operate and thus the amount in the same time. After all, you hear people complain “my internet is slow!” not “my frequency of data transfer is reduced”!

Units explained and Cat5 vs Cat6 Performance in Detail

To talk about the key performance characteristic of different Categories of Ethernet Cable, I will first remind you that we quantify data in bits, and for large amounts of data, in Mbits (Megabits, with ‘Mega’ being the prefix for 1 million).

The next unit up is Gbits (Gigabits), being 1000 times greater.

We measure rate of data transmission in Mbits per second (Mbits/s).

Note: Sometimes people refer to MHz (Mega-Hz), where Hz is the frequency unit ‘Hertz’ that simply stands for cycles per second. Cycles per second does not really play a part in DIGITAL transmission. Cycles/s is more of an ‘analogue’ term (analogue telephone, radio, sound etc.).

When talking about Ethernet over twisted wire cable, we refer to Base-T (T for twisted pair) and multiples of Base-T. Early on, Ethernet speed was 10 times the nominal Base frequency of 1 Mbits/s, which is 10Mbits/s or ‘10Base-T’.

Faster Ethernet was produced and called 100Base-TX and yes, you are right if you guessed it refers to 100 Mbits/s.

The standards defined the enhanced Cat 5 as Cat 5e for 1000BASE-T (also known as Gigabit Ethernet). It is also suitable the lower rates mentioned above (i.e. backward compatible).

Cat6 is able to carry two and a half times Cat5e over the full nominal maximum distance. I think there was never a fully standardized 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet.

Cat6A Cable Speed

The standards define Cat6A speed to achieve 10GBase-T or 10 Gigabit Ethernet (that is 10 Gbits/s).

What is interference or Crosstalk in Detail?

You know that a wire produces an electro-magnetic field when it carries an electric current. Not just in the cable but around it too. It is what enables us to create electromagnets electric turbines and motors among many other examples.

When cables side by side transmit data, they also create changing electric fields in each other. These external sources of electromagnetic fields create interference, like distortion, which can cause errors in the data.

One circuit can cause crosstalk in another by undesired inductive influence as explained above, or conductive coupling from one circuit or channel to another. This can occur through the plastic insulating wire coating (insufficient or deteriorated in some way).

Did you know? In the very old days of telecommunications, the interference in wires or at the exchange could lead to one pair of users hearing some amount of another conversation from another call. Hence the term crosstalk.

In electronics, the separate wires are not actually talking over each other!

Crosstalk is any phenomenon by which a signal transmitted on one circuit or channel of a transmission system creates an undesired effect in another circuit or channel.

Why is Crosstalk Important?

In Ethernet cabling for internet or intranet data transmission, crosstalk is interference that reduces data quality and limits the transfer speed.

Physical elements of cable design and construction like the length of the cable and the spacing between the cable wires impacts on the quality of the signal received at the other end.

Think about it – if interference can occur with cables side by side, you can imagine that a longer length gives more exposure and more interference.

As stated in brief above, Cat6 performs at the higher rate of 10Gigabits/s over a shorter distance of 50 to 55 meters.

This is because there will be less interference over shorter cable runs (the adjacent cables have less length over which to distort the intended signal).

Twisted pairs reduce Crosstalk and Increase Ethernet Cable Speeds

In addition, manufacturers make these cables with wires twisted around each other, much like the multiple twisted twines in rope. Certain categories of cables are designed and manufactured in pairs. Each twisted pair carries a balanced signal.

Where more than one pair of twisted wires exist, each pair have different number of twists per unit length.

Specifications measure the amount of twisting in length per twist, also referred to as pitch.

Each twisted wire pair has a precise pitch throughout the length of the cable. This also reduces crosstalk and is one reason why twisted pair cables have much higher speeds than if old phone cable types were still used.

For example, incorrectly wired terminations can separate the intended two paired signals within the twisted wires which results in mismatched signals and increased crosstalk.

The target of reduced crosstalk is why some Cat 6 Ethernet cable has a spine through the middle – it separates the 4 twisted wire pairs and thus reduces the influence of data transmission in one cable pair on the others.

Why is the difference in Cat5 vs Cat6 transmission quality important?

The better the quality of transmission the better quality of data received at the other end of the cable. The worse the quality of the data the slower the speed at which the data can be transmitted.

End devices can perform error checking and correcting to some extent, but when the quality is low, they must decrease the data transmission rate to compensate.

Shielding

In addition, other external currents and electromagnetic fields also can interfere with the data. That’s where shielding can help. This lead to standards like Cat7. However, Cat 7 cable (and Cat7 connector) is not compatible with Cat 5 and Cat6 (nor their wall jack).

It is interesting that once you go to the effort and cost of shielding the wires (typically with a foil wrap), you can greatly decrease interference. This makes it is less important to twist the wire pairs and tightly control the twist pitch, which can offset manufacturing cost to some degree.

Which standards specify Cat 5 and Cat 6 Ethernet Cables?

When we talk about Cat5 vs Cat6 we are talking about categories of Ethernet cabling specified by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association), and also international standards (see further below).

Note: Previously the EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance) was a contributor to the writing of the standard, but it no longer exists.

If you see a standard referenced as ‘TIA/EIA’ please be careful as it will be an out of date standard. Your information may be dated and you should get the most recent standard.

Which is the current US standard?

The current series of standards are ANSI/TIA-568 with a subsequent letter or letter-number combination to specify the application, such as cable type suitable, run distance, connector types and so on.

One of the most commonly referred to standards, it is for application to commercial building cabling for telecommunications products and services.

International Standard for network cables

The International standard ISO/IEC 11801 Information technology — Generic cabling for customer premises, similarly provides standards for network cables for use internationally.

Here you see the ISO/IEC label on the side of the upper cable.

For later categories of cables the US standard and international standard do not exactly align. Depending on your application, you might need to refer directly to the appropriate standard.

I mention standards for say 10 Gigabit Ethernet; standard IEEE 802.3ae-2002 was first to define it. Rather than go into more detail on these standards in this article, it is better I direct you to the actual standards themselves as there is significant depth to them all.

More on Maximum Length of Horizontal Ethernet Cable

Which cable has the maximum allowed length, Cat5e vs Cat6? For 1000Base-T it is the same.

Both Can have up to 100 meters (328 ft) of horizontal cable service. This consists of 90 meters (295 ft) of solid “horizontal” cabling between the patch panel and the wall jack.

For each horizontal run a total of 10 m (33 feet) is permitted for work area cords, patch cords, jumper wires and equipment cords.

At the horizontal cross-connect within the server room or telecommunications hub the maximum length of patch cords and jumper wires used to connect horizontal cable to equipment or backbone cable is not to exceed 5 m (16 ft.)

With a recommended maximum of 5 meters (16 ft) of stranded patch cable between each jack and the attached device.

That leaves another 5 meters for patch and jumper cabling within the server room or telecommunications hub.

This arrangement changes somewhat for open office floors. The 90 m is scaled back to allow longer work area cables. This allows the office plan to change without the need to change the horizontal cabling.

How to wire Cat5 and Cat6 Connectors

Once you have selected your cable, you will likely want to terminate them with RJ-45 connectors and use the RJ-45 pinout method here.

Wrap up.

As more people become aware of the different types of Ethernet cables, they want to know the difference between Cat5 and cat6 Cables.

Has this helped you learn and judge the difference between Cat 5 and Cat 6 cables and enabled you to select which you need?

There are more Ethernet cable types too and we will cover those in another article.

Please let me know in the comments below if there is anything else that you would like to know.

Cat 5 vs Cat6 Ethernet Cable in Summary

We weighed up the pros and cons of Cat 5 Cable versus Cat 6 Ethernet Cable speed and cost, including variations such as Cat 5e and Cat 6A. Cat 6A leads the pack with fastest performance, and we learned that performance requires specifications that are more stringent so it comes at a cost. We also wrote about advanced versions of each cable type and showed that length of service is important when considering Cat 6 versus Cat 6A Ethernet cable. There you have it, everything you ever wanted to know about Cat5 verses Cat6 cable performance!

The post Clarify and select Cat5 vs Cat6 Ethernet cables appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.

Making RJ45 wiring easy when you have the right RJ45 pinout diagram. Several variations are shown below. I carry Ethernet cable with me all the time so you know it will be useful. To help you memorize it, I created an easy poem so you will always remember the most popular cable wiring color order. I know it’s counter-intuitive, to make something that means you won’t need to keep coming back, but to help you is my priority! I also share a video to help. Just follow the steps below to create your own. If you are looking for an Ethernet crossover cable you can make one following the steps below and paying attention to the relevant note. Read on!

The first thing you need to do when making Ethernet cable is make sure you have the right tools. While I’ll cover that further below, you can also check out TheTechMentor.com article that reviews complete network installation tool kits here.

I’ll get straight into showing the diagrams and provide more options and details further below.

Make sure you use the correct RJ45 Pinout wiring diagram for your needs.

There are a couple of standards and there is also crossover cable, so make sure you study the RJ45 Pinout diagrams below to get the right one for your needs. The following is for T568 B (most common).

This RJ 45 pin diagram (T-568B) shows everything you need in one handy image, with iso-view and RJ45 color order, suitable for printing quite large.

I like this pinout diagram because it shows everything you need. It includes an isometric view and pin-color order table, all in one large diagram. You can print it for the wall, though the smaller one below also shows what you need within a smaller diagram which may be better to print and carry with you.

You may already know each Ethernet cable has four wire pairs.

All your Ethernet connectors (8P8C) have eight pin slots.

Always face the clip away from you so you see just the flat side with the pins. You count (or label) the cables from left to right from 1 to 8 (easy!).

There are two standards for wiring Ethernet cables, these are T568A and T568B. T568B is the most common and is what we’ll be using for our straight Ethernet cable.

RJ45 Pinout Diagram

As I explained, the most popular and most common is the T568B standard which has surpassed the first standard (T568A). Either configurations wire the pins straight through (i.e. pins 1 through 8 on one end are connected to pins 1 through 8 on the other end, provided you wire them the same at each end).

Please do also check out the RJ45 Pinout Poem below which is easy to memorize with the aid of the diagram provided and it means you won’t ever forget it!

If you agree the poem might work for you or others, please share it with your colleagues!

Note: as stated above, the tab is away from you (hidden behind) as you count the pins 1 to 8.

Here is a simple RJ45 Pinout Diagram (which still shows the wiring you need):

RJ45 Pinout wiring diagram (std T568B). Feel free to print it and carry it with you. If you want a larger diagram see further below. Normally a string of colors is difficult to remember similarly to phone numbers. It is surprisingly easy to memorize these colors as you’ll see. Read on to learn how!

You can follow the step by step instructions further below to make them up.

It might not be practical to always carry this RJ45 pinout diagram with you.

It can be easy to memorize the order, if you know how. I strongly recommend it. Then you can impress everyone that you have memorized it and say the colors in order quickly.

While the RJ45 B pinout wiring order is more recent and more commonly used these days, the T568 RJ45 A wiring order is still quite common (you just want to be consistent and use the crossover cable further below where necessary).

This diagram shows the original T-568 pinout wiring order. Again, as per it’s counterpart shown further above, this one is small but ideal to print and carry with you.

The next pinout diagram below is the counterpart for the more detailed isometric and T-568-B RJ-45 wiring above, showing rj45 pin numbers and color order for T-568 A. Can you pick which pairs are swapped relative to the T-568B wiring diagram?

T568A Wiring Diagram with RJ45 Pin numbers and wiring order:

In this RJ-45 A wiring diagram you can see the isometric view and color order. The swapped wiring order pairs are explained further below.

I mentioned a way to memorize the RJ45 Pinouts. The way to do it so you never need to rely on printouts again is by using the memorization tools below.

RJ45 Pinout Poem

First a question; what thing has color that also is has the name of the color? An orange of course!

This is the first wire pair base color.

The poem below (or riddle) gives the colors of wiring to pin 1 through 8.I’ve rewritten it slightly to make more sense than the older version.

NOTE: Where you see a ‘w’ that signifies the color white which will make the combination wire when combined with the next color. You’ll see what I mean!

See further below as to how this mnemonic (memorization technique) helps you remember the RJ45 pinout order.

Remember you saw it here first on TheTechMentor.com!

The RJ-45 Pinout diagram poem and picture is for the more common T568B RJ45 wiring.

While an Orange is Orange

Whose Green eyes are Blue?

Well Blueberries in Greenland

Who want Browner Brownies too!

It works well as the construction of the poem is made to match the RJ45 pinout. The riddle, with the wire colors used, only makes sense in this order.

Memorization Techniques included:

There are several patterns, rhyming verses and emotional elements to note which really help you remember it.

• The orange is first on top and easiest of all to remember since an orange is orange! So it goes first.
  
• Each pair has a ‘w’ letter first combined with the following letter, thus giving the white striped wire color first of every two wires. This is a helpful pattern to remember.
  
• The question and answer format (2 lines each) or riddle helps keep the pattern straight.
• You’re asking what green eyes are ‘blue’ (sad). There are so many songs talking about certain color eyes being blue (sad). In this case we ask what green eyes are blue. It probably should be ‘whose’, but to make a sound closer to ‘white’ we ask ‘what’ instead.
  
• The answer relates to blueberries of Greenland. Remember a country that has a color – Ireland just wouldn’t work here! The sad little blueberries have to be on something – they are on the land, so they come first before the land (blue before green).
• In the end, the brownies followed by ‘too’ give a rhyme with ‘blue’. The critters want darker brown brownies like everyone else has. The last two main colors are the same (brown and brown) just as the first two main colors are the same (orange and orange).
  

It helps that you remember the image too, as each wire pair color is in order top to bottom (and left to right).

I recommend you draw it out, in color (optional). I suggest you do this and repeat the poem while you do it.

If you do, you will always remember the RJ45 pinout and you will not need a diagram anymore!

It’s a silly image and that also helps you remember it.

How does the poem provide the colors?

So the poem with the color codes explained is like this.

While an Orange is Orange (W-O, O)

Whose Green eyes are Blue? (W-G, B)

Well Blueberries in Greenland (W-B, G)

Who want Browner Brownies too! (W-B, B)

I’ve put a larger version below as well in case you want to take a copy.

NOTE: you are welcome to print so long as you keep TheTechMentor.com on the printed image, and if you have a website you are welcome to use on a website so long as you link back to this article. Use of the poem also requires a link back to this article (thank you).

RJ45 Pinout poem picture explanation, giving WO, O, WG, B, WB, G, WB, B for the wiring to pins 1 to 8 (for T568B RJ45 wiring). [You are welcome to print so long as you keep TheTechMentor.com on the printed image, and use on a website so long as you link back to this article.]

Note: if you mumble the RJ45 Pinout Poem, it sounds like you are saying the pinout order!

Tell me what you think!

Please comment below and let me know what you think. Do you like my new Pinout Poem and think it will help you or someone you know? Is it bad? How could it be better?

Do you like my artwork (the RJ45 Pinout Poem Pic.)?

Should I not give up my day job just yet?

Okay, so you may not be interested in the poem. If not, then the tables below provide you with a serious view of the data.

Ethernet Cable Plug RJ45 Pinout (Wiring Color) Table for T568B

The table below show the proper Ethernet plug wiring with orientation of the colored wires to the pins for the Cat6 Cable we’ll make (ie. the more common T568B standard cable, with a spine). See also the diagrams further below within the step by step instructions.

Ethernet RJ45 Pinout for T568A

Just for completeness I’ll list out the cable color order for the other Ethernet cable plug standard (T568A). Remember not to mix the two on one cable! Unless you want a crossover cable.

Ethernet RJ45 Crossover Cable Wiring

NOTE: Of course if you want to make a cross over cable, then you can make the cable wiring to the different standard alignments at each plug (i.e. one end will have the T568B and the other the T568A). There is also a diagram of this showing the wires in color further below.

Ethernet Crossover Cable Wiring Pinout

In RJ45 Ethernet crossover cable wiring, it is almost as easy as 1, 2, 3. They are the first three numbers to remember anyway.

Yes, here come some more memorization techniques!

You can remember which cables are switched by remembering the following:

Twelve thirty-six to thirty-six twelve, i.e.

12 36 to 36 12

(For the Ethernet cable plug pin numbering above.)

That means 1 goes to 3, 2 goes to 6; 3 goes to 1 and 6 goes to 2.

This gives you the relevant switch of T568A to T568B (and vice versa, i.e. T568 B to T568 A).

• It is easier to remember because it makes it seem like just 2 pairs of numbers, then reversed.
• First pair is 12, say like 12 months in the year.
• Second pair is 36, (well, 3 follows on from 1 and 2, and 36 is three times 12 the first pair).
• Or using 1, 2, 3: the first numbers are 1, 2 and 3, and the last number is 1 x 2 x 3 which equals 6.

It helps if you can remember that the first three numbers are 123. So easy! 3 is the hook to get the final pair, as 12 times 3 gives the second pair. There are many different memorization hooks you can use.

Still having a little difficulty visualizing the crossover pinout? Here is a diagram I hope will help.

RJ45 Crossover Cable Pinout

RJ45 Pinout to make an Ethernet crossover cable. This is useful to visualize the ’12’ ’36’ to ’36’ ’12’ pinout rj45 crossover pattern, making it look simpler than it sounds. Note all we really have is the orange base color pair swapping with the green base color pair.

Okay, now on with the method.

How to make an RJ45 Ethernet Patch Cable Like a Pro!

Follow the step by step instructions below.

Note: The term ‘patch’ cable is just another way to describe a shorter or room-run cable.

Step 1: Cut and Strip

The cable not you! (Wink!)

Cut and strip the cable jacket about one and a half inches to the end. As we state elsewhere we own the TRENDNet cut and strip tool, but obviously use the one of your own preference. See further below for the tool links.

Step 2: Spread the Ethernet Cable Wires

Spread the four wires apart. For Cat 5e, you can use the pull string to strip the jacket farther down if you need to, then cut the pull string. As you may know, you need to cut out the spine from a Cat 6 cables before inserting into the Ethernet cable plug.

Step 3: Untwist the Wire Pairs

Untwist the wire pairs and neatly align them in your chosen orientation based on the RJ45 pinout, my pinout poem, the table(s) above or the RJ45 Ethernet pinout image below (T568B shown).

Basic RJ45 Pinout wiring diagram T568B as you insert into the RJ45 Connector (note tab is at the back)

This is a simpler version. Otherwise you can use the more detailed RJ45 Pinout Diagram 1 above.

NOTE: Do not untwist them down the cable further than where the jacket begins; you should aim to leave as much of the cable twisted as possible.

Step 4: Cut Again (Evenly)

Cut the wires as straight as possible, about half an inch from the end of the jacket. This is important as you want them all to sit evenly inside the cable plug. If you want to, you can hold it against the boot and mark with a permanent ink pen first.

Step 5: Insert Wires Into the Ethernet Cable Plug

Carefully insert the wires all the way into the modular connector, making sure that each wire passes through the appropriate guides inside the connector. Again, make sure you reference the RJ45 pinout diagram at this crucial step until you have it memorized.

Step 6: Crimp It!

Push the connector inside the crimping tool and squeeze the crimper all the way down.

So that is one end of our RJ45 wiring.

Repeat the above steps to attach another plug to the other end of the cable.

As I wrote above, you can make an Ethernet crossover cable by making the other end as a T568A, as per the image below.

RJ45 Pinout Diagram for T568 A

The RJ45 Ethernet Pinout below is still used, it’s just that the T568B is more common these days. It effects how the wires spread out from the main cable. In the end though, so long as you make sure you use the same pinout at each end, you will have your working Ethernet cable.

Cat5 Pinout diagram showing how to make an Ethernet plug wiring as inserted into the RJ45 connector

Ideally, to make sure you’ve properly terminated each end of the cable, use a cable tester to test each pin (see the link to a cheap cable tester in the tools below). This is when you will know if you cut your wire pairs evenly enough!

RJ45 Crossover Cable Pinout

To make an Ethernet Crossover cable, your cable pugs would be terminated like so:

Ethernet crossover cable end boots. Can you see the 12 36 to 36 12 pattern? Tabs are to the back (as usual).

Now that you’ve made your cable, then what? You might like to use it as Ethernet cable for gaming in your own LAN or maybe to connect up to the internet. It is a nice feeling to stop and remind yourself that you are using the Ethernet cable you made!

Links to more info. and to buy

If you are looking for Cheap RJ45 cable plugs (Ethernet cable connectors) and Ethernet wiring etc., please see the links in this article: Network Cable tools, tips and links.

Well that wraps up this article all about RJ45 Pinout diagrams and wiring steps. I really hope you find the memorization techniques helpful so you can memorize the wiring colors. After all, that is why I created it! Please add your comments below.

Summary of how to make RJ45 Wiring Easily

I’ve shown step by step instructions how you connect each RJ45 Ethernet cable plug in order to make up your Ethernet patch cable (or RJ45 crossover cable) with a bonus video. You now have TheTechMentor.com’s RJ45 Pinout Poem, and the silly memorable image so that you might never need a pinout diagram again! Plus you now have all the RJ45 Pinout diagrams you will need to follow.

The post Easy RJ45 Wiring (with RJ45 pinout diagram, steps and video) appeared first on TheTechMentor.com.