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How to Connect an Ethernet Cable

How to Connect an Ethernet Cable

RJ45 Ethernet cables plugged into the back of a router

Connecting an Ethernet cable is simple. Plug one end into your device and the other into your router or wall socket. This gives you a fast, stable internet connection without needing to change any settings or worry about wiring.

If you need to make or repair your own Ethernet cable, the wiring becomes important. In this guide, we’ll break down each step of connecting Ethernet cables to PCs, TVs, and other devices. We’ll also show you how to wire an Ethernet connector, including the colour codes used in Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 7 cables, so you can set up the connection correctly.

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What is an Ethernet cable?

An Ethernet cable connects devices to a local area network (LAN) or directly to the internet, carrying broadband signals between them. In modern networking, Ethernet cables play a vital role by allowing computers, TVs, and other devices to communicate and share data. They transmit broadband signals with speed and stability, ensuring a reliable connection. You’ll find various types, such as RJ45-ended cables for quick device connections or bare-end cables for custom installations. Ethernet technology offers a reliable, fast connection, making it ideal for home or office setups that require strong, consistent internet.

Benefits of using an Ethernet connection

An Ethernet connection offers several advantages over wireless options. It provides reliable performance, with a stable link that avoids interference and signal dropouts. Ethernet also delivers faster speeds, ideal for streaming, gaming, and transferring large files. It also offers improved security, reducing the risk of unauthorised access compared to Wi-Fi. If you’re looking for a dependable and high-performance network, Ethernet is a smart choice.

How to connect Ethernet cable to PC: Step by step guide

Step 1: Connecting to the router or modem

To connect your ethernet cable to a PC, begin by locating the Ethernet port on your router or modem, and insert one end of the cable until it clicks securely. Next, plug in the other end of the cable into your PC’s Ethernet port, typically on the back of a desktop or side of a laptop.

 

Step 2: Configuring network setting

Once connected, switch on your PC if it’s not already on. Most devices automatically recognise an Ethernet connection. If not, go to your Network & Internet settings in the Control Panel (or Network preferences on macOS). Ensure the Ethernet connection is selected as the primary network option, disabling Wi-Fi if needed for a more stable connection.

 

Step 3: Testing the connection

Open a browser or run a speed test to confirm the Ethernet connection is active. You should notice an immediate improvement in speed and stability compared to Wi-Fi. If the connection doesn’t work, try rebooting the router and checking that the cable is firmly connected on both ends.

How to connect Ethernet cable to TV: Step by step guide

Step 1: Locate the Ethernet port at the back of your TV

To connect your ethernet cable to your TV, first take a look at the back of the TV to find its Ethernet port. This is commonly labelled “LAN” or “Ethernet.” Once you locate it, insert one end of the Ethernet cable firmly into the port until it clicks into place.

 

Step 2: Connect the other end to the router or modem

Insert the other end of the Ethernet cable into an available port on your router or modem. Make sure it clicks securely, ensuring a stable connection between your TV and the internet source.

 

Step 3: Configure network settings on the TV

Using your TV remote, access the settings menu, then navigate to “Network” or “Internet Setup.” Select “Wired” or “Ethernet” as your connection type, and let the TV complete the connection. It should automatically detect the network and connect.

Leave a small gap at the bottom to prevent moisture damage. If you’re building a stud wall with a door, cut the plasterboard carefully around the door opening. This step creates a solid surface for the wall, ready for insulation and the second layer of plasterboard.

 

Step 4: Test the connection

To confirm the setup, open an internet-based app, such as YouTube or Netflix, on your TV. If the app loads and streams content smoothly, your Ethernet connection is successfully established.

Wiring Ethernet cables

If you need to wire an Ethernet cable , it’s fundamental to get the wiring configuration right for a reliable connection. Ethernet cables contain eight internal wires, each needing to be arranged in a specific order to match network equipment.

The two most common wiring standards are T568A and T568B. Both are used worldwide, but T568B is the most commonly used method in the UK.

T568B wiring order (Pins 1 to 8): 

  1. White/Orange

  2. Orange

  3. White/Green

  4. Blue

  5. White/Blue

  6. Green

  7. White/Brown

  8. Brown

T568A wiring order (Pins 1 to 8):

  1. White/Green

  2. Green

  3. White/Orange

  4. Blue

  5. White/Blue

  6. Orange

  7. White/Brown

  8. Brown

The key difference between the two is that T568B switches the green and orange pairs compared to T568A. Whichever wiring pattern you choose, make sure both ends of the cable follow the same sequence to avoid cross-wiring.

During home or office rewires, electricians often install Ethernet wiring to future-proof a property for high-speed internet and home networks. Cat 5e and Cat 6 Ethernet cables are especially popular for these setups, as they support up to 100 metres without losing data quality. These cables typically connect using RJ45 connectors, linking devices like TVs, PCs, or routers securely. 

If you’re also using Power over Ethernet (PoE), keep in mind that maximum distances can vary, reaching up to around 30 metres for high-power devices.

Wiring your Ethernet cables might seem a bit complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find it’s quite manageable.

Understanding Ethernet colour codes

You must fully understand what Ethernet colour codes are, to confidently identify wire functions within each connector. Ethernet colour codes help you match each wire to its correct pin, ensuring accurate connections that prevent signal interference and data loss. Besides colour coding, Ethernet cables vary by shielding type, which influences performance in environments with interference. Common types include UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair), STP (Shielded Twisted Pair), FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair), and S/FTP (Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair), each providing different levels of shielding to protect data signals.

Cat 5 colour code

Cat 5 cables use a basic colour sequence, with blue and orange pairs for primary connections. Typically unshielded (UTP), they suit older networks or areas with low interference. Cat 5 works well for basic connections but isn’t ideal for high-speed data tasks.

Cat 5e colour code

Cat 5e cables follow Cat 5’s colour code sequence but support better speeds and reduced interference. They include blue, orange, green, and brown pairs and are available in UTP and FTP types with speeds up to 1 Gbps, making them suitable for most homes and offices.

Cat 6 colour code

Cat 6 cables use the same colour code as Cat 5e and offer better insulation, which reduces crosstalk. Available in UTP, STP, and S/FTP, Cat 6 colour code supports faster data transfers (up to 10 Gbps), ideal for high-traffic networks.

Cat 7 colour code

Cat 7 cables feature the same colour scheme but add S/FTP shielding, providing maximum resistance to interference and supports speeds up to 10 Gbps. This makes Cat 7 ideal for data-heavy environments where stable, high-speed connections are required.

How to connect an ethernet connector or wire an ethernet connector?

Once you've arranged the internal wires according to the T568A or T568B standard, you're ready to attach the RJ45 connector. Here's how to wire an Ethernet connector step by step:. 

  1. Trim the eight wires so they’re all the same length, leaving about 12mm of exposed cable.

  2. Arrange the wires in the correct colour order, making sure they stay flat and in sequence.

  3. Carefully insert the wires into the RJ45 connector, ensuring each wire reaches the end of the connector and sits properly in its slot.

  4. Use a crimping tool to press down on the connector's metal pins, securing the wires in place.

  5. Repeat the process on the other end of the cable. Always double-check that both ends use the same wiring standard for a reliable connection.

Connecting the Ethernet connector correctly ensures stable signal transmission and avoids any network issues.

How to Connect an Ethernet Cable - FAQs

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