How to connect a twisted pair to each other: methods + instructions for extending a twisted wire

A wired Internet connection is considered more reliable than switching devices via Wi-Fi.Twisted pair transmits the signal stably, despite distances and interference, which are often critical for a wireless network.

Sometimes you need to extend or repair the Internet cable, but you don’t have time to wait for a technician to arrive. Agree, in this case the ability to build a network cable yourself will come in handy.

We suggest you figure out how to connect twisted pair cables to each other, which method is the most reliable, and which method is suitable as a temporary solution.

Reasons for extending twisted pair

The most likely reason to increase the length network cable – moving a laptop or desktop PC to the back room.

Over a long distance in an apartment with reinforced concrete walls and ceilings, the signal weakens, and doing homework or preparing a project becomes problematic.

You can reduce the distance from the router to the computer if you rearrange the router, but then you will still have to extend another cable leading from the landing to the apartment

The second reason is related to repairs. If the twisted pair is not sewn under a plasterboard wall or into a baseboard, but lies on the floor, unprotected, then it can easily be damaged. This can be done with a chair leg or a door.

Often small children or animals “help” to break the cable - the former by accident, and the latter for some reason love to chew on ownerless, unattended cords.

To repair, you need to cut off the damaged area and connect using one of the methods listed below - for example, twisting or using an RG-45 connector

Thrifty owners of computer equipment do not buy long cables if they have several short ones on hand. Some manage to assemble an almost 6-meter functioning cable from 3-2-meter sections.

Methods for connecting an Internet cable

Let's look at 4 methods that can be called household. Some of them require the use of special tools, others are performed almost manually. If all four instructions seem complicated to you, you can simply go to the store and purchase a patch cord of the required length.

Option #1 - twisting wires

If you have ever dealt with electrical wires, then you understand perfectly well what twisting is. This is a connection of single-purpose cores using the twisting method followed by insulation.

Twisting is used to distribute wires in junction boxes, when connecting switches and sockets, and to connect broken electrical circuits.

Twisted pair twisting technology follows the same rules: a 4-core or 8-core cable is disassembled into cores, and then identical wires are connected to each other

Of course, such a connection cannot be called effective, since negative consequences in the form of signal attenuation are possible. However, the wire will still remain working and will be suitable at least for temporary use.

For work, we recommend preparing:

• knife, scissors or a special tool for removing braid;
• wire stripper;
• tin solder 0.3-0.5 mm;
• heat shrink 1.5 mm (after heating - 0.75 mm);
• matches;
• electrical tape.

Step-by-step instructions for twisting twisted pair cables:

If everything is done carefully, the shape of the cable will hardly change. Thanks to this, it can be pulled into a wall hole or closed into a baseboard.

But at the first opportunity, we recommend replacing the “reanimated” twisted pair with a solid factory-made wire. This is necessary both for safety reasons and to ensure a stable signal.

Option #2 - soldering

Ordinary Internet users are unlikely to have a soldering machine at hand and actively use it, so we recommend using twisted pair soldering only for people who own the equipment.

This method could not be considered, but the connections after heat treatment are indeed reliable, and the cable is operational.

To work, you will need a traditional set - a soldering iron, solder, flux, a stationery knife or a special tool for removing braid, insulation materials - heat shrink tube, electrical tape

It is more convenient to work with a modern tool - a soldering iron with a display showing the heating temperature, or a stripper - a professional replacement for a knife.

Separate solder and flux are best left to professionals; combined wire has long been produced for amateurs.

Sample of soldered twist. There are many nuances of working with soldering equipment; you can familiarize yourself with them on the Internet or using special literature

Instructions for soldering the network cable:

1. We remove the outer insulation from both sections of the cable. You don’t have to cut it, but cut it lengthwise and bend it for a while, so that you can put it back in place later.
2. We disassemble pairs of conductors, remove insulation. It is better to use a stripper, since a knife or wire cutters can damage the veins.
3. We twist pairs of identical conductors of both cables. They can be easily identified by the color of the insulation. Trim off the excess.
4. We solder twisted wires: heat them and apply solder.We make sure that it is evenly distributed over the place of twisting. The result should be a strong, inextricable connection.
5. We first insulate each soldered wire separately, then all together - we wrap the switching point with a thick layer of electrical tape. We make sure that there are no bare areas left.

It is not recommended to take cords connected in this way outdoors or place them in rooms with high humidity.

If this is still necessary, then you need to seal the repaired section of the wire as much as possible. For protection, you can use, for example, polymer flexible hoses.

Option #3 - using a terminal

As in power electrics, in low-current electrics they use special terminals. They can be found in online stores under the name “scotch locks”. These are compact plastic connectors with metal contacts.

Plastic parts of products are resistant to solvents. The internal free space of the adhesive tapes is filled with gel, which protects the contacts from moisture penetration

The advantage of using terminals is that you do not need to waste time carefully stripping the wires or wrapping the connection with electrical tape. But this is provided that the switched area will be located in a protected area - in a wall, box or baseboard.

Step-by-step instructions for crimping terminals:

The finished connection resembles a garland - the terminals stick out in all directions, it’s impossible to hide them compactly.

But there is no need to worry about the tightness of the connections. Despite its appearance, the wiring is reliable and the cable will perform approximately the same as its re-stranded counterpart.

Option #4 – twisted pair connector

To connect two patch cords, there is a simple way that is accessible even to a child - connecting with a small box-shaped device. There are no special names for it; in network equipment stores it is called “connector”, “8P-8C connector”.

Adapters for extending Internet cables are inexpensive - 60-80 rubles. In addition to traditionally white products, there are red, blue and other colors on sale so that you can match the cable

However, there is one condition: to connect two segments into one, in addition to the adapter, you need connectors - computer plugs for switching.

That is, the connector can be used if you first crimp twisted pair.

Crimping of a twisted pair is carried out using a direct or reverse connection scheme of conductors. The choice of circuit depends on the purpose of the wire. Crimping instructions can be found on the Internet.

The process of extending a twisted pair cable using an adapter is easy: you need to insert patch cord connectors into the connectors located on different sides of the “box”.

In addition to special devices for extending the Internet cable, sometimes they use equipment that has a completely different purpose - for example, external network sockets or internal working parts of built-in sockets.

Some craftsmen manage to connect hubs. There is no need to do this, since there are simpler and easier methods described above.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

How to crimp a cable to make connections with a connector:

Video instructions for twisting:

Recommendation on how to quickly build up a twisted pair cable:

The easiest way, which does not require special tools or skills, is twisting. However, according to experts, it is absolutely not suitable for high-speed data transfer.

If you want to get really high-quality communication, we recommend purchasing a factory-made wire and connecting it to devices in accordance with the instructions and safety standards.

Do you have anything to add, or do you have questions about connecting twisted pair cables to each other? You can leave comments on the publication, participate in discussions and share your own experience in building a network cable. The contact form is located in the lower block.