Proper Ethernet cable install tips.

[looney2ns]

Good reading.

Calculating Ethernet Cable Overall Channel Length for Success

Consider this situation: An installer runs 290 feet of solid copper Ethernet cable and dutifully punches down both ends of the cable into patch panels and/or keystone jacks. The installer then plugs in some stranded copper patch cords at both ends, both totalling about 30 feet and turns the...

www.truecable.com

And

Q&A: Are YOU terminating your Ethernet cable all wrong? You probably are!

In this informative Q&A session, True Cable's Don and Dave share valuable insights on properly terminating Ethernet cables. Discover the common mistakes to avoid and learn about the best practices for achieving reliable high-performing connections.

www.truecable.com

 

[TonyR]

+1^^.
Excerpt:

"RJ45 connectors with gold contacts that have two prongs are meant for stranded cable and will not work well with solid-core cable. Connectors with three prongs are suitable for both solid and stranded cables. Identifying the type of cable being used is the first important consideration for ensuring a proper fit."​

The triple prong, the second one pictured below, is best. When shown like this, it becomes more obvious, IMO.

 

[KaiserTom]

Want to see what happens when you try to crimp the wrong RJ-45 onto solid copper? It glances off the wires and all the contacts shift. Had to pull and replace a handmade patch from a camera because of it. And a basic tester said it was a completely fine cable, electrically.

The certifier however found an issue with wire 1. And the lack of link light on the equipment as well. So obviously not a good enough connection for any sort of real signal.

You can see in the images how the contacts go diagonal. They aren't supposed to do that. They probably barely touch wire 1, O/W, enough to be electrically continuous but not even enough for 1G certification, let alone 10G.

 

[TonyR]

I've had the best luck with triple-tang connectors, such as #2 in the below image: