DComTalk.com

Hello, I've been lurking around and noticed some expertise here. I'm confident somebody can answer my question(s).

I am networking my house for 2 reasons. First is for XBOX playing with friends, second is for internet on multiple computers.

I am intermediate in networking, meaning I know how to crimp RJ-45 ends, and simple things like that. I do not know all of the correct terminology though, like the name for the "female" jack.

Anyways, I have a 12 port switch. I have run 12 Cat5e cables throughout my house, and they go to wall plates with the female jacks. At the switch, I have RJ-45 male ends crimped on, and they are plugged directly into the switch. (after reading about this, this is not the preferred way to go).

I am having problems connecting multiple Xboxes together with this method, and it ends up that I have to bring the switch out and "rig" it up with a crossover cable, and some straights just to get playing.

Any advice? I'm thinking my problem is that I need the female jacks on both ends of the cable, and then patch cables from there on both ends.

Thanks.

The jacks your using are actually RJ-48's. 8 pin jacks that are either 568A or 568B wiring scheme. The plugs your crimping on are Rj-45's which I know you already stated. Are you sure your wiring them correctly? If your jacks (RJ-48's) are 568B then you crimped ends (RJ-45's) must be wired to match. If you hold the plug in front of you, with the clip to the rear, it should go....white orange, orange white, white green, blue white, white blue, green white, white brown, brown white. If you are using 568A then flip the oranges and greens.
Do you have something to check continuity with when your done?
I wouldn't fret about not using RJ-48's on both ends. Most cost effective networks I've ever wired have the RJ-48's at the jack end, and RJ-45's at the hub side. Some people freak out about that, but it always works. I've wired probably 50 or more in the last 8 years and have never had a problem. But I do have a tester to check my work when I'm done. That's the secret!! But I realize you just can't borrow one. So good luck!