Cable connectors education and training is relatively simple and straightforward. You can learn to make various types of cables yourself by learning how to correctly wire the connector ends onto the appropriate type of wire, using special but inexpensive tools.

The first step in learning about cable connectors is to differentiate between the various types of cables. The broad categories of cables and their connectors include:

1. Electrical cable connectors to connect electrical cables, which require some electrical knowledge to work with;

2. Industrial cable connectors, which include different types of cables like coaxial cables and phone cables;

3. And a computer network cable connector, which can connect computers to a network and in some cases can make phone connections.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn basic information from suppliers of cable connectors

When you start looking at cable connectors, there are terms you need to understand in order to get the right kind. Some companies refer to a coaxial cable connector as a radio frequency (RF) cable connector. A glossary can help you make sense of the new vocabulary. Knowing how to choose an RF connector is also basic information you will want to know.

I recommend: Consult a glossary of terms related to cables and connectors at Sabritec. Read a guide to choosing an RF connector at Lighthorse Technologies.

Identify the type of cable connectors and connecter cables needed for your situation

Each category of cable often has several types of wire or connector that you need to know about in order to determine which one you need. Unless you are upgrading, you will most likely choose a connector that is of the same type as the one you are replacing. If you have an old Ethernet cable, you may want to consider upgrading to a newer and faster form of cable.

I recommend: CablesToGo provides various categories of connector types with charts that show illustrations of specific types of connectors, their names and purposes. Click on the Connector Identifier link from Pasternack Enterprises to bring up a PDF file that can help you identify the type of RF and microwave connectors you have or need.

Find out how to wire various types of cable connectors

When you need an extra-long cable or a large quantity of cables, it can be beneficial to know how to make cables. If you have a cable in place and the connector end is broken, being able to make your own cables can be a simple solution. It is easy to do this with computer network cable connectors, coaxial cables and phone cables. Providers of cable connectors can sell you the supplies you need, including large spools of wire, connector ends and crimping tools.

I recommend: Read a step-by-step guide with illustrations on how to wire coaxial cable connectors at HomeTech Solutions. Learn how to make an Ethernet crossover cable at MakeItSimple.com. Choose from several guides that explain how to wire and connect various types of cables at CablesPlusUSA.com.

Cable connectors link technology together and transfer information or power from one machine to another. Use coaxial cable connectors for your cable modem and broadband connection. Network or Ethernet cables are the most secure and efficient way to connect your computer network. You can make both of these types of cables yourself, if you need a custom length or if one end of an existing cable breaks.

Use connectors and adapters to connect older computer peripherals to a newer computer or a newer peripheral to an older computer. You can also connect various forms of audio and video equipment to other AV devices or to your computer with cable connectors. Suppliers of cable connectors usually sell a wide variety of products to cover all your cable connecting needs.

Types of cable connectors include:

1. Simple adapters with 2 styles of ends to connect one type of cable to a different type.

2. Connector cables to connect devices to each other, some of which you can make yourself with simple tools.

3. Specialized hubs, routers and splitters, which connect several cables to a single device or cable.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Connect your cables quickly with cable connectors and adapters

Quickly plug one type of cable into another without special tools, using a simple adapter. Buy a BNC connector and in-line adapter, t-adapter or splitter to connect coaxial cables together. Connect a keyboard or an older mouse to your computer's USB port using a USB to PS/2 adapter. Print to an older printer from your new laptop with a USB to DB25 IEEE-1284 parallel adapter or adapter cable.

I recommend: Buy adapters for all kinds of cables at Tech For Less, LLC, where they have a wide variety of tech devices and an even larger selection of ways to connect them to each other. Find a well-organized list of the type of connectors available at Cables To Go, where you can also request a custom cable if they don't make the one you need.

Make your own custom connector cables

If you use video equipment, purchase coaxial cable connectors or splitters to make your own connectors. Replace the broken end of a long shielded coaxial cable instead of buying a new one. Make a phone or network cable just the length you need with cable making supplies and RJ-45 Cat5E modular network cable connectors for Ethernet. Use RJ-11 or RJ-12 connectors for telephones. Some industrial cable connectors and electrical cable making situations require electrical training.

I recommend: Choose the type you need from the list of connector cables available from RadioShack Corporation, where they have toll-free phone support to answer any questions. Sabritec offers high frequency coaxial cables and other cable connectors, which you can use to connect your communication panel.

Connect several cables at once with a cable connector for multiple cables

Hook up the phone and fax machine to the same phone jack using a phone splitter. Network your computers together with an Ethernet router. Connect a VCR and a DVD player to the same TV with an A/B switch. Share access to a USB device between two or more computers with a specialized USB hub.

I recommend: Purchase various kinds of switch boxes and splitters at CableWholesale.com, where they also sell all kinds of cables and connectors. Find USB hubs at Everything USB, where they sell USB adapters and connectors and other types of USB devices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy an extra short USB cable, which is easy to store and convenient for travel, to connect your portable audio player to your computer to transfer files.
• •  Simplify the cables connecting your computer or A/V equipment with a wide variety of plugging strips and electrical cable connectors, which combine Ethernet and coaxial connectivity with electrical connections.