The standardized wiring scheme for twisted-pair cabling in category 5 (and later) network cables dictates the specific arrangement of individual wires within the connector based on their color. Two primary standards exist: T568A and T568B. T568B is the more common standard in commercial installations. For example, a T568B terminated cable will have the orange/white wire connected to pin 1, orange to pin 2, green/white to pin 3, and so on according to the established pattern.
This structured cabling system ensures consistent connectivity and interoperability between network devices. Adhering to these wiring conventions prevents signal degradation and cross-talk, leading to more stable and reliable network performance. The development and standardization of these wiring schemes were critical to the widespread adoption of Ethernet networking, facilitating faster speeds and greater bandwidth capacity.