The Internet is the most common protocol to be used worldwide to run multiple operations of businesses. However, some modular connectors may enhance the need to be installed with ethernet cables to access connectivity.
In 1970, AT&T first developed the modular connector system (an upgraded version of the telecommunication connector – RJ11). In this blog, stay connected to read about the RJ45 connector and why it is necessary to crimp the ethernet cable using the RJ45 plug.
Let me take you on a journey of modular connectors and their benefits – So, let’s get to the point.
Types Of RJ45 Connectors
Terminating the ethernet cable with the rj45 connector enables it to pass the electric current (Data Packet). The 8P8C has gold-plated terminals that after termination allow the data to flow easily through the system and other devices. First, let us know the types of RJ45 crimp connectors.
- Standard RJ45 Connector
- This is a common type of plug that is used to terminate Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables to provide a seamless internet connection.
- RJ45 Keystone Jack
- A female plug – also called a keystone jack. These jacks are used to crimp the cable within the patch panel, wall plates, and surface mount boxes. An ideal way to make connections in a tidy manner.
- Rj45 Coupler
- The cable extender is used to connect to the other side of the cable to increase the cable length or also for temporary connections.
- RJ45 Shielded Connectors
- They are mostly used to eliminate EMI or RFI in case heavy machinery is present in the environment. The shielded RJ45 connectors are used where there is enough electrical noise present. For example shielded cat6 connectors.
- RJ45 Crossover Cable Connectors
- The type of connectors used when there is a need to connect two same devices – computer to computer without any hub or switch. The wiring standard is different in the crossover cable connectors with standard connectors.
- RJ45 Strain Relief Boot
- Unlike the connector, the RJ45 strain relief boot covers the connector and the main part to use is to limit the sharp bends of the cable that may result in breakage of internal conductors.
These are some of the types of RJ45 crimp connectors that are used to terminate the ethernet cable. In addition to this, for terminating the cable using an RJ45 plug – two wiring standards are followed to make a connection – T568A and T568B respectively.
Are All The RJ45 Connectors The Same Size?
The Registered Jack 45 has the standard size 8P8C – designed to terminate the ethernet cable for a suitable connection. This is why they are backward compatible with the older versions of their predecessors and of course, there is a need to make the standard size for Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a. If you are going to replace cat5e with cat6 all you have to do is to upgrade the network speed. Rest the connectors will remain the same.
How Do You Know Cable Standards – T568A or T568B?
It is foremost to use the wiring standard to terminate the cable with the RJ45 crimp connector. As for Cat5e and Cat6, both use registered jack 45 plugs for termination. So, what are the wiring standards? Here, let me tell you quickly by dictating the terminology of wiring standards.
Before knowing the standards there is one more thing that you should need to know. The ethernet cable has separated 8 different wires each with a different color code – solid and striped. For example Orange/White-Orange.
So to crimp the cable with registered jack 45 you need to arrange the wires accordingly as per the standard. Here, for T568A we use color combinations such as.
- White/Green
- Green
- White Orange
- Blue
- White/Blue
- Orange
- White/Brown
- Brown
These are the color combinations that you will adjust while making the T568A wiring standard. Likewise, the T568B is the most used connection worldwide. The color combination is as follows
- White/Orange
- Orange
- White/Green
- Blue
- White/Blue
- Green
- White/Brown
- Brown
By following these color codes you can simplify the connection between cable and connectors. Furthermore, there is a lot more to understand about the RJ45 plugs. So, moving forward to the depth information for the RJ45 crimp connectors.
Difference Between Cat5e and Cat6 Connectors
Both cables show different specifications regarding the speed and one is superior and the other is cost-effective to adopt for your network. But one thing is common – RJ45 crimp connectors. To eliminate the installation procedure, most buyers use plug-and-play cables that have already been terminated.
But still, you can find the wiring standard by just looking at the color combination of the cable wire – T568A or T568B. Moreover, the RJ45 connector makes ethernet cables backward compatible to be used for older networking equipment.
Besides this, there are some of the main differences between Cat5e and Cat6 connectors to maintain the reliability and durability of the cable. Some of the differences are as follows.
- Pin Arrangements
- Build Quality
- Crosstalk and Interference mitigation
- Compatibility
- Use case simplification
- Shielding and grounding
Both cables show differences based on the above-mentioned points. The Cat6 likewise is a bit more superior cable than cat5e so it follows stringent rules while terminating.
Shielded Cat6 Connectors
Connectors are also shielded when they are going to be attached to a complex wiring structure in order to eliminate signal interference. Like Cat6 shielded connectors that are used to install in a place where there might be a strong influence of outside interference. To prevent signal loss shielded Cat6 connectors are used for the safety side.
Does The Order Of RJ45 Matter?
In simple words – Yes, to stabilize the connection, both ends should follow the same termination color order for the RJ45 connector. You might be familiar with the terms straight-through cables or crossover cables. The wiring standards in both these cables are different.
Cat6 crimping is quite easy, it's a DIY method that even an inexperienced person can do. However, you may face difficulty in shielding cables to install the RJ45 connector. The main purpose of RJ45 is to determine the accurate flow of electric current (Data) to multiple devices.
If you are using T568A on one end, you should terminate the other end using the same standard. Or else you will feel an error or data (receiver – transmitter) will not work fine and there will be no active internet connection detected.
Do You Know: The RJ45 connector once crimped cannot be used with another ethernet cable as the termination points have already been pressed and there is not enough space to pass the ethernet wires in the used RJ45 connector.
Is RJ45 a Female or Male Connector?
By appearance, the RJ45 connector is a male plug to use for connecting different devices like routers, modems, computers, and keystone jacks. The RJ45 connector has benefits and 8 pins inside the plug typically receive data and transfer it to the source.
On the other hand, a Keystone jack is a female connector with a hole and diagonal wires connecting the plug to it. Once plugged in, it's ready to receive and transfer the signals throughout the networking devices.
Life Expectancy Of RJ45 Connector
Like every electronic device, each material has a viable lifespan to work seamlessly. But beyond that time there is a need to change the equipment. Likewise, the lifespan of an RJ45 connector is measured on various factors that include;
- Quality of connector
- Installation
- Environmental conditions
- Usage
- Cable quality
- Network load
- Connector type
- Maintenance
These are the main factors about the RJ45 hence, there is no valid proof of life expectation of the RJ45 plug but it needs to be operated with care while installation. Still, most of the connectors can survive more than 5 years. It’s the maximum time and before time passes, there is the possibility that you will update the cable category.
Final Thought
In simple words, RJ45 connectors are used at both ends of the ethernet cable to provide a seamless connection. For ethernet connections, Rj45 Cat6 or Cat5e uses two types of wiring standards (T568A & T568B).
The termination process is relatively easy as you have to follow the rules and the steps in a proper manner. This guide about RJ45 crimp connectors will allow you to crimp Cat6 cable by using RJ45 while using the wiring standard. I hope this guide will help you find the suitable wiring standard while crimping the cable. Good luck with the installation.
Leave a Comment