What Are The Types of RJ45 Connectors?
If you’re setting up a computer network, you’re going to need to know about RJ45 connectors. These are the connectors that you use to connect Ethernet cables to devices like routers, switches, and computers.
There are several different options to buy RJ 45 connectors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog post, we’re going to go over the most common types such as the cat6 crimp connector. We will also take a look at what you need to know about them before you make your purchase.
Standard RJ45 Connector
The most common type of RJ45 connector is the standard connector. This is the one that you’ll find on most Ethernet cables. And it’s the one that most people are familiar with.
The standard connector has eight pins arranged in a specific pattern. Plug an ethernet cable into a device with a standard RJ45 connector. The pins will make contact with the corresponding pins on the other device. This allows data to be transmitted.
Shielded RJ45 Connectors
You may want to consider using shielded RJ45 connectors if you are using the cable in high EMI environments.
This type of connector has a metal shield around it that helps to protect against EMI.
The shielded connector has an additional layer of protection. It blocks EMI, which can be useful in industrial or outdoor environments.
However, note that these connectors are more costly as compared to the standard unshielded ones. But on the bright side, they work better and will not break due to their durable build quality.
Unshielded RJ45 Connector
The unshielded RJ45 connector is the opposite of the shielded connector. It doesn’t have any additional protection against EMI.
Before you buy rj 45 connector unshielded, know that it is often used in homes and small offices. In spaces where EMI is not a big issue for data transfer, it works well.
Cat5e RJ45 Connector
The Cat5e RJ45 connector is similar to the Cat5 connector, but it’s designed for use with Cat5e Ethernet cables. Cat5e Ethernet cables have a maximum bandwidth of 100 Mbps.
This makes them suitable for most modern networks. The Cat5e connector has four pairs of wires, just like the Cat5 connector.
Cat6 RJ45 Connector
The Cat6 RJ45 connector also known as cat6 crimp. It is used with Cat6 Ethernet cables which have a maximum bandwidth of 1Gbps.
This makes them suitable for high-speed networks.
The Cat6 crimp has four pairs of pins, just like the Cat5 and Cat5e connectors.
Cat6a RJ45 Connectors
The Cat6a RJ45 connectors are designed for use with the augmented category 6 cables. The category 6 augmented ethernet cables have a maximum bandwidth of 10 Gbps.
Moreover, the Cat6a connector has four pairs of pins, just like the other connectors.
Note: All of these rj45 connectors are terminated as per the EIA/TIA 568 A and 568 B and the configuration diagrams are provided on them. This makes their installation easier.
Cat7 RJ45 Connector
The Cat7 RJ45 connector is designed for use with Cat7 Ethernet cables.
Cat7 Ethernet cables have a maximum bandwidth of 10 Gbps, but they can transmit data over longer distances than Cat6a cables.
The Cat7 connector has four pairs of wires, just like the other connectors.
PoE RJ45 Connector
The PoE RJ45 connectors are designed for use with Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices. PoE devices can transmit power and data over the same Ethernet cable. This feature is highly useful in situations where it’s difficult to run power cables.
The PoE connector has the same eight pins as the standard RJ45. But it’s designed to handle the additional power that’s transmitted over the cable.
Which One to Use?
The type of RJ45 connector you use will depend on the type of Ethernet cable you’re using and the speed and distance requirements of your network. The Cat5 RJ45 connector is designed for use with Cat5 Ethernet cables, while the Cat5e connector is designed for use with Cat5e Ethernet cables. The Cat6 and Cat6a connectors are designed for use with Cat6 and Cat6a Ethernet cables, respectively, which have higher bandwidths than Cat5 and Cat5e cables. Finally, the Cat7 connector is designed for use with Cat7 Ethernet cables, which can transmit data over longer distances than Cat6a cables.
If you’re using PoE devices, you’ll want to use a PoE RJ45 connector, which is designed to handle the additional power that’s transmitted over the cable. The PoE connector has the same eight pins as the standard RJ45 connector, but it’s designed to handle both power and data transmission.
In Short
There are several different types of RJ45 connectors, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of connector is the standard connector, which you’ll find on most Ethernet cables. If you’re in an environment with a lot of electromagnetic interference, you may want to consider using a shielded RJ45 connector. On the other hand, the unshielded connector is often used in homes and small offices where there isn’t a lot of EMI.
In summary, it is crucial to buy rj 45 connectors setting up a fast and reliable Ethernet network. Understanding the different types of connectors and their applications will help you choose the right one for your specific needs.