What is an Ethernet connector?
An Ethernet connector is a type of connector used to connect network devices, such as computers, printers, routers, switches, and other devices, to a local area network (LAN) using Ethernet cables. These connectors allow data transmission over network cables using the Ethernet standard.
The most common Ethernet connector is the RJ-45 connector, which resembles an RJ-11 telephone connector but is slightly larger. RJ-45 connectors are commonly used on Category 5e (Cat 5e) or Category 6 (Cat 6) Ethernet network cables and support different connection speeds, such as 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) or even speeds higher in business networks.
The Ethernet connector is used to connect a device to a wired network, allowing data transmission and communication between devices on the network. These connectors are essential in both home and business networking infrastructure and are widely used around the world to provide reliable and fast network connectivity.
Ethernet connectors actually have their origin in the modular telephone connectors that we will see below.
What is a modular telephone connector?
A telephone modular connector, and sometimes also called a telephone jack, is a type of connector commonly used in telephone systems to connect cables to telephone devices such as telephones, DSL modems, fax machines, and other equipment related to telephone communication. They were originally designed for telephone applications, where before these, other larger and smaller connectors were usually used. They are very common in most homes and offices.
Modular connectors have a specific design consisting of several metal pins or contacts inside a rectangular or square plastic connector. Telephone modular connectors are mainly used in three standard sizes, defined by a series of positions: 4P, 6P and 8P. Depending on the number of contacts, the termination 2C (2 contacts), 4C (4 contacts), 6C (6 contacts), 8C (8 contacts), 10C (10 contacts) is added to the end. This finally forms the following combinations: 4P2C, 4P4C, 6P2C, 6P4C, 6P6C, 8P2C, 8P4C, 8P6C, 8P8C and 8P10C. Below we will name the most used ones and their most common uses:
- 4P4C (RJ9): Frequently used to connect the headset and microphone of landline telephones. Also sometimes on the intercom or video intercom phones. The two center pins are usually used by the earphone, while the two ends are used by the microphone.
- 6P4C (RJ11): The most commonly used RJ11 connector. It has 6 positions and is generally used on conventional telephone lines. The typical RJ11 cable uses only 2 of the 4 contacts to transmit voice.
- 6P6C (RJ12): The RJ12 connector is similar in design to RJ11, but has more positions and contacts. It has a rectangular design with 6 positions and 6 metal contacts or pins. It is used to transmit voice signals and sometimes data signals in telephone systems that require more conductors, such as PBX (Private Branch Exchange) telephone systems. An RJ12 cable uses the 6 available contacts to transmit voice and data signals.
- 8P8C (RJ45): Although commonly used in data networks, the RJ-45 connector is also used in more advanced telephone systems, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) connections. The RJ-45 has eight positions and is generally used to transmit data in Ethernet systems. At the time it was also used for ISDN telephony.
RJ connectors are easy to use and connect, simply inserting them into the corresponding socket on your device or wall connector. These connectors have become standard on most telephone and communication systems, making it easy to connect and disconnect telephone devices and expand communication systems as needed.
What is the difference between an Ethernet connector and a modular connector?
An Ethernet connector specifically refers to the connectors used on Ethernet network cables, which are used to connect devices on a data network, such as computers, routers, switches, printers, and other similar devices.
The most common Ethernet connector is the RJ-45 connector, which has eight pins and is used on standard Ethernet cables (such as Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6a, Cat 7, etc.).
Ethernet connectors are used to transmit data over a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) using Ethernet communication protocols, such as TCP/IP.
Modular connector:
The term "modular connector" is more generic and is used to describe any connector that uses a modular design, where components can be easily assembled and disassembled.
Modular connectors can include telephone connectors, such as RJ-11, which are used to connect telephones and communication devices, or audio and video connectors, such as those used in RCA audio cables or VGA video cables.
These modular connectors are versatile and are used in a variety of applications beyond Ethernet networks.
In summary, the main difference lies in the context of use and the specific function of each connector. An Ethernet connector refers to connectors used on Ethernet network cables for data transmission on computer networks, while a modular connector is a broader term that applies to any connector that uses a modular design and can be found at a variety of applications, including telecommunications, audio and video.
The connectors that we will see in this section are all modular connectors, for different categories of cables, but all of the modular type.
What are the categories of RJ45 connectors and how do they differ?
RJ45 connectors are commonly used on Ethernet cables to connect devices on data networks. These connectors are divided into different categories or standards that determine their performance and ability to transmit data at specific speeds. Below are the most common categories of RJ45 connectors and their key differences:
Cat 5e (Category 5e):
- Cat 5e is a category of RJ45 connector that is suitable for Ethernet networks up to 1 Gbps (Gigabit per second) at distances up to 100 meters.
- This improved standard over Cat 5 (no "e" in "enhanced") offers greater interference cancellation capabilities and improved signal quality compared to Cat 5.
Cat 6 (Category 6):
- Cat 6 is a category of RJ45 connector designed for Ethernet networks up to 10 Gbps at distances up to 55 meters.
- It offers better performance and higher data transmission capacity than Cat 5e, making it suitable for high-speed applications.
Cat 6a (Category 6a):
- Cat 6a is an improved category of RJ45 connector that supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps at distances of up to 100 meters.
- It offers even better performance than Cat 6 and is suitable for high-speed applications such as enterprise networks and data centers.
Cat 7 (Category 7):
- Cat 7 is a category of RJ45 connector that supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps at distances of up to 100 meters.
- It features additional shielding capabilities to reduce electromagnetic interference, improving signal quality in noisy environments.
Cat 8 (Category 8):
- Cat 8 is a category of RJ45 connector designed for high-speed Ethernet networks up to 25 or 40 Gbps over relatively short distances, typically up to 30 meters.
- It is used in high-speed networking and data center applications, but its range is limited compared to Cat 6a or Cat 7.
It is important to select the appropriate RJ45 connector based on your network needs and the required data transmission speed. Choosing the right category will ensure optimal performance and reliable data transmission on your network.
How do you connect an RJ45 Ethernet connector?
About how to connect RJ45 Ethernet cables, on our blog we have published an article on this topic including an explanatory video, where not only an RJ45 connector is connected, but a base is connected and the two connection modes are explained:
Each of the two standards has a different order assigning a series of colors to each pin of the connector. Depending on whether we need to make an in-line or crossed connection, we will assemble the threads of our hose:
- In-line Ethernet connection: The two ends are connected using the same standard. Either the EIA568A or the EIA560B, but both ends are the same.
- Cross Ethernet connection: In this case, at one end the connector is mounted using the EIA568A standard and at the other end we use the EIA568B standard
You can consult the following blog link "How to connect RJ45 connectors?
In summary:
An Ethernet cable or patch cord is a type of cable that uses twisted pairs. Ethernet cable is made up of color-coded copper or copper-aluminum alloy wires and has four pairs of wires within its outer jacket. The main reason behind this structure is to reduce signal interference from nearby pairs and other electrical devices. Each pair of wires is twisted with a specific number of turns per inch to improve the quality of data transmission at higher speeds. It is crucial to follow correct connection rules to ensure proper cable operation.
What is an Ethernet network base?
In a LAN (Local Area Network), an "RJ connector network base" typically refers to a connection or outlet point in the cabling infrastructure where an RJ connector (such as an RJ45 connector) can be connected to provide network connectivity. network to a device, such as a computer, printer, IP phone, or any other network equipment. These bases can be for surface or wall installation. These bases are often supplied without the female connector, so there are female sockets or telephone jacks for this purpose. To connect the cables to these connectors, impactors or wire insertion tools are usually used.
Waterproof Ethernet connectors
A waterproof Ethernet connector refers to a type of connector designed to provide a water- and dust-resistant Ethernet connection, making it suitable for outdoor environments and harsh conditions. These connectors are designed to protect connection integrity and maintain reliable data transmission even in wet or dirty environments. The term waterproof is quite broad and a scale is usually used that defines its resistance to dust and/or humidity, which we call IP grade.
Some of the typical features of waterproof Ethernet connectors include:
Airtight sealing: They are designed to prevent water and dust from entering the connector and damaging cables or internal components. This is achieved through tight seals and gaskets.
Weather resistance: Waterproof Ethernet connectors are typically designed to withstand adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures.
Durable Construction: They are made of strong, durable materials that can withstand exposure to external elements and continuous wear and tear.
Secure Connection: Despite their tight sealing capability, waterproof Ethernet connectors enable a secure and reliable connection for transmitting data over Ethernet cables.
These connectors are useful in a variety of applications, such as outdoor security cameras, outdoor LED lighting systems, outdoor digital signage, agricultural automation systems, and any other environment where an Ethernet connection is required in harsh conditions. The use of waterproof Ethernet connectors ensures that the network continues to function even in challenging weather conditions and protects the integrity of transmitted data.
