What is an RJ45 network cable? How to connect the RJ45 network cable connector?

RJ45網路線接頭

 

In daily life, whether it is a general household or an industrial field, you can often see RJ45 network cables, because the Internet has long become an indispensable part. This article will analyze RJ45 network cables in depth, from basic introduction to application. The RJ45 network cable connector connection method, which is relatively unknown to most people, will also be carefully explained with diagrams.

 

● What is RJ45 network cable

1. Introduction of RJ45 network cable

RJ45 is a network interface specification, similar to the RJ11 interface, which is used to connect telephone lines and is therefore often referred to as a “telephone interface”. The RJ45 interface is installed at both ends of the twisted pair cable to connect an Internet-enabled device to another network device. For example, a personal computer (PC) connected to a server, router, modem, smart TV, game console, or any device that uses Ethernet protocol.
RJ45 network cable is also called Ethernet cable. The cable is composed of four pairs of twisted pair cables and is equipped with 8P8C connector. Because the outer shell of the connector body is transparent plastic and looks translucent and bright, it is also called a crystal head.

 

2. Advantages of RJ45 network cable

RJ45 network cables provide a fixed-line connection that allows for faster data transfer, improved stability, and greater security at an affordable price. Therefore, RJ45 network cables are very attractive for both professional and personal use and are the most commonly used transmission medium when wiring networks.

 

3. RJ45 network cable application location

In addition to being used for office or home networking, RJ45 network cables also have other broader uses. By introducing the EtherCAT protocol, the scope of application can be extended to factory work spaces and other areas.

Some emerging applications using RJ45 technology include:

  • Factory Automation
  • Industrial process control
  • Industrial robots (manufacturing and assembly)
  • Test and measurement systems
  • Quality Control System
  • Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) systems and devices
  • Internet of Things (IoT) Network Devices

 

● Introduction of RJ45 network cable

1. Wire specifications

According to TIA-568-2, a balanced twisted pair is a 4-pair 8-core copper cable. The twist length of each pair of twisted wires is different, some are sparse and some are dense. This is to avoid mutual interference between signals.
The copper conductor structure of the RJ45 core wire can be divided into “solid core wire” and “multi-core stranded wire”. The wire material composed of solid core conductors is relatively hard and is suitable for the threading and wiring operations between pipelines. The wires made of multi-core twisted wires are relatively soft and suitable for use as connecting jumpers for equipment.
In addition, RJ45 network cables can be divided into two categories according to different “shielding” methods: UTP and STP. STP can be further divided into F/UTP, U/FTP, F/FTP, SF/UTP, S/FTP and other specifications.

 

 

2. Network lines of different colors and their uses

  • Orange/white, orange is used to send data (TX). It is a twisted pair.
  • Green/white, green are used to receive data (RX). It is a twisted pair.
  • Blue/white and blue are two-way lines. It is a twisted pair.
  • Brown/white, brown are two-way lines. It is a twisted pair.

 

● RJ45 network cable connector connection method

The most common RJ45 network cable connector looks similar to a telephone line plug, but is larger.

RJ45 connectors are commonly used for copper cable (such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, etc. for Ethernet) connections.

They support shorter connection distances and are suitable for network connections in homes, offices, and small businesses.

The appearance and pin positions are shown in the figure below, which is generally called an 8P8C (8 Positions 8 Contacts) connector.

RJ45接頭8P8C

 

1. RJ45 cable sequence

According to the definition of TIA-568-2, the wiring sequence of cables and RJ45 can be defined as T568A or T568B.

The standard stipulates the wiring sequence when the 8 wires of the twisted pair are connected to the RJ-45 interface.

  • T568A:green/white, green, orange/white, blue, blue/white, orange, brown/white, brown
  • T568B:orange/white, orange, green/white, blue, blue/white, green, brown/white, brown

RJ45網路線T568A與T568B線序

 

2. RJ45 connector connection method

In response to different application occasions, two different connection methods are distinguished.

a. Straight-Through

The RJ45 at both ends of the network cable are made with T568B line sequence and are used in the following situations:

  • Computer connected to ADSL modem
  • Brain Connection Router WAN Socket
  • Computer connected to router LAN socket
  • Computer connection HUB or SWITCH

 

b. Crossover

The RJ45 at one end of the network cable is made with T568A line sequence, and the other end is made with T568B line sequence. It is used in the following situations:

  • Computer connection computer
  • HUB Connection HUB
  • SWITCH Connection Switch (SWITCH)

 

● JetHarness Customized RJ45 Network Cable Service

1. Provide a full range of high-quality materials:

  • Cables – Cat.5e, Cat.6, Cat.6a, Class F, Cat.8
  • RJ45 – RJ45 plug, RJ45 plug with metal shell, high quality metal RJ45

2. All network patch cords have passed the FLUKE DSX2-8000 copper cable analyzer test.

3. A FLUKE DSX2-8000 test report will be included with every shipment.

MICROTEST精密四線式線材測試儀器

Microtest Precision Four-Wire Wire Tester

FLUKE DSX2-8000 銅纜分析儀

FLUKE DSX2-8000

Further reading: What is Ethernet? Which Ethernet route is right for me?

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