What is an RJ45 Connector?
When I was younger, I remember my dad bringing home a strange looking device with a bunch of wires sticking out of it. He called it a "router" and said it would help us connect to the internet. At the time, I had no idea what he was talking about, but as I grew older and became more interested in technology, I began to understand the importance of connectivity and the various types of connectors used to connect devices.
One connector that I've come across quite frequently in my tech journey and here at Infinity Cable Products is the RJ45. But what exactly is an RJ45 and how does it differ from other connectors?
What is an RJ45?
The RJ45 connector is a commonly used device in networking and telecommunications. It is an 8-pin connector that allows for the connection of devices such as computers, routers, and switches to each other or to a network. The "RJ45" name refers to the registered jack standard and the specific type of connector, which has eight pins arranged in a specific configuration.
This connector is designed to transmit data over Ethernet cables, which are frequently used in networking. Ethernet cables are made of twisted pair wires and are categorized by their wire gauge, or AWG (American Wire Gauge). The wire gauge determines the size of the wire and, therefore, its ability to transmit data at a certain speed.
RJ45 connectors have a range of uses, including home networking, office networking, data centers, audio and video, and industrial control systems.
Types of RJ45s
Here are some types of RJ45 plugs that you might encounter:
- Standard RJ45 plug
- Shielded RJ45 plug
- Field termination plugs
- Pass Through Rj45 plug
Shop our selection of RJ45 plugs , we also have our field termination plugs for Cat8 / Cat7A cables.
How does an RJ45 differ from other connectors?
The RJ11 connector is often mistaken for the RJ45 connector, but they are actually quite different. Both connectors are used for telecommunications, but the RJ11 connector is a 6-pin connector that is commonly used for telephone lines. It is often used to connect phones, fax machines, and other devices to a telephone line. The RJ11 connector is smaller than the RJ45 and has a different pin configuration.
In contrast, the RJ45 connector is larger and has eight pins. It is used for data transmission, while the RJ11 connector is used for voice transmission.
Another connector that is sometimes mistaken for the RJ45 is the BNC connector, which is commonly used in video applications. The BNC connector is a small, bayonet-style connector that is used to connect coaxial cables. It is typically used in applications such as CCTV and broadcast video.
Conclusion
To summarize, the RJ45 connector is a commonly used device in the field of networking and telecommunications. It is an 8-pin connector that allows for the connection of devices such as computers, routers, and switches to each other or to a network. In comparison to the RJ11 connector, which is frequently used for telephone lines, and the BNC connector, which is used in video applications, the RJ45 connector is larger. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of connectors and their intended purposes can aid in selecting the appropriate connector for your specific application.
