Shielded RJ45 connectors are used to connect a computer to an Ethernet-based LAN. Want to know more about shielded RJ 45 connectors?
RJ Connector
It is a twisted pair connector most common in Ethernet connections. Here RJ is “registered jack”. This standardized physical network interface is used to connect telecommunication or data equipment. An RJ45 ethernet connector has 8 pins for wires. There are 8 positions 1mm apart from each other. Individual wires are inserted in these spaces with special cable crimping tools. This is the reason why this connector is also known as Eight Position, Eight Contact (8P8C).
There are some connectors such as RJ11 connector closely resembling RJ45 connector. You may feel confused. RJ11 is used in telephone systems. Unlike RJ45, RJ11 has 6 positions. It is not as popular as RJ45.
T568A and T568B are the two standards that define individual eight wires arrangements. Two standards means two different connectivity forms. When the wiring of both ends of the patch cords is based on one standard, the connection is a straight through one. Otherwise, it’s a crossover connection. You can use both standards for straight through cable.
Straight-Through Connection
It does not matter whether it is T-568A standard or T-568B standard, if one end’s color order is defined, the other end’s is also defined. Both ends have the same color order. If you look at a T568A straight through connection, one modular plug’s color order is:
Green/White
Green
Orange White
Blue
Blue/White
Orange
Brown/White
Brown
Another modular plug must have the corresponding color order. The same goes for the standard T568B.
Crossover Connections
In a crossover connection, both ends have different color order. You don’t need to remember the number of color orders this connection may have. To get a crossover connection, wire one end using T-568B standard and another using T-568A standard.
Using RJ45 Connector to Terminate Ethernet Cable
If you are an expert in LAN cable installation or maintenance, you know the importance of terminating cables using RJ45 connectors. You can save time and money if you master this skill. Take the following steps:
Step 1:
Use a crimping tool to trim the ethernet cable’s end. Leave twisted pair outside by stripping off an inch of the jacket.
Step 2:
Separate and unwind 4 twisted wire pairs. To properly insert into the RJ45 connector, you need to flatten each wire.
Step 3:
Choose your standard and place wires accordingly.
Step 4:
Properly insert wires into the RJ45 connector. Push wires until you see the wire ends on the pin side of the connector. Don’t forget to consider the color order.
Step 5:
Grab a crimping tool to cut the wire ends.
Conclusion
In this article, you learned about RJ45 basics and color codes in different connections. Shielded RJ45 connectors are also used for terminating Ethernet cables. RJ45 connectors play an important role in Ethernet connectivity. These standards are becoming more popular.
There are different types of connectors used for different applications. You can buy shielded RJ45 connectors and other types of connectors online.
