UTP socket: description of RJ-45, twisted pair connection, principle of operation

Despite the fact that wireless communications are developing quite quickly, the socket for UTP is still in high demand. After all, this particular product is an indispensable element in the structured cabling system of a modern building. The socket itself is referred to as RJ-45 among specialists; its versatility allows you to connect a UTP twisted pair without unnecessary devices. Moreover, you can install such a unit yourself.

Short description

Externally, the computer socket RJ-45 most of all resembles a telephone standard RJ-11 device. The main difference between the two is only that the number of pins in the connector has been reduced from eight to four. Therefore, a computer socket can be used for a telephone as well, but not vice versa.

Depending on the model, the final unit may differ from its counterparts in small characteristics, but the whole design concept remains the same. Professionals argue that

the quality of the outlet is determined by three main points:

1. The quality and complexity of the design.
2. The number of built-in ports.
3. Device category.

It is the exact number of ports that is considered the main indicator of such a device. Most often there are no more than four of them. If the user plans to connect many more devices, then he will need an additional patch panel. It is worth noting that the purchase of such a device can only mean that the master did not provide for all the nuances at the stage of network wiring.

A large number of patch cords installed can be a nuisance. For a high-quality arrangement of a home or office LAN, you can use two-unit modules.

The installation method of this switching unit depends on the version in which the socket is made. Experts have provided for the presence of two proven methods:

1. For indoor installation.
2. Outdoor installation.

The choice of this or that option depends on the method of laying the LAN cable. If it is external (for example: the wire is placed in special boxes), then only external sockets will be useful in the work. If the master chose hidden wiring, then the internal devices will look more effective and neat.

Separately, it should be noted that the RJ-45 network outlet is sometimes installed directly on the box itself. In technical terms, such a performance can be considered both external and internal. In addition, the performance is completely independent of the LAN version.

It is on the characteristics of the cable that the fact to which category it belongs depends. Its demand is due to the wide bandwidth, since this indicator affects data transfer rate, as well as the possibility of using special high-quality internet technologies. The masters always have a table for this case, which clearly shows the relationship between the outlet category and the bandwidth.

The development of modern information technologies has influenced the fact that during the installation of a LAN, cables lower than UTP 5e are practically not used anywhere. So that the result of the manipulations done fully meets all expectations, it is necessary that the category of the outlet is not less than that of the wire connected to it. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the data transfer rate will be reduced several times.

Design features

Professional connection of the RJ-45 socket may differ in external or internal design. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. The main positive characteristics of internal installation include compactness and hidden cable routing. In addition, the product itself will be reliably protected from any mechanical stress.

There are practically no drawbacks to the internal installation, the only thing is that if necessary, the user will not be able to move the socket to another place, as well as the installation process itself is always accompanied by certain repair works. In this regard, the most popular today are the overhead models R-45 cat 5e.

The modification of each device differs in the total number of connected users. Each model is designed to connect one, two or more wires. Depending on the chosen installation scheme, the master can use both single-sided and pass-through sockets.

Pinout principle

A high-quality connection of a twisted pair to an outlet is possible only if the master correctly makes the pinout of the wires. There should be no problems with this task, since opposite each contact group manufacturers provided for the presence of a special color marking, which fully complies with all established standards. Regardless of which option the master decided to use, the main task is to make it the same type for the LAN. Otherwise, certain problems may arise.

Many people believe that on the territory of Russia everyone "crimps" a wire of the T568 V type, but this statement is very conditional. The easiest way is when the user knows what standard his provider is using. You can also determine this yourself by looking at the pinout of the connector that is installed on the cable entered into the apartment.

Connector crimping instructions

You need to start by choosing professional tools that will come in handy for introducing twisted-pair sockets. Of course, better to buy a quality extractor, which allows you to quickly press in and cut off the rest of the unwanted wire with one hand. The Chinese equivalent of such a tool costs about $ 5. Advertised models can cost three or even five times more.

The extractor provides for a universal mechanism that allows you to quickly and efficiently press the wire between the two contact knives, cutting off all excess. In addition to this, the unit is equipped with a flat screwdriver and a small hook, which is designed to accurately remove the wire if it is not properly terminated.

During work, universal pliers will definitely come in handy for carefully removing the insulating layer. Their cost is almost the same as that of the extractor. Such a tool perfectly copes with cables such as UTP, FTP, STP. In addition, the user can independently adjust the depth of the cut. Experts do not recommend using an ordinary kitchen knife for stripping insulation, as the risk of damage to one of the cores significantly increases.

When the choice of tools is over, you can safely proceed to the main algorithm for embedding a twisted pair in a switching device. An example will be given on the assumption that the main cable has already been laid, the socket for the outlet is prepared. The scheme of actions is as follows:

1. Using a multi-purpose pliers, carefully remove the outer layer of insulation from the end of the wire. In this case, 5 centimeters is sufficient. If the core was damaged during operation, then the unusable area must be removed and the steps repeated, but with a smaller notch depth.
2. It's time to flatten each twisted pair. It is worth noting that you do not need to clean them at all.
3. Step by step you need to disassemble the outlet. To remove the front panel, you need to unscrew the fixing screw or unfasten the special latches.
4. The cable must be carefully fixed to the module using a cable tie or other design-provided device.
5. Insert the wires into special clips, while you need to monitor the correct location of the color marking of the selected standard. You should not try to push the veins deeper, it is enough just to fix them in one position.
6. At the final stage, it remains only to use the extractor, which will perform the required pressing.

It is worth noting that you can find craftsmen who recommend using a regular stationery knife instead of a professional tool. This method is permissible only when you need an urgent Internet connection, and the extractor is not available. But at the first opportunity, such an outlet will need to be squeezed, since the contact of the wire with the latch will still be broken.

When the twisted pair is pressed in, the module must be reinstalled. If the socket is of external configuration, then its base must be screwed to a previously prepared site. As a result, the cable must be fed from the top, and the connector along the contour from the bottom. If the socket is internal, then its base is mounted in a special glass, after which it is fixed.

All that remains is to screw on the front panel and check the operation of the device. This can be done by a professional tester, but it is much easier to connect a computer. If there is no network connection, then the first step is to check the correctness of the pinout, since in 99% of all cases this is the problem.

Installation of a hidden socket

Novice craftsmen often have difficulties with how to properly disassemble such a computer device. During the connection of all the conductors, it is necessary to get to the main part in stages - a small case (most often plastic or ceramic), where the miniature contacts are located. It is to this plate that all conductors are connected, and then the case is assembled. The thing is that this procedure is carried out in different ways by different manufacturers.

For example, the well-known trademark Legrand produces sockets in which the main connectors are hidden behind the front cover. After removing this part, the master comes across a white plastic impeller, which contains a small arrow. The impeller must be carefully rotated in the direction of the arrow, after which access to the housing and the contact plate opens. It is on it that the multi-colored marking of the conductors is applied. The final connection practically does not differ from a standard outlet, the only thing is that initially you need to thread a twisted pair into the hole on the plate, and only then level the wires.

No less popular today is the Lezard trademark, which manufactures computer sockets according to a different scheme. The metal frame and bezel are fixed with small screws that can be easily unscrewed. The main inner contact plate is secured with special clamps. When assembling and disassembling such an outlet, you need to know that some contacts can only be squeezed out with a screwdriver.

But in order to remove the contact group from the case, you need to gently press on the upper latch. After these manipulations, the master will have a small box in his hands. To connect a twisted pair, remove the plastic cover that holds the wires. Since the plastic in this place is quite elastic, then the effort must be significant. It remains only to separate the veins according to the markings applied on the product.

The main recommendations of specialists

When it is decided to use a shielded cable, then you need to choose the appropriate socket, where the connection of such a product is provided in advance. Otherwise, the screen will turn into a huge antenna, which will negatively affect the bandwidth and Internet speed. It is for the same reason that you should not buy an FTP cable if it is not provided for the connection of powerful ungrounded equipment.

To make full use of high-quality twisted-pair LAN technologies, you need to equip solid lines. Twists and spikes in this case are simply unacceptable, as this is fraught with serious losses in speed. In cases where it becomes necessary to extend a certain length of cable, only special connectors should be used. Such a device is presented in the form of a small box, into which a powerful board with two RJ-45 connectors is mounted. Some models may have twisted pair clamps, like sockets.

It is not worth buying products with a lot of ports for a domestic environment. Numerous patch cords that are installed in one place will surely start to get confused, giving users some discomfort. It is best to make several outlets at different distances.