Innov8 Knowledgebase: RJ45 Cables
What is the RJ45 interface?
RJ45 is the commonly used name given to 8P8C interfaces classically used within Ethernet applications through twisted pair cabling.
Breaking it down a bit further, 8P8C refers to 8-position, 8-contact, which means eight grooves (positions) and eight metal contacts. ‘RJ’ means “Registered Jack”- a term originating in the 1970’s where it was introduced as a standardised telecommunication interface in the United States for connecting voice and data equipment to a carrier service. This was defined in the USOC (Universal Service Ordering Code) of the Bell System.
The number ‘45’, simply refers to the interface standard, of which there are many. For example, RJ11 is the interface you might recognise as being used with standard phone lines. RJ11 is available in either 6P2C or 6P4C configurations.
What are RJ45 cables used for?
RJ45 interfaces are the popular choice for data communication networks due to their 10Gbps bandwidth. For sake of comparison, RJ11 can only support 24Mbps bandwidth. This means for Ethernet purposes the RJ45 interface is the best option, whereas RJ11 is more suited to wiring single phone lines or other voice applications.
RJ45 Types
The two main pin-outs associated with RJ45 interfaces are T568A and T568B, with the latter being considered the most common. The wiring schemes may be determined by their different colour conventions.
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RJ45 v CAT5 v CAT5e v CAT6
RJ45 and CAT5 are common terms which are often used to describe the same cable, but they are in fact not referring to the same thing. RJ45 essentially refers to the interface / electrical interconnection standard on the end of the cable, whereas CAT5 (or Category 5) refers to the Ethernet cable standard – or quite simply how fast the cable can transfer data.
CAT5 itself is now considered an older standard. In 1999 CAT5e (enhanced) arrived which offered speeds ten times faster than CAT5 and greater performance over distances without being impacted by crosstalk.
CAT6 cables came out some years after CAT5e, once again bringing significant improvements to Ethernet connectivity. CAT6 can perform up to 250 MHz (compared to 100 MHz in CAT5e) and offers speeds of up to 10-Gigabit Ethernet (compared to 1-Gigabit Ethernet for CAT5e). Both CAT5e and CAT6 are twisted pair copper wire cables and both can offer lengths of 100m per network segment, after which maximum speeds will begin to drop significantly unless a repeater is utilised.
The main thing to take from this is that RJ45 refers to the interface, whereas CAT 5 / 5e / 6 refers to the cable standard. RJ45 connectors are used interchangeably between each CAT.
Our RJ45 Cables
We produce RJ45 8P8C cables in both of the common pin-outs, and in all available cable standards.
Presently, we are proud to be one of the biggest and most reliable wholesale business to business suppliers of RJ45 solutions in the UK, offering a wide variation of options from panel mounted cables to non-panel mounted cables and in a range of different lengths.
Our panel mount cables are available with different dimensions, especially regarding distance between the screws, but if none of these are suitable for you then we can make exactly what you need for your project / application.
If you are a business or commercial client, seeking a large quantity of RJ45 interface cables for your project then you can benefit from generous wholesale price breaks by bringing us on board as your supplier. In addition, if you require a continued supply or initial quantities of over 500pcs, we can customise the cable to your exact specs, to ensure it fits perfectly into your application (mould fees may apply).
Our RJ45 cables benefit from being available in:
- Different lengths
- Different orientations /angles
- Panel mount and non-panel mount versions
- Categories (eg CAT5, CAT5E, CAT6)
- Wire gauges (we offer super slim options when extra flexibility is required)
- Different colours
- Gold plated connector versions if required
We can also add your company logo as an extra option.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you with your RJ45 requirements.
