Unlocking Network Potential: Exploring RJ45 Plugs and Keystone Jacks

When it comes to choosing the correct cable for any particular installation, a lot of questions come to mind. And when talking about installing ethernet cables, you’ll come across these two terms- Keystone Jack and RJ45 Plugs. Both of these accessories are used to connect ethernet cables with different types of devices. Besides, let’s find more details about these 2 products- RJ45 plugs and Keystone jack such as what they are, where they are used, how they work, etc.

About RJ45 Plugs

RJ45 Plugs or RJ45 connectors are modular plugs that are paired with a cable to deliver data communications to other electronic systems. In other words, it is used to connect one internet-enabled device with another network device. While RJ stands for Registered Jack, 45 denotes its standard shape. It has a total of 8 positions and 8 conductors. Besides, its 2 main parts are the gold-plated contacts and the plastic housing.

These highly popular physical connectors were earlier used for telephones but today it is used for various networking applications Be it for professional or personal use, it is the best option as the hardwired connection offers improved stability, higher security and greater data speeds.

About Keystone Jack

Keystone jacks are female connectors that are used to offer RJ45 ethernet connectivity and other different connection options such as audio, video and data communications. These are typically mounted on wall plates or patch panels. These female connectors look like architectural keystones and aim at improving patch panels’ versatility.

These modular jacks are tiny and versatile. These are best suitable for Ethernet and other similarly styled cables. The best thing about Keystone Jacks is that they provide a professional look offering neat-end connections. Overall, these are extremely useful in data communications and the best option when it comes to your home network and theatre installation.

How Does the RJ45 Connector Work?

Wondering how the RJ45 Connector works? Inside of an RJ45 network connector, there are 8 gold-plated contacts and each is separated by insulating plastic materials. However, not each of them is the same, some come with 2-prong contact pins while some have 3-prong contact pins. Also, it consists of different parts such as crimp, clip and copper pins.

The moment the RJ45 connectors are pushed by a crimping tool, these prongs bite into each wire. As a result, the female and RJ45 plugs make contact with one another when inserted into the Ethernet port. As a result, the data and signal get transmitted through the Ethernet wire.

How Does the Keystone Jack Work?

Wondering how keystone jack works? These are female connectors used in data transmission and designed to help you connect different kinds of ethernet or other cables. These have different structures and feature different pins at the front. As a result, they are able to accept various types of modular plugs. The keystone jacks are installed on a blank keystone wall plate using a wire stripper to cut the wire.

The plastic separator is then cut off, separating the wires and making them straight. Next, put the wire into the keystone jack, press the wire into the grooves, and punch it down. Next, the keystone jack will be inserted into the keystone wall plate and it is done.

Does One Size RJ45 Plugs Fit All?

Wondering if all RJ45 Plugs are the same? Definitely not! On the outside, these plugs are dimensionally the same, but the inside has big differences. For instance, apart from RJ45, you can easily find other types such as RJ11, RJ14, RJ25, and so on. Some are striped while some have solid colors.

For different network installations, there are different connectors such as Cat5e connectors, Cat6 connectors, Cat6a connectors and so on. However, depending on different applications and designs, these can also be classified differently such as shielded and unshielded, standard and toolless, single piece and two piece, etc.

Does One Size Keystone Jacks Fit All?

No doubt there are many connection options for keystone jacks and not every one of them is the same. These are usually manufactured in standardized sizes and have several variations such as high-density keystone jacks. Besides, while some are easily mounted into a wall plate some are combined into one keystone plate with multiple ports.

Be it for home or office, these plates can be wonderfully customized with different finishes and colours such as gold plated and black. Also, these are changeable and have a standard size of 14.5mm wide and 16.0mm high. Furthermore, it comes in a variety of options such as Cat5E, Cat6, Cat6A, RCA, HDMI, 3.5mm, coax keystone, ethernet keystone jack, banana keystone jack, blank keystone, etc.

Where are RJ45 Connectors Used?

Being one of the essential parts in every cabling system, RJ45 connectors are used in different settings such as:

• Large data centre
• Server rooms of the company
• Factory automation
• Ethernet networking
• Telecommunications

Where are Keystone Jacks Used?

Being versatile in the networking field, keystone jacks are used in different settings such as :

• Data centres
• Network utilizing patch panels
• Home theatre installations
• Home
• Offices
• School
• Other entertainment systems

Jennifer Truong is the owner of SF Cable, a california based online retailer of all kind of Computers, electronics, electrical accessories, networking accessories, cables, wires. Jennifer has extensive experience in the Electronics industry and blog.