RJ45 Connector Guide: Types, Specifications and Applications
The RJ45 connector is one of the most widely used components in Ethernet networking; selecting the right one directly impacts installation efficiency, compatibility, and long-term network reliability.
So, how do you choose an RJ45 connector that perfectly matches your Ethernet cable? Join the expert team at Skyward Telecom to find out.
What is an RJ45 connector?
Simply put, an RJ45 Connector is a network connector used to connect Ethernet cables to networking devices. For example, in a Cat6 Ethernet connection, the RJ45 connectors at both ends of the cable connect devices such as computers, switches, routers, and other network equipment, enabling reliable data transmission.
RJ45 VS Ethernet
RJ45 and Ethernet are closely related but refer to distinct concepts. Ethernet is a network communication technology used to transmit data between devices, whereas RJ45 is a common physical connector (or interface) used to connect Ethernet cables to network equipment.
For instance, a Cat6 Ethernet cable equipped with RJ45 connectors can link a computer to a network switch or router. The Ethernet cable handles data transmission, while the RJ45 connectors at both ends establish the physical connection between the cable and the network devices.
What are the main types of RJ45 connectors?
Standard RJ45 Connector
Standard RJ45 connectors are widely used in Ethernet networking and are suitable for office networks, Local Area Network (LAN) systems, Ethernet switches, routers, patch panels, and other network equipment. Known as RJ45 connectors, RJ45 plugs, Ethernet connectors, or network connectors, they are the standard choice for structured cabling and everyday network connectivity.
The standard RJ45 connector is most commonly recognized as the "crystal head" found on network cables: it features a transparent plastic housing with eight metal contacts at the front and a plastic locking tab, designed to be plugged into the RJ45 ports of devices such as computers, switches, and routers.
Shielded RJ45 Connector
Shielded RJ45 connectors are designed for network environments requiring protection against EMI/RFI interference. Compatible with STP, FTP, and SFTP cables, these connectors—also known as metal-shielded RJ45 connectors—enhance electromagnetic interference protection and ensure reliable signal connectivity; they are widely used in industrial Ethernet, data centers, telecommunications equipment, and industrial automation.
A shielded RJ45 connector looks very similar to a standard RJ45 connector, but the most obvious difference is the addition of an external metal shielding shell, which typically has a metallic appearance.
