What is a RJ-45?

RJ-45 (Registered Jack) is a standard connector used for Ethernet networking, commonly found on routers, switches, network adapters, and Ethernet cables. It facilitates data transmission over local area networks (LANs).

RJ-45 connectors are prevalent in homes, offices, data centers, and networking environments. They support various Ethernet standards, including 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T), and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T).

RJ-45 connectors are typically used with Category 5 (Cat 5), Category 5e (Cat 5e), Category 6 (Cat 6), or Category 6a (Cat 6a) Ethernet cables, which consist of twisted pairs of copper wires.

• For 10BASE-T (10 Mbps Ethernet), Cat 5 or higher quality cables support up to 100 meters (328 feet).
• Similarly, for 100BASE-TX (100 Mbps Ethernet), Cat 5e or higher quality cables also support up to 100 meters (328 feet).
• Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) requires Cat 5e or higher quality cables for up to 100 meters (328 feet), but Cat 6 or Cat 6a cables are recommended for optimal performance.
• For 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T), Cat 6a or higher quality cables are required for up to 100 meters (328 feet), with specialized Cat 6a or Cat 7 cables for longer runs or highest performance.

RJ-45 connectors have eight pins and a locking tab for secure connections. The locking mechanism prevents accidental disconnection, ensuring consistent data transmission over the network.

It provides a standardised and versatile interface for connecting devices and transmitting data over LANs. Its widespread adoption and compatibility make it fundamental for modern networking infrastructure.