Patchcords

What is the RJ-45 patch cord? - design and application

Patchcord RJ-45 - patch cable (connections 1-1, 2-2-, 3-3, 4-4, 5-5, 6-6, 7-7, 8 -8 - RJ-45 plugs). Patchcord cable is used to connect switches, routers, computers, servers, network cards, patch panels, sockets . Each patchcord consists of 2 RJ-45 plugs with eight gold-plated contacts RJ-45 plugs are connected twisted pair . The Netrack patchcords use a twisted pair made of high-quality multi-fiber cables (so-called cables). They provide resistance to damage during multiple connection and disconnection of patch cords. Additional protection and insulation of patchcords are guaranteed by flexible external coatings. The appropriate construction of the cable, the design of plugs and covers protect the cables in places particularly susceptible to damage, ensuring trouble-free operation of the LAN network. The RJ-45 plug latch is additionally secured with an elastic cover. RJ-45 plug contacts are gold-plated for long-lasting and trouble-free connection.

Patchcord RJ-45 - the key element of the LAN computer network

In each LAN computer network connections between devices are realized through patchcord network cables . Each signal transmitted over a computer network passes several or a dozen times through connections made using patchcord cables in RJ standard . This is a very important, if not a critical component of the LAN. It is important to ensure high quality of the patch cords themselves as well as the connections and contacts.

Structure of a twisted pair LAN cable

Each network cable twisted pair LAN cable consists of 8 wires connected in 4 pairs:

• white-brown / brown
• white-orange / orange
• white-green / green
• white-blue / blue

The wires of each pair are twisted together. Additionally, all pairs are also twisted together. Such arrangement of cables reduces the influence of electromagnetic interference, both external and internal - between individual pairs. In addition, interference can be limited by shielding the cables and individual pairs

Division of RJ-45 patchcords due to the shielding method

There are 4 ways to shield patchcords:

• U - no shielding
• F - foil shielding
• S - braided shielding
• SF - braid and foil shielding

Depending on the shielding method of the entire network cable and individual pairs, the following types are distinguished:

• U / UTP or UTP - unshielded twisted pair
• F / UTP or FTP - twisted pair shielded with foil
• S / UTP - twisted pair shielded with a braid
• SF / UTP or STP - twisted pair shielded with braid and foil
• U / FTP - each pair of twisted pairs separately shielded with foil
• F / FTP - each pair of twisted pairs separately shielded with foil + additional foil shielding all pairs
• S / FTP or SFTP - each pair of twisted pairs separately shielded with foil + braid shielding all pairs
• SF / FTP or S-STP - each pair of twisted pairs separately shielded with foil + braid and foil shielding all pairs

RJ-45 patchcords breakdown by class or category

Additionally, there are different classes or categories of cables. This parameter depends on many factors:

• the kind of guides used
• precise arrangement of individual cables, pairs of cables in twisted pair during the production process. In the higher categories, special positioning inserts are used.
• shielding
• plugs and connectors used
• way and quality of connections execution

The cable classes are defined by the European standard EN 50173. The classes defined therein partly overlap with the previously defined categories.

• Classes A, B, C (categories 1, 2, 3) - network cables not used in LAN networks. Low frequency range from 100kHz to 16MHz
• Class D (category 5e) - still the most frequently used class / category of computer networks. Patchcords meeting the parameters of this class should provide bandwidth up to 100 MHz
• Class E (category 6) - networks based on this class ensure the use of Gigabit Ethernet technology. Patchcords meeting the parameters of this class should provide bandwidth up to 250 MHz
• Class EA (category 6A) - the amendment is class E. Networks built on the basis of this class ensure the use of Gigabit Ethernet technology. Patchcords meeting the parameters of this class should provide bandwidth up to 500 MHz
• Class F (category 7) - networks based on this class ensure the use of Gigabit Ethernet and faster technologies. Patchcords meeting the parameters of this class should provide bandwidth up to 600 MHz.
• FA class (category 7A) - amendment increasing the bandwidth to 1000 MHz. Networks built on the basis of this class provide speeds up to 100Gbit / s at distances up to 15m and 40Gbit at distances up to 40m. Patchcords meeting the parameters of this class should provide a bandwidth of up to 1000 MHz. This hotfix was created in response to the need for high-speed transmission over short distances in data centers.

Higher classes and categories are under development and not yet described

Which type of RJ-45 patch cord to choose

If we connect devices at home, an RJ45 5e patch cord of any type is usually sufficient. If we want to keep higher parameters, a better patchcord can be used.

Important !!! All connectors used are always of the same type. Therefore, RJ45 patchcords with higher parameters can be used to support networks or devices with lower requirements.

The computer network as a whole is designed with specific parameters. After execution, it is additionally tested to confirm the appropriate class. All elements of the transmission line must meet the minimum design assumptions. Components meeting higher requirements can be used. This includes installation cables, sockets, patchpanels and RJ45 patchcords. RJ-45 shielded patchcords must always be used for shielded networks. RJ45 patchcords of the same or higher class or category as the computer network should be used.

Category depends on the type of guides used. It should be adapted to the baud rate and devices supporting the computer network

If patchcords are used to ensure connections in an existing computer network, their parameters in every respect cannot be worse than those of the computer network. Otherwise, we will lower the quality of the entire LAN. Use patch cords with parameters equal to or higher than those of the computer network.

Environmental conditions for computer networks

Particularly, unshielded networks can be prone to external interference. Their source may be:

Pay special attention that the computer network is not exposed to this type of interference. They can deteriorate transmission parameters and, in extreme cases, damage devices. They are difficult to detect because they often appear temporarily only during the operation of interfering devices.

Quality of RJ-45 patchcords

The quality of patchcords is related to three elements:

1. Guide - made in the patented CCA technology . It is based on the optimal connection of the aluminum core of the cable with the copper outer sheath. It uses the phenomenon that at high frequencies the signal is transmitted in the outer part of the conductor cross-section. Therefore, it is optimal to differentiate its parameters by using different materials. Only properly selected parameters at the production stage guarantee transmission reliability.
2. Plugs and contacts - the precision of the plug has an impact on the mechanical strength and comfort of use. A high-quality plug does not lock up and is not damaged. RJ45 connector pins are gold-plated. The production technology enables gilding of various thicknesses. A good quality plug must have a gold coating with a thickness ensuring durability and high quality at hundreds of cycles over many years of use.
3. Sheaths and insulators - the insulating material must have appropriate electrical parameters. It must also meet the fire protection requirements. In addition, flexibility and durability protect against damage and allow comfortable use. These parameters should remain unchanged for many years.

We guarantee:

• quality and precision of workmanship
• high-quality components and materials
• highest fault tolerance
• well-thought-out and refined design
• stringent quality control at the production stage
• reliable operation for many years

Execution:

• Connectors : 2x RJ45 plug [8p8c]
  • plug body - transparent polycarbonate
  • contacts - gold-plated phosphor bronze, coating thickness 6μm
• Plug cover : encapsulated with flexible locking latch. the cover is the width of the plug, which guarantees the possibility of connection even with densely placed ports
• Latch cover : facilitates and secures the latch when pulling the cable through narrow holes
• Guide : 4 x 2 x 24AWG, CCA line
• Connection type : simple 1: 1 (per 568B standard)
• Plug cover : encapsulated with flexible locking latch. the cover is the width of the plug, which guarantees the possibility of connection even with densely placed ports
• Latch cover : facilitates and secures the latch when pulling the cable through narrow holes

Patchcords are available in different types, categories, colors and lengths