Any Internet connection in one way or another contains twisted pair in its physical design. It is through it that the information with which the user interacts is transmitted - messages, web pages or videos. In this article, RJ-45 twisted-pair connectors will be considered, as well as layout schemes, methods and connection standards in detail.
Cable
Twisted pair consists of several pairs of copper conductors isolated from each other. Usually there are 8 pieces (or 4 pairs), less often - 4 (2 pairs). The color scheme is strictly standardized for all types of twisted pair. There is a restriction for this cable - when connected, the distance cannot exceed 100 meters between two nodes. To increase this parameter, you need to revise the network topology and distribute nodes differently or use special network hubs.
Twisted pair has several varieties:
- UTP The most common. It is a simple pair of conductors in a plastic braid.
- F / UTP. All conductors are surrounded by one common foil screen.
- STP. In this form, each individual pair has its own protected braid and a common mesh screen.
- S / FTP. It has a copper screen, as well as each individual pair in its foil winding.
Twisted pair connector
To create reliable connections, connectors from the RJ series are used. This short abbreviation stands for Registered Jack. This translates to “registered connector”. It was first created by Bell in 1975 with the goal of bringing the connectors used to a common denominator.
The entire series of these connectors is somehow connected with connecting to networks. For example, a four-wire RJ9 is used to connect the handset to the device.
RJ-45 used as a twisted pair connector, by the way, is divided into two types - standard RJ-45 and RJ-45S. The first is used to create local networks, and the second is used to connect modems.
In fact, the term RJ-45 that has taken root in Russia is called so erroneously, since it is similar in appearance to the RJ-45S, in which four wires are used. However, the name is firmly fixed to the connector for the local network, so this abbreviation will also be used in this article.
Appearance
The body of the RJ-45 twisted pair connector is made of transparent plastic. Less common is a shielded version with a shell made of special metal. The new connector has eight legs inside, which are in a "charged" state. When crimping, they are pressed to the wires, "biting" into them and forming a reliable fastening and connection.
Crimping techniques
Each twisted pair instance has four colors. In the pair there is a conductor, filled with a solid color, and mixed with white. The palette is white-orange and orange, white-green and green, white-blue and blue, white-brown and brown.
Depending on the connection parameters of the devices, different color options are used. That is, at one end of the cable there should be one drawing, at the second - the other or the same one, which will be shown later.
For example, when connecting a computer and a hub, the following color marking should be observed:
- White-orange - white-orange.
- Orange is orange.
- White-green - white-green.
- Blue is blue.
- White-blue - white-blue.
- Green is green.
- White-brown - white-brown.
- Brown is brown.
That is color to color. And in the event that you need to connect two computers or a hub, a special color scheme is used, which is commonly called “cross”:
As you can see, many colors only slightly changed their location. Brown and blue pairs remained in place, while orange and green changed.
By the way, many modern devices have learned to determine the placement of pairs automatically, which is undoubtedly convenient when creating large networks.
Feedthrough connector
Sometimes during the operation of a local network, the cable surface may be damaged and it needs to be repaired in any way. To do this, there is a twisted pair connector RJ-45 mother-to-mother. It is a plastic case with two connectors, similar to those that are located on the system unit or in a laptop. To repair a damaged cable, it will be necessary to crimp it from two ends according to the described color schemes. Then connect them to the RJ-45 mother-to-mother twisted-pair connector. A fairly convenient and easy way to quickly restore a network without replacing the entire cable. By the way, there is also a second name for this twisted pair connector - a joiner. In fact, this is just a component that connects two monotonous types of connectors.
Connector Type Krone
Krone is a company that set the tone and created its own type of connector with the same name. Basically, this term is used to refer to outlets with a special connection mechanism. Although the company’s catalog also contains a set of Krone twisted-pair connectors.
Twisted Pair Crimping Tool
To build local networks, special devices and tools are used. In particular, a crimper is used to work with a twisted-pair cable connector. In everyday life, it can also be called simply “crimping” or “crimping”.
This tool looks like a tick. One end is fixed. The second is a handle for performing force. Between them, there may be several seats for connectors, depending on the design. Also in the kit sometimes there is a special blade for trimming and stripping wires.
After crimping the cable, it becomes necessary to quickly check whether the wires are correctly positioned. To do this, there is a special kind of tool - special testers that allow you to learn about the presence of a contact in real time.
Crimping process
To connect a network connection you will need: a twisted pair cable connector Cat. 5e or any other, the cable itself is the required length and crimper.
Depending on the purpose of the connection, you must first select a color scheme. Then care must be taken to remove the insulation. To do this, on the "crimp" there is a special place for this procedure in the form of a hole. A cable is inserted into it, clamped and rotated in a circle. Only couples should stay. Now they must be manually weaved on each side and assembled in accordance with the color scheme.
With a knife on the tool, you need to cut off the excess wires, up to about one centimeter. Now it's time for the connector. It is most convenient to hold it with the latch up. It is necessary to insert pairs into special grooves until they stop. At this point, you should make sure that the color scheme matches the necessary.
When everything is ready, the wires are in the connector and placed correctly, it is time to crimp. To do this, it is installed in the seat of the crimper and the handles are compressed with force. At the same time, copper contacts crash into the wires and form a reliable connection.
This procedure must be carried out at both ends of the cable.
What to do if there is no special tool at hand?
Buying an expensive crimper for one or two crimps is unprofitable. But in situations where you need to urgently connect the cable, there is a way out. To do this, you need a simple screwdriver.
As in the situation with the crimper, you first need to determine the color scheme, and also use a knife to strip the cable. By analogy, wires are inserted into the connector.
Now with a screwdriver you need to strongly and, most importantly, gently press the contacts. As a result, they should be slightly recessed relative to the body. The plastic cable lock is gently pressed in last. This method may not work the first time. In addition, the contacts may not be pressed to the end, but if there is no other way out, then you will have to work out until successful crimping.
It is worth noting that the industry does not stand still, and there are already twisted pair connectors on the market that do not require a special tool. They look like a regular connector with two drop-down panels. Under them are placed sockets in which wires are inserted. After snapping in, the connector is automatically crimped. An interesting and easy way to create a network without tools. The only thing to do is manually remove the braid.
Conclusion
There are many different solutions in the world of twisted pair connectors or connectors. Some are universal, some are rigidly defined by standards. In any case, their main goal is to create a stable connection between the cable and the connector.
Despite the widespread use of wireless networks, twisted-pair connectors are still relevant to this day. After all, you still need to somehow conduct the Internet to the router. Therefore, twisted pair and all its additional elements will remain in trend for a long time.