The Dynamic Duo of Networking: RJ45 Connectors and Keystone Jacks

Ethernet cables are nothing without their specific tools and accessories like RJ45 Connectors and RJ45 Keystone jacks. Do you need them? But what are the main differences between Rj45 plugs and female keystone jacks? Well, there is much to learn about these two similar ethernet accessories. 

This blog will let you know the in-depth information about the Rj45 connector vs Keystone jacks. So stay intact as the intent of this blog is informational and commercial. Here we go with the difference between the Ethernet Keystone Jacks and male RJ45 male connectors.

Difference between RJ45 Connector and Keystone Jacks

There are major differences between these two Bulk Ethernet Cable accessories — RJ45 plug (Registered Jack 45) and also you can name Keystone Jacks as RJ45 Keystone Jacks. So starting with the RJ45 male connector.

What is an RJ45 Connector?

Registered Jack 45 is the most common ethernet cable accessory which is used to connect the cable with different networking devices like data centers, computers, laptops, printers, routers, etc. It has an 8P8C (8 Positions 8 Contacts) to connect all the 8 conductors of the cable to work and transfer data efficiently. It is a physical device that is used to terminate the ethernet cable. There are some key points regarding the RJ45 male connector.

What Is Keystone Jack?

Unlike the RJ45 plug, the keystone jack is a modular connector that can be used with Wall face plates and patch panels respectively. They are available in various types shielded and unshielded, suitable for their location and installation needs. It provides a standardized interface — Connecting Bulk Ethernet Cables for telephone, audio/video, and networking purposes.

Now to understand the difference between Registered Jack 45 and Keystone Jacks, there are some major distinctions between these two accessories used to terminate bulk ethernet cables.

Types of RJ45 Connectors

RJ45 shielded, RJ45 unshielded, EZ RJ45 connectors, and Punch Down RJ45 plugs are the common types of Registered Jack 45. Are you familiar with each type of the plug? If not, here is a glance at all the variants of RJ45 male connectors. 

• Shielded and Unshielded
• RJ45 plugs come in two variants: Shielded RJ45 connector and Unshielded RJ45. The main difference is that in shielded RJ45 male connectors, there is a metal shield around the connector which protects the entering of any unwanted signal to avoid signal degradation. 
• Unshielded RJ45 connector remains the same as the common type of RJ45 plug with no metal shield and is used for normal installation in small offices and homes. 
• RJ45 EZ connectors and Toolless
• This is the common type of connector for easy and accurate termination of the cable. The EZ connector allows wires to pass through the connector and you can easily terminate. The toolless design is one of the easiest for cable termination. The toolless RJ45 male connectors do not need any crimping tool for termination but when you carefully align the connector wires you can snap in the connector and your RJ45 is terminated. 

The RJ45 connector is feasible with the Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a to connect these cables with networking devices like routers, modems, hubs, and printers. The design of the connector is the same as of the telephone connector RJ11 but the RJ45 is larger. For cable management, the RJ45 connectors are available in different color formats instead of transparent ones. 

RJ45 Keystone Jacks Types

Keystone jacks are the female modular connectors that act as a building bridge between the various devices. You can install them in your rooms, drawing rooms, garage, or other gaming rooms to get access to the internet instantly. There are a few types of connectors that you should need to know. 

These keystone jacks are available in Vertical and Horizontal in Punch Down (110) or Toolless design to save space for installation. Thus the below table shows some of the types of RJ45 keystone jacks. 

Uses of RJ45 Plugs and Keystone Jacks

The networking accessories allow cables to make reliable connections with various networking devices. Just like RJ45 male connectors are used for terminating the Bulk ethernet cables for installation purposes. 

• Terminating Ethernet Cables
• Connecting Networking Devices
• Bridging Between Various Devices
• Crossover cables
• Straight-through cables

These are some of the uses that are ideal for making connections. The shielded RJ45 connectors are used with the shielded ethernet cables for grounding purposes. 

Female RJ45 jacks act as a modular connector and there are following usage of the female RJ45 jacks. 

• Modular Network Connections — easily replaced and rearranged
• Patch Panel Integration — Centralize network connections, and easy management
• Wall Outlets — Create network outlets in rooms
• Customizable Installations — Can be good for single or multiple ports, good for different cable types.

Wiring Standards For RJ45 Connectors and Female RJ45 Jacks

Two common wiring standards are used to terminate the cables — T568A and T568B. But do RJ45 connectors or Keystone jacks use the same wiring standards? Yes, it does the same. These wiring standards are the color code printed on the insulation of the ethernet cables. 

Like Cat6 Keystone jacks you can use T568A or B wiring standards to make it feasible to pass data and receive simultaneously. The Cat6 Keystone Jack along with Cat6a keystone jacks are commonly used when there is a need for gigabit or 10 Gbps speed. The sequence wiring standards will eliminate the errors when a new network installer is hired to expand the networking. 

T568A vs T568B both are used for backward compatibility and allow cables to be used with the old networking equipment. The only problem is that it will restrict the speed limited to your ISP.

Final Words

Ethernet accessories like RJ45 plugs and Female RJ45 jacks are frequently used to streamline networking connections. It eases the internet connection to be set up in different locations. For easy management of patch panel connection, you can choose the desired Keystone jacks. 

RJ45 jack is a male connector available in different variants and colors whereas the RJ45 Keystone jacks are the female modular connectors that provide ease to set up a connection in your homes or offices.