Cabletron Systems 100BASE-FX, Cabling Manual

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Connector Types 11-11
FDDI Media
Connector Types
UTP
RJ45
The RJ45 connector is a modular, plastic connector that is often used in UTP cable
installations. The RJ45 is a keyed connector, designed to be plugged into an RJ45
port only in the correct alignment. The connector is a plastic housing that is
crimped onto a length of UTP cable using a custom RJ45 die tool. The connector
housing is often transparent, and consists of a main body, the pins, the raised key,
and a locking clip.
The locking clip, part of the raised key assembly, secures the connector in place
after a connection is made. When the RJ45 connector is inserted into a port, the
locking clip is pressed down and snaps up into place. A thin arm, attached to the
locking clip, allows the clip to be lowered to release the connector from the port.
For a complete discussion of connecting and disconnecting RJ45 connectors, refer
to Chapter 14, Connecting and Terminating.
RJ45 connectors for UTP cabling are available in two basic configurations:
stranded and solid. The names refer to the type of UTP cabling that they are
designed to connect to. The blades of the RJ45 connector end in a series of points
that pierce the jacket of the wires and make the connection to the core.
A UTP cable that uses solid core wires requires the use of contact blades with
three teeth. This is due to the inability of the teeth to effectively penetrate the solid
core of the UTP wire without damaging the cable. The three teeth are placed in a
staggered left-right-left orientation that pierces the insulator of the UTP wire and
wedges the core between the teeth, making an electrical contact at three points.
The order in which the connector and wiring standard place the wires of the cable
are called the pinout of the cable. The pinout order of an EIA/TIA 568A
compliant RJ45 connector is shown in Figure 11-7.
NOTE
The Category 5 UTP cable required by FDDI TP-PMD
networking equipment is constructed with solid core wires only.
Do not use RJ45 connectors with contact blades designed for
stranded cable.