Cabletron Systems 100BASE-FX, Cabling Manual

Page: 47 / 192

Connector Types 4-23
Ethernet Media
UTP Cable
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 contact blades or
“pins,” the raised key, and a locking clip and arm.
Figure 4-14. RJ45 Connector
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. These 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. Different
types of connections are required for each type of core composition.
A UTP cable that uses stranded core wires will allow the contact points to nest
among the individual strands. The contact blades in a stranded RJ45 connector,
therefore, are laid out with their contact points in a straight line. The contact
points cut through the insulating material of the jacket and make contact with
several strands of the core.
Contact Blades
Locking Clip
Locking Arm
1845n14