How To Choose Keystone Jack

  • Last modified: December 28, 2023

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An ethernet cable is nothing without a connector. Whether you want to bring your computer up to speed or you want to connect your favorite gaming console, you will pair an ethernet cable with a connector. For instance, to pair Cat6 ethernet cable, you will use Keystone Jack RJ45

These tiny pieces are economical and convenient solutions to connect ethernet cables. 

What Exactly Is A Keystone Jack?

Keystone jacks are used in data communications and Local Area Network (LAN) wiring. Usually, the male connector (keystone plug) is connected to the female connector mounted in a patch panel or a wall plate. A keystone jack is a plugin package used to mount a wide array of low-voltage optical connectors or electrical jacks into a patch panel, surface-mount box, faceplate, or keystone wall plate.

As far as composition is concerned, a standard keystone jack comes with a type of ethernet port on the front side. Its jack has an opening and has many pins; microns of gold are used to make these pins. These openings of the keystone jack accept modular plugs (either shielded or unshielded). The punch-down area for the cable’s wires lies on the backside of the keystone jack. You will insert wires into the contact areas of keystone jacks for creating a connection with ethernet cables. The two most commonly used wiring schemes are as follow:

  • t568B
  • t568A

For punching down and terminating the wires, you will use a punch-down tool. Now that you have completely understood the device known as the keystone jack let’s move to the buying section. 

Things You Should Know When Choosing A Keystone Jack

Right Category: It’s imperative that you choose a keystone jack that matches your cable’s type. For instance, for the Cat6 Ethernet cable, you will choose the Cat6 rj45 keystone jack. You should know that RJ45 keystone jacks can be used with Cat5e ethernet cable and Cat6a ethernet cables, too. Choosing the right type of connector ensures that the wires/conductors of the ethernet cable fit perfectly into the contact area. 

90° or 180°: Keystone jacks come with designs varying in degrees. The degrees determine the way you will insert wires into the keystone jack. 

90° or 180° is concerned with the design of the keystone jack’s back. Choosing the 90° or 180° comes down to the place of installation and preferences. Whether 90° or 180°, you can terminate straight into the jack. Sometimes, 180° keystone jacks have had their openings on the top; it allows your cable to come from the top. A 180° keystone jack will be an ideal choice if you are installing this at the back of the patch panel (situated against the wall). 

Shielded and unshielded: Keystone jacks come in two different categories: shielded and unshielded. The criteria for using shielded Cat6 RJ45 keystone jack is the severe presence of EMI (electromagnetic interference). In EMI-rich environments, you should always go with the shielded keystone jacks. If you are going to install keystone jacks where interferences are less or non-existent, you should go with unshielded keystone jacks. 

Where To Connect Your Keystone Jack?

You can connect your keystone jack to the following accessories:

  • Wall Plates
  • Surface Mount Boxes
  • Patch Panels

Conclusion

Keystone jacks are one of the vital components of networking. Here at New York Cables, we manufacture all types of keystone jacks, including Cat6 RJ45 Keystone Jack, with supreme quality material and state-of-the-art facilities. Also, we offer free shipping on orders above $299.99. Therefore, to get the best value for your money and complete peace of mind, you can always count on us!

Specification Cat5e Cat6 Cat6a
Cable Jacket Plenum, Riser & PVC Plenum, Riser & PVC Plenum & Riser
Wire Gauge 24-AWG 23-AWG 23-AWG Highly Twisted
Frequencies 350 MHZ 550 MHZ 750 MHZ
Installation Temp 0°C to 60°C 0°C to 60°C 0°C to 60°C
Pairs 4 Twisted Pairs 4 Twisted Pairs 4 Twisted Pairs
Package Easy Pull Box Easy Pull Box Wood Spool
Colors Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow
Standard Compliance ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS
Luke Emerson

Luke Emerson, our accessory expert, crafts seamless solutions for optimal connectivity. His blogs merge technology with user-friendly design for a superior networking experience.


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