RJ45 connectors stand the test of time

RJ45 connectors, available from GTK UK Ltd, became the de-facto connector for Ethernet cabling in the early 1990s when the IEEE802.3i standard was published. In the ensuing 30 years, the Ethernet standards have developed regularly with exponential growth in data transmission speeds, and the RJ45 connector is still the pivotal connector in the copper Ethernet network.

The origin of the PoE standards, which allow power and data signals to be transmitted down the same twisted pair Ethernet cabling, has improved the value and extended the use of the RJ45 connector even further.

PoE connectors are now seen in many devices, including network routers, VoIP phones, wireless access points, intelligent lighting, IPTV recorders, remote POS systems and public address systems. While OEMs often still create these products with an auxiliary power connector for an optional external power supply, which can be employed as a backup in case the PoE supply fails, the end user does not need to plug in AC adaptors to power these products.

The company provides shielded RJ45 connectors with integrated PoE magnetics, supporting 10/100 Base and Gigabit speeds. These connectors offer significant potential real estate and cost savings, can include single and bi-colour LEDs, and are offered in horizontal or vertical PCB mounting layouts.

OEMs can choose alternative PCB layouts or LED colour combinations, and its technical experts can help in recommending the most appropriate connector configuration for specific designs.

In addition to the PoE-compatible modular telephone jacks, it has a wide variety of RJ45 connectors – unshielded and shielded with various PCB layouts, including multiport jacks and a combination RJ45/USB stacked jack, which provides real space-saving benefits.