Comparing Three Fiber Optical Transceiver Manufacturers – Monoprice, Fluxlight & Fiberstore

If you search reliable fiber optic transceiver module manufacturers on Google, you will get thousands of results in a few seconds. But, where should you get the high-quality and low-price fiber optic transceiver modules? Monoprice, Fluxlight and Fiberstore as the representative of reputable optical transceiver manufacturers, are frequently recommended by many users. Are their fiber optic transceiver module worth any penny you spend? This article will decode these three companies and provide a vivid comparison between their fiber optic transceivers.

Monoprice—A Reliable Cable Supplier

Founded in 2002, monoprice used to be famous as a leading cable manufacturer, but now it develops to allow customers pulling together the whole computer system. Monoprice has built a stellar reputation for product excellence and customer services. The following are the screenshots of monoprice’s feedback. “The great part of monoprice is that we allow our customers to do things they want to do with price far below what competitors charge” says by the CEO of monoprice.

According to monoprice, they offer over 6,500 high-quality, affordable electronics and accessories to professionals and consumers worldwide. Cables such as the HDMI cables, networking patch cables, bulk networking cables are offered in variable standards and different cable length. As for the fiber transceivers, they recently do not offer many types of fiber optic transceivers. Their existing compatible fiber transceivers are from Ironlink. For example, the Ironlink Cisco SFP-10G-SR from monoprice is the Cisco Compatible 10GBase-SR SFP+.

Fluxlight

Fluxlight, established in 2003, manufactures and sells optical products for use in communication fields. Products like optical transceivers, media converters, jumper cables, and patch cables are welcomed by users. FluxLight only offers brand-new, top-quality optical interconnect products that are guaranteed to be compatible with vendors like Cisco, 3com, Dell, D-Link, Extreme, Juniper, HP, and Finisar.

Fiberstore—A Cost-effective Optical Transceiver Manufacturer

Founded in 2009, Fiberstore (FS.COM) gradually becomes a leading company devoting to research & development, and offer fiber connectivity network solutions for carriers, ISPs, content providers and networks. With a few years of development and accumulation, Fiberstore have owned a whole series of optical communication products including the WDM equipment, transceivers, fiber optic assemblies, racks & enclosures, bulk fiber cables, enterprise network and so on.

Their wholesale fiber optic transceiver products are offered at the lowest price and fully compatible with the original devices. They assured to every customers that every fiber transceiver offered by Fiberstore before shipping has to go through strict test to assure 100% compatibility and high performance.

Fiber Optic Transceivers From Monoprice, Fluxlight and Fiberstore

Monoprice, Fluxlight and Fiberstore are offering several types of fiber optic transceivers. Where should I get the fiber transceivers? The following part will draw a brief comparison between them from the aspects of price, selection, and reputation.

• Fiber Transceiver Price—Monoprice Loses

Price is the number one factor that people would take into account. We can’t list all the products from their website and compare them here. So let’s take the 10G SFP+ modules as an example, the Ironlink Cisco SFP-10G-SR from monoprice is sold at $136.75. Fluxlight SFP-10G-SR is only $54.00. The price of Cisco compatible SFP-10G-SR from FS.COM is $16.00.

In the above image, Ironlink Cisco SFP-10G-LR from monoprice is $315.00. SFP-10G-LR from Fluxlight is $134.00. However, Fiberstore Cisco SFP-10G-LR is $34.00. Note that the above price do not include the delivery fees. You need to consult with salesmen about your final payment.

• Products Options

Both Fiberstore and Fluxlight offers a full range of fiber optic transceivers that are fully compatible with many brands. While monoprice, nowadays do not have many selections of optical modules. But if you need HDMI, Video or power cables, you can definitely have a look at their website.

• Reputation—Fiberstore Wins

Fiberstore is known as the cost-effective optical transceiver manufacturer that offers high-quality and low price compatible products. Monoprice is mostly recommended for its patch cables. If you don’t buy it, you can have a look at the following screenshots.

Conclusion

Can I order any branded fiber optic transceivers? Or should I buy the cheap OEM optical modules? Customers often ask about the similar questions when selecting reliable optical transceivers. This article compares the fiber optics from Monoprice, Fluxlight and Fiberstore. I bet readers must know how to make their choices.

Multimode Fiber Cabling Upgrade From 10GBASE-SR, 40GBASE-SR4 to 100GBASE-SR10

Telecom industry is in the best times in that new products and technologies keeping coming out, which greatly facilitate people’s daily lives. From the 10GbE, 40GbE to the 100GbE, users can be benefited from the varieties of Gigabit Ethernet applications. Pluggable from factor (SFP+, QSFP+, CFP) used in different Gigabit Ethernet that can support the multimode fibers (MM) leads to lower costs and low power consumption. By comparison of single-mode modules, MM optical transceivers enables a single build standard for short-reach connection in data centers. Today’s article will briefly illustrate the multimode cabling upgrade in 10G, 40G and 100G Ethernet.

10GBASE-SR, 40GBASE-SR4, 100GBASE-SR10 Wiki

According to wikipedia, there are similarities and differences between three standards. Let’s have a quick overview of it.

• 10GBASE-SR

10GBASE-SR (short range) is a port type for multi-mode fiber (OM3 and OM4) and uses 850 nm lasers. Its Physical Coding Sublayer 64b/66b PCS is defined in IEEE 802.3 Clause 49 and its Physical Medium Dependent PMD in Clause 52. It delivers serialized data at a line rate of 10.3125 Gbit/s. The 10GBASE-SR transmitter is implemented with a VCSEL which is low cost and low power. 10GBASE-SR delivers the lowest cost, lowest power and smallest form factor optical modules with a link length of 300m over OM3, and 400M over OM4.

• 40GBASE-SR4

40GBASE-SR4 is a port type for multimode fiber and uses 850 nm lasers. Its Physical Coding Sublayer 64b/66b PCS is defined in IEEE 802.3 Clause 82 and its Physical Medium Dependent PMD in Clause 86. It uses four lanes of multimode fiber delivering serialized data at a rate of 10.3125 Gbit/s per lane. 40GBASE-SR4 has a reach of 100 m on OM3 and 150m on OM4.

• 100GBASE-SR10

The IEEE P802.3ba Task Force developed a single architecture capable of supporting both 40bE and 100GbE. 100GBASE-SR10, which is defined as 10 wavelengths across 10 parallel fiber paths at 10Gbps on multimode fiber (operating at 850 nm). Its Physical Coding Sublayer 64b/66b PCS is defined in IEEE 86 (802.3ba). It uses ten lanes of multimode fiber delivering serialized data at a rate of 10.3125 Gbit/s per lane. 40GBASE-SR4 has a reach of 100 m on OM3 and 150m on OM4.

40 GbE links are re-used in this diagram, and require additional MTP/MTP trunk to complete channel, fibers 1 and 12 go dark.

10GBASE-SR, 40GBASE-SR4, 100GBASE-SR10 in Different From Factors

• 10GBASE-SR SFP+

10GBASE-SR optical transceivers uses 10G SFP+ form factor with duplex LC connector. The range of this module depends on the type of multimode used. It generally supports a link length of 26 meters on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade multimode fiber and can also support link length up to 400 meters over OM4 multimode fiber. The following image shows the simplest solution between two Cisco switches by using the 10GBASE-SR SFP module optics.

• 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+

40GBASE-SR4 optical transceiver is QSFP+ form factor, primarily enabling high-bandwidth 40GbE optical links over 12-fiber parallel fiber terminated with MPO/MTP multifiber female connectors. In general, it can support link lengths of 100 and 150 meters, respectively on OM3 and OM4 multimode fibers. In addition, using 12-fiber MPO/MTP to 6 duplex LC or 8-fiber MPO/MTP to 4 duplex LC breakout cable, the 40GBASE-SR4 interface can be divided into four 10GBASE-SR interfaces.

• 100GBASE-SR10 CFP

CFP is the typical representative form factor of 100GBASE-SR10. The 10GBASE-SR10 CFP uses 24-fiber MPO/MTP optical interface, enabling high-bandwidth 100GbE links over 24-fiber ribbon cables terminated with MPO/MTP-24 connectors. Alternatively, 2 x 12-fiber MPO connector interface can be used where one connector is used for Receive while the other for Transmit. The 100GBASE-SR10 CFP can supports link lengths of 100 meters and 150 meters respectively on laser-optimized OM3 and OM4 multifiber cables. Additionally, it can be used in 10 x 10GbE mode along with ribbon to duplex fiber breakout cables for connectivity to ten 10GBASE-SR optical interfaces.

Conclusion

This article concludes the features of multimode cabling upgrade from 10G to 100G. multimode modules together with its lower price tag and low power consumption, are compelling to overall users. FS.COM, as a reliable china optical transceiver module manufacturer offers a full range of hot-selling fiber optics like SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28 and CFP modules. They comes in different standards and full compatible with major brand. If you are interested, please visit our site.

Can I Use the QSFP+ Optics on the QSFP28 Port?

100G Ethernet will have a larger share of network equipment market in 2017, according to Infonetics Research. But we can’t neglect the fact that 100G technology and relevant optics are still under development. Users who plan to layout 100G network for long-hual infrastructures usually met some problems. For example, currently, the qsfp28 optics on the market can only support up to 10 km (QSFP28 100GBASE-LR4) with WDM technology, which means you have to buy the extra expensive WDM devices. For applications beyond 10km, QSFP28 optical transceivers cannot reach it. Therefore, users have to use 40G QSFP+ optics on 100G switches. But here comes a problem, can I use the QSFP+ optics on the QSFP28 port of the 100G switch? If this is okay, can I use the QSFP28 modules on the QSFP+ port? This article discusses the feasibility of this solution and provides a foundational guidance of how to configure the 100G switches.

For Most Switches, QSFP+ Can Be Used on QSFP28 Port

As we all know that QSFP28 transceivers have the same form factor as the QSFP optical modules. The former has just 4 electrical lanes that can be used as a 4x10GbE, 4x25GbE, while the latter supports 40G ( 4x10G). So from all of this information, a QSFP28 module breaks out into either 4x25G or 4x10G lanes, which depends on the transceiver used. This is the same case with the SFP28 transceivers that accept SFP+ transceivers and run at the lower 10G speed.

A 100G QSFP28 port can generally take either a QSFP+ or QSFP28 optics. If the QSFP28 optics support 25G lanes, then it can operate 4x25G breakout, 2x50G breakout or 1x100G (no breakout). The QSFP+ optic supports 10G lanes, so it can run 4x10GE or 1x40GE. If you use the QSFP transceivers in QSFP28 port, keep in mind that you have both single-mode and multimode (SR/LR) optical transceivers and twinax/AOC options that are available.

In all Cases, QSFP28 Optics Cannot Be Used on QSFP+ Port

SFP+ can’t auto-negotiate to support SFP module, similarly QSFP28 modules can not be used on the QSFP port, either. There is the rule about mixing optical transceivers with different speed—it basically comes down to the optic and the port, vice versa. Both ends of the two modules have to match and form factor needs to match as well. Additionally, port speed needs to be equal or greater than the optic used.

How to Configure 100G Switch

For those who are not familiar with how to do the port configuration, you can have a look at the following part.

• How do you change 100G QSFP ports to support QSFP+ 40GbE transceivers?

Configure the desired speed as 40G:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1
(config-if-Et1/1)# speed forced 40gfull

• How do you change 100G QSFP ports to support 4x10GbE mode using a QSFP+ transceiver?

Configure the desired speed as 10G:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1 - 4
(config-if-Et1/1-4)# speed forced 10000full

• How do you change 100G QSFP ports from 100GbE mode to 4x25G mode?

Configure the desired speed as 25G:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1 - 4
(config-if-Et1/1-4)# speed forced 25gfull

• How do you change 100G QSFP ports back to the default mode?

Configure the port to default mode:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1-4
(config-if-Et1/1)# no speed

Note that if you have no experience in port configuration, it is advisable for you to consult your switch vendor in advance.

Conclusion

To sum up, QSFP+ modules can be used on the QSFP28 ports, but QSFP28 transceivers cannot transmit 100Gbps on the QSFP+ port. When using the QSFP optics on the QSFP28 port, don’t forget to configure your switch (follow the above instructions). To make sure the smooth network transmission, you need to ensure the connectors on both ends are the same and no manufacturer compatibility issue exists.

Original source : http://www.chinacablesbuy.com/can-use-qsfp-optics-qsfp28-port.html

QSFP28 100G Transceivers & DAC Guide

Telecom industry embraces the prosperity of 100G optics market in 2017. With such a bright future, fiber optic market attracts a wide attention, and many vendors want a piece of the pie. The 100G optics like the CFP, QSFP28 modules and cables are varied in different standards. QSFP28 optics, along with its compact size and reliable performances, gradually becomes the mainstream form factors of the 100G optics market. QSFP28 modules come in different standards (LR4, SR4, PSM4, CWDM4), and the QSFP28 AOC and DAC cables are also available for 100G systems. Which one is ideal for your 100G network? This article attached with the detailed information of all the 100G optics, will blew your mind.

QSFP28 DAC Inside Rack: <5 m

QSFP28 passive DAC cables are launched to decrease the cost of 100G systems, which provide a cost-effective I/O solution for 100GbE connectivity within 5 m. QSFP28 to QSFP28 DACs and QSFP28 to 4x SFP28 DACs are the two common types of the QSFP28 DAC cables. QSFP28 to QSFP28 direct attach cable is usually used inside racks with QSFP28 connectors terminated on each end. QSFP28 breakout DACs can achieve 25G to 100G transmission with a QSFP28 connector on one end and 4 SFP28 connectors on the other end. If your 100GbE deployment is within 5m intra racks, the QSFP28 DAC is ideal for you.

QSFP28 AOC: Up to 100 m

The QSFP28 AOC is a cost-efficient, four-channel optical transceiver that conforms to the QSFP28 multi-source agreement. It is capable of delivering 100-Gbps data rates over four lanes of 25 Gbps with a reach of up to 100 m, maximum. Just as the QSFP28 DAC, QSFP28 AOC cable also comes in two types—QSFP28 to QSFP28 AOC and QSFP28 to 4SFP28 AOC. The former one is best fit for 3-20 m, and QSFP28 breakout can support a link length of up to 100 m. The QSFP28 AOC supports InfiniBand EDR and 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GBase-SR4) transmission speeds and is best for close-range, high-speed transmission in data center networks, such as between servers and server racks.

QSFP28 SR4 Close Range: 5-100 m

For 100GbE cabling with multimode fiber between switches, QSFP28 SR4 with 12-fiber OM4 MTP fiber cable is the perfect choice. It can support reaches up to 100 m over OM4. The 100Gbase-SR4 QSFP28 module achieves four lanes of 25G dual way transmission over eight fibers. QSFP28 SR4 module is compliant with 100GBASE-SR4 standard certificated by IEEE. It is the firstly published 100G standard to support short distance over multimode fibers. Many vendors offer the compatible QSFP28 SR4 optics with good quality and high reliability. FS.COM is one of the best that can provide the test-assured OEM optics with great customer feedback. All the products included in the below chart are provided at FS.COM.

QSFP PSM4 Between Switches: 100 m-500 m

For 100G connectivity, if the reaches are beyond 100m but less than 500m, you can use the QSFP PSM4. Unlike the QSFP28 SR4 optics (by IEEE), PSM4 standard is published by MSA. 100G PSM4 QSFP28 is designed to support a transmission distance up to 500 m over MPOI single-mode multi-fibers.

QSFP CWDM4 Mid-Reach: 500 m-2 km

Reaches less than 2 km are usually called mid-reaches. QSFP28 CWDM4 is the module designed to meet the mid-reach requirements. MSA published 100Gbase-CWDM4 standard for QSFP28 over single-mode up to 2 km over through duplex LC interface. It uses WDM technologies like 100Gbase-LR4. But the transmission distance is shorter and the cost is much lower.

QSFP28 LR4 Long Span: ≤10 km

For long distance transmission between two buildings, the IEEE standard 100Gbase-LR4 is being used in QSFP28 form factor which is known as QSFP-100G-LR4 module. Unlike QSFP-100G-SR4 modules, QSFP-100G-LR4 uses the WDM technologies for four 25G lanes transmission. The four 25G optical signals are being transmitted over four different wavelengths. It has a duplex LC interface for 100G dual-way transmission. 100Gbase-LR4 QSFP28 can support transmission up to 10 km over single-mode fiber. But one problem is that the cost of QSFP28 LR4 is very high now. What’s worse, you would need the EDFA to offset the link loss.

Conclusion

To achieve higher data-rate transmission speed, new network design will work to bring us closer to meet the needs of a Big Data future. This article concludes the features of existing QSFP28 100G products on the market. After going through the whole passage, you must know which one is ideal for your network.

100G QSFP28 PSM4 to Address 500m Links in Data Center

100G QSFP28 PSM4 optics is a type of 100G optical transceiver that provides a low-cost solution to long-reach data center optical interconnects. 100G PSM4 (parallel single-mode 4 lane) standard is mainly targeted to data centers that based on a parallel single-mode infrastructure for a link length of 500 m. Compared with the hot-selling 100GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-LR4 optics, 100G QSFP28 PSM4 recently wins the popularity among the overall users. This article will provide a complete specification of the 100G QSFP28 PSM4 transceiver and explain the reason why people would need QSFP28 PSM4.

QSFP28 PSM4—A Low-Cost but Long-Reach Solution

100G QSFP28 PSM4 is compliant with 100G PSM4 MSA standard, which defines a point-to-point 100 Gb/s link over eight parallel single-mode fibers (4 transmit and 4 receive) up to at least 500 m. PSM4 uses four identical lanes per direction. Each lane carries a 25G optical transmission. The 100G PSM4 standard is now available in QSFP28 and CFP4 form factor. Table 2 shows the diagram of the 100G QSFP28 PSM4 Specification. 100G PSM4 is a low-cost solution. Its cost structure is driven by the cost of the fiber and the high component count. FS.COM offers the Cisco compatible 100G QSFP28 PSM4 at US$750.00.

As you can see in the above image, 100G QSFP28 PSM4 transceiver uses four parallel fibers (lanes) operating in each direction, with transmission distance up to 500 meters. The source of the QSFP28 PSM4 module is a single uncooled distributed feedback (DFB) laser operating at 1310 nm. It needs either a directly modulated DFB laser (DML) or an external modulator for each fiber. The 100GBASE-PSM4 transceiver usually needs the single-mode ribbon cable with an MTP/MPO connector.

Why Do We Need 100G QSFP28 PSM4?

100G PSM4 is the 100G standard that has been launched by multi-source agreement (MSA) to enable 500m links in data center optical interconnects. But as we all know, there are several popular 100G interfaces out there on the market, such as QSFP28 100GBASE-SR4, QSFP28 100GBASE-LR4, QSFP28 100GBASE-CWDM4, and CFP 100GBASE-LR4, etc. So with so many options, why do we still need 100G QSFP28 PSM4?

To better help you make up your mind, you need to figure out the following questions:

Q1: What are the net link budget differences between PSM4, SR4, LR4 and CWDM?
Table 3 displays the detailed information about these 100G standards.

	100GBASE-PSM4	100GBASE-CWDM4	100GBASE-SR4	100GBASE-LR4
4-wavelength CWDM multiplexer and demultiplexer	No need	Need	No need	Need
Connector	MPO/MTP connector	Two LC connectors	MPO/MTP connector	Two LC connectors
Reach	500 m	2 km	100 m	10 km

Note: the above diagram excludes the actual loss of each link (it is the ideal situation). In fact, WDM solution are at least 7 db worse link budget than PSM4. For a 2 km connectivity, a CWDM module will have to overcome about 10 db additional losses compared to PSM4. And the 100G LR4 optics at 10 km is 12 db higher total loss than PSM4.

Q2: What power targets are achievable for each, and by extension what form factors?
According to the IEEE data sheet, the WDM solutions cannot reasonably fit inside QSFP thermal envelop, while PSM4 can fit inside the QSFP thermal envelope. That means you would need the extra power for the WDM solution of your network. But if you use the QSFP PSM4, this won’t be a problem.

All in all, a 100G QSFP28 PSM4 transceiver with 500m max reach is a optional choice for customers. Because other 100G optics are either too short for practical application in data center or too long and costly. QSFP28 PSM4 modules are much less expensive than the 10 km, 100GBASE-LR4 module, and support longer distance than 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28.

Summary

QSFP28 PSM4 is the lowest cost solution at under one forth the cost of either WDM alternatives. 100G QSFP28 PSM4 can support a link length of 500 m, which is sufficient for data center interconnect applications. 100G QSFP28 PSM4 also offers the simplest architecture, the most streamlined data path, higher reliability, an easy upgrade path to 100G Ethernet.

Use Case for 10G/40G Switch-to-Switch Interconnect

In addition to 10 GbE, the telecom market nowadays is also actively deploying 40 GbE connections to support server connectivity, the typical use case is switch-to-switch interconnects. In fact, copper cables is used in some special cases, primarily for switch-to-switch short-reach connections. However, with the majority of 40 GbE connections being optic fiber-based, fiber optic cables, especially the MTP/MPO cables are widely deployed. From a cable plant standpoint, continued investment in fiber parallel-optic technologies will position the physical infrastructure for eventual migration to 100 GbE and beyond. This article will provide available physical cable technologies for 10G and 40G connectivity.

10 GbE Cable Solutions

Higher transmission speeds require us to implement new cable technologies to optimize our 10 GbE infrastructure:

• 10GBASE-T.

This connection over unshielded or shielded twisted-pair cables can support distances over 100 meters (330 feet) with Category 6a cable, 55 meters with Category 6 cable, and 45 meters with Category 5e cable. Category copper cables like cat5e and cat6 cable reel are the most commonly used types. We are using limited 10GBASE-T to serve the high-density connectivity within racks. 10GBASE-T has some cost advantages but it also consumes more power than optical technology.

• Small-Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP+) direct-attach cables.

These twinaxial cables support 10 GbE connections over short distances of up to 7 meters. Some suppliers are producing a cable with a transmission capability of up to 15 meters.

Figure 1 shows a simple and economic sulution for you, just connecting two Cisco Catalyst 4948E-F Switches with a 10G SFP+ Passive Direct Attach Copper Twinax Cable.

• MPO cabling.

We are using this technology to simplify cabling and reduce installation cost because it is supported over SFP+ ports. One trunk cable that we use can support 10 GbE up to 90 meters and provides six individual connections. This reduces the amount of space required to support comparable densities by 66 percent. The trunks terminate on a variety of options, providing for a flexible system.

Figure 2 shows the Interconnection for 10-Gbps Connectivity with MTP Multimode Fiber Optic Trunk Cable, 12 Fiber, Polarity B.

We use an MPO cable, which is a connectorized fiber technology comprised of multi-strand trunk bundles and cassettes. This technology can support 1 GbE and 10 GbE connections and can be upgraded easily to support 40 and 100 GbE parallel-optic connections by simply swapping a cassette. The current range for 10 GbE is 300 meters on OM3 MMF and 10 kilometers on SMF.

40GbE Switch-to-Switch Interconnects

A 40 GbE switch-to-switch interconnect can use one of three methods.

• QSFP+ transceivers and MMF MPO trunks.

This configuration must use a Method B polarity MPO trunk.

• Long-range QSFP+ transceiver and standard 2-strand SMF connections.

Figure 3 shows two 40G QSFP+ transceivers connected by a single mode LC cable. This configuration is used where switch-to-switch interconnects span between data centers or buildings within a campus.

• Active optical cable.

This is a pre-terminated parallel-optic solution which incorporates a 12-strand MMF bundle connected on each end with a QSFP+ transceiver. This type of cable is available in standard lengths up to 100 meters. This configuration is used for 40 GbE connections that span rows within the data center.

Conclusion

The existing 100Mbps and 1GE connections no longer support growing business requirements, so here comes the era of 10G and 40 GbE data center fabric design. The new fabric will reduce data center complexity and increase our network agility to meet growing data center needs. Today’s article offer the suitable fiber optic solutions for 10G/40G switch to switch interconnects. For more information about the products mentioned above, please visit our site.

Deciphering Male and Female RJ45 Connector

Many people think that RJ45 to RJ45 connectors are the same as the modular plugs or jacks, but they’re wrong. In most cases, the term plug technically refers to the cable or male end of the connection while the term jack refers to the port or female end. If you have had a misunderstanding about these concept, you probably have experienced problems that were extremely difficult to resolve in your network. Therefore this article will have a brief introduction to the male and female RJ45 connectors.

RJ45 Pinout

RJ45 connector stands for registered jack 45, is most commonly seen with bulk Ethernet cables and network cables. This registered jack specifies the physical male and female connectors as well as the pin assignments. Before we start with the discussion of the male and female RJ45 connector for modular connectors, it is good to know how pins are numbered on RJ45 connectors.

Two standard RJ45 pinouts define the arrangement of the individual eight wires needed when attaching connectors to a cable—the T568A and T568B standards. Both follow a convention of coating individual wires in one of five colors—brown, green, orange, blue and white—with certain stripe and solid combinations.

Following these color scheme is essential when building cables to ensure electrical compatibility with other equipment. T568B has become the more popular standard. The table below summarizes this color coding.

RJ45 cables using RJ45 to RJ45 connectors and cat5/cat6 twisted pair cabling is easy to construct using the correct tools. In particular, RJ45 connectors and cabling standards are simplicity itself as RJ45 only uses four of the eight pins on the connectors. Pins 1 & 2 transmit data, whilst pins 3 & 6 are used to receive data when used in an Ethernet configured data port.

Male and Female RJ45 Connector

RJ45 connector as the modular connector, has gender: plugs are considered as male, while jacks or sockets are considered to be female. Modern Ethernet cables feature small plastic plugs on each end that are inserted into RJ45 jacks of Ethernet devices.

Plugs are used to terminate loose cables and cords, while jacks are used for fixed locations on surfaces such as walls and panels, and on equipment. Other than telephone extension cables, cables with a modular plug on one end and a jack on the other are rare. Instead, cables are connected using a male-to-male adapter, which consists of two female jacks wired back-to-back.

The scheme above shows the exact pin numbering on both male to male and RJ45 female to female connectors. All other modular jacks start counting at the same side of the connector. In the wiring diagrams with modular jacks on this site, we prefer to use a picture of the jack upside down, with the hook underneath.

Female Connector (Jacks) and Male RJ45 Connector (plugs)

Jacks and plugs have very similar packaging even though the functions that they perform are not similar at all. According to different applications, it comes in a wide range of different types from modular connectors and plugs (phone jacks, computer and Ethernet jacks etc.) to Internet connections and electronic components.

Telephone jack, or female to female RJ45 connector, is a very type of modular connector. This small unit is connected to a telephone cord which then transmits a telephone analog signal from a special phone outlet placed on a wall, desk or cubicle to the actual phone unit. An Ethernet jack looks much like a regular phone jack, but it is slightly wider. This port can be used to connect your computer to another computer, a local network, or an external DSL or cable modem. The following image shows the toolless cat5e Keystone Jack.

As noted before, male plugs are used to terminate loose cables while female jacks are used for fixed locations. In other words, appliances have cords ending in a male plug, which is fitted into the female outlet. FS.COM RJ45 modular plug use on solid or stranded conductor cat5e cable. These modular plugs are manufactured from polycarbonate to withstand everyday wear and tear, and the contacts are 50 micron gold for optimum signal transmission.

The Common Issue With RJ45 Connectors

A male connector or plugs can be inserted snugly into a receptacle ( female connector ) to ensure a reliable physical and electrical connection. Some RJ45 plugs utilize a small, bendable piece of plastic called a tab to help form a tight connection between a cable and a port on insertion. But it is also the problem of the connector when it snags on another cable. The locking tab is prone to breaking.

Here I’d like to list some tricks to avoid this: Buy the connectors with the locking tab curved down so it avoids the snagging. If you can’t find the cleverly designed connectors use boots to avoid snapping the tabs. Use a good quality crimping tool that doesn’t press on the tab when you crimp the connector.

All in all, crimping a RJ45 to RJ45 connector is not easy. The operation requires dexterity attention and training. If you want to make your life easier, you can use wire guides that come with some packages. Practice a lot and you won’t need the guides.