1

I need to buy some rj45 connectors for the following cable. Unfortunately, I've never seen this type of rj45 cable. From which category comes it? Cat-4, Cat-5, ... Thanks

front lateral

Improve this question
1
  • Did any answer help you? If so, you should accept the answer so that the question doesn't keep popping up forever, looking for an answer. Alternatively, you can provide and accept your own answer.
    – Ron Maupin ♦
    Commented Feb 19, 2018 at 18:32

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

Without markings, it is actually impossible to say what type of cable this actually is, especially based on a couple of pictures. However, based on my experience, this looks like it could be a Cat5e or Cat6 specialty flat cable as it does indeed appear to be twisted pair (TP). The trick to identifying this as a form of UTP as opposed to a phone cable (which typically isn't TP) is to cut the cable cleanly a few times and examine the ends closely to verify the pairs are actually twisted.

Flat cables are often used in connecting entertainment equipment (TVs, streaming video players, IP speakers, etc) as you can maximize the space in any sort of wiremold used to hide the cables. The only ones I have seen have all been stranded cable meant to connect a device to the network infrastructure. I haven't personally ever seen a flat solid cable for use in infrastructure and have my suspicions they don't exist for a number of reasons.

We don't do product recommendations here, but if you do a web search for "8P8C RJ45 plug for flat ethernet cable" you should turn up a number of places you can get some. You may also be able to get by with ends that are made for round/oval cable if they crimp tightly enough.

Keep in mind that terminating your own cables (especially Cat6 or above) can be tricky and without a certification tester, you will never be assured that you meet any sort of standard. It is generally better to purchase pre-certified manufactured cables and use them instead.

Improve this answer
2

That appears to be telephone (Category-3) cable. If you are using this for a phone system, then you are probably fine, but this cable should not be used for modern network cabling. The only currently recognized UTP cable categories are Category-3, Category-5e, Category-6, and Category-6a.

Your company should really hire a qualified cable installer to install a decent cabling plant.

FYI, that is not RJ-45 cabling (no such thing), and you don't want RJ-45 connectors. You want 8P8C connectors for UTP cabling.

Improve this answer
8
  • Wouldn't RJ11 connectors be ok for telephony system (wiring only 2 or 4 cables obviously) ?
    – Tensibai
    Commented Sep 11, 2017 at 15:19
  • Thanks for the clarification, but I don't understand why we can't use this utp cable with a rj45 connector
    – Davide
    Commented Sep 11, 2017 at 15:23
  • 1
    Network cabling uses 8P8C connectors. RJ-45 connectors are keyed 8P8C connectors specific to telephone cabling. RJ-11 connectors are the most common telephone cabling connectors for connecting handsets.
    – Ron Maupin ♦
    Commented Sep 11, 2017 at 15:25
  • @RonMaupin And I thought I was the only nitpicker going against "RJ-45" - LOL!
    – Zac67 ♦
    Commented Sep 11, 2017 at 16:58
  • As I have pointed out elsewhere, if you are going to make a statement like "The only currently recognized UTP cable categories are Category-3, Category-5e, Category-6, and Category-6a" then you need to provide more context. Cat7/Cat7A may not be recognized by TIA/EIA, but they are recognized by ISO/IEC.
    – YLearn
    Commented Sep 11, 2017 at 23:52

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.