Most people might think that the CAT5 cable might not be in use since there are new options available today. However, the transmission speed of 100Mbps from a distance of 100m (328ft.) makes it an optimal choice for homes and small business setups.
And if you want to make the most out of your connection, then a cat5 keystone jack is the ideal choice. If you wonder how to wire the cat5 keystone jack and use it for your home or work, then you have come to the right place. This article will provide you with a comprehensive idea of what is a CAT5 keystone jack and how to use it.
Is the Cat5 Keystone Jack the Same As Cat5E?
A lot of people use the terms "Cat5 keystone jack" and "Cat5e keystone jack" interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between both of them.
- Cat5: This is the earlier category of Ethernet cabling, though it can accommodate speeds reaching 100 Mbps only.
- Cat5e: Cat 5e is a further improved version of Cat5 has data transmission speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (1Gbps) and is more commonly used than Cat 5.
While you can physically connect a Cat5 cable to a Cat5e jack, it's important to note that the maximum speed will be limited to the Cat5 standard (100 Mbps). It's generally recommended to use Cat5e or higher cabling and jacks, to achieve optimal network performance,
How to Properly Wire and Install a Cat5 Keystone Jack?
Installing a cat5 keystone jack is a straightforward process that requires a few basic tools. The key components of a cat5 keystone jack are the housing, terminals, strain relief, and coupler. To install, you'll need a punch-down tool and an RJ45 ethernet cable.
Step 1 - Expose the Wires
Begin by stripping the outer jacket of the cat5 cable to expose the individual wires.
Step 2 – Connect the Relevant Wires
Following the 568A or 568B wiring standard, insert the wires into the corresponding terminals of the cat5 jack. Use the punch-down tool to crimp the wires securely.
Step 3 – Use a Punch-Down Tool for Precision
Check that the wires are fully engaged and properly cut in the IDC terminals. Protect the jack with a dust cover. Also, when using a punch-down tool, ensure it's straight and the cut-side faces outward.
Step 4 – Connect the Jack
Next, snap the keystone jack into the desired wall plate or surface mount box. Ensure a snug fit for optimal performance. Finally, connect your RJ45 connector to the keystone jack to complete the installation.
Remember: Always handle the cables with care to prevent damage to the wires. Furthermore, you should also test your newly installed keystone jack using a cable tester. This way, you can ensure proper wiring and continuity. If the test results indicate issues, carefully inspect the wiring and re-terminate the cable as needed.
Final Words
Proper termination of the cat5 cable is crucial for reliable network connectivity. As such, if you are in doubt then you should consult a professional installer to assist you. In addition, it is of great importance to select the right and quality CAT5 RJ45 keystone jack.
They can help you out and properly connect the jack with the cable. Thus, you can have complete faith that your cat5 jacks will operate well in the long term. But you do not need to search very hard for the best cable and jacks because Delco Cables is here.
FAQS
What is a Cat5 Jack?
While the term "Cat5 jack" isn't strictly correct, it's often used interchangeably with "Cat5e jack." A Cat5e jack is a piece of networking hardware that enables the connection of an Ethernet cable to a network system. This being the case, it is optimized for data transfer with a data rate of up to 100 Mbps.
Can I plug a Cat5 jack into a Cat6?
Yes, you can plug cat6 connectors into a cat5 jack physically although the performance of the link is going to be far from optimum. If you use a Cat5 jack with a Cat6 cable you will only manage to attain the Cat5 speed of 100 Mbps even when the Cat6 cable has a higher capability.