RJ45 cables and connectors are one of the preferred mechanisms to use in connecting to Ethernet. RJ45s are most commonly seen in offices where the strain on the Internet is significant. Computers, printers, network storage, cable models, DSL models, and more.
What type of RJ45 cable do I need to use?
There are two types of RJ45 cables. ‘Standard patch cables’ are used to connect a device or computer to a network router or switch. Then, there are ‘crossover cables’ which are used to connect two computers without a router or switch between them. In most cases, and to most homeowners or small business owners, they will choose a standard patch RJ45 cable.
RJ45 cables as an alternative to fiber optic tech
Fiber optic is a competing technology to RJ45 cables. The biggest disadvantage to fiber optics are that they are very expensive to install, despite the fact that it’s usually faster than an RJ45. There are two big disadvantages to a fiber optic connection compared to an RJ45 cable. Any data you want to transmit over a wireless connection can’t be transmitted at the speed of an RJ45 cable. Also, a wireless connection opens yourself up to others hacking in and exposes this data to possible interception.
Can I use an RJ45 cable outside?
Yes, you can use an RJ45 cable for Ethernet connection outdoors, such as to network between homes or other buildings. To do so however, you will need a specific outdoor RJ45 burial patch cable. These are built with higher quality materials, such as pure copper and with gold-plated connectors. An RJ45 patch cable like this is weatherproofed to a degree and exceeds the functionality that a regular Ethernet cable will be able to give you.
Why wouldn’t I just go wireless?
You can try to use a wireless connection between buildings but if you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know connection quality can vary, you open yourself up to electromagnetic interference, and it’s plainly not worth it if speed and security are a priority.
Can I just use an ordinary Ethernet cable for outdoors?
If you try to use a standard non-outdoors Ethernet cable – such as a Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable – it will work temporarily. That said, any sort of semi-extreme temperature and humidity is going to slowly damage the cable and reduce its usefulness. Considering how labour-intensive installation can be to get an RJ45 cable to connect between buildings, it makes more sense to do it right the first time and to use a cable that’s actually built to last.
Shop RJ45 cables, RJ45 connectors, Ethernet cables, and more at PrimeCables. Make it easy on yourself when you have to run Internet cables outdoors. Protect your network, your security, and your investment.