Difference Between RJ45 and CAT5


RJ45 and CAT5 are two terms often used in networking; however, they are related to different things. RJ45 is a connector type used in Ethernet networking. It is an eight-pin standardized connector that is commonly used to connect devices to a local area network (LAN) or the internet. CAT5 is a type of cable commonly used for Ethernet networking. It is a twisted-pair cable made up of four pairs of copper wires.

Read this article to find out more about RJ45 and CAT5 and how they are different from each other.

What is RJ45?

RJ45 is a connector type that is commonly used in Ethernet networking. It is an eight-pin standardized connector that is commonly used to connect devices to a local area network (LAN) or the internet. "RJ" is an abbreviation for "Registered Jack," which is a standardized telecommunication network interface.

The RJ45 connector is designed to fit into an Ethernet port on a device such as a computer, router, switch, or modem. It is frequently used to connect these devices to a network, allowing them to communicate and share resources with other devices on the same network.

The RJ45 connector contains eight pins that must be connected in a certain order. These pins are used to send and receive data as well as power devices like IP phones and wireless access points. Pins 1 to 8 are numbered and arranged in a specific order, with pin 1 on the left side of the connector and pin 8 on the right.

A suitable Ethernet cable is required to use an RJ45 connector. The Category 5 (CAT5) cable, which includes four pairs of copper wires that are twisted together to reduce interference, is the most extensively used Ethernet cable. The cable ends are terminated with RJ45 connectors, which are subsequently inserted into an Ethernet port on a device.

What is CAT5?

CAT5 (Category 5) is a twisted-pair cable that is widely used in Ethernet networking. It consists of four pairs of copper wires twisted together in a precise manner to reduce interference from other signals. Each wire is insulated and color-coded to indicate its purpose.

CAT5 cable comes in several varieties, including CAT5e (enhanced) and CAT5a (augmented), which have improved specifications over the original CAT5 cable. CAT5e cable may carry transmission speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and is less susceptible to crosstalk (interference from adjacent wires). CAT5a cable supports speeds of up to 10 Gbps and is more resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

RJ45 connectors on the ends of CAT5 cables are inserted into Ethernet ports on devices such as PCs, routers, switches, and modems. The RJ45 connector is standardized, with eight pins arranged in a specific order to allow effective device communication.

Difference between RJ45 and CAT5

The following table highlights the major differences between RJ45 and CAT5 −

Characteristics

RJ45

CAT5

Maximum Cable Length

N/A

100 meters (328 feet)

Termination

Terminated with RJ45 connectors

Terminated with RJ45 connectors

Data Speed

N/A

It can support data speeds up to 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, or 10 Gbps, depending on the variation of the cable.

Compatibility

Compatible with Ethernet cables, including CAT5

N/A

Pins

8 pins arranged in a specific order

N/A

Color

RJ45 connectors are available in different colors, with the most common being grey or black.

CAT5 cables are available in different colors, with the most common being blue or grey.

Cable Type

It requires a compatible Ethernet cable, such as CAT5.

It is made up of four pairs of twisted copper wires.

Common Colors

Gray or black

N/A

Common Use

Connects devices to a network

Transmits data in a network

Conclusion

In conclusion, RJ45 and CAT5 are two different types of Ethernet networking cables. RJ45 is a type of connector used to connect Ethernet cables to devices, whereas CAT5 is a type of cable often used for Ethernet networking. CAT5 cables are frequently connected to devices such as PCs, routers, switches, and modems through the RJ45 connector.

Understanding the difference between RJ45 and CAT5 is important for anyone who works with Ethernet networks, as it can help ensure that the correct components are used for a specific networking setup.

Updated on: 15-May-2023

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