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Ethernet cables are terminated with RJ45 connectors. It is known that there are various RJ45 connectors, among which pass-through RJ45 connectors have become very popular these years.
So, what do pass-through RJ45 connectors look like and why are they so popular? This can be confusing for some people when selecting RJ45 connectors for their Ethernet cables. We’ll take a closer look at the differences between pass-through and non-pass-through connectors in this article.
Pass-Through vs. Non-Pass-Through RJ45
RJ45 connectors on the market come in two main types: Non-pass-through and Pass-through types. Non-pass-through connectors are standard ones used to terminate Ethernet cables. But if you are a networking beginner, you may find it a frustrating thing to install non-pass-through RJ45 connectors. So, what are the main differences between pass-through and non-pass-through Ethernet connectors? We'll reveal their differences in the following content.
Non-pass-through RJ45 Connector
Non-pass-through RJ45 connectors are a traditional type of Ethernet connectors commonly used by network installers or technicians during network installation. They are often used in pre-terminated cables for a flush and clean finish. However, they require precise cutting and alignment before crimping and wires cannot extend beyond the front of the connector. This makes proper termination more challenging.
Pass-through RJ45 Connector
Different from standard RJ45 connectors, pass-through RJ45 connectors allow Ethernet cable wires to pass through and out of the whole body. Compared to traditional RJ45 connectors, pass through connectors have their own pros and cons.
Pros
-Easy to Use: Pass-through RJ45 connectors make it a simple process to terminate Ethernet cable because wires can be easier to be inserted into the connector. Pass through RJ45 connectors are very suitable for novices.
-Reduced Error: Pass-through RJ45 connectors can also help reduce wiring errors before crimping as they help users make sure wires are correctly aligned and the color sequence is correct before crimping.
-Better Connection: Pass-through RJ45 connectors have a higher success rate of successful termination. They ensure a more precise termination for a more stable and reliable connection.
Cons
-Less Durable: The pass-through design makes copper wires exposed to oxygen, so the RJ45 connectors may be easily damage over time and affect the data transmission. (Our pass-through RJ45 connectors have been rigorously tested for long-term indoor use, demonstrating exceptional durability with minimal oxidation over the years.)
-Requirement for Special Crimping Tool: Non-pass-through RJ45 connectors can be crimped by most RJ45 crimping tools on the market, but pass-through RJ45 connectors require special crimping tools. If you decide to purchase pass-through connectors, you should also buy a pass-through RJ45 crimping tool. (We have upgraded our RJ45 crimping tool, making it suitable for both pass-through and non-pass-through RJ45 termination.)
Types of Pass-Through RJ45 Connectors
Pass-through RJ45 connectors can also be classified into different designs to meet different requirements. So when you choose RJ45 connectors for your network cabling, you should not only consider the Ethernet category but also the connector style.
One-Piece vs. Two-Piece RJ45 Connectors
One-piece RJ45 connectors are very common on the market, but sometimes you may find it difficult to feed the wires through the connector. Two-piece RJ45 connectors are the best solution to this problem. They usually come with a load bar that can help ensure the wires are inserted into the holes of the connector. For network novices, two-piece RJ45 connectors may be a better choice. It should be noted that most two-piece RJ45 connectors are designed for Cat6 and higher Ethernet categories because these network cables have thick wires and are difficult to pass through the connector.
Unshielded vs. Shielded
It is known that Ethernet cables can be divided into shielded and unshielded types, so do RJ45 connectors. There are shielded and unshielded pass-through RJ45 connectors on the market. Shielded types feature metal shielding to avoid EMI and RFI and they should be paired with shielded Ethernet cables for the best performance. Unshielded pass-through RJ45 connectors are enough for a home network, but if you want to install a network in an environment full of electromagnetic interference, don’t hesitate to pick up shielded ones.
Non-Staggered vs. Staggered
Do you carefully check the front holes of pass-through connectors? There are staggered and non-staggered styles. The staggered style is designed to hold Ethernet cables with thicker insulated wires. Thick insulated conductors will exceed standard holes of pass-through RJ45 connectors, so a staggered design is needed. It doesn’t mean that RJ45 connectors should be staggered for thick insulated conductors such as CAT7 and CAT8 cables. In addition, a staggered style can also help reduce cross-talk among copper wires.
How to Install Pass Through RJ45 Connectors?
The RJ45 Pass through connector is a great choice for many network installation applications for its ease of use and efficiency. By following the step-by-step tutorial, these RJ45 connectors can be easy to install. For example, here is an installation guide for two-piece pass-through RJ45 connectors.
Final Words
Pass-through RJ45 connectors can be a great choice for many network installation scenarios for their convenience and efficiency. They may not be as durable as the standard RJ45 connectors, but they are also a worthwhile investment for most installers. If you’re considering using pass-through RJ45 connectors for your home or office network, weigh the advantages and disadvantages to determine if they are right for you.
For more information on this topic, you can keep up on our blogs. While VCELINK offers general and basic information for our customers and other visitors to the website, it’s not professional advice.
Extremely informative and helpful information. Worth mentioning.