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Traditional RJ45 connectors are very common on the market, but they are not always suitable for all scenarios. In some cases such as on-site cabling testing and frequently moved cabling, these old RJ45 connectors are inconvenient, and a field termination plug is necessary for quick and flexible installation.
What is Field Termination Plug?
Field termination plug, also known as toolless RJ45 connector, is often used in industries and appliances requiring quick and reliable connection to network. Field termination plug usually features an insulation displacement contact (IDC) that is also called insulation-piercing contact (IPC).
This connector is designed with sharp blades that can penetrate the insulated cable and make a stable connection to the conductor. Field termination plug can also be regarded as a type of IDC connector, allowing for an easy and reliable termination without using RJ45 crimping tools. Field termination plug can be terminated to your network cable like a toolless keystone jack, and the easy operation makes it great for both novices and experienced installers.
4 Types of Field Termination Plug/ Toolless RJ45 Connector
You may know that field termination plugs can be classified based on different categories, such as Cat6 and Cat6a field termination plugs. They can also be divided into different types for various applications and scenarios. Here we’ll introduce some RJ45 terminator plugs that are useful for on-site termination.
Shielded Field Termination Plug
The shielded field termination plug may be the most common type on the market. It may frustrate you when the standard RJ45 connectors cannot fit your outdoor network cables, this type of field termination plug is the best solution. Shielded toolless RJ45 connectors are designed for thick outdoor shielded and direct burial Ethernet cables.
Unshielded Field Termination Plug
Unshielded RJ45 field termination plug is a cost-effective alternative. You know that shielded field termination plugs are made for shielded Ethernet cables. But what if you want to find one for your unshielded cables?An unshielded field termination plug is a good choice for your unshielded Ethernet. In fact, it can be difficult to find this type on the market.
Angled Field Termination Plug
In a regularstructured cabling system, the straight field termination plug is enough for network installation. But if you need to install your cable in a very narrow place, don’t hesitate to choose the angled type.
Toolless Extension Connector
This is a very special toolless RJ45 connector. Novices or less-experienced installers may need help understanding what these connectors are used for. It is a combination of both an RJ45 connector and coupler, designed for 8-wire connection, extension, repair, or rerouting of network cables. The most powerful function of it is that it can reconnect damaged cables without re-routing the cabling.
Pros and Cons of Field Termination Plug
If you want to make a patch cord yourself in the field, a field termination plug is required for high-performance and stable network transmission. The field termination plug has its own advantages and disadvantages. Read on to learn more information.
Pros of Field Termination Plug
-Easier to terminate than other standard RJ45 connectors, featuring a similar assembly process as toolless keystone jack
-No need for specific termination tools, which can save time and cost
-Standard RJ45 connectors can only be used once, but field termination plugs are reusable and durable
-Provide high performance because of PCB inside, which can also reduce internal crosstalk
-Especially great for thick Ethernet cables
-Using a special technique to reduce crosstalk
Cons of Field Termination Plug
-Generally more expensive than standard 8P8C connectors
-Compared to RJ45 connectors, field termination plugs are longer and they may not be very suitable for applications in very tight places
Applications
Field termination plugs can be used in various scenarios. For example, it is more suitable for thick outdoor Ethernet cables that a standard RJ45 connectors cannot fit. It can also be used for on-site frequently-removed cabling. Morever, field termination plugs are often applied in high-bandwidth applications, including IP-enabled devices. Here are some examples of its applications:
- IP Security Cameras
- Wireless Access Points
- Data Center
- IP Audio
- ...
How to Install Shielded Field Termination Plug?
Step 1: Prepare the following things: the Cat7 Ethernet cable, field termination plug (KJ19-C7), wire cutter and wire stripper.
Step 2: First of all, you need to insert the boot into the cable, or you need to start over.
Step 3: Use the wire stripper to stripe the cable jacket. (A tip: use the stripper softly or it may damage the wire.)
Step 4: Use the exterior braid shielding as a ground wire to make your Ethernet cable grounded.
Step 5: Remove the foiled shielding, use the cable jacket to arrange and straighten the copper wire.
Step 6: Insert the wires into the load bar according to the color sequence printed on it and use the wire cutter to cut excess wires.
Step 7: Put the load bar into the housing and align them. Then press down the cap to close it.
Step 8: Repeat the same operation on the other end and you will get a patch cable. Use the RJ45 tester to test if your cable can work well.
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.
“Insightful post! Your explanation of what a Field Termination Plug is and its significance in network installations is clear and concise. The practical examples help demystify this component, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of networking. Well done!”