Best RJ45 Connector
Dec 20, 2024
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In this article, we will start by discussing the best RJ45 connector for network cables, also known as "modular plugs" or "RJ45 plugs".
1. Background on Best RJ45 Connectors
The RJ45 Connector, as a standard network interface, is widely used for connections between various devices, especially between computers and network equipment. This interface features eight metal contact points, each corresponding to a set of connections, totaling eight sets, which is also referred to as the 8P8C (8 positions, 8 connections) configuration. The RJ45 interface is compatible with multiple network protocols, such as Ethernet, Token Ring, and FDDI, making it highly versatile in network communication scenarios. Additionally, its ease of use, stable connection performance, and ability to support high-speed data transmission make it an ideal choice for network connections.
The application scope of the RJ45 interface is very broad, not confined to the computer field. In telephone networks, digital and IP phones often use RJ45 interfaces for connection. Furthermore, in the security monitoring field, connections between cameras, monitors, and network video recorders also frequently use this interface. In data center environments, connections between servers, ethernet switches, routers, firewalls, and other devices also rely on the RJ45 interface. Beyond these professional fields, RJ45 interfaces are also common in home entertainment devices, medical equipment, and industrial automation devices, playing a crucial role in data transmission and device connectivity.
2. General Classification of RJ45 plugs
Network cable connectors can be divided into two types based on function: plugs and sockets. The plug we are familiar with is the RJ45 plug, while the socket, as shown in the image, is more formally known as a keystone jack or rj45 jack. These are typically configured on network patch panels or network faceplates.
RJ45 is a type of information socket (i.e., communication outlet) connector in a cabling system, consisting of a plug (connector, modular plug) and a socket (module). The plug has eight grooves and eight contact points. RJ stands for Registered Jack, meaning "registered socket." In the FCC (Federal Communications Commission standards and regulations), RJ describes the interface of public telecommunications networks. The RJ45 in computer networks is the colloquial term for the standard 8-pin modular interface. The number following RJ represents the sequence number of the interface standard, while "P" and "C" refer to the number of positions (Position) and metal contact points (Contact) in the modular plug.
Another way to categorize modular plugs is by the number of holes and contact points. Common types used in data and voice systems include 4P2C, 4P4C, 6P2C, 6P4C, 6P6C, and 8P8C. Here, "P" (position) refers to the number of holes in the modular plug, and "C" (Contact) refers to the electrical contact points, typically made of phosphor bronze with gold plating. The RJ9 modular plug, available in 4P4C and 4P2C specifications, connects telephone handsets to the main unit and is known as the telephone modular plug. The 4P4C is mainly used for PBX systems, while the 4P2C is suitable for regular phones. The RJ11 modular plug, available in 6P4C and 6P2C specifications, is primarily used in devices with RJ11 interfaces, such as telephones, telephone modules, telephone patch panels, ADSL splitters, and PBX systems. The RJ12 modular plug, in the 6P6C specification, is also suitable for voice communication. The RJ45 modular plug, in the 8P8C specification, is mainly used for network data transmission.
We will not discuss the telephone modular plug separately but will introduce it together with the 8P8C modular plug.
3. Shielded and Unshielded RJ45 Plugs
Network cables are classified as shielded or unshielded. So, the question arises: Are there shielded and unshielded modular plugs? When should shielded modular plugs be used? What are the differences between shielded and unshielded modular plugs?
Shielded network cables use a metal mesh braiding layer to enclose the signal wires, primarily made of aluminum-magnesium wires. The shielding layer is usually made of materials like aluminum foil, which is thin and much less than the skin depth of metal materials in terms of efficiency. The effectiveness of the shielding layer is typically achieved through grounding.
Shielded modular plugs have a metal shell on the outside, which aligns perfectly with the shielding twisted pair when crimped with a cable crimper, achieving the purpose of shielding interference.
Unshielded modular plugs, on the other hand, are made of ordinary engineering plastics without any metal parts. Without metal, they are only wrapped in an insulating material, making them susceptible to strong external radiation interference, which can lead to data errors.
Shielded modular plugs need to be used with single-shielded, double-shielded, or shielded network cables to function effectively, while unshielded modular plugs can only be used with regular or unshielded network cables.
Since shielded network cables include a pull-resistant wire that requires grounding, shielded modular plugs also have a ground wire, providing grounding functionality. Unshielded network cables do not have a ground wire, so they lack this feature.
Shielded modular plugs are mostly used in networks above Cat 6A, where higher bandwidth and higher frequencies require comprehensive protection. However, in practice, even for 10-gigabit transmissions between cabinets, fiber optics are often used instead of network cables, as the cost of fully shielded cables and modular plugs is much higher than that of fiber optics.
4. In the 4th part, we will discuss the technical specifications of the metal pins in the RJ45 modular plug that are worth paying attention to.
4.1 The Pins in RJ45 Modular plugs
The pin part in the modular plug is the most critical component of the network system connection. The eight wire cores in the network cable make contact with these metal pins to complete the connection between the cable and the connector. The pins in the modular plug are sometimes called "plugs" or "gold-plated pins." These pins are usually made of bronze or phosphor bronze due to their excellent mechanical properties, wear resistance, and high hardness. High hardness is crucial because it allows the pins to easily pierce through the plastic sheath of the network cable's wire cores, ensuring better contact with the copper core inside the cable for data communication.
In many promotional materials for modular plug products, the surface material of the pins is often advertised as pure copper or oxygen-free copper. This is a misleading claim, often made to enhance the product's perceived value. As mentioned earlier, the pins in the modular plug are designed to pierce through the plastic sheath of the network cable's wire cores. However, if the pins were made of 100% pure copper or oxygen-free copper, their softness would prevent them from effectively piercing through the plastic sheath. Therefore, most modular plug pins are made of bronze or phosphor bronze, not oxygen-free copper or pure copper.
However, this raises another issue: copper and its alloys are prone to rusting. Ancient bronze artifacts, for example, show that copper easily oxidizes or corrodes. If the pins in the modular plug are not electroplated, they may turn green or black, a phenomenon known as rusting. Rusting of the modular plug pins can lead to network errors and disconnections.
To solve this issue, a common solution is to apply an anti-oxidation electroplating process to the copper material of the modular plug pins, typically using nickel plating. Nickel is a reactive metal that oxidizes easily, but once oxidized, it forms a dense oxide film that prevents further oxidation of the underlying material. After nickel plating, the pins do not rust. The presence of nickel plating on the modular plug pins can be observed from the side; nickel-plated sides appear silver-white, while unplated sides are yellow.
4.2 The Structure of RJ45 Modular plug Pins
The pin structure of modular plugs is mostly the high-forked three-prong structure shown in the image below. However, in practice, other structures can also be observed, such as two-prong and low-forked three-prong structures. What are the functions and usage scenarios of these different structures? The different structures are primarily related to the wire cores of the network cable, which can be either single-strand or multi-strand.
Single-strand wire cores are more common, but multi-strand wire cores are also widely used. As shown in the image, each wire core in the network cable is composed of seven thinner copper wires twisted together.
Single-strand network cables, due to their structure, are generally harder than multi-strand cables and are mainly used for engineering wiring. Network signals are high-frequency currents that flow only on the surface of the conductor (skin effect), typically used for fixed installations (e.g., conduit wiring). Single-strand cables are more convenient for connections and equipment wiring compared to multi-strand cables, which usually require crimping or soldering terminals. Therefore, multi-strand cables are generally more expensive.
Multi-strand network cables, with their fine conductor wires, offer better flexibility and are less likely to break due to repeated bending. They are commonly used in control circuits, suitable for applications where the wire needs to follow movement (e.g., on the doors of general distribution boxs and cabinets) or where multiple wires are laid together (facilitating wire laying and wire bundle formation). However, the irregular current flow path in multi-strand cables can cause fluctuations, potentially leading to electromagnetic interference and affecting the quality of transmitted signals.
The two-prong structure shown in the image above is suitable for both single-strand and multi-strand cables, with the wires crossing through two side blades.
The low-forked three-prong structure shown in the image above is suitable only for multi-strand cables. The serrated side blades pierce through the sheath and embed into the wire bundle.
The high-forked three-prong structure is suitable for both single-strand and multi-strand cables, with the wires crossing through three side blades.
4.3 Salt Spray Test for RJ45 Modular plugs.
Many modular plugs are promoted with salt spray testing. So, what is a salt spray test? The salt spray test for modular plugs is a common method to evaluate the corrosion resistance of metal pins. It simulates the salt spray corrosion phenomenon in marine environments by creating a saltwater environment in the laboratory to test the material's corrosion resistance. The salt spray test is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and power to evaluate the corrosion resistance of materials. The execution standards for the salt spray test of modular plugs include test methods, equipment requirements, and test conditions. The commonly used international standards for the salt spray test of modular plugs are as follows:
ASTM B117-16: A standard published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) for salt spray corrosion testing of metal materials.
GB/T 2423.17-2017: A Chinese national standard for salt spray corrosion testing of various materials.
ISO 9227: A standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for salt spray corrosion testing of metal materials.
5. In the 5th part, we will discuss the gold plating and gold plating grades of the metal pins in the RJ45 modular plug.
5.1 Gold Plating on RJ45 Modular plugs.
Many modular plugs are promoted with gold plating, especially in high-end models. Whether a modular plug is gold-plated depends on its quality and manufacturing process. High-quality modular plug pins are gold-plated, resulting in a pure, bright, and thick appearance. The purpose of gold plating is to reduce link transmission loss and ensure transmission stability by improving the contact surface of the metal pins. Some modular plugs have impure, dull, or even black copper pins with thin metal contact surfaces. Since the metal pins of modular plugs are mostly made of phosphor bronze, which is prone to oxidation, they are usually electroplated. Most modular plug pins are nickel-plated, as mentioned in the previous article. However, high-end modular plugs, to ensure transmission stability and reduce loss, will have a second layer of gold plating on top of the nickel layer.
Of course, not all gold-plated modular plugs are fully gold-plated; the gold plating is usually only on the exposed surface of the copper pins (i.e., the surface that contacts the keystone module). The gold layer primarily prevents oxidation of the nickel layer and wear. Therefore, after 1000 or more insertion and removal tests, the gold plating on the surface of the nickel-plated gold modular plug is not completely worn off, and the nickel layer remains intact.
Pure copper gold plating is a jewelry-making technique where copper products are immersed in a gold plating solution to form a gold layer on the copper surface. The color of pure copper gold plating is not pure gold but closer to a silver-gold hue. The advantage of pure copper gold plating is its high hardness and great durability. Additionally, since the plating is a mixture of copper and gold, it is much cheaper than pure gold while having a similar color and luster. However, don't be tempted to steal the gold plating, as it's not worth much.
5.2 Gold Plating Thickness Standards
Many brands promote their modular plugs by mentioning the thickness of the gold plating in "U" units. Seeing "U" as a unit of gold plating thickness might be confusing for some. So, how much is 1U in standard size units?
"U" in gold plating refers to the thickness unit, where 1μm is approximately equal to 40U. Generally, the thicker the gold plating, the more durable it is against insertion and removal, acid-base corrosion, and the longer the contact life, the better the transmission stability, and the higher the price. However, in reality, the quality of the gold plating, or the impact of gold plating on the quality of the modular plug, is more closely related to the manufacturing process.
The μm unit is our commonly used standard unit, pronounced "miu m," meaning 1 micrometer, where 1 millimeter = 1000 micrometers.
Gold plating thickness: A 30U modular plug has a gold plating thickness of 30 microinches (denoted as 30u"), while a 50U modular plug has a gold plating thickness of 50 microinches (denoted as 50u").
In fact, the quality of the gold plating also includes factors such as the purity, uniformity, adhesion, voids, bubbles, and plating method of the gold layer. Therefore, it can only be said that within the same brand, the thicker the gold plating, the better the quality of the modular plug. For different brands, however, the saying "you get what you pay for" applies; a thicker gold plating does not necessarily mean better quality, especially if there is potential mislabeling.
The gold plating thickness of the terminals in modular plugs varies, resulting in different grades. The most commonly used gold plating is 3U", while other products have 6U", 15U", 30U", 50U", and 60U". The latter thicknesses are generally used in modular plugs for 10-gigabit and above networks.
The "U" unit is used for all gold-plated finishes, including gold plating on jewelry and other items.
5.3 Plug and Unplug Test for Modular plugs
The Plug and Unplug Test test for modular plugs is another frequently mentioned indicator. The network communication industry standard requires 750 insertion and removal cycles for modular plugs, but many RJ45 modular plugs claim to withstand 1000 insertion and removal cycles. In addition to listening to the promotional claims, it is advisable to request a monitoring report for the insertion and removal test. The international standard IEC60603-7 specifies requirements for insertion and removal forces, and the Chinese national standards GB2423-93 and GB5095 also have clear regulations for the plug and unplug cycles of RJ45 modular plugs. The regulations state that after 750 plug and unplug cycles, the modular plug should show no significant changes and remain functional.
The insertion and removal cycles are determined by the shell material of the modular plug, which we will discuss in detail in the next article. The gold plating thickness also determines the durability of the insertion and removal cycles; some brands' modular plugs with thick gold plating can withstand over 1000 insertion and removal cycles.
6. In the 6th part, we will continue to discuss the housing and materials of the RJ45 plug in network cables.
6.1 RJ45 Plug Housing Material: PC Plastic
The plastic housing of the RJ45 plug is made of PC plastic, also known as polycarbonate. It is transparent and colorless, with excellent heat resistance and impact resistance. At room temperature, it exhibits excellent mechanical properties and achieves a UL 94V-2 flame retardant rating without the need for additional flame retardants.
PC plastic, short for polycarbonate, is an engineering plastic with excellent overall performance, high strength, elongation, and toughness, outstanding impact strength, and good electrical properties. It has a light transmittance of over 90%. PC plastic has high impact strength, a wide operating temperature range, good creep resistance, electrical insulation, and dimensional stability; however, it is sensitive to notches, has poor resistance to environmental stress cracking, and is more difficult to form with metal inserts.
6.2 Common Materials Used in RJ45 Cables and Plugs
When discussing the materials of cables, terms like PVC, PE, and the PC used in RJ45 plugs, as well as PP and PET, are often mentioned. These are all important products in the chemical industry. What are their differences? This issue, we will introduce PC, PE/HDPE, and PVC.
PC plastic has good transparency, moderate thermal stability, and a poor hand feel, especially after prolonged use, making it appear "dirty." It is an engineering plastic, also known as organic glass.
PC is widely used in products like phone cases, laptop shells, and RJ45 plug housings, especially in manufacturing baby bottles and water tumblers. In recent years, baby bottles have been controversial due to the presence of bisphenol A. The higher the temperature, the more bisphenol A is released from PC, and the faster it is released. Therefore, PC water bottles should not be used to hold hot water, especially at the beginning.
PE, or polyethylene, is used in products like cling film and plastic wrap. It has limited heat resistance; typically, PE cling film will melt at temperatures exceeding 110°C, leaving behind plastic residues that the human body cannot decompose.
HDPE, or high-density polyethylene, is a highly crystalline, non-polar thermoplastic resin, usually in the form of white powder or granules. It is non-toxic and odorless, with a crystallinity of 80% to 90%, a softening point between 125°C and 135°C, and a usable temperature of up to 100°C. HDPE has good hardness, tensile strength, wear resistance, electrical insulation, toughness, and low-temperature resistance, strong chemical stability, and is insoluble in any organic solvent at room temperature, resistant to acids, alkalis, and various salt solutions. Many inner sheaths of network cables are made of HDPE.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is formed by the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer and is one of the commonly used thermoplastics. Pure PVC resin is a rigid thermoplastic material with a decomposition temperature typically not exceeding 100°C and poor mechanical strength. Therefore, PVC resin cannot be used to mold products directly; plasticizers and fillers must be added to improve its properties, forming PVC plastic, which is then processed into various products. PVC can be divided into rigid PVC and flexible PVC depending on the amount of plasticizer added. Many cable sheaths are made of PVC.
6.3 Considerations for Selecting RJ45 Plug Housings
The PC plastic housing of RJ45 plugs is transparent and colorless, with excellent heat resistance and impact resistance. At room temperature, it exhibits excellent mechanical properties and achieves a UL 94V-2 flame retardant rating without the need for additional flame retardants.
Not all PC plastics are colorless and transparent; some are light blue. Light blue plugs were first made by Bayer using their proprietary PC plastic formula, which gives them a different appearance from those of other manufacturers. Despite the difference in appearance, the performance of blue plugs is not significantly different from that of common PC plastics. Light blue plugs can be used normally.
In network cabling, RJ45 plugs are the most commonly used accessories. A high-quality plug is crucial for both construction and subsequent maintenance. How can we judge the quality of a plug housing? We can make a preliminary judgment based on the plug's housing.
First, after opening a box of plugs, shake the package a few times. If the sound is crisp, it indicates that the PC plastic used in the housing has high purity and density. High-purity and high-density polymer materials have good sound conduction properties, resulting in a crisp sound when colliding.
Second, observe the appearance of a plug. A high-quality plug housing is either colorless or light blue and transparent, free of impurities or spots. A poor-quality plug housing appears cloudy, indicating that the PC material used is of lower quality.
7. In the 7th part, we will discuss the spring tabs and hole diameters of the RJ45 plug housing in network cables.
7.1 Spring Tabs of RJ45 Plugs
The spring tab at the top of the RJ45 plug is a good indicator of its quality. Some low-quality plugs have fragile spring tabs that break easily during installation. High-quality plugs, however, can withstand bending the spring tab 180° and returning it to its original position without breaking, even after 15 such bends.
The spring tab is designed to securely hold the copper cable in the network device's port for data transmission without loosening. If you flick the spring tab with your finger, you should hear a clear sound. Pushing the tab forward to 90° should not break it and it should return to its original position without losing its elasticity. When inserting the plug into a hub or network card, you should hear a clear "click."
If the spring tab can withstand 180° bends more than 25 times, the plug housing material has excellent toughness and high mechanical strength, meeting quality requirements. Therefore, during long-distance transportation or long-term storage, the spring tab is less likely to break by accident. After termination, the tab can maintain its elasticity to secure the plug in the port, ensuring long-term stability of the channel.
7.2 Hole Diameter Specifications of RJ45 Plugs
As an important component of network connections, the hole diameter and precision of the RJ45 plug directly affect the stability and reliability of network transmission. Therefore, understanding and mastering the standard hole diameter is crucial.
First, let's look at the basic hole diameter requirements of RJ45 plugs. Generally, the hole diameter depends on the type of plug. Higher-bandwidth cables have thicker cores, requiring larger plug spaces.
The standard hole diameter for a Cat 5e plug is 1.0mm, with a cable core diameter of 0.85mm to 0.98mm. The holes are aligned in the same horizontal plane.
Cat 6 plugs are mainly used in Cat 6 cabling systems and have a hole diameter of 1.1mm, with a cable core diameter of 0.95mm to 1.08mm. The holes are arranged in an alternating vertical pattern.
Cat 7 plugs are used in networks with speeds above 10 Gbps and have a hole diameter of 1.3mm, with a cable core diameter of 1.08mm to 1.30mm. The holes are also arranged in an alternating vertical pattern.
7.3 Classification of RJ45 Plug Housings
In Cat 6A and Cat 7 plugs, split plugs are often seen. Split plugs have independent wire channels and shielding layers, unlike the integrated plugs commonly used. Split plugs typically have independent wire channels and shielding layers, which allow for longer and wider separation of the eight cable wires, improving interference resistance. Split plugs use a tail clamp design to secure the connected cable, preventing it from falling off. This design makes split plugs superior in interference resistance and cable fixation.
The design of split plugs includes a wire separator that functions similarly to the crossbar in network cables. When making network cables, if the crossbar is cut too short, it may result in poor near-end crosstalk, but the wire separator in split plugs can help ensure the cable passes Fluke's near-end crosstalk test. This design not only improves cable performance but also ensures the stability and reliability of network connections.
Split plugs are a type of plug housing classification. In terms of process, they can be divided into: one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece, based on the number of housing parts.
One-piece plugs are single-piece devices with an integrated housing and plug, making them easy to install and use. These plugs are generally simple, with no additional features, and are often used for simple connections, such as home network cabling.
Two-piece plugs consist of a housing and a plug, requiring the plug to be inserted into the housing before use. These plugs are more flexible and can be used with different cables and connection needs, but the installation is slightly more complex.
Three-piece plugs consist of a housing, a plug, and a sleeve, requiring the plug to be inserted into the housing and then the sleeve to be fixed. These plugs are suitable for more stable and durable connections, such as in commercial and industrial network cabling.
If you look closely, you can see that the internal structure is different. Based on the internal structure, plugs can be classified as: single-row, 4-up-4-down, 6-up-2-down, and 3-up-5-down.
Modular Plugs can also be classified by style: long body, short body. However, most commonly used are long-body plugs.
Another classification method is the number of slots and contacts, often referred to as "P" and "C." Here, "P" stands for slots, and "C" stands for contacts. For example, an RJ45 plug is 8P8C, while a telephone plug is 6P2C or 4P2C.
8. In the 8th part, we will discuss more styles and usage scenarios of RJ45 plugs in network cables.
8.1 Shielded Types of RJ45 Plugs
Shielded plugs are not simply plugs with an additional metal shielding layer on the PC housing. Some shielded plugs also have structures that connect with the shielding layer of shielded cables, making the shielding more seamless and enhancing interference resistance. Shielded plugs have a metal shell that aligns with the shielding layer of shielded twisted-pair cables when crimped with a cable crimper, achieving the purpose of shielding interference.
This shielding function ensures that data is not affected by external electromagnetic interference during transmission, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy and stability of the data.
There are two types of shielded plugs. The first is a one-piece shielded plug, which can be seen as a non-shielded plug with a nickel/tin-plated copper shell added as a shielding layer. This type of plug uses the original "stopper" internal structure to crimp and secure the cable, preventing it from falling off.
The second type is a two-piece shielded plug. The rear half of this plug is a nickel/tin-plated copper shell as a shielding layer, with an independent wire channel that extends and widens the separation length and distance of the eight cable wires. It has better interference resistance than one-piece plugs. The two-piece plug uses a tail clamp design, with the built-in tail clamp securing the connected cable to prevent it from falling off.
Shielded plugs are suitable for network environments requiring high-speed and stable data transmission, especially in situations where data transmission quality and stability are critical.
8.2 Through-hole RJ45 Plugs
As the name suggests, Through-hole plugs allow the cable to pass through directly, reducing installation hassle, especially when dealing with harder cables like Cat 6. This design reduces insertion resistance and the risk of cable bending. Through-hole plugs have an open head, not a closed one. The advantage of this design is that it eliminates the need for pre-cutting the cable or pre-termination processing. Simply terminate the cable directly. Use a cable crimper that can cut the cable to crimp and cut it.
The downside of Through-hole plugs is that their open head exposes the copper core to air, which can easily oxidize, potentially causing open circuits, short circuits, or packet loss. Additionally, this type of plug must be crimped with a cable crimper that can cut the cable, requiring additional tools and increasing construction costs. However, for harder cables like Cat 6A and Cat 7, Through-hole plugs can speed up the process. Ultimately, it depends on the usage scenario and specific construction conditions.
8.3 Tool-Free plugs
Tool-free plugs, also known as non-crimping plugs, do not require crimping tools; they have an internal crimping module. Another advantage of these plugs is that they can be reused.
Compared to ordinary plugs, this tool-free plug is designed for easy operation without tools, making it simple and convenient to use. Simply arrange the cable cores according to the built-in color code, insert them into the slots, trim the excess wire, and close the housing.
Ordinary plugs cannot be reused; once used, they must be cut along with the cable and reconnected. However, this tool-free plug can be disassembled and reused multiple times, withstanding repeated crimping, reducing waste. The connection between the cable and the plug uses a screw design, which is easy to operate and ensures a secure connection, maintaining stable signal transmission.
Many toolless plugs also feature an alloy shielding shell to protect the internal cable from external interference and ensure stable transmission. The internal chip uses a high-performance gold-plated chip with a tight three-prong structure that can easily puncture the cable sheath, providing a larger and more secure contact area, stronger conductivity, and faster data transmission without packet loss.
The plug's contact points are made of thick gold-plated terminals, resistant to wear and corrosion, ensuring stable network speed over time. The thick gold plating also effectively prevents oxidation and damage, greatly reducing contact issues and extending the lifespan of the contacts.
As for why they are called "tool-free" or "toolless" it is related to the early practice of "punching" when making telephone line , telephone cable plug and keystone jacks. Punching involves using a spring-loaded punch tool to insert the cable core into the gap of the keystone jack's contact point, making the contact point clamp the cable firmly.
Tool-free: Refers to inserting the cable core into the keystone jack without a punch knife or punch tool. Such keystone modules are collectively referred to as tool-free keystone modules. Therefore, when referring to these rj45 plugs that do not require tools, we also call them tool-free plugs.
