[TriLUG] Slightly OT: network switch question

[Wes Garrison via TriLUG]

8P8C <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modular_connector#8P8C>= "8 Position, 8
Contact" (or 8 Conductor)

Most people call them RJ45, including me usually, but I was trying to be as
correct as possible on this list.

I agree that using stranded is best for crimping, but sometimes you need to
make a long run and solid cable is all you have, so it's good to have the
correct modular connector on hand in case you need it for solid cable.

Here are a few examples of modular ends specifically for solid cable:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005E2Y6BS/ (CAT 6)  if you zoom in, you can see
the alternating fingers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008F533EC/ (CAT 5e)

This one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002J284K/ says it's for solid or
stranded, but I wouldn't trust it.  You can see it only has 2 prongs.

The middle finger emoji was just a smart-ass joke that I thought of as I
typed "here is a picture of the middle finger".  The alternating fingers in
the 2nd picture is the one I really wanted you to see.

As always, I learn new things in these discussions!

-Wes


_________________________________
Wesley S. Garrison
Network Engineer
Xitech Communications, Inc.
phone:  (919) 260-0803
fax:       (919) 932-5051
__________________________________
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from email."

On Wed, May 16, 2018 at 1:34 PM, Joseph Mack NA3T <jmack at wm7d.net> wrote:

> On Wed, 16 May 2018, Wes Garrison wrote:
>
> Joe,
>>
>> Can you explain what you mean by "re-inserted"?
>>
>
> Hi Wes,
>
> ah. sorry about that
>
> re-inserted == unplugging and replugging an RJ45
>
> Re-inserted into what?
>>
>
> (I didn't know the term "8P8C connector". I've just used the term RJ45. I
> assume they're the same for purposes of discussion here.)
>
> you shouldn't use solid conductor cable on an RJ45 connector, as the
> connector can and will be unplugged and replugged (re-inserted). You should
> use solid conductor only on a punch down strip, where after punch down the
> cable will be tested (I jiggle the cable near the punch down point, while
> testing it, to make sure there's no cracks already in the conductor,
> waiting to bight me in the ass) and from then on everyone has to promise on
> pain of death that the cable will never be moved (well flexed. pushing it
> from one side to another in a plenum is OK by me).
>
> You *can, *however crimp an 8P8C connector onto both solid and stranded
>> cable, provided you use the correct connector for the application.
>>
>
> I still don't think it's a good idea to use one of these connectors on
> solid cable. It may save you a few dollars in cable costs on installation,
> but with the flexing of the cable on plugging and unplugging, you're
> inviting a maintenance nightmare, particularly if you have hundreds of
> connectors on solid cable.
>
> An 8P8C connector for solid cable has 3 "fingers" that displace the
>> insulation on the cable when crimped, so that the outer two fingers are on
>> one side of the conductor and the middle finger is on the other.
>>
>> Here is a picture of the middle finger <https://cdn.shopify.com/s/fil
>> es/1/1061/1924/products/Middle_Finger_Emoji_894a7ecd-277f-
>> 479e-9967-44d20813a2d6_large.png>
>>
>
> I get a middle finger emoji. Is that what you wanted me to see?
>
> Here's a better pic <https://sc02.alicdn.com/kf/HT
>> B1QAJoXY9YBuNjy0Fgq6AxcXXa2/cat-7-rj45-connector-RJ45-shield
>> ed-modular.jpg>
>>
>
> got it. thanks
>
>
> Joe
> --
> Joseph Mack NA3T EME(B,D), FM05lw North Carolina
> jmack (at) wm7d (dot) net - azimuthal equidistant
> map generator at http://www.wm7d.net/azproj.shtml
> Homepage http://www.austintek.com/ It's GNU/Linux!
>