Rj11 vs. Rj12 Connectors – Which one of these is the better Connector?
The Rj11 and Rj12 connectors are widely used for different devices. They may differ on a number of physical aspects. But which one is the best connector and why?
There is a large number of connectors in the market currently, and if you do not know much about them, picking one for use may be something of a tall order. There are those that are long, some are short, some are clear and others are opaque.
The Rj11 and Rj12 connectors are two connectors that resemble each other quite closely. It is important to note that even their functionality also resembles very closely. Many people are unable to pick between the two connectors for their connections.
So what sets these two connectors apart? How do their functions differ? This article will look at each connector in detail, outline their characteristics and list their pros and cons. You will be able to decide what fits your applications and needs.
You are welcome to come along!
Table of Contents
What are the differences between the Rj11 and Rj12 Connectors?
Category |
Rj11 |
Rj12 (Winner) |
Shape |
Square |
Square |
Usage |
ASDL, phone lines, modems |
System phones |
Configuration |
6P4C (6 Positions, 4 Connection points)/ 6P2C (6 Positions, 2 Connection Points) |
6P6C (6 Positions, 6 Connection Point) |
Bandwidth |
24Mbps |
Undisclosed |
Rj11 vs. Rj12 Connectors – How do they compare?
Shape and Dimensions
The Rj11 connector is a small device that is compact and square in shape. It has a width of 9.6mm.
The Rj12 is also similarly compact and square, and apart from the extra connection points, there is almost no way to tell the two apart. The Rj12 has a width of 9.6mm.
Usage/ Application
The Rj11 is a connector that is ideal for ASDL lines phone lines and modems. It is a small connector that only has a capacity to handle a maximum of 4 wires at a time, making it unsuitable for cables with 8 wires.
The Rj12 has a similar build and diameter. It, however, has a capacity to handle 6 wires at a go. For this reason it is mainly used as a connector for system phones.
Configuration
The Rj11 connector usually has 2 types of configuration, and it would be ideal to confirm the one you need before purchase. One of the configurations that it comes in is the 6P2C (6 positions and 2 connection points). This kind of connector cannot handle heavy transmission as it has a low bandwidth. This 6P2C configuration connector is ideal for applications such as phone lines.
The other Rj11 connector has a 6P4C configuration. This means that it has 6 positions and 4 connection points. This gives it a better capacity to handle more wires at a time, making it ideal for modem cables.
The Rj12 connector, unlike the Rj11, has only one configuration type. It has a 6P6C configuration, meaning that it has 6 positions and 6 connection points. This makes it an ideal connector for system phones.
Bandwidth/ Transmission Speed
The Rj11 only has a capacity to transmit speeds of up to 24Mbps. This is quite low, and is the main reason it cannot be used as an Ethernet cable connector.
The Rj12 connector’s speed and bandwidth are not indicated, but it also cannot be used as an Ethernet connector, meaning that both parameters are quite low.
The Rj11 vs. Rj12 Connector Overview
The Rj11 Connector
- RJ11 connectors for 4 Conductor Stranded Wire Round Phone Cables
- Crimp on RJ11 connectors
This connector is typically a compact square shaped device. It is made of clear see-trough plastic that makes it quite interesting to look at since you can be able to the wires connected through it. It is quite small and only weighs in at 0.16 ounces. It has a diameter of 9.66mm and can only accommodate a maximum of 4 wires at a time.
This connector usually comes in two configurations. The first configuration is the 6P2C configuration. This connector type has 6 positions and 2 connection points. This kind of connector can only accommodate a maximum of two wires at a time.
This connector can also come in a 6P4C configuration. This means that it has 6 positions and 4 connection points and can, therefore, accommodate 4 wires at a time.
This connector usually has pins that are made using copper. They are, however, gold plated to prevent them from rusting. This coating also adds to the aesthetic value of the connector.
This connector is easy to attach to the cable and also easy to terminate.
Pros
- It comes in two configuration types
- It is easy to attach and terminate
- It has pure copper pins that are coated in gold to prevent rusting
- It is accommodative to slow speed transmissions
Cons
- It is not an ideal connector for cables with many wires
The Rj12 Connector
- [Parameters] A pack of 100 RJ12 (6P6C) modules plug, suitable for voice communication, six pins,...
- [Compatibility] This connectors can be applied to telephone lines and widely used in home or office cable...
Much like the Rj11 connector, the Rj12 is a compact square shaped connector. It is actually difficult to tell the two apart, and you may have to employ keenness to succeed. It is also a clear see-through device that is quite nice to look at. It has a diameter of 9.6mm but it is able to handle more wires than the Rj11. It is also quite light and only weighs 0.16 ounces.
This connector only comes with one configuration. It has a 6P6C configuration, indicating that it has 6 positions and 6 connection points. It can handle up to 6 wires at a go. This gives it the ability to transmit higher amounts of data. This connector is ideal for system phones.
The Rj12 connector has copper pins used to transmit the electromagnetic impulses. They are coated in gold to prevent them from rusting. It also gives it a better look.
Pros
- It has the ability to accommodate up to 6 wires at a time
- Its pins are gold coated to prevent it from rusting
- It has a good aesthetic value
Cons
- It only comes in one configuration type
Conclusion
The Rj11 and RJ12 connectors have very similar characteristics that make it difficult to tell them apart without looking at them keenly. They however, are meant for different applications and uses. They are both well built and easy to use.
Verdict: So, which one is better – Rj11 or Rj12?
Well, the truth is that both of these connectors are meant for different applications. They are also quit similar and the only thing that seems to set them apart is their configuration. For this reason, the RJ12 seems like a better performer. It has the capacity to hold 6 copper wires at a time, meaning that it can handle more and faster transmission.
The Rj11 does quite well for itself, and the fact that it has 2 configuration types is good, but it remains outperformed by the RJ12.
FAQs
-
Is the RJ12 connector compatible with analog modems?
Yes, the RJ12 connector I designed to be compatible with both the analog and digital modems.
-
Can the Rj11 connector be used for Ethernet cable connections?
No, it may not be suitable as a result of its configuration. Ethernet cables need an 8P8C configuration since they have 8 copper wires in them. The Rj45 is the best for Ethernet cable connections.
