Rj45 Connector vs. Rj48 Connector – Which one is better?

The Rj45 and Rj48 connectors are sometimes confused due to their closeness in labeling. They, however, have some different characteristics. So how do they differ?

Finding the right connector for your connections is imperative. It could mean the difference between seamless connections and ineffective transmissions. It is possible to have good router and excellent Ethernet cables but still suffer bad connection. A connector may be a small device, but it plays a big role in the transmission cycle.

The Rj45 and Rj48 connectors have been used in cable connections for quite some time. Many people get confused over the two, and the main reason is the closeness in their identification and the fact that they look similar. It takes a keen eye to tell them apart.

So what are their characteristics, and what makes them different? This article will provide this information and it will help you decide the best connector for your applications. Let’s jump in!

What are the differences between the Rj45 and Rj48 connectors?

Connector	Rj45	Rj48 (Winner)
Physical Characteristics	Rectangular and clear	Rectangular and clear
Configuration	8P8C	8P8C
Positioning	1,2,3,6	1,2,4,5 or 1,2,7,8
Application	LAN and UTP cables	T1 data lines and STP cables
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Rj45 vs. Rj48 Connectors – How do they compare?

Physical Characteristics

The Rj45 connector is a long rectangular connector made of rigid plastic. It is also see through and it allows you to see the connection of wires inside. It has copper pins that acts as conductors for the electromagnetic impulses. They are coated in gold to prevent them from rusting.

The Rj48 connector is also long and rectangular, and it may not be easy to tell them apart. It is also made with rigid plastic and that is clear. It exposes the connection of wires, making it quite intriguing. It also has copper pins that are gold coated to prevent rusting.

Configuration

The Rj45 connector has an 8P8C configuration. This means that it has 8 positions and 8 connection points. It can hold up to 8 wires at a go.

The Rj48 has an 8P8C connector as well, which adds to its similarity to the Rj45. It has 8 positions and 8 connection points, also giving it the ability to hold 8 wires at a go.

Positioning

Even though both connectors have similar configurations, they have different ways in which the wires are connected.

The Rj45 connector has 8 positions, and the wires go into the 1, 2, 3, and 6 positions.

The Rj48 is a more versatile connector, and the wires can be connected in two different ways. The first positioning method is the 1, 2, 3 and 6, and the second way of positioning is the 1, 2, 7 and 8.

Application

The Rj45 is probably the most commonly used connector, especially for Ethernet cable connectors. It is most ideal for use in LAN cables and cables that are not long. It is an ideal connector for Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables such as the Cat5e Ethernet cable.

The Rj48 is not so common as compared to the Rj48. It is mainly used for cables that need to be long and also cables that are installed outside. For this reason, it is an ideal connector for STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables. It is also used as a connector for T1 data lines.

Rj45 Connector vs. Rj48 Connector Overview

The RJ45 Connector

This kind of connector is probably the most popular among the Ethernet cable connectors. It is a long rectangular device that has a width of 11.69mm. It is made of clear plastic that is rigid and durable. The see-through characteristic allows you to see the actual connection of the wires.

The Rj45 has a configuration of 8P8C, meaning that is has 8 different positions and 8 connection points. This connector has only one type of positioning. The wires go through a 1,2,3 and 6 positioning.

It has 8 copper pins embedded into it. They act as conductors which transmit impulses from the router to the cable and vice versa. The surface of the pins is treated using gold to prevent them from rusting. This also adds to the aesthetic value of the connector.

It is most ideal for cables that are unshielded (UTP) and Local Area Network connections. Unshielded Twisted Pair cables come without a foil shield between the copper wires and the pvc outer jacket. This connector is also ideal for cables that do not need to be very long, making it good for indoor connections.

Pros

• It has a strong and durable build
• It can handle up to 8 wires at a go
• Its copper pins are gold coated to prevent them from rusting
• It is an ideal fit for UTP cables

Cons

• It has only one way positioning type.

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The Rj48 Connector

This type of connector is not as common as its Rj45 counterpart. However, it has characteristic that are very similar, making it hard to tell them apart without looking at them closely. The Rj45 is also made using rigid plastic that is see-through, making it possible for you to see the connection of wires inside.

Just like the Rj45, it has an 8P8C configuration, giving it the ability to accommodate 8 wires at the same time. The interesting thing about this connector is that it has two positioning methods. The first one follows a 1, 2, 3 and 6 pattern and the second method follows a 1, 2, 7 and 8 pattern. This makes the Rj48 more versatile than the Rj45.

This connector has copper pins that acts as conductors between the cable and the network source. They are coated in gold to prevent them from rusting. The Rj48 is an ideal connector for STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cables which are also ideal for use outdoors. These cables come with an extra shield between the copper wires and the outer pvc jacket.

The Rj48 is an ideal connector for T1 data lines.

Pros

• It can accommodate 8 wires at a go
• It has a strong and compact build
• It has two connection patterns
• It has copper pins which are gold coated to prevent rusting
• It is an ideal connector for STP cables

Cons

• It cannot fit into an Rj45 port due to an external notch.

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Conclusion

The Rj45 and Rj48 are both essential connectors. They ensure proper and efficient connection between your devices and network sources. They have many similar characteristics but they also have different attributes that set them apart.

Verdict: So, which one is better – Rj45 or Rj48?

It is quite clear that both of these connectors are good, and they share many similarities. However, the Rj48 seems to carry the day with its two wiring methods which make it more versatile than the Rj45. It also has the ability to connect STP cables and has no problem with cables that need to be long.

FAQs

1. Can the Rj45 connector fit into an Rj48 port?

Yes, it can. It is possible to use an Rj45 connector in an Rj48 port, but the Rj48 cannot go into an Rj45 port as it has a notch that makes it incompatible.

2. What is the difference between the Rj48 and Rj48c?

The only difference is in the connection. It uses pin 1, 2, 4 and 5.