RFRJ11 vs RJ14 vs RJ45 vs RJ48: Connector Differences Explained
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RJ11, RJ14, RJ45, and RJ48 connectors are all members of the Registered Jack (RJ) connector family. While they share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of their pinout, the number of pins used, wiring standards, color codes, and common applications.
Here are the similarities between them:
- Connector Family: All four connectors belong to the RJ connector family, meaning they share some physical characteristics and can be used with compatible jacks and sockets.
- Modular Design: RJ11, RJ14, RJ45, and RJ48 connectors are designed with a modular plug and socket configuration, allowing them to be easily connected and disconnected from jacks or outlets.
- Compatibility: These connectors can use the same physical interface, meaning they can be inserted into the same type of jack. However, keep in mind that the wiring and pin configurations may differ significantly.
RJ11 Connector
The RJ11 connector is commonly used as a telephone plug. It serves as a physical interface to terminate telephone wires.
- This RJ11 connector has 6 positions, but typically only 4 are installed. The pins commonly used are 2, 3, 4, and 5.
- It mainly uses 2 wires for the connection, specifically pins 2 and 5.
- It’s primarily used to connect a single telephone line.
- It uses 6P4C (6 Position, 4 Contact) & 6P2C connector types.
The following table outlines the RJ11 pin descriptions:
| RJ11 pin number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | No connection (NC) |
| 2 | RD |
| 3 | GND |
| 4 | NC |
| 5 | TD |
| 6 | NC |
The table below shows RJ11 pin details for RS232, RS422, and RS485 connections:
| RJ11 pin number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | RTS output |
| 2 | TX+ output |
| 3 | GND (for RS232), (TX- for RS422/RS485) |
| 4 | GND (for RS232), (RX- for RS422/RS485) |
| 5 | RX+ input |
| 6 | CD input |
RJ14 Connector
This RJ14 connector also has 6 positions with 4 installed pins (2, 3, 4, and 5).
- It is typically used for connecting two analog telephone lines.
- It utilizes 4 wires for the connection.
- It can connect two telephones.
- It uses the 6P4C connector type.
The following table describes the RJ14 pin assignments:
| RJ14 pin number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unused |
| 2 | Tip-2 |
| 3 | Ring-1 |
| 4 | Tip-1 |
| 5 | Ring-2 |
| 6 | Unused |
Figure-1 (not included as a separate image but can be inferred from the RJ11 image above) shows pin details of RJ11 vs RJ14 connector types used to interface analog voice lines.
RJ45 Connector
The RJ45 connector is primarily used as a data plug, particularly for Ethernet connections.
- It uses an 8P8C (8 Position, 8 Contact) connector type.
The table below describes RJ45 pin descriptions according to both the T568-A and T568-B wiring standards:
| RJ45 pin number | Description as per T568-A | Description as per T568-B |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Receive Data+ (white/green) | Transmit Data+ (White/orange) |
| 2 | Receive Data- (green) | Transmit Data- (orange) |
| 3 | Transmit Data+ (white/orange) | Receive Data+ (white/green) |
| 4 | Not used (blue) | Not used (blue) |
| 5 | Not used (white/blue) | Not used (white/blue) |
| 6 | Transmit Data- (orange) | Receive Data- (green) |
| 7 | Not used (White/brown) | Not used (white/brown) |
| 8 | Not used (brown) | Not used (brown) |
RJ48 Connector
The RJ48 connector is typically used for connecting T1, E1, and J1 lines in telecommunications.
- It uses an 8P8C (8 Position, 8 Contact) connector type.
In a crossover cable between RJ48 connectors, the connections are made as follows:
- 1 - 4
- 2 - 5
- 4 - 1
- 5 - 2
In a straight cable between RJ48 connectors, the connections are:
- 1 - 1
- 2 - 2
- 4 - 4
- 5 - 5
The following table outlines the RJ48 pin descriptions:
| RJ48 pin number | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | RX/Ring/- |
| 2 | RX/Tip/+ |
| 3 | Not connected |
| 4 | TX/Ring/- |
| 5 | TX/Tip/+ |
| 6 | Not connected |
| 7 | Not connected |
| 8 | Not connected |
Difference between RJ11, RJ14, RJ45, and RJ48
Let’s compare RJ11, RJ14, RJ45, and RJ48 based on various parameters, as shown in the table below:
| Parameters | RJ11 | RJ14 | RJ45 | RJ48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of pins | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Connector type | 6P4C & 6P2C | 6P4C | 8P8C (8 position 8 contact) | 8P8C (8 position 8 contact) |
| Wiring standard | TIA-568A or B (optional) | TIA-568A or B (optional) | TIA-568A or B (standard) | TIA-568A or B (standard) |
| Connector size | Smaller, narrower | Smaller, narrower | Larger, wider | Larger, wider |
| Pin Arrangement | Typically 2 pairs of wires | Typically 2 pairs of wires | 4 pairs of wires | 4 pairs of wires |
| Data transmission | Low data rates (typically up to 10 Mbps) | Low data rates (typically up to 10 Mbps) | High data rates (up to 1 Gbps or more) | Digital telecommunications circuits |
| Cable length (maximum) | Up to 100 meters (phone lines) | Up to 100 meters (phone lines) | Up to 100 meters (Ethernet) | Up to 100 meters (T1/E1 lines) |
| Wire Gauge | Often uses thinner wire (e.g., AWG 26) | Often uses thinner wire (e.g., AWG 26) | Typically uses thicker wire (e.g., AWG 22) | Typically uses thicker wire (e.g., AWG 22) |
| Color coding | May have various color codes | May have various color codes | Standardized color-coding (TIA-568A/B) | Standardized color-coding (TIA-568A/B) |
| Common Use case | Voice and fax communication | Two-line phone systems | Data transfer and networking | T1 and E1 digital line connections |
Conclusion
In summary, RJ11, RJ14, RJ45, and RJ48 connectors share a common modular design but differ significantly in their pin count, wiring standards, typical applications, data transmission capabilities, and overall purpose. These differences make each connector suitable for specific types of connections and networking applications.
