If you are setting up a LAN network and have come across the term “keystone jack”, you have come to the right place. In this ultimate guide, we will explain what a keystone jack is and its uses and types. We will also explain how to terminate the modular jack also known as the female jack. Furthermore, we will walk you through the process of buying the right jacks for your next network setup.
So let’s dive right into it.
What is a Keystone Jack?
A Keystone Jack is a modular connector used in data and voice networking. It's a small, rectangular component designed to snap into Keystone wall plates, surface mount boxes, or patch panels.
These modular jacks are the building blocks of structured cabling systems. And they allow you to create customized and organized network connections effortlessly.
Shielded Vs Unshielded
Shielded and unshielded Keystone Jacks serve distinct purposes in network installations. The Shielded Jack, often denoted as “FTP” or “STP,” features additional electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection due to its shielding.
It is ideal for environments prone to electrical interference, such as industrial settings or locations with a high density of electronic equipment.
In contrast, an unshielded jack, labeled as “UTP,” is cost-effective and widely used for standard networking needs. It is suitable for most residential and commercial applications where EMI is not a significant concern.
Choosing between shielded and unshielded Keystone Jack depends on the specific requirements of your network. It also depends on the potential for interference in your installation environment.
Uses of a Keystone Jack
A keystone modular jack serves various purposes in networking setups. This makes them indispensable in both residential and commercial environments:
Data Networking: They are used to establish Ethernet connections for computers, printers, routers, and other network devices.
Voice Networking: They support telephone lines and can be used for VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) connections.
Audio/Video Applications: It can transmit audio and video signals, making them ideal for multimedia installations.
Home Theater Systems: In home entertainment setups, they help connect audio and video components seamlessly.
Security Systems: Keystone Jacks are used for connecting security cameras and access control systems.
Smart Home Technology: They facilitate the integration of smart home devices and automation systems.
Now that you understand the wide use of these jacks, let's explore the different types available.
Types of Keystone Jacks
Keystone Jacks come in various categories, each designed for specific performance levels. Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a are the most commonly used types of the modular female jacks.
Cat5e Keystone Jack
Cat5e Keystone Jack is suitable for most residential and small business applications. It supports data transfer speeds of up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps).
These jacks are compatible with Cat5e Ethernet cables, providing reliable connections for everyday networking needs.
Cat6 Keystone Jack
The Cat6 Keystone Jack offers enhanced performance compared to the Cat5e.
It supports data speeds of up to 10 Gbps over short distances, making it ideal for demanding applications.
It is backward compatible with Cat5e cables. This makes it a future-proof choice for many network setups.
Cat6a Keystone Jack
The Cat6a Keystone Jack is designed for high-performance networking. It supports data speeds of up to 10 Gbps over longer distances, making it perfect for data centers and enterprise environments.
The modular Cat6a jack is backward compatible with both Cat5e and Cat6 cables, offering maximum flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Keystone Jack?
Choosing the right Keystone Jack is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of your network. To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
Performance Requirements: First, determine the data speed and performance needs of your network. Cat5e Keystone Jack is suitable for basic applications, while Cat6 and Cat6a offer higher data transfer speeds. This makes them ideal for more demanding environments.
Shielding: Assess the potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) in your installation location. If you're in a noisy or industrial environment, consider shielded (FTP or STP) jacks for EMI protection. For standard applications in quieter settings, unshielded (UTP) variants will suffice.
Wiring Standard: Choose either T568A or T568B wiring standards and maintain consistency throughout your network to avoid compatibility issues.
Compatibility: Ensure the jack you select is compatible with the rest of your networking components. Such as cables, wall plates, and patch panels.
Future-Proofing: If you anticipate network upgrades or future advancements in technology, consider investing in higher-performance Keystone Jacks like Cat6 or Cat6a to ensure your infrastructure can handle increased data speeds.
While choosing a modular jack for your network, be sure to consider the above points.
EIA/TIA T568A and T568B Wiring Diagram
To successfully terminate a Keystone Jack, you need to understand the wiring standards. The two most common wiring schemes are EIA/TIA T568A and T568B. These standards ensure consistency in network connections.
EIA/TIA T568A Wiring:
- White/Green
- Green
- White/Orange
- Blue
- White/Blue
- Orange
- White/Brown
- Brown
EIA/TIA T568B Wiring:
- White/Orange
- Orange
- White/Green
- Blue
- White/Blue
- Green
- White/Brown
- Brown
While both wiring schemes are widely used, it's essential to maintain consistency throughout your network. Choose one standard and stick with it to avoid confusion during installations and troubleshooting.
How to Terminate a Keystone Jack?
Now that you have the necessary knowledge about Keystone Jacks and their wiring standards, let's walk through the steps to terminate one:
Tools and Materials:
- Keystone Jack
- Ethernet cable
- Wire stripper
- Punch-down tool
- Wiring diagram (T568A or T568B, depending on your choice)
Step 1: Prepare the Cable
Start the termination by stripping approximately 2 inches of the Ethernet cable's outer jacket using a wire stripper.
Be sure to carefully untwist and straighten the pairs of wires inside the cable.
Step 2: Arrange the Wires
Then refer to your chosen wiring standard (T568A or T568B) and arrange the wires accordingly.
And then align the wires with the color-coded markings inside the Keystone Jack.
Step 3: Terminate the Wires
Now insert the wires into the appropriate slots on the Keystone Jack.
Then use a punch-down tool to firmly secure the wires in place. Ensure that each wire is properly seated and makes contact with the connectors inside the jack.
Step 4: Test the Connection
Once the wires are terminated, plug the jack into a wall plate or patch panel.
And then test the connection by connecting a compatible device to the other end of the Ethernet cable. Also, verify that the network connection is stable and performing as expected.
Step 5: Repeat as Needed
If you have more ethernet cables to terminate, repeat the same steps.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You've now mastered the basics of Keystone Jacks, including their types, uses, and how to terminate them. Whether you're upgrading your home network or managing a complex business infrastructure, this knowledge will serve you well.
Remember to choose the appropriate type of Keystone Jack (Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a) based on your network's requirements. Consistency in wiring standards (T568A or T568B) is key to maintaining a reliable and organized network.
As technology continues to advance, staying informed about networking components like the modular jacks is essential. By following best practices and understanding the fundamentals, you can ensure a robust and efficient network that meets your needs now and in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes Cat5e from Cat6 Keystone Jacks?
Cat5e Jacks support speeds up to 1 Gbps, while Cat6 Keystone Jacks offer speeds of up to 10 Gbps, making Cat6 suitable for high-performance applications.
Can unshielded Keystone Jacks be used in a home network?
Unshielded Jacks (UTP) suffice for most home network setups where electromagnetic interference isn't a significant concern.
Do residential networks typically require shielded keystone jacks?
Shielded jacks (FTP/STP) are generally unnecessary for residential networks unless specific interference issues are present. UTP jacks are cost-effective and suitable for most homes.
What distinguishes T568A from T568B wiring standards?
T568A and T568B are two common wiring standards, and their choice depends on preference. However, maintaining consistency is crucial to ensure a functional network.
Can the existing Cat5e Keystone Jack be upgraded to Cat6a for faster speeds?
Upgrading the jack alone won't boost network speed. To benefit from Cat6a speeds, the entire cabling system, including cables and connectors, needs to be replaced with Cat6a components.
