Network Connectors Explained

Summary

This video delves into various network connectors used for different cable types like twisted pair, coaxial, telephone, and fiber optic. It highlights the ubiquitous RJ-45 for local area networks, UTP couplers for cable extension, and the shielded counterpart, RJ-48. The video also covers telephone equipment's RJ-11, coaxial cable's BNC and F-type connectors, and USB's versatility in networking. Fiber optic connectors are explored, emphasizing SC, MTRJ, LC, and ST types, along with UPC vs. APC end faces for reduced signal loss. The presentation concludes with a call to action for engagement.

Takeaways

• 🔌 The RJ-45 is the most common network connector, used for connecting computers and other devices in a local area network with unshielded twisted pair cable.
• 🔗 UTP couplers are used to extend network cables by joining two cables with RJ-45 connectors, useful when a longer cable is not an option.
• 🛡️ The RJ-48 connector is similar to RJ-45 but is used with shielded twisted pair cable, primarily for T1 lines and is wired differently.
• 📞 The RJ-11 is a four-wire connector mainly used for telephone equipment but can also connect computers to a local area network through a modem.
• 📡 The BNC connector, used with coaxial cable, is less common today but can still be found on older networks, used for both analog and digital video and audio transmissions.
• 🔩 F-type connectors are threaded and typically used on coaxial cables by cable providers to attach to cable modems, also used with satellite internet.
• 💾 USB connectors are versatile and can be used for networking purposes, including wireless adapters and wired network adapters that plug into a computer's USB port.
• 🌐 Fiber optic networks use light pulses to send data and have various connectors, with differences mainly in size and coupling method.
• 🔗 Fiber couplers are used to join two fiber optic connectors of the same type, while fiber adapters are for joining two different types of connectors.
• 💡 The difference between UPC and APC end faces on fiber optic connectors lies in the angle of the end face, with APC reducing signal loss by reflecting light at an angle into the cable wall.

Q & A

What is the most common network connector mentioned in the video?

The most common network connector mentioned in the video is the RJ-45.

What type of cable is the RJ-45 connector typically used with?

The RJ-45 connector is typically used with unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable.

How does the RJ-45 connector secure itself in place?

The RJ-45 connector secures itself in place with a single locking tab.

What is the purpose of a UTP coupler in networking?

A UTP coupler is used to connect two UTP cables with RJ-45 connectors to each other, typically to extend a network cable when running a longer cable is not an option.

What is the difference between RJ-45 and RJ-48 connectors?

The RJ-48 connector looks similar to the RJ-45 but is used with shielded twisted pair cable instead of unshielded twisted pair, and it is primarily used with T1 lines.

What is the primary use of the RJ-11 connector in networking?

The RJ-11 connector is primarily used to connect computers to a local area network through the computer's modem.

What does BNC stand for and what type of cable does it connect?

BNC stands for Bayonet Neill–Concelman and it is a type of connector used with coaxial cable.

What is the F-type connector typically used for?

The F-type connector is typically used on coaxial cables, primarily by cable providers to attach to cable modems, and is also used with satellite internet.

How does the USB connector relate to networking?

The USB connector can be used for networking through USB wireless adapters or wired network adapters, allowing computers to access networks wirelessly or through an Ethernet cable connected to a USB port.

What are the main differences between fiber optic connectors?

The main differences between fiber optic connectors are the size and the method they use when coupling, such as push-pull, latching, or bayonet type locks.

What is the difference between UPC and APC end faces on fiber optic connectors?

UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) end faces reflect light directly back towards the light source, which can cause signal loss, while APC (Angled Physical Contact) end faces have an angled connection that reflects light into the cable wall, reducing signal loss.