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.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Introduction to Network Connectors

This paragraph introduces various types of connectors used in networking, which differ based on the network and cable types such as twisted pair, coaxial, telephone, or fiber optic. The most common connector, the RJ-45, is discussed in detail. It is an eight-pin connector used for local area networks with unshielded twisted pair cables. The process of crimping the wires and connecting them to devices like switches, modems, or routers is explained. Additionally, the paragraph covers the UTP coupler, which is used to extend network cables by joining two cables with RJ-45 connectors. The RJ-48, used with shielded twisted pair cables for T1 lines, is also mentioned. The RJ-11 connector, primarily for telephone equipment but also used for networking through modems, is described. The BNC connector, used with coaxial cables for analog and digital video and audio transmissions, is noted as less common in modern networks. The F-type connector, used by cable providers for cable modems and satellite internet, is explained. Lastly, USB connectors, used for both wired and wireless networking, are discussed.

05:06

📡 Fiber Optic Connectors and Their Types

This paragraph delves into fiber optic connectors, which use pulses of light to transmit data. It discusses the most popular fiber connectors, focusing on their size and coupling methods. The SC connector, also known as the square connector, is highlighted as one of the first to be used and is commonly used between floors in buildings. The MRTJ connector, designed for high pack density, is noted for its small form factor and resemblance to the RJ-45. The LC connector, developed by Lucent, is recognized for its smaller size compared to the SC, making it suitable for high-density racks and panels. The ST connector, developed by AT&T, is mentioned for its large size and use with single-mode fiber optic cable, though its usage has declined due to the preference for smaller connectors. Fiber couplers and adapters are explained, with couplers used to join two identical fiber optic connectors and adapters used for different connectors. The paragraph concludes with a comparison between UPC and APC end faces on fiber optic connectors, explaining how APC connectors reduce signal loss by reflecting light at an angle rather than directly back towards the source.

Keywords

💡RJ-45

The RJ-45 is a type of network connector that is widely used for connecting devices in a local area network (LAN). It is an eight-pin connector that is typically used with unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables. In the video, the RJ-45 is described as the most common network connector, used to connect computers and other network devices. It is crimped onto both ends of a UTP cable and then plugged into a network card on one end and a switch, modem, or router on the other, facilitating the computer's network connection.

💡Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

UTP cable is a type of cable used in networking that consists of pairs of twisted wires, which helps to reduce interference. It is used in conjunction with RJ-45 connectors. The video explains that UTP cables have eight wires arranged in a specific order and are inserted into an RJ-45 connector, which is then crimped to secure the connection. UTP is commonly used for Ethernet networks.

💡Wire Crimping

Wire crimping is a process mentioned in the video where the ends of a cable are secured to a connector using a tool called a wire crimper. This ensures a solid connection between the cable and the connector, such as the RJ-45. The video describes how the wires of a UTP cable are inserted into an RJ-45 connector and then crimped to create a reliable network connection.

💡RJ-48

The RJ-48 is another type of connector that is similar in appearance to the RJ-45 but is used with shielded twisted pair (STP) cables instead of UTP. The video points out that the RJ-48 is primarily used with T1 lines and has a different wiring configuration compared to the RJ-45. This connector provides a more secure connection due to the shielding, which reduces electromagnetic interference.

💡RJ-11 Connector

The RJ-11 connector is a four-wire connector that is mainly used for telephone equipment. In the context of the video, it is also used to connect computers to a local area network through a modem. The RJ-11 is smaller than the RJ-45 and locks into place with a single tab, making it a common choice for telephone lines and some network connections.

💡BNC Connector

The BNC connector, which stands for Bayonet Neill–Concelman, is a type of connector used with coaxial cables. It is mentioned in the video as being used for both analog and digital video transmissions, as well as audio. Although not as common in modern networks, BNC connectors can still be found in older setups. The video also describes different types of BNC connectors, such as BNC-T, BNC coupler, and BNC terminator.

💡F-Type Connector

The F-type connector is a threaded connector typically used on coaxial cables, as mentioned in the video. It is commonly used by cable providers to connect to cable modems. The video explains that these connectors are screwed into the back of a modem and are also used with satellite internet. F-type connectors are a standard for connecting cable television and internet services.

💡USB Connector

The Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector is a common interface found on desktops and laptops. As the video explains, USB connectors can be used for various purposes, including networking. USB wireless adapters can provide wireless network access when plugged into a computer's USB port, and wired network adapters allow a computer to access a network through an Ethernet cable connected to a USB port.

💡Fiber Optic Connectors

Fiber optic connectors are used in fiber optic networks to transmit data using pulses of light. The video highlights several types of fiber optic connectors, including SC, MTRJ, LC, and ST. These connectors differ in size and coupling method. The video also discusses fiber couplers and the difference between UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) and APC (Angled Physical Contact) end faces, which relate to how light is transmitted and reflected at the connection point, affecting signal loss.

💡UPC and APC

UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) and APC (Angled Physical Contact) refer to the end face designs of fiber optic connectors. The video explains that UPC connectors have a flat end face, causing light to reflect directly back towards the light source when connected, which can lead to signal loss. In contrast, APC connectors have an angled end face that reflects the light at an angle into the cable wall, reducing signal loss. This distinction is important for maintaining signal integrity in fiber optic networks.

Highlights

Introduction to different types of connectors used in networking

RJ-45 is the most common network connector used for local area networks with unshielded twisted pair cables

RJ-45 connectors have eight pins and use a wire crimper for attachment

UTP couplers are used to extend network cables by joining two cables with RJ-45 connectors

RJ-48 connectors are similar to RJ-45 but used with shielded twisted pair cables for T1 lines

RJ-11 connectors are primarily used for telephone equipment and can connect computers to a local area network

BNC connectors are used with coaxial cables for analog and digital video transmissions, as well as audio

F-type connectors are threaded and used by cable providers for attaching to cable modems

USB connectors are versatile and can be used for both wired and wireless networking

Fiber optic networks use pulses of light to send data and have various connector types

SC connectors, also known as square connectors, are used between floors in buildings

MRTJ connectors are designed for high pack density and resemble the RJ-45

LC connectors, developed by Lucent, are smaller and used for high-density racks and panels

ST connectors use a half twist bayonet lock and are commonly used with single mode fiber optic cable

Fiber couplers join two fiber optic connectors of the same type, unlike fiber adapters which join different types

UPC and APC end faces on fiber optic connectors affect signal loss during transmission

APC connectors reduce signal loss by reflecting light at an angle rather than directly back

Transcripts

Hello everyone, in this video we're going to talk  about the different types of connectors that are  

used in networking and these connectors will vary  depending upon the type of network and the cable  

that they are attached to. Whether that cable is  twisted pair, coaxial, telephone, or fiber optic.  

And the first one we're going to talk about is  the RJ-45. Now the RJ-45 is by far the most common  

network connector. Now this is an eight pin  connector that's used to connect computers and  

other network devices in a local area network. The  RJ-45 is used with unshielded twisted pair cable.  

Twisted pair cable has eight wires and these wires  are arranged in a certain order and then the wires  

are inserted into an RJ-45 connector and then they  are crimped on both ends using a wire crimper. And  

then one connector would be plugged into the  computer's network card and then the other end  

would plug into a device, such as a switch, modem,  or a router. Then once that is done, the computer  

will be able to connect to a network. The RJ-45 has  a single locking tab that locks itself into place.  

Now this is a UTP coupler. Now this is not  really a connector. This is used for connecting  

UTP cables with RJ-45 connectors to each other.  This is typically used when running a longer cable  

is not an option. It's just used to extend a  network cable by joining two cables together using  

their RJ-45 connectors. So you would just plug one  end of the cable into the coupler and then you  

would plug in another cable on the other side. And  now you have successfully extended your UTP cable.  

And another type of connector that is similar  to the RJ-45 is the RJ-48. Now the RJ-48 looks very  

similar to the RJ45, but the difference between  the two is that the RJ-48 is used with shielded  

twisted pair cable instead of unshielded  twisted pair that's used with the RJ-45.  

The RJ-48 is primarily used with T1 lines and  it's also wired differently than the RJ-45.  

And this is the RJ-11 connector. This is a four  wire connector that's mainly used to connect  

telephone equipment. But as far as networking, the  RJ-11 is used to connect computers to a local area  

network through the computer's modem. The RJ-11  locks itself into place by a single locking tab  

and it resembles the RJ-45 but it's a little  bit smaller. The BNC connector is a type of  

RJ connector that is used with coaxial cable.  BNC stands for Bayonet Neill–Concelman.  

And the BNC is used with both analog and digital  video transmissions, as well as audio . Now these  

connectors are not very common anymore but they  can still be found on older networks. Now there  

are many different kinds of BNC connectors.  So or example here is a BNC-T connector which  

connects three coaxial cables together. And there  is also the BNC coupler, which is used to connect  

two coaxial cables together. And there is also  the BNC terminator, which is used to terminate the  

ends of a cable. Now this connector is called the  F-type. Now this is a threaded connector typically  

used on coaxial cables. These are primarily used  by cable providers to attach to cable modems.  

So if you have broadband cable like I do, you  will have a modem with a coaxial cable attached  

to an F-type connector that screws into the back  of your modem that attaches with a nut. And in  

addition to being used with broadband cable,  they are also used with satellite internet.  

And there is also the USB connector. The USB is  very common on desktops and laptops. And because  

'universal' is in its name, it can be used for many  different purposes, including networking. So for  

example many manufacturers make USB wireless  adapters that plug into a USB port on a computer  

to give the computer wireless network access.  And there is also wired network adapters like  

this one here, where you would plug an ethernet  cable at one end and then the other end into a  

USB port on a computer and then the computer will  be able to access a network through its USB port.  

So now we're getting into fiber optic connectors.  Now fiber optic networks use pulses of light to  

send data. And there are many different types of  fiber optic connectors, but I'm only going to talk  

about the most popular fiber connectors. But the  main differences between these fiber connectors,  

are the size and the method they use when  coupling. So the first fiber optic connector  

is called the SC or standard connector. And this  is often called the square connector. And this was  

one of the first connectors to be used in the  marketplace. This uses a push pull connector,  

similar to audio and video plugs and these are  commonly used between floors in a building. This  

connector is called the MRTJ which stands for  mechanical transfer register jack. And this is  

a fiber optic connector that uses a latched push  pull connection. It has a small form factor that's  

used for high pack density and it was designed to  replace the SC connector. The MRTJ uses two fibers  

in a single design and it resembles the RJ-45.  This connector is becoming increasingly popular  

in fiber networks today. And our next fiber  connector is called the LC or local connector  

or Lucent connector, since it was developed  by Lucent. Now this type of connector is also  

commonly used between floors in a building and  it was designed to compete with the SC connector.  

It's about half the size of the SC connector  which makes it better for highly populated  

racks and panels and this also uses a latch that  locks itself into place similar to the RJ-45.  

And our last fiber optic connector is called the  ST or straight tip. Now this uses a half twist  

bayonet type of lock and is commonly used with  single mode fiber optic cable. Now this is a  

large size connector that was developed by AT&T.  And because of its large size, its usage has  

declined in favor of smaller connectors, such as  the LC and the MTRJ. Now just like UTP couplers,  

there are also fiber couplers. So if you  wanted to join two fiber optic connectors,  

you would use a fiber coupler. Now fiber couplers  are used to join or couple two of the same fiber  

optic connectors and the two connectors have to  be the same. Now these are not to be confused  

with fiber adapters, because fiber adapters  are used for joining two different connectors  

together. So here we have an example of a fiber  coupler joining two ST connectors together.  

So now we're going to talk about the difference  between UPC and APC end faces or tips on fiber  

optic connectors. And as examples we're going to  use a group of ST fiber connectors equipped with  

UPC and APC end faces. Now when fiber optic  connectors make a connection to each other,  

the point at which the connection is made is  not perfect, because of the small imperfections  

of the flat surfaces. So what happens is at  the point where the connectors join, light  

is transmitted from one connector to the other  connector. But at the point where light passes to  

the other connector, the light will reflect back  in the opposite direction towards the light source  

and when this happens, there is signal loss. And  this is what happens in UPC connectors. The light  

is reflected directly back. So as technology  progressed, a new connector was developed to  

decrease the signal loss. And this new connector  is called the APC connector. Now the difference  

between the UPC and the APC is the angle of the  end face or tip where the connection is made. So  

as I said before, with the UPC, the light reflects  back towards the light source. But with the APC,  

with its angled connection, the light doesn't  reflect back towards the light source,  

it reflects back at an angle into the wall of  the cable. And as a result, this greatly reduces  

the signal loss. So thank you everyone for  watching this video on network connectors  

please subscribe, follow me on  twitter, and thank you for watching