The RJ45 standard (which meets the NF C 15 100 standard) is also known as the Ethernet cable. We sometimes talk about network connector, LAN cable, multimedia, or 8P8C (8 positions, 8 contacts)… All these names designate the RJ45 reference. Whatever the name given to the network, the proper functioning of a home’s multimedia network relies on the performance of RJ45 cables. But by the way, what does RJ mean? This is the “Registered Jack”, which is the champion of domestic connections, always connected to RJ45 type sockets as well. There are several types. Categories 5, 6 and 7 are dedicated to IT. Category 5 throughput is limited to 100 Mbit/s, Category 6 to 1 Gbit/s and Category 7 to 40 Gbit/s. Grade 2 and 3 RJ45 cables serve the home network and offer a maximum speed of 10 Gbit/s.
What is an RJ45 cable used for?
At home, the RJ45 Ethernet cable ensures the smooth operation of multiple connections. All your connected equipment is linked by an RJ45 reference cable. It is he who connects your equipment by linking several RJ45 sockets from the communication box. The RJ45 cable connects two computers together, provides telephone connection and Internet access. Without SJ45 cable, no VDI transfer (Voice, Data and Images). In summary, proper functioning of RJ45 cabling is essential for home connections.
For network health, test your RJ45 cables
As the entire VDI network passes through RJ45 cables, it is better to ensure that they are working properly. A faulty Ethernet cable and the entire network can be affected. Over time, these cables can become damaged and no longer work properly. Especially if your domestic use is intensive. To verify that VDI data is being transmitted correctly and that your home connections are at their best, here’s how to test Ethernet cables. If you observe a malfunction of the network, this will help you identify if it comes from a weakness in the cabling. This can be useful before calling a repairman…
How to do the test?
Choose an RJ45 cable tester
The solution is to use an RJ45 cable tester. This type of tester is easily found, but of very varied qualities and prices! Be careful not to choose a model that is too cheap. The most important thing is to have a reliable device. Preferably turn to a brand known for the quality of the product.
The RJ45 cable tester comes in two parts. Some models have a removable part, very practical for testing a connection between two parts or cables that are more difficult to access.
Your tester locates malfunctions in the RJ45 cable, detecting shorts and checking the order of the wires.
Insert the cable and start the test
To test an RJ45 cable, simply insert both ends into the connectors on the tester, making sure to snugly connect them. Each of the two parts of the tester has a line of 8 light diodes, which correspond to the 8 connection terminals located at each end of the cable. If your tester is automatic, the test starts with a single command. In manual mode, you will have to press the control eight times to start the test, one connector after the other.
Observe the results
When you turn on the tester, both sets of LEDs light up instantly. If your cable is working normally, they light up simultaneously and symmetrically in both bars. If one of the two diodes of the same level does not light up (or lights up weakly), your cable is defective. Note that with the SLOW mode, present on some testers, the diodes light up gradually, allowing you to more easily observe the correspondence between lights of the same level. If the lights do not come on in order, the cable is probably crossed and needs to be replaced. An abnormal lighting of the diodes indicates either a short circuit, or a cut or reversed wires. So many good reasons to buy a new cable!