A Guide to Ethernet Wall Jacks

A Guide to Ethernet Wall Jacks

What is ethernet?

Home internet connections have evolved from a luxury to a must have. Ethernet networking, also known as networking protocol, is a form of wired networking. Ethernets control the transmission of data over a LAN or WAN.

Wired local area networks (LANs) or wide area networks (WANs) commonly use Ethernet as a wiring technology. Typically, a LAN consists of a network of computers and or electronic devices.

The electronic devices that benefit from Ethernet usually cover a small area such as an office, building or small room. Ethernet enables devices to communicate over a protocol. Protocols are a set of rules or a common network.

What is an Ethernet wall jack?

Ethernet wall jacks, known as Ethernet ports, LANS connections, or protocol networks, actively connect electronic devices to compatible networks. They are physical connectors that allows your devices to connect to the internet.

Essentially these helpful devices provide fast, secure and reliable internet connection. They do this through their pre-installed ethernet ports that allow you to connect compatible Ethernet internet wall cables.

What are Keystone Jacks?

Keystone jacks are female modular connectors used in various forms of network protocol wiring like ethernet outlets in the wall. They mainly connect to a wall plate or connector system to organize and connect cables in a clean and modular way.

They fit into standardized wall plates and allow for flexible termination of network cables. Their installation can help make running Ethernet cables, a big part of network setups, more efficient and conventional. All in all, these jacks are compatible with RJ45 connectors for ethernet.

Keep in mind, ethernet jacks are a type of keystone jack. However, ethernet cables only work when terminated on both ends using an ethernet jack and RJ45 connector. Typically, RJ45 connectors are male and connect to ethernet switches or your routers.

What does an ethernet wall jack do?

Ethernet wall jacks help data move between devices in a network. They do this by providing physical connection points for ethernet cables. They also make it easier to connect devices without running cables through walls. The main purpose of wall ports is to provide a reliable, secure, and fast Ethernet connection for residential and commercial settings.

What are the advantages of having ethernet wall jacks?

Once you've decided how you will wire your ethernet jacks, several positive advantages may follow.

If you install ethernet jack, you can avoid having to run ethernet through walls. Other advantages include a private, high speed internet network with excellent speeds.

Unlike wi-fi, ethernet wall ports benefit homes and businesses because their cables don't suffer from radio or signal interference.

Various people prefer Wi-Fi for their networks for their settings vs. Ethernet internet wall jack networks. It is true that Wi-fi is a much easier alternative. However, your internet speed with Wi-Fi will be lower than your internet speed within wall ethernet wiring.

What are the items needed in Home Ethernet Wiring?

Before wiring, you should prepare the following items that are necessary for the success of your home network installation.

  • Drywall Saw: This device can drill holes in your setting's features and material during the installation process.
  • Fish Tape: This tool helps to pull electrical wires through the conduits.
  • Ethernet Switch:Ethernet switches connect multiple devices together by physically cabling the devices. The switch creates multiple networks across a setting. It also has various ports, that build communications of devices within and between the LAN.
  • Label Marker: This handy tool will make marks where to cut or pass wire.
  • Paddle Bit: These drill bits create holes in the wall so you can run the cable through it.
  • Stud Finder: This is used to locate the framing studs behind the drywall.
  • Ethernet Wall Plates: These devices protect your wires from harmful outside elements. Other Ethernet wall plate alternatives include patch panels and surface mount boxes. The alternatives all serve the same function and typically have little to no difference in purpose.

How to choose the right ethernet wall jacks?

Various factors come into play when deciding on your Ethernet wall jacks.

Consider the category of the ethernet cable your using. For highest output, ensure the keystone jack uses the same category as the ethernet cable. Ethernet cables come in several different categories from Cat1 through Cat8.

Another thing to consider is the type of keystone jack. There are several options of jacks to choose from, these include:

  • shielded jacks:These are types of jacks that are best equipped to protect networks from external signal interference like EMIs.
  • unshielded jacks: The most common type of jack, used primarily in homes or office buildings that have little to no EMIs.
  • punch down jacks: Terminate these jacks using a punch-down tool to secure and connect individual wires.
  • Toolless jacks: Compared to punch-down jacks, toolless jacks work easier and are ideal for emergency operations. They should never be employed with RJ45 punch down tools.
  • 90-degree jacks: The network cable links to the keystone jack in a 90-degree angle. These jacks work best when used with surface mount boxes.
  • 180-degree jacks: Unlike 90-degree angle jacks, these keystones jacks have a straight backside connector. These jacks work best in server rooms where a lot of jacks link to patch panels.
  • In Conclusion

    With things like flexibility and speed, this form of wiring will continue to be a backbone in internet connections. Overall, in the realm of wiring, Ethernet wall jacks continues to stand out as a key player.

    Recommended Reading

    Discover how to make the most of Ethernet cables at Homelectrical. Enhance your home network for faster and more stable internet connections with our comprehensive guide.

    Patrick Newkirk
    Patrick Newkirk

    Patrick Newkirk is a graduate of Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. As a Content Writer at HomElectrical, he uses his enthusiasm for learning, literature, and writing to offer insights into eco-friendly products and sustainable living practices. During his free time, he enjoys engaging in marketing endeavors for prominent brands, tending to his garden, and retreating to the coastal shores for some beach relaxation.

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