Cable Plugs Matter More than One Thinks
The wireless access points, cameras and alternative devices being mounted on our ceilings or high up on walls are connecting to our networks – but not all use standard faceplate, jack and patch-cord configurations to do so. Instead, a direct-attachment system is being used, which terminates horizontal cable with a field cable plug that plugs directly into devices.
There are two cable plug options for Category 5e, Category 6 and Category 6A twisted-pair cabling:
- Crimp-on plug types
- PCB plug types
Crimp-on plug types require preciseness; cabling wires, contacts and plug components must correspond correctly to achieve appropriate electrical performance. A crimp-on plug must be designed for each cable’s geometric differences. A PCB cable plug, for that matter, does not take cabling configuration into account. Installing a PCB cable plug is just like putting on a jack: You terminate the cable onto IDCs and place the plug housing on top. This disassociates the characteristics of the cable and plug when connecting them.
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