Wiring a network cable with RJ11 plugs

Turkey Machine · 05-11-2009, 20:20

I know they're not strictly RJ11 plugs, but for the sake of argument, assume they're the ones that connect to your ADSL modem for example.

Is it possible to crimp an RJ11 plug onto a network cable? I'm looking to replace the current telephone extension lead we have with electrically shielded network cable, but can't find anything that says if this would work or not.

05-11-2009, 20:36

You mean you want to attach an RJ11 to some UTP CAT5 cable?

Turkey Machine · 05-11-2009, 20:44

Yep, that's the one. Infinitely simpler than I could spit it!

Kymmy · 05-11-2009, 20:51

If you cut away the shield a bit and just had 6 of the wires sticking out in a line then yes it could be done, are you using RJ12 or RJ11?? (12 = 6way and 11 = 4way)

Turkey Machine · 05-11-2009, 21:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

If you cut away the shield a bit and just had 6 of the wires sticking out in a line then yes it could be done, are you using RJ12 or RJ11?? (12 = 6way and 11 = 4way)

Was intending 4 way. 6P4C.

Kymmy · 05-11-2009, 21:09

OK, so 4 wires sticking out then... If using shielded remember that the shield is only partialy effective as it's not connected as it's a plastic plug on both ends

Turkey Machine · 05-11-2009, 21:13

Should be more than capable of having a dog trying to trash the damn thing every day!

05-11-2009, 21:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turkey Machine

I'm looking to replace the current telephone extension lead we have with electrically shielded network cable...

UTP = Unshielded Twisted Pair....how does that become electrically shielded!!

Turkey Machine · 05-11-2009, 21:31

The twisting in the wires helps reject some noise.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_5_cable

Better than ordinary telephone flex at this rate.

An addendum to this: UTP means the 4 twisted pairs themselves aren't electrically shielded. The actual twisting of the wires is far better in this respect at shielding interference than telephone flex or the super-substandard 4 wire flat cable that has no shielding whatsoever.

progers · 07-11-2009, 09:34

If you want extra cable, Maplins sell network cable by the metre, RJ 45 plugs and a crimping tool.

Just be careful when crimping the plugs on as it's very easy when inserting the cables into the plug to get two crossed over - I now examine mine through a magnifying glass first!

07-11-2009, 09:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by progers

If you want extra cable, Maplins sell network cable by the metre, RJ 45 plugs and a crimping tool.

Just be careful when crimping the plugs on as it's very easy when inserting the cables into the plug to get two crossed over - I now examine mine through a magnifying glass first!

Don't buy RJ45s from Maplins - they are crap! Go to ScrewFix or get some from RS / CPC.

Sir John Luke · 07-11-2009, 10:01

....or then again - why buy RJ45's at all when the OP specified RJ11?

07-11-2009, 10:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir John Luke

....or then again - why buy RJ45's at all when the OP specified RJ11?

That's true!

Not ever used the RJ11's from there so fill yer boots!!

progers · 07-11-2009, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by progers

If you want extra cable, Maplins sell network cable by the metre, RJ 45 plugs and a crimping tool.

Just be careful when crimping the plugs on as it's very easy when inserting the cables into the plug to get two crossed over - I now examine mine through a magnifying glass first!

Having put my glasses on, you can also get RJ11s from Maplins in a packet with a "hit with a hammer" crimping tool - they work fine (as do RJ45s from Maplins IMHO!"

07-11-2009, 15:41

These are the ones I got before (RJ45s) - terrible terrible things...

FCC68 (RJ11) look ok though...