What Is Cat6 Keystone Jack: A Comprehensive Guide

Ethernet cables are widely used to access internet connections for different networks, servers, and data centers. Likewise, keystone jacks are used to mount inside patch panels, wall plates, etc. to provide ease in setting up the network connection.

It's easy to install the keystone jack by using the termination method and you can choose the best RJ45 keystone jack for your house room or office. In this blog, Let's know the benefits of the Cat 6 keystone jack and what its usage is. To understand it thoroughly, read it to the end.

What is Cat6 Keystone Jack?

A keystone jack is a modular connector that connects ethernet cables inside the 8 pins. Like the RJ45 plug, it has 8 termination points through which you can easily connect the wires according to the wiring standard you want to use – T568A and T568B respectively.

Furthermore, these connectors make your installation way easier when you are unable to place a router nearby. Each ethernet category has its designated keystone jack (Female Connector) such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a keystone jacks are mostly used in industry to set up a connection within your building. Cat6 keystone jack comes in two wiring standards T568A and T568B – consisting of 8 pins and 8 contacts. The core benefit of a keystone jack (Female Jack) is you can have easy access to the internet in your room all you have to do is plug a Rj45 crimped cable into the female connector. Other benefits are described below.

Benefits Of Cat6 Keystone Jack

A Cat 6 keystone jack is designed specifically to terminate with Cat 6 for securing the gigabit speed. Cat6 ethernet cable is well renowned for its high bandwidth and fast speed. Keystone Jack cat6 has some major benefits;

• Higher Data Rates:
  • It is designed to support the maximum bandwidth as cat6 cable offers – 550 MHz. It enables them to also withstand gigabit speed or sometimes 10 gigabit speed depending on the length of the cable.
• Reduced Crosstalk:
  • The keystone jack cat6 is formalized by using tight twisting of the wire pairs and also has improvised insulation to minimize crosstalk which leads to a more reliable connection
• Future Proofing:
  • Like cat6, the keystone jack supports fast transmission speed offered by the cable length used to connect with the modular connector.
• Backward Compatibility:
  • Cat6 keystone jack is backward compatible with the older version of wires like cat5e. It means you can use a Cat5e cable to connect the Cat6 keystone jack. It will adjust according to the speed transferred.
• Quality and Durability:
  • Keystone jack cat6 is designed and engineered using high-quality materials; the pins inside this jack are usually made of gold-plated, nickel, and alloy to secure the connection.
• Longer Cable Runs:
  • They offer long-run connectivity by maintaining signal integrity and minimum data loss. 
• Enhanced Performance:
  • The modular connector (Keystone jack cat6) provides satisfactory performance – offering the same speed and conductivity. It makes sure that you will get the optimal performance.
• Structured Cabling:
  • It allocates ease in managing structured cabling within wall plates and patch panels. It is also easy to unplug the female jack to install advanced jacks.
• Professional Appearance:
  • Physically, the female modular connectors are very sleek in design and when connected to their designated spaces (Wall Plates or Patch Panels) provide a vivid and clean look.
• Support For PoE (Power over Ethernet):
  • It supports transmitting power and data simultaneously, allowing cables to work efficiently.

Types Of Keystone Jack

As for the RJ 45 keystone jacks are widely used for setting up the ethernet or telecommunication setups to deliver accurate speed and performance. Based on various usages, keystone jacks are divided into various types which are as follows.

• Cat5e Ethernet Keystone Jack:
  • These are designed to support Cat5e ethernet cable specs – support 1 Gbit/s speed and are used to cater to the basic needs of the network.
• Cat6 Keystone Jack:
  • A bit more advanced invention among ethernet accessories, It can support up to 10 Gbit/s and is ideal to provide speed without crosstalk – better performance.
• Cat6a Ethernet Keystone Jack:
  • This modular connector can support data rates up to 10 Gbps over a longer run as compared to cat6. The additional feature of the Cat6a keystone jack is the shielding to prevent signal interference.
• Shielded Ethernet Keystone Jack:
  • These jacks feature additional shielding to prevent EMI and RFI and can be used in places where there is a high chance of interference present – industrial setups.
• Unshielded Keystone Jack:
  • The type of female connector that lacks any additional shield and only be used for the standard installation – home, office, etc.
• Toolless Ethernet Keystone Jack:
  • The type of keystone jack is convenient for installation as there is no need to punch down the connectors.
• Angled Keystone Jack:
  • It offers ethernet cables to connect at some angle of 90 or 180 for cable management and to reduce the strain on the cable.
• Coupler Ethernet Keystone Jack:
  • These are used for extending the length of the cable that is used if you need to run the cable for maximum length.
• Duo Keystone Jack:
  • As the name implies, the type of female connector has two openings to connect a couple of ethernet wires. Allowing two connections at the same place.

Above are the types of keystone jacks that are mostly used in the industry to establish fine and tidy network setups for your business or at home. Now, as we are much aware of the information regarding the female connector. Let's know about the size standard of the Cat6 keystone jack.

Are Keystone Jacks Standard Size?

Let’s keep it very simple. In reality, keystone jacks are the separator modular connectors that are used to connect with wall plates, patch panels, and other hardware devices. So, it's mandatory to make a standard size that can easily fit the devices.

The typical size of a keystone jack is 

• Width = 19.3mm (0.76 in)
• Height = 14.9 mm (0.56 in)
• Depth = It varies depending on the design and specific type of keystone jack.

These customized connectors are easily installed in mounting hardware (Wall plates, Patch panels) and if you need to use a Cat6a keystone jack you can easily replace it. The manufacturers take great care of the quality to remain intact with speed and performance.

What Is A Cat6 Keystone Jack Used For?

Cat6 ethernet cable is the advanced cable to support gigabit speed and is also used to connect to the Cat6 keystone jack. It allows several benefits when installed properly.

• Fast data transfer
• Reduced crosstalk
• Long runs access
• Enhanced signal strength
• Backward compatible

These are the most prominent features of the cat6 keystone jack. The simplest and easiest way to access the ethernet connection within your room and you can also unplug it to install the next upgraded female connector.

Can You Reuse the Punch-down Keystone Jack?

The modular connectors are not designed to be reused once punched down. The reason is that once the wires are terminated into the (IDC) insulation displacement connector terminals of the keystone jack. The wires are cut through the insulation layer and make a secure connection. 

This process is not reversible as you can not unplug the wires or it will damage the internal connectors of the female jack. You cannot use it again for making a connection as you will face data loss, slow speed, and fluent internet connection issues.

What Is The Wiring Standard Of Cat6 Keystone Jack?

Just like the RJ45 plug, the Cat6 keystone also follows two wiring standards – T568A and T568B respectively. The termination process is very simple to avoid the punch-down process, toolless connectors are also available. The main difference between T568A and T568B is the Green and Orange wire location. T568B is the most standard termination method used widely in the US. 

How To Terminate The Cat6 Keystone Jack?

The termination process is quite simple and you can use the DIY method to punch down the keystone jack cat6 easily by following these simple steps.

• For the Cat6 keystone jack, use the Cat6 cable for termination
• Measure the required length of the cable
• Tools you need 
  • Punch Down Tool
  • Cat6 Keystone Jack
  • Wire cutter
  • Wire Striper
  • Scissors
• Cut the jacket of the wire
• Untwist the 8 wires and make them straight
• According to the wiring standard (T568A & T568B) insert wires into keystone jack
• Now with the help of a punch-down tool crimp the excessive cables. 
• Insert the modular connector into a wall plate or patch panel
• Check the connectivity
• Enjoy active internet access.

Final Thought

We need a reliable and durable internet connection. To maintain connectivity, a high-quality Cat6 keystone jack is used for termination which ultimately provides benefits like fast data transmission, performance, support PoE applications, etc. One main thing is to get the desired speed it's necessary to crimp the keystone jack cat6 properly. 

For high-quality ethernet accessories, you might need to visit our vast range of affordable ethernet accessories. The high-end finished products and very reliable option for you to set up your ethernet network structure. Moreover, if you want to know anything you can seek help from our expert customer support. Best wishes with your shopping.