What are modular connectors?
Modular connectors are commonly used for telephone systems, data networks, and low-speed serial connections. These connectors are inexpensive, relatively simple to terminate, and easy to plug and unplug. A modular connector typically has a clear, plastic body, with a tab that locks the plug and jack into place when connected. In the vernacular used by the technology industry, they are called "RJ" connectors. This is technically inaccurate, but the naming convention is widely used. RJ is an acronym for Registered Jack, which is part of a coding system developed in the 1970s by AT&T to classify telephone services and equipment. The system, called the Universal Service Order Code (USOC), used designations that began with the letters RJ to denote the capabilities of jacks in a building, and how they should be wired in order to connect to the public phone network. RJ plug connections are typically terminated by using a special tool to crimp the connector onto the conductors of a cable. These connections are often made in the field for convenience; however, a factory-assembled RJ cable typically offers the best performance.Select the modular connector that you want to learn more about:
An 8-position, 8-conductor modular connector that is most often used for data networks such as Ethernet. RJ-45 connectors are physically wider than the RJ-11/12 connectors used for telephone. In network applications, RJ-45 cable assemblies are used to connect from a patch panel to a network switch, and also to connect a computer's NIC to a data port.
DEC MMP/MMJ
A special version of the 6-position (RJ-11/12) plug. MMP stands for Modified Modular Plug (MMJ for Modified Modular Jack), and it is easily recognized by its locking tab, which is offset from the center of the plug body. MMP/MMJ connections were often found on equipment manufactured by the now-defunct Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), and so the name lives on in this connector.
Still not sure?
We're here to help, just contact us! Or use ConnectXpress to find the product you need.
Popular Modular Products
1ft (0.3m) Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Ethernet Network Patch Cable - Blue
CG-27140 | C2G
Snagless design for network adapters, hubs, switches, routers, DSL/cable modems, patch panels and other high performance networking applications.
$3.99
USB-C® to Ethernet Multiport Adapter with Power Delivery up to 60W - Black
CG-29749 | C2G
Add a wired network connection using a USB Type-C port while simultaneously charging the device
$43.99
3ft (0.9m) Cat6 Snagless Unshielded (UTP) Ethernet Network Patch Cable - Blue
CG-27141 | C2G
Snagless design for network adapters, hubs, switches, routers, DSL/cable modems, patch panels and other high performance networking applications.
$3.99
HDMI Over Cat5/6 Extender up to 164ft (50m)
CG-60180 | C2G
Extend HDMI video and audio up to 164ft (50m) using a single category patch cable
$131.99
25ft (7.6m) RJ11 High Speed Internet Modem Cable
CG-28723 | C2G
Connect your analog or digital (DSL/ISDN) modem to a telephone wall jack
$20.99
USB-C® to Ethernet Adapter with 3-Port USB Hub - Black
CG-29747 | C2G
Add 3 USB 3.0 ports and a wired network connection to a USB Type-C enabled device
$47.99