“RJ” stands for “Registered Jack,” and it refers to a standardized interface used for connecting telecommunications or networking equipment. Registered Jack connectors are commonly used for connecting telephones, modems, Ethernet networks, and other communication devices.
RJ connectors are categorized by numbers, such as RJ-11, RJ-45, and so on, each denoting a specific type of connector and its intended use. Here are a couple of common examples:
- RJ-11: This is a standard connector used for telephone lines and some modem connections. It typically has four or six pins and is commonly used for connecting phones to wall jacks or modems to phone lines.
- RJ-45: This is a more familiar connector commonly used in Ethernet networking. It has eight pins and is often used for connecting computers, routers, switches, and other network devices. RJ-45 connectors are used with Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 Ethernet cables.
Both RJ-11 and RJ-45 connectors are part of the Registered Jack standard and play essential roles in telecommunications and networking setups. The number following “RJ” indicates the specific type of connector and its purpose.