Patching the network socket: Connect and wire correctly

Computers and other network devices in buildings can be connected to a universal connection unit - UAE for short, or also known as a network socket.

The socket enables an interference-free connection and reliable data exchange between the devices. For the UAE to function properly, it must be connected to the network, i.e. correctly wired and connected.

The color coding of the socket and cable helps here, so that the cabling, i.e. the laying of the individual wires, is not a big deal. This guide will show you how to connect a network socket correctly.

House transfer point with Internet connection (1); router (2); switch (3); patch panel (4); network sockets (5); network components such as NAS (6).

In a classically structured, hard-wired Ethernet network (LAN), network outlets (5) serve as network connections and end points of the network cabling.

The UAEs are connected to a patch panel (4) via twisted pair cables, which usually establishes the connection to the switch (3). The socket is connected to other network sockets in the network segment, the router (2) and any additional network infrastructure components (6) via the switch.

The network cabling is usually star-shaped from the switch via the patch panel to the network socket. The ports assigned to the individual LAN sockets on the patch panel can be patched to the switch in the desired sequence using patch cables.

The choice of the right network socket is based on the existing network cabling. For office, commercial and home networking and in the industrial sector, eight-core copper-based installation and network cables of category 7 (Cat. 7) are installed as standard.

The Cat 7 cable supports Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE). The category stands for a defined cable configuration on which, among other things, the maximum possible transmission speed and sensitivity to external interference depend. Category 6a (Cat 6a) or 6 (Cat 6) data sockets are suitable for this.
 

A network socket usually has two places for plugs. It is equipped with two RJ-45 type sockets so that two network cables or a duplex cable can be connected. Each socket is connected with its own cable.

A universal network socket proves to be versatile in terms of its possible applications and practical to use, as it is equally suitable as a surface-mounted and flush-mounted socket. In practice, a combination socket has the advantage that you do not need to decide on a specific installation type in advance. You can surface-mount the box in conjunction with the supplied housing as required or use it without the housing for flush-mounted installation. This gives you flexibility during installation and you only need to stock one box variant.

Depending on the local conditions, the network installation cables are laid in cable ducts or flush-mounted in empty conduits.

If a surface-mounted box is required, cut-outs must be made in the plastic housing. Allow the cable ends to protrude far enough from the junction box as shown in the illustration.

To remove the cable sheath, use a stripping tool or remove the sheath with a knife.

When using a cable knife or cutter, take care not to cut too deeply. The braided wire shielding and the cores should remain intact.

The shielding braid is folded back over the cable sheath and then twisted over the cable sheath.

This creates a contact area for the strain relief clamp. The protruding ends of the shielding braid are fixed to the cable sheath with adhesive tape.

The strain relief of the network socket also acts as a contact surface for the shielding. The shielding must make secure contact with the metal housing of the socket.

Individual wires of the shielding must not protrude so that they do not connect to the contact terminals of the socket.

Network sockets are connected in accordance with the TIA 568A (T568A) or TIA 568B (T568B) standard. The two standards specify which wires are to be fitted to which terminal.

New installations must be wired according to the T568B standard. The existing standard must be used for network extensions.

The four wire pairs of the network cable are always twisted in pairs and wrapped in foil.

Only remove the foil from a wire pair as far as is necessary to connect the wires. Also ensure that the wire pairs remain twisted up to the connection contacts of the terminal strip.

Once you have assigned the color-coded wires to the terminal strip according to the color code, place the wire over the connection terminal.

Then press the LSA tool onto the terminal. The stranded wire is pressed into the retaining PIN with an audible click and the excess cable is cut off.

Now connect all eight individual wires of the LAN cable to the terminal strip using the LSA laying tool.

If the network socket has two sockets and therefore also a second terminal strip, the second network installation cable is connected using the same procedure.

Before closing the network socket, check the correct assignment of the connection wires once again.

Also make sure that none of the shielding wires are sticking out and could possibly cause a short circuit. Then screw the box cover tight.

Then insert the network socket into the junction box and screw the network socket tight.

Make sure that the cables are not kinked excessively. Then put on the cover of the network socket and screw it tight.

Your new network socket is ready for use. It is best to check that the wires are connected correctly with a short test.

For the check, use a LAN cable tester to check and document the perfect functionality, speed and reliability.

Now you can connect the patch cables and push the plugs of the network cables into the sockets of the box.

Note:

If you would like to assemble the patch cable required for the installation yourself, you should definitely observe the following paragraph.