Network Cable Couplers

Network cable coupler - Extend your network connection

Here on the page, you can find our selection of network cable couplers.

Network cable couplers have a reputation for being able to reduce your network speed, but is it true?

It has not been proven that network cable couplers can lower your network speed, but rather they can prevent defective packets.

An increase in defective packets is thus reduced due to packet retransmission, but the speed remains the same.

However, too many errors can cause the network cable couplers to slow down.

In the most basic terms, a network cable coupler is a device that connects two network cables and is typically designed as a rectangular plastic or metal box, with open ends where you insert the ends of the network cables.

Inside the network cable coupler, the wires are marked with color codes corresponding to those on the network cables, allowing you to easily and correctly connect them.

On the other side, the network cables' connection wires are covered by a clear plastic casing so you can see their colors.

If the cable ends are connected properly, the wires in the Ethernet cable will come into contact with those in the network cable coupler, thus establishing a connection.

The notch that you can find inside the coupling itself secures the cable, ensuring the connection can continue without any interruptions.

3 things you should know before looking at network cable couplers

Today, there is a wide range of network cable couplers on the market, and if you have no prior knowledge, it can be difficult to determine what will fit specifically to your cables.

However, you can generally expect that the network cable couplers are categorized by their corresponding network cables.

This means that the network cable couplers typically come in four different categories:

• Cat 5
• Cat 5e
• Cat 6
• Cat 6a

Therefore, when you want to buy a network cable coupler, it is important to first check the category of your network cable, and then buy a network cable coupler with a corresponding rating.

This ensures that the wires match and the connection is solid.

#1 - How network cable couplers work

First, you need a network cable coupler that matches the network cables you are using; they are often not very expensive and often easy to obtain.

Next, you need to extend your network cable to its maximum length and insert its end into the network cable coupler.

Take the next cable and insert its end into the opposite side of the coupling to establish a connection between the two cables; you can now connect the other cable to the computer and continue with data transfer.

The wires inside the network cable coupler connect with the wires in the network cables, thereby forming a continuation of data transfer.

If both network cables are connected properly, you should not have any issues with the transfer.

#2 - How to manage network speed with network cable couplers

Network cable couplers are designed in a way that ensures you can maintain your network cable's speed as it is.

They therefore do not lower the speed, because the network cable couplers are designed to match their type of network cables, ensuring you get a good connection.

However, if you connect a network cable coupler and then notice that your speed drops, there may be a problem or various factors affecting it.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI)

EMI can increase in an area where equipment such as microwaves, generators, air conditioning units, etc., is constantly used.

If you therefore use a network cable coupler in such an environment, there is a chance that data transfer speeds will be reduced, the data will be of low quality, and there will be a significant number of errors in the data.

A possible solution to this is often to invest in a network cable coupler that is well shielded using high-quality shielding material.

You can find both shielded and unshielded network cable couplers, and it is therefore important to investigate whether the network cable coupler you have your eyes on is shielded or not.

It will often only benefit you to choose shielded network cable couplers since they are rarely more expensive than unshielded ones.

You can often see the shielding material on the shielded network cable couplers; for example, both shielded variants of Cat 5 and Cat 6 have a thin foil all around that can effectively block EMI.

Network cable type vs. network cable coupler type

It is important to consider what type of network cable you are using before you can find a network cable coupler that fits.

Many manufacturers recommend that you choose the same category for both network cables and network cable couplers so you can get the best connection without interference.

In many cases, if you connect a network cable to a network cable coupler of different categories, you will often experience signal errors and data loss.

If they are the correct categories, but you are still experiencing slow network speed, it may be due to differences in the specifications of the cable and the coupler.

Some models of Cat 5e and Cat 6 can connect with each other, thanks to their more advanced backward-compatible connection.

If you therefore want to mix the models and connect a Cat 5e to a Cat 6, you should check whether they are compatible to avoid affecting the data transmission speed.

Connection area

The various categories of network cables have a maximum limit on the distance at which they can still maintain high data transmission speeds.

It is quite common for electrical signals or data transmissions to degrade as the distance increases between the connected devices.

For example, if you choose to use a Category (Cat) 6 network cable, it is typically expected to maintain perfect speed and quality at distances up to 100 meters in an ideal environment.

However, various factors can reduce this distance to around 50 meters of perfect connection; it does mean that as long as the network cable coupler is placed within this area, the speed will not be interrupted.

When you buy a network cable coupler, you should therefore check the specifications and compare them with those of your network cables, so you connect them within the recommended area.

#3 - Features of the network cable coupler

Network cable couplers, and more specifically RJ45 connectors, incorporate the basic functions of modular connectors:

• Low prices
• Solderless assembly of connectors and wires
• Fast production of custom cables
• Simple installation and removal
• Easy field mounting with simple tools and the ability to customize cables on-site

Connectors can also have a vertical or horizontal orientation, allowing you to use them in different applications.

In addition to these, network cable couplers, and RJ45 connectors, also have the smart feature of preventing incorrect wiring.

Their 8-pin configuration also means they can be used in more demanding and data-intensive applications.

Additional features include:

• Shielding. To cancel the effects of EMI/RFI
• Input. To ensure correct insertion
• Various mounting options. To allow panel, board, surface, or through-hole methods
• Display and indicators. To indicate connection status
• Integrated magnetics. To enable better shielding plus surge protection
• Hi-Rel. To provide protection for hardware and connectivity

There are several standards that apply to RJ45 connectors, depending on their uses.

ANSI/TIA 1096-A covers the basic physical dimensions, mechanical properties, and contact requirements for RJ45 devices.

The basic wiring standards T-568A and T-568B cover RJ45 wiring and pinouts, and the IEEE standards 802.3at, 802.3af, and 802.3bt cover Ethernet specifications and details for Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices, where the connector delivers electrical power to the endpoint.