AN RJ WHAT?

Taking the mystery out of modular connectors.

With the popularity of local area networks, and the use of modular connectors as the defacto standard copper-connector-of-choice by most data equipment manufacturers, the term “RJ-45” is spoken almost daily by those of us in the IT field. Without giving a history of the term, suffice it to say that it describes the physical size and shape of the interface used on most computer network interface cards. It’s an 8 position, 8 conductor modular connector that looks very similar to the standard telephone modular plug we are all familiar with. In fact, they look so similar in appearance, many people do not realize there is a difference between the two.

So, what’s the difference? The RJ-45 connector has 8 contacts that will accept (terminate) up to 8 conductors (4 pair) of wire. The telephone modular connector is commonly referred to as an RJ-11 or RJ-12, which is a 6 position connector that will accept (terminate) 2, 4, or 6 conductors (1-3 pairs), depending on it’s intended use. Now, there are more RJ (Registered Jack) numbers than you can shake a stick at, so suffice it to say its primarily used on phone related equipment, such as telephone sets, fax machines, modems, etc.

Another difference between the two is their physical size. RJ-45 jacks and plugs are wider (has more contacts) than the RJ-11, and are typically proportionately longer. The height of the two is approximately the same. What this means is that an RJ-45 plug can not fit into an RJ-11 jack, however, an RJ-11 plug will go into an RJ-45 jack. This is not good practice, however, as an RJ-11 plug can damage the outside two conductors of the RJ-45 jack and prevent proper network operations. This is why one should only plug voice cords into voice jacks and data cords into data jacks.

Not all RJ-45’s are created equal, though. Some have polarity notches and tabs that allow only similar units to mate with a properly “keyed” connector. Some are made for termination on solid wire only, while others for stranded wire only. (You don’t want to get these mixed up.) RJ-45’s are also made at various levels of performance (electrical characteristics) to match the category of cable it will be terminate on.

The RJ-45 is not restricted to just data devices. Some telephones, like ISDN sets and proprietary digital sets, use the RJ-45 as their standard connecting plug. This is why you will see the RJ-45 at most newly installed floor and wall outlets for both the voice and data connections. As you can see, this connector is very versatile, which is one reason it’s so popular. In Patch Cords Part II we’ll take a look at common terminology, and later we’ll discuss the color code-to-pin assignments that are used in patch cords.

OT STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS AVAILABLE

The Division of Communications has put together instructions outlining the steps for completion of an OT document via the NIS system. The OT document is required to receive telecommunications equipment for your agency once your agency has gone live for “procurement of goods”. If you would like a copy of those step by step instructions via fax or email, or if you have questions about this process, please contact Norma at nwhite@doc.state.ne.us or (402) 471-3562.

CHANGE IN CALLING CARD RECORDING

The recording that is heard when you place an ALLTEL calling card number has been changed. The new recording asks the caller for the calling card number and PIN.

DIVISION OF COMMUNICATIONS RATES

The following table shows the rates that the Division of Communications has published for this current year as well as for the next two fiscal years.

Our office is able to aggregate all of your telecommunications services statewide resulting in the low rates shown above. For example, our cellular per minute rate is the lowest nationwide for state government, our toll rate has dropped from $.10 to $.07 since 2001 and our 800 services from $.12 to $.08. During this past year we also aggregated data circuits throughout the state on our new network, Network Nebraska, resulting in approximately 10% savings on your data communications billings. In addition to the above published rates, the Division of Communications also has an administrative charge added to services not mentioned above, such as your basic local service and additional charges and credits for when you add, change or remove telephone lines and/or circuits. As our customer, this administrative charges gives you the benefit of low rates, one billing for all our telecommunications services, the Nebraska State Government Directory, no cost access to troubleshooting, research and testing of new technologies and the Division of Communications expertise working with the vendor to resolve issues. For the last 25+ years, this charge has been 5%. As we have continued to aggregate more services resulting in lower rates, the fiscal impact indicates a need to raise our administrative charge to 7%. This change will allow us to continue to provide you with the benefits mentioned above. The 7% administrative charge will be effective with the billing dated August 1, 2004. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Brenda Decker at 402/471-3717 or Jayne Scofield at 402/471-3454.

THE NEW LONG DISTANCE CALLING CARD

Long distance calling cards issued by Alltel Communications have a new look. When a NEW card is ordered by an agency communication’s coordinator, the user will be sent a NEW card with this NEW design.

The fiscal year 2005 rate for calling card calls remains at $0.12 per minute. The instructions for placing calling cards are the same on both the old and the new cards, so a new card is not necessary for current calling card users. If changes need to be made to an existing card, a new card and number will be issued and the old card and number will be deactivated.

Cards that are no longer being used and have been deactivated should be returned to Renee at the Division of Communications, (402) 471-4701.

Directory Listing Closing Dates: