Charlotte Data Solutions gets asked a lot about rj 45 pinout or “what the correct wiring method (or pinout) is for Cat 5e or Cat 6.” Related to this is a question we get often as well. “Does it matter which color goes where, or does it just have to be the same at both ends?” Sometimes you have to make a repair to a cable on your own. this will help you do that.
Types of RJ 45 Connectors
Before you begin, you will need the correct connector for the type and size ethernet cabling you are using. For example, you will need CAT 6 connectors for CAT 6 Cable. Also pay attention to the wire Gauge. Most quality installation of CAT 6 have a thicker gauge wire than was used with Cat 5 cables. If you attempt to use a Cat 5 connector on a Cat 6 cable, you will not be able to properly terminate the cable.
In most cases, connectors for Cat 6 cable will be for 23 AWG wire. Some connectors have a “loader” that must be feed into the cable before inserting the wires into the module. Other Connectors “pass through” the end of the connector. The tool for each type of connector is unique for its type. Be sure to verify the AWG of your wire to ensure your connector is the correct size for the cable.
The Correct RJ45 Pinout
We always suggest using T-568B for wiring. This is the current industry standard. I can’t remember when the last time someone asked us to use T-568A.
The main question is: what is the correct pinout for an RJ-45 connector? Hold the RJ-45 connector with the cable opening facing you and the tab positioned downward. The pinout follows a specific color pattern, starting with the Orange Stripe wire and ending with the solid Brown wire. The diagram on the left illustrates this pattern clearly.
Orange Stripe, Orange Solid, Green Stripe, Blue Solid, Blue Stripe, Green Solid, Brown Stripe, Brown Solid. Notice too as a double check that every other wire is stripe – solid – stripe -solid.
Which Pattern should i use A or B?
The only difference between A and B is the placement of the green and orange wires, otherwise it is the same thing. Both A and B wiring will provide a good connection, and will pass all tests. There is no real functional difference between A and B.
Contrary to popular belief, all the wires are required for 10Gbps or 1Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) and for VoIP / POE. This means that if you were to omit one of the wires in one of the pairs, the cable may not work, or if it did work you might only get 10/100 Mbps.
Do the pairs matter the order?
Technically, using just Orange and Green pairs might work, but it is not best practice. This setup would only support 10/100 Mbps connections and would not provide Power Over Ethernet (PoE), which most IP phones and access points require. This is a common mistake electricians make or attempts to run two connections over a single cable. While it may function temporarily, it will fail professional testing and certifications and will not operate reliably.
In short, the order does matter. The pairs are twisted around each other to create an energy field that prevents signals from jumping between pairs. If you mix up this pattern, the cable might pass a continuity test, but it will fail certification and likely won’t even trigger a Link Light when you connect your device.
Where can you get good connectors for RJ 45 Cat 6 cables? We would recommend Amazon for a quick option. Here is a good option https://amzn.to/4rXyFyR
I hope this has helped you with your repair.
If you need further assistance, we would be happy to have one of our Network Cable Techs come and fix whatever your building wiring needs are. Fill out our form on our contact us page