What Are Keystone Jacks?

Keystone Jacks are Ethernet modules that are meant to snap onto connectors for Cat3 cables, Cat5e cables, and Cat6 cables. Shielded keystone jacks and other connectivity products help protect your data from EMI, or electromagnetic interference.

Do you need a keystone jack for your ethernet connection? If you haven't handled the setup of a home or office data network before, you may not be familiar with the term. Simply put, a keystone jack is a molded plastic ethernet module that's meant to be snapped onto connectors for Category3, Category5e, and Category6 ethernet cables. At Cables.com, you will find different types of keystone jacks from mini-jack Cat3 keystone jacks to flush-mount Cat5E keystone jacks. But before you can decide on which type of keystone jack/module you need, it’s important to fully understand what a keystone jack is and what it does. 

When Do You Need a Keystone Jack?

A keystone module is a standardized snap-in package for mounting a variety of low-voltage electrical jacks or optical connectors into a keystone wall plate, face plate, surface-mount box, or a patch panel.” Essentially, it’s a connecting device that an electrical jack plugs into. These may be used in networking applications for computers and telephones. Shielded keystone jacks and other connectivity products like those available at Cables.com are intended to protect your data from EMI, or electromagnetic interference, which can negatively impact the strength and reliability of your ethernet connection.

Shielded keystone jacks in particular are essential for those working with audio equipment or sensitive data, shielded cables and keystone jacks can reduce static, outside noise, and other interference that could disrupt sound quality or overall functioning. Most consumers looking for home electronic accessories will not need shielded products, since EMI interference isn't a major concern with standard home internet networks. But in professional applications, it can greatly improve network function and results.

Keystone Jacks at Cables.com

Cables.com stocks keystone jacks for Cat3, Cat5e, and Cat6 ethernet connections. 

Our Cat3 RJ11/RJ12 Insert keystone jacks are punchdown enabled, which means a punchdown tool can be used to punch the wires from your ethernet cable directly down into the blades built into the keystone jack. This means you can strip the jacket from your cable, and easily punch down the individual wires into the back of the jack, and put it in the wallplate that goes in the wall. This is the most reliable connection you can get, and you can separate each room by using a different color jack.

Our Category5e keystone jacks are 8P8C- used with most RJ45 modular connectors for the best connection available.
50 micron gold connectors ensure smooth data transmission, and they're rated upto 350 mhz. You can expect these types of jacks to work with most 110 punch down tools, like our Leviton GigaMax 5e QuickPort Category5e keystone jack. 

Cat6 ethernet cables are the current standard in ethernet connections, so it's a good idea to consider investing in a Cat6 keystone jack. It's an integral part of a local area network (LAN), whether it be for a business or for your home. Our Category 6 Flush Mount Keystone Jacks are meant to fit into a standard wall plate, and they're rated for gigabit applications. 

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Our Datacomm cables, tools, and accessories are manufactured to high standards and are always competitively priced. Have any questions regarding placing a custom order or shopping our online catalog? Contact Us or email us at sales@cables.com! Our business is proudly located in New York, USA and you can reach us by phone at 1-800-372-3725.

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