KEYSTON (COMMSCOPE)

🔌 General Description

• Manufacturer: CommScope — a major American network infrastructure provider.

• Type: Modular RJ45 jack (Keystone format).

• Use: To terminate twisted-pair Ethernet network cables (CAT5e / CAT6 / CAT6A).

• Mounts In: Keystone openings on wall plates, patch panels, or surface mount boxes.

• Modular: You can add, remove, or replace individual jacks without changing the entire plate or panel.

🧰 Key Features of CommScope Keystone Jacks

✅ Modular & Flexible

• Designed to fit standard keystone cutouts, so they’re interchangeable with many other brands.

📶 Network Standards & Performance

• Support industry cabling standards like ANSI/TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801 (Class D/E/EA depending on category).

• Available in different categories:

  • Cat5e — suitable for up to 1 Gbps Ethernet.

  • Cat6 — better performance for Gigabit and some 10Gbps at short distances.

  • Cat6A — even higher performance for 10 Gbps Ethernet.

🛠️ Termination & Installation

• IDC (Insulation Displacement Connector) termination — no need to strip conductors deeply; punch down tool used.

• Accepts both solid and stranded cable types.

• Supports wiring standards T568A and T568B.

📏 Physical Specs & Materials

• Small form factor that snaps into keystone openings (typical height ~16 mm, width ~14–16 mm).

• Contacts plated with gold for reliable signal and corrosion resistance.

• Housing made of durable plastics (e.g., PC-ABS or polycarbonate).

⚡ PoE & Power Support

• Many CommScope keystone jacks support Power over Ethernet (PoE) including higher power levels (IEEE 802.3bt).

🧠 Why “Keystone”?

“Keystone” refers to the modular snap-in shape of the connector that fits into wall plates or panels — a universal format supported by many vendors. These jacks allow easy customization and replacement of individual ports.

🧑‍🔧 Typical Uses

✔ Structured cabling (offices, data rooms)

✔ Terminating Ethernet runs at walls or patch panels

✔ Supporting various Ethernet speeds and PoE devices

Summary

CommScope Keystone jacks are modular RJ45 connectors designed for flexible, high-performance Ethernet terminations in structured network cabling. They support various categories (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A), fit standardized keystone openings, and are widely used in professional network installations.