What is a unshielded 8p8c cat.5e modular plug?

This unshielded 8P8C Cat.5e modular plug is actually the most common type of "RJ45 connector" found in many home broadband networks, both in the past and present. It's transparent, compact, and a fundamental component for connecting to a network.

1. What is it used for? (Basic Function)

The "mouth" of the network cable: Its function is to be attached to both ends of the network cable, allowing the cable to be plugged into the ports of computers, switches, or wireless routers like a plug.
Signal transmission interface: The electrical signals in the network cable rely entirely on the small metal contacts at the front of this plug to connect with the device and transmit the network signal.

2. What is "8P8C"? (Specifications)

Eight positions, eight contacts: "8P" means it has 8 slots for placing wires, and "8C" means there are 8 metal contacts for conducting electricity.
Standard design: This is the most common network cable interface standard in the world. Whether it's your home router or office network port, any rectangular port with a small spring clip is designed for this 8P8C specification.

3. Why is it called "Unshielded"? (Protection Type)

Fully transparent material: This connector is usually made of a single piece of transparent plastic, without the shiny metal casing on the outside.
Simple and pure: It mainly relies on the twisting of the copper wires inside the network cable to reduce interference. Because there is no metal casing, it is lighter and eliminates the hassle of dealing with the shielding layer during installation.
Preferred for home use: In ordinary home or office environments, electromagnetic interference is not that serious, so using this unshielded connector is both inexpensive and stable.

4. Why choose "Category 5e" (Cat.5e)? (Performance Level)

Economical and practical: Cat.5e refers to its transmission level. Although there are now higher-grade Category 6 cables, Category 5e is still the most cost-effective and widely used standard.
Sufficient for daily use: For watching videos, playing ordinary online games, and working from home, this performance level connector is completely sufficient and you won't feel any limitations in network speed. Compatible Cables: Its internal aperture is specifically designed for Category 5e network cables. The cable ends fit perfectly, and crimping is very easy.

5. What are its external features? (Structural details)

Plastic latch: The plastic piece at the top that clicks down when pressed and springs back up when released is its locking hook. The "click" sound when inserting it into the network port is the sound of it locking into place.
Gold-plated contacts: There are eight small, comb-like copper contacts on the head, usually with a thin layer of gold plating on the surface. This gold plating prevents the copper contacts from rusting, ensuring that the network will not experience connection problems due to poor contact for years or even decades.
Transparent casing: Because it is transparent, when you are making network cables with crimping pliers, you can clearly see whether the eight colored wires inside are inserted all the way and whether the color sequence is correct.