LAN adaptors and tools for installation and maintenance

DINIC Network · Installation · Expansion · B2B

LAN accessories – RJ45 connectors, network sockets & Gigabit LAN adaptors

The right LAN accessories complement professional network connections from installation right through to the workstation. The MAG range includes, amongst other things, shielded RJ45 connectors, network sockets with LSA connection technology, as well as USB and USB-C-to-RJ45 Gigabit adaptors for installation, expansion, servicing and roll-out.

Important when selecting: the category, shielding and connection technology of the accessories should be compatible with the existing network link. For PoE applications, it is also important to ensure that the connection components used are approved for the intended power level.
RJ45 connectors
Cat 6A / 7 shielded
LSA network sockets
USB-A to RJ45
USB-C to RJ45
1 Gbit/s LAN adapter

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Choosing the right LAN accessories – to ensure the entire network link works properly

A high-performance network connection consists of more than just the cable. RJ45 connectors, network sockets, connection modules and adaptors also influence the data rate and transmission characteristics that a complete connection can reliably provide.

That is why LAN accessories should be chosen not only on the basis of the correct connector, but also according to category, shielding, connection technology, data rate and area of application.

The most important rule:
In a professional network link, cables, connectors, sockets and other passive components should be technically compatible with one another. A high-quality cable alone cannot compensate for an unsuitable connection component.

What LAN accessories do I need?

Task Suitable solution What to look out for?
Connecting or extending RJ45 patch cables Shielded RJ45 connector Select the category and shielding to match the existing network run
Establish a network connection in the room RJ45 network socket with LSA connection Take note of the cable category, shielding, installation method and pinout
Connecting a laptop without an RJ45 port USB-C to RJ45 Gigabit adapter Check the USB-C port and the required Ethernet data rate
Add LAN to a PC with USB-A USB 3.0 to RJ45 Gigabit adapter Check the interface and operating system compatibility of the specific adapter
Install fixed building cabling Installation cable + suitable connection components Plan the category, shielding and all components of the permanent link/channel run together
Establish a 10-Gigabit patch connection Cat 7 patch cable Select accessories and connection components suitable for the required performance class

RJ45 connectors – connecting two network cables together

An RJ45 coupler with two RJ45 sockets enables the direct connection of two pre-terminated network cables. This is useful, for example, during maintenance work, when relocating equipment, for temporary installations, or when an existing patch connection needs to be extended.

The current MAG range includes, amongst other things, shielded all-metal RJ45 couplers in Cat 6A/5e and Cat 7 versions.

For high-performance networks:
An additional coupler represents another transition point within the network link. For permanent installations, the category, shielding and quality of the coupler should therefore match the rest of the cabling.

Why is a shielded all-metal connector advisable?

If a shielded network cable is used, the connection between the cables should also be designed accordingly. A shielded RJ45 connector enables a metallic connection between the designated shield contacts.

Particularly with S/FTP network cables, high cable density or electromagnetically challenging installation environments, the shielding of the entire run should be professionally planned and, where possible, implemented consistently throughout.

Find out more in the guide: U/UTP, F/UTP, S/FTP – which LAN shielding is right?

Network socket with LSA – for fixed building cabling

Network sockets form the transition between permanently installed cabling and flexible patch cables at the workstation. The dual RJ45 network sockets offered in this category are shielded and feature LSA connection technology.

The universal design for flush-mounted or surface-mounted installation allows for a variety of installation scenarios. During planning, the socket should be selected to match the installation cable used in terms of category and shielding.

You can find suitable cables for fixed data runs under Cat 7 cable reels and installation cables .

RJ45 connector or network socket – what is the difference?

RJ45 connector

Connects two network cables that are already fitted with RJ45 plugs.

Useful for extensions, maintenance, retrofitting and temporary connections.

Network socket

Provides a fixed RJ45 connection point at the end of a structured building cabling system.

A typical solution for offices, buildings, plant rooms and workstations.

USB/USB-C LAN adapter

Adds a wired RJ45 network interface to devices without a built-in Ethernet port.

Particularly useful for laptops, ultrabooks and compact workstation systems.

USB-C to RJ45 – Gigabit LAN for laptops without a network port

Many modern laptops and compact computers no longer feature an integrated RJ45 Ethernet port. A USB-C to RJ45 adapter allows you to retrofit a wired network connection.

The DINIC USB-C LAN adapters in this category support 10/100/1000 Mbit/s and are therefore suitable for standard Gigabit Ethernet connections at the workplace, in the home office, during service calls or for mobile IT use.

USB-A to RJ45 – Gigabit Ethernet via USB 3.0

DINIC LAN adapters are also available for PCs and laptops with a standard USB-A port. This allows an RJ45 Gigabit network connection to be added via USB 3.0 for devices without a built-in Ethernet interface.

What Cat category must the accessories have?

A high cable category alone does not guarantee a correspondingly high-performance overall connection. Connectors, network sockets and other passive components must also be suitable for the intended network performance.

If, for example, a professional 10-Gigabit connection is planned, the entire connection – including patch cables, installation cables, sockets, connectors and patch panels – should be considered as a single system.

Choosing the right network category: Cat 6A, Cat 7 or Cat 8 – which network cable do I need?

LAN accessories and PoE – take connectors and sockets into account

With Power over Ethernet (PoE), electrical power is transmitted over the network link in addition to the data signal. Therefore, when carrying out a PoE installation, it is not enough to consider only patch and installation cables.

RJ45 connectors, network sockets, Keystone modules, patch panels and connectors must also be technically suitable for the planned power rating.

Particularly with PoE++:
Do not assume, based solely on a Cat rating, that a connector or socket is suitable for a specific PoE power rating. The technical specifications and the approval status of the specific component are decisive.

More on PoE power, conductor cross-sections and cabling planning: PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ – which patch cable and which AWG cross-section?

The three most important guides to LAN selection

Cat 6A, Cat 7 und Cat 8 Netzwerkkabel im Vergleich

Cat 6A, Cat 7 or Cat 8?

Compare data rates, frequencies, range and areas of application for the different network categories.

Compare categories
U/UTP, F/UTP und S/FTP LAN-Schirmung

Which LAN shielding?

What U/UTP, F/UTP and S/FTP mean, and how to plan the shielding for the entire route.

Compare shielding
PoE, PoE Plus und PoE Plus Plus Netzwerkkabel

PoE and network components

PoE power, AWG cable gauge and requirements for the entire cabling run.

Planning PoE cabling

LAN accessories for B2B, installation, roll-out and service

MAG offers LAN and RJ45 accessories for specialist retailers, system integrators, installation companies, IT service providers, industry and commercial network projects. Shielded RJ45 connectors are also available for larger quantities and recurring installation requirements; in addition, network sockets and Gigabit LAN adaptors are available for workstations and service purposes.

Frequently asked questions about LAN and RJ45 accessories

What do I need an RJ45 connector for?

An RJ45 connector joins two network cables that are already fitted with RJ45 plugs. It is suitable, for example, for extending an existing patch connection or for servicing and retrofitting work.

Can I extend a Cat 7 cable with any RJ45 coupler?

Mechanically, many RJ45 components can be connected to one another. However, to ensure the best possible network performance, you should choose a coupler whose category and shielding are suitable for the planned total length of the cable run.

What is a shielded RJ45 connector?

A shielded connector has metallic shielding components designed for integration into a suitably configured shielded network run. Ensuring the shielding is correctly connected throughout the entire installation remains crucial.

What does LSA mean in relation to a network socket?

LSA refers to a connection technique in which the individual wires of the installation cable are inserted into and connected to designated cut-to-length terminal blocks. It is frequently used in permanently installed network sockets.

Can I connect a laptop without a LAN port via RJ45?

Yes. If the device has a suitable USB-A or USB-C port, a suitable USB-to-RJ45 adapter can provide a wired Ethernet interface. DINIC adapters in this category support speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s.

Is every RJ45 connector suitable for PoE?

This should not be assumed across the board. For PoE, and particularly for high PoE++ power ratings, it must be checked whether the specific connector or connection component is technically suitable for the intended power rating or has been approved accordingly.

Does a network socket affect the maximum data rate?

Yes. A structured network link consists of several components. Installation cable, network socket, patch panel, connectors, patch cables and active hardware must all work together to support the desired transmission performance.