
What are Field Termination Plugs?
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Field Termination Plug: The Basics
In modern data communications and networking setups, ensuring a seamless, high-speed, and reliable transmission requires a large array of equipment, cabling, and testing. In some cases, this process can be tedious and inconvenient with traditional RJ45 connectors. Luckily, necessity is the mother of all inventions and a field termination plug is one such invention designed for convenience.Â
What is a Field Termination Plug?
A field termination plug is a tool-less RJ45-style connector that allows for a quick and reliable Ethernet cable termination. These plugs are designed to be easily installed without the need of specialized tools, such as crimping tools.Â
Why Use a Field Termination Plug?
Field termination plugs (or FTP) are built to provide a tool-less (or minimally dependent) alternative for connecting your cables directly to your devices. These plugs are ideal for applications where flexibility and durability are extremely important. Among some of the benefits a field termination plug can offer for your networks are:
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Tool-less Installation: As mentioned, field termination plugs are great for fast deployments and when conventional specialized tools aren’t readily accessible. This is because these plugs only require an user to arrange and insert cable wires into their respective channels and close the plug to secure them in place. When compared to separating twisted cable pairs one by one and putting them into their designated housing, and then using a specialized crimping tool to attach the connector to the cable within… the FTP is an obvious alternative for convenience.Â
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Direct Connections: In certain deployments, especially ones in harsh or outdoor environments, connection between your devices to equipment like wall jacks or patch panels may not be practical. FTPs remove the need for these equipment by offering a direct connection, and are generally useful for devices such as digital displays, access points, and IP cameras.Â
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Durability: Field termination plugs are created for settings where fast deployment and cabling restructure is common. Sometimes, this environment requires re-termination of the cables several times, either for testing or readjustments. FTP are sturdy network connectors that are reusable and accommodating for thick ethernet cables.Â
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High Performance: FTPs are able to support up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds. Additionally, field plugs (such as our RJ-FIP-01 Shielded Cat6A Field Termination Plug) include a shielded design, allowing for protection against EMI.Â
Where Are Field Termination Plugs Ideal?
A rule of thumb is that field termination plugs are particularly useful in settings where you need to consistently shift around and re-terminated cables, or settings where a fast deployment is essential. These environments can include:
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Industrial or Outdoor Environments: Field termination plugs are built to be sturdier and longer-lasting compared to a traditional RJ45 connector.
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Smart Buildings or IoT Deployments: FTPs offer a direct connection for your network devices without the need for patch cords, making them ideal for connection for devices such as smart sensors, security systems, IP cameras, wireless access points, and various other PoE devices.
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Data Centers or Enterprise Networks: Field termination plugs are able to support high bandwidth applications and offer a versatile cabling that is essential for network racks found in high requirement environments.
Should You Invest in Field Termination Plugs?
If you’re an IT professional or a network administrator, a field termination plug can offer benefits that combine convenience, efficiency, and cost savings into one. A high-quality field termination plug can lower cost during installation by removing the need for pre-made cables and crimping tools. FTPs are also ideal for both beginners and professionals because of its easy installation method while also offering high performance in the form of 10 Gbps and electromagnetic interference protection.Â
As our networks continue to evolve with higher speeds, greater power demands from more connected devices, and new technological advances… solutions for a more reliable, efficient, and scalable network are highly valued more than ever. Field termination plugs are one such versatile and reliable connectors that will ensure your networks are able to run at peak efficiency.Â