An RJ45 connector is designed for long-term use, typically lasting many years with proper care.
An RJ45 connector is designed for long-term use, typically lasting many years with proper care.
In this article I attempted a somewhat awkward configuration to link my phone to Ethernet. I'm curious whether using the connector will cause it to fail over time. I have an Ethernet cable already connected to my laptop, and whenever I switch to my phone I need to disconnect and reconnect it. Essentially, I think RJ45 is built to stay plugged in for a long duration without frequent insertions. But am I mistaken?
Generally, they can plug and unplug many times for years. However, it's always possible it could break. The only thing I've ever had break on an RJ45 before from regular plugging and unplugging was the plastic clip on top that secures it in place. This does not prevent that connector from working, it simply means that it is now only held in by friction. If you aren't moving around your laptop when using it like this, it would be no problem. So if you just keep the laptop stationary when using it for a couple of days until you can get a new cable, you're fine. Ethernet cable is dirt cheap. You could replace the head if you are comfortable with that or you can just buy a new cable if this happens. A 2m (6 foot) cable of Cat 5E costs about $5. Even if the cable lasts you for only a year each time, that's about 1.3 cents per day of cost. The electricity to use the laptop is more than that.
RJ-45 offers strong durability. Replacing the damaged male end is straightforward using a crimper tool. The female side typically shows issues clearly, as pins are misaligned or damaged. Problems here are rarer than a broken retention clip on the male end or crushed contacts on it.
Relies on the specific standard it was designed for. Probably in the hundreds, though... https://futurereadysolutions.com/wp-cont...0107.0.pdf Insertion/Extraction cycles ≥ 1250 Cycles
The weakest spot is the tiny clip you need to press to detach a connector from a jack. If it fails, all the rest of the connector stays stuck due to friction. I've noticed some damaged modular connectors in my experience, but the only time they stopped working completely was when they were crushed.
I anticipate the clip will fail first. I've tested some without the clips and they function properly. My Ethernet adapter is somewhat damaged, still holding friction, but it hasn't broken completely. I also have a 15m Cat6 cable from my router outside to my room before my laptop, so replacing everything would be inconvenient. Fortunately, I have extra Ethernet cable available. Replacing just the head seems feasible; though I don’t have the replacement tool, a friend might assist me.
The process is straightforward overall. You don’t have to strip the wires; just use a crimping tool and a set of heads. It’s a solid reason to allow some flexibility in the line when needed. The main challenge comes with having the right tools to inspect the cable afterward (even though I always test it before use). I prefer a dual-tester setup—one for sending pulses and another for receiving signals. If the signal flows correctly through 1-8, you’re all set.