A network wall socket, also called a UTP wall socket, is a socket for a computer network. These boxes are used to neatly terminate fixed network cabling. This way, used and unused cables never get in the way. When choosing, pay attention to the network cable category used. The socket category must be the same as that of the network cable. If a shielded cable is used, it is important that the wall socket also supports shielding and electrically interconnects with the inserted patch cable. In addition to a built-in or surface-mounted box, you can opt for a modular system with separate keystone connectors.
Best Network Universal Wall Socket
What is a Network Wall Socket?
In recent decades, the use of computers connected to the Internet via a network has become common. In companies where many computers are used in a limited space, a wireless network is often less practical because it can be overloaded by many connections. A wired network is used because it offers more stability and security.
In addition to electricity, a company computer also needs a network connection. Everyone knows the normal socket where you can plug in to supply a device with electricity. The same kind of solution has been developed to connect a PC to a network. This is the network wall socket. This makes connecting a PC an easy job. This requires a power cord and network patch cable. A patch cable is a flexible network cable with an RJ45 network connector on both sides. Plug the power cord into the PC and into the power outlet. Plug the patch cable into the network connection of the PC and into the network wall socket. The PC can be used after connecting the monitor.
Types of Network Wall Socket
The first type is the build-up variant. This box can easily be placed on a wall. You can mount the box with screws or tape it with double-sided tape. A standard network wall socket has two network connections. By wiring both connections, it is possible to provide two devices independently with a network connection.
If there is not enough space for a box with a double network connection, choose a small surface-mounted box with a single connection. The second type is the flush-mounting box. This fits in a standard wall box used in the UK. By using existing wall boxes, you can easily pull a single or double network cable through the available tube and connect it to the network wall socket. Then screw the socket on the wall box. As a result, all fixed network cables disappear from view, which gives a nice sleek design image. The network cable is mounted on the network wall socket via an LSA strip. With an LSA mounting, the insulated wire of a network cable is pressed into the LSA connector with a special LSA tool.
Keystone connectors
A special type of network wall socket uses modular connectors. These are called keystones. Keystones are available with a wide variety of connectors.
Cat5e and cat6e 6a keystones are important for building a computer network. The advantage of a keystone is that it is first mounted on a network cable and only then clicked into the socket via a snap-in system. This gives you plenty of room to put the keystone on the cable. Keystones are often used with recessed boxes, but there are also surface-mounted boxes available where keystones fit.
Keystones are particularly compact, it is possible to accommodate up to three keystones in a wall socket. Keystones make it easy to replace a broken connection. This does not require replacing the entire box, but simply removing the relevant keystone from the box. Then the broken keystone of the cable can be cut and a new one mounted. This makes building and maintaining a wired network one step easier and more efficient.
Network Wall Socket Specifications and features
In addition to the well-known white and gray wall sockets, you can also use built-in boxes in various colors. This allows you to adapt the flush-mounted box to the color of your interior, or use the color to indicate the function of the box.
When choosing it is important to choose the right cable category. If you use cat5e network cable, choose a cat5e wall socket. If you use cat6 network cable, choose a cat6 wall socket without shielding. If you use a cat6a cable, choose a cat6a wall socket.
The correct category is important, because the cable thickness and the conductor thickness are different for different categories. If you choose a socket that does not fit the cable category, you cannot even push the wire into the LSA connector, or the wire will make poor or no contact. If a shielded network cable is used, it is important that the wall socket supports this. When using a shielded cable, the wall socket must electrically connect the shield to the shield of the inserted patch cable. Dirt and dust can cause connection problems. A sealing cover prevents dust and dirt from entering the connector of unused terminals.
