Ethernet (RJ45) Female Cable Splitters and Adapters
Unless you're on a Wi-Fi network, ethernet (RJ45 or Cat5e) cables are what you use to join devices or provide internet access. Most modems join with routers or other devices through ethernet cables. There is a huge variety of female adapters to help you keep those cables under control and stay connected efficiently.
What's the difference between a male and female end?When it comes to ethernet cables, the female is the receptacle that the cord plugs into. Whether it's an outlet in the wall, the input/output on a device, or an adapter, this can be the female end. The male is the plug on the end of the cord that goes into the receptacle.
What types of ethernet (RJ45 or Cat5e) adapters are available?There is a wide variety of ethernet adapters available for your networking needs. Here are some of the variations to keep in mind when planning your network:
- Splitter: These will either have a plug on one end and two female receptacles on the other or vice versa. Both versions take the signal from one source and split it in two so that it can reach separate devices.
- Coupler: A female coupler is usually a small box that has an Ethernet receptacle on either end of it. This is used to join two cables together and create one longer cable.
- Extension: An extension cord has a plug on one end and a female receptacle box on the other. These are used to extend a cord that isn't quite long enough to reach an outlet or device.
- Injector: Depending on the network and the type of signal being transmitted, dividing an ethernet cable can result in a weaker signal going to each source. An injector uses DC current from a power adapter to boost the signal to the female receptacles. This enables better transmission to the devices that are accessing the network or internet.
RJ45 or Cat5e cables can be used in different combinations of devices to transmit information or internet signals. Here are some examples:
- Modem to router: These cords are generally used to join a modem to a router. The modem provides an internet source while the router joins the computers or devices via more ethernet cables or a wireless signal.
- Router to computer or cable box: These cords can be run between a router and a computer or even a cable box. Some cable television providers require an internet signal to operate their receivers, which will transmit via CAT5 or CAT6.
- Computer to computer: These cords can be used to connect computers on a network. This allows one computer to access files on the hard drive of another or even to operate the computer remotely.