Technical Bulletin

ManualsBrandsPanduit ManualsAudioRJ45 Plug, CAT 6A

COTB15--SA-ENG, Rev.1, 01/2018

What is “Direct Connect” cabling and why is it used?

Direct connect cabling is an approach increasingly being used to attach deployed devices in enterprise networks. In

direct connect cabling the horizontal link is plugged directly into the network device rather than using a patch cord.

Typical structured cabling approach: Horizontal cable terminates to a modular jack and a patch cord is used to connect

the device to the network:

Direct connection cabling: Horizontal cable link terminates to a plug which is inserted directly into the device,

connecting it to the network:

Direct connection makes the most sense with devices that are in less-accessible areas, require little or no contact, and are

not moved very often.

Panduit TX6A™ UTP Field Term Plug and Direct

Connect Cabling Systems

January 2018

Network Device

(Switch)

Horizontal

Cable

Telecommunication Room

Patch

Cord

Patch

Cord

Horizontal Cable

(Field-Terminated

Plug)

(Switch)

Telecommunication Room

Network Device

Patch

Cord

Summary of content (5 pages)

PAGE 1
January 2018 Panduit TX6A™ UTP Field Term Plug and Direct Connect Cabling Systems What is “Direct Connect” cabling and why is it used? Direct connect cabling is an approach increasingly being used to attach deployed devices in enterprise networks. In direct connect cabling the horizontal link is plugged directly into the network device rather than using a patch cord.
PAGE 2
Panduit TX6A™ UTP Field Term Plug and Direct Connect Cabling Systems Good candidates for Direct Connection Device Examples Typical location of device or termination Need for access to device or termination Need for future movement of device Wireless access points, security cameras, sensors, digital signage, PoE lighting, etc.
PAGE 3
Panduit TX6A™ UTP Field Term Plug and Direct Connect Cabling Systems In contrast, the TX6A Field Term Plug utilizes Panduit’s pioneering “TG Style” wire cap termination technology, the same easy “forward motion” technology used for more than 12 years with Panduit modular jacks.
PAGE 4
Panduit TX6A™ UTP Field Term Plug and Direct Connect Cabling Systems Plug fit and compatibility with devices The compact footprint of the TX6A Field Term Plug enables it to fit in smaller spaces than most other field-terminable plugs.
PAGE 5
Panduit TX6A™ UTP Field Term Plug and Direct Connect Cabling Systems Test Method 2 – The Alternate Method The Alternate Method field terminable plug test configuration is to be used by system designers and users of data communications systems to verify the performance of the permanent link used in a direct-connect designed infrastructure where the Standards Method is not possible.