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GG45 Connector

GG45 (GigaGate 45) and ARJ45 (Augmented RJ45) are two related connectors for Category 7, Category 7A, and Category 8 telecommunication cabling. The GG45 interface and related implementations are developed and sold by Nexans S.A., while the ARJ45 interface and related implementations are developed and sold by Bel Fuse Inc. The electrical performance of each is compliant with IEC 61076-3-110, as published by the International Electrotechnical Commission.[1] Furthermore, the ARJ45 connector meets the mechanical dimensions specified in IEC 61076-3-110.

Details

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The GG45 and ARJ45 connectors operate in the frequency band between 600 MHz and 5 GHz with shielded twisted pair and twinax cables. To reduce crosstalk, two of the four pairs have been moved so that each pair occupies one corner.

GG45 is a variant of ARJ45 that allows for cables terminated with male 8P8C (AKA RJ45) connectors to be plugged into GG45 ports. However, GG45 cables cannot plug into 8P8C ports as a protrusion on the socket is designed to activate a switch on the port for the alternative contact positions.[2]

Combined with an internal system of Faraday cages, the GG45 interface therefore has plenty of headroom, plus the ability to migrate to higher speed service by upgrading to Category 7A patch cords that activate the switch in the port.[3]

There are two main variants of GG45/ARJ45:

  • GG45 or ARJ45 HD is the full connector with 12 contacts, providing a Category 6 cable interface (100/250 MHz) for older devices as well as the new interface.
  • ARJ45 HS is the version without the Cat-6–compatible contacts, for a total of 8 contacts.
   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 
|‾‾█‾█‾█‾█‾█‾█‾█‾█‾‾|     Pinout of GG45 and ARJ45 HD sockets. The protrusion ▒▒▒
|                   |     activates a switch, redirecting the 3-6 and 4-5 pairs to
|                   |     the corners on a GG45 jack (3′ and 6′, and 4′ and 5′).
|_█_█____▒▒▒____█_█_|
  3′6′  |   |   4′5′      ARJ45 HS omits the Cat-6–compatible 3-6 and 4-5 pairs.
         |_|          

See also

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References

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GG45

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from Grokipedia
GG45, also known as GigaGate 45, is a high-performance modular connector developed for Category 7, 7A, and 8 twisted-pair copper cabling systems in Ethernet networks, featuring 12 contacts that enable backward compatibility with the standard 8-contact RJ45 interface while supporting frequencies up to 2000 MHz for applications beyond 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Originally introduced by the French cabling manufacturer Nexans in the early 2000s, GG45 was designed to address the limitations of the RJ45 connector in achieving the stringent crosstalk and shielding requirements of Category 7 cabling, as specified in the ISO/IEC 11801 standard ratified in 2002. The connector adheres to the IEC 60603-7-71 international standard, which defines its electrical and mechanical characteristics for Category 7A/Class FA performance, including support for 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T transmission over distances up to 30 meters when paired with appropriate cabling. Key features of the GG45 include full 360-degree shielding via a die-cast metal and rear cover to minimize , a "two-in-one" design with eight contacts dedicated to high-speed GG-mode transmission and four additional contacts for RJ45 compatibility, and integration with (PoE) standards such as IEEE 802.3af/at/bt. It is typically implemented as a snap-in module for installation in patch panels, outlets, and wall plates, using specialized termination tools for solid or stranded conductors in shielded cables. Despite its technical advantages, adoption of GG45 has been limited outside specialized and industrial environments due to the widespread entrenchment of RJ45 and the emergence of Category 6A as a more practical alternative for 10G Ethernet. Manufacturers like and Datwyler offer GG45 components with extended warranties—up to 25 years for compliant systems—ensuring long-term reliability in high-bandwidth deployments.

Overview

Definition and Design

The GG45, also known as GigaGate 45, is a 12-contact connector specifically developed for Category 7 and higher cabling systems, featuring an augmented RJ45 form factor that incorporates additional shielding and contacts to support advanced high-frequency data transmission. This design allows it to function as a "2-in-1" interface, maintaining compatibility with legacy systems while enabling enhanced performance for modern networking demands. The physical design of the GG45 includes a rectangular housing equipped with a snap-in mechanism for secure panel or outlet mounting, ensuring backward compatibility with the standard RJ45 interface via eight shared contacts, supplemented by four extra contacts positioned to achieve Category 7/7A performance levels up to 600-1000 MHz, with later variants supporting up to 2000 MHz for Category 8. Its screened construction provides 360° electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) protection, effectively minimizing crosstalk and electromagnetic interference in high-speed environments. Additionally, the connector employs insulation displacement contact (IDC) termination using a specialized tool, supported by an integrated wire organizer for precise alignment. Visually, the GG45 measures approximately 19.5 mm in height, 17 mm in width, and 41.4 mm in depth, forming a compact yet robust module typically housed in die-cast material with plating for durability. The contacts are gold-plated to ensure corrosion resistance and reliable over repeated mating cycles. Compared to the standard RJ45, the GG45 supports significantly higher bandwidth capabilities, making it suitable for applications requiring sustained rates beyond 10 Gbps.

Development History

The GG45 connector was developed by in the early 2000s as part of efforts to enable higher-frequency cabling systems for emerging 10GBASE-T Ethernet applications, which demanded performance beyond the 250 MHz limit of traditional Category 6 infrastructure. , tracing its roots to Alcatel through earlier mergers in the telecommunications sector, invented the GG45 to mitigate alien crosstalk issues inherent in RJ45 connectors at frequencies exceeding 600 MHz, positioning it as a forward-looking solution for Category 7 cabling. This development occurred in parallel with the competing ARJ45 connector, introduced by , as alternative augmented interfaces for enhanced data transmission. The connector achieved initial standardization in 2002 under IEC 60603-7-7, defining its for shielded, 8-way connectors suitable for data communications up to 600 MHz. In 2002, GG45 was selected as the reference interface for Category 7 (Class F) channels within the ISO/IEC 11801 standard, which ratified Category 7 cabling to support stricter crosstalk and noise requirements for over 100 meters of copper. This alignment marked a key milestone, with early adoption centered in European markets where held strong manufacturing and distribution presence, facilitating integration into systems compliant with international norms. By 2005, incorporated GG45 into its LANmark-7 product line, expanding availability through snap-in connectors and accessories optimized for Category 7 installations, which further promoted its use in broadcast and high-speed LAN environments. Although ISO/IEC 11801 provided global recognition, GG45 saw limited uptake in North American standards; the TIA/EIA framework did not formally adopt Category 7 or its augmented connectors like GG45, favoring RJ45-based enhancements in later revisions such as Category 6A. The design's "2-in-1" configuration, incorporating 12 contacts for both legacy RJ45 compatibility and full GG45 operation, was a deliberate feature to ease migration during these phases.

Technical Specifications

Pin Layout and Contacts

The GG45 connector employs a 12-pin configuration, featuring eight standard RJ45-compatible pins (1 through 8) that support twisted pairs 1-4 for 1000BASE-T Ethernet operation at up to MHz, ensuring with existing Category 6 infrastructure. The additional four pins (9 through 12), positioned in the connector's corners, facilitate differential signaling for Category 7 performance, enabling frequencies up to 600 MHz by optimizing pair separation to minimize . In full Category 7 mode, pins 9-12 are engaged via a spacer element within the connector assembly, which routes the fourth through these contacts while maintaining isolation from the primary eight pins; this setup also accommodates Plus (PoE+) delivery up to 30 W across the standard pins 1-8 without compromising signal integrity. The pin assignments align with ISO/IEC 11801 standards for Class F cabling, where pins 1-8 follow T568A/B wiring schemes for legacy support, and pins 9-12 handle the high-frequency extension pair. Contacts in the GG45 are constructed from , gold-plated to a thickness of 50 microinches for enhanced conductivity, durability, and resistance to oxidation, allowing up to 1,000 mating cycles. Termination occurs via Insulation Displacement Contact (IDC) technology, compatible with solid or stranded conductors in 22-26 AWG sizes, enabling tool-less or punch-down installation while preserving wire integrity. Electrically, the GG45 maintains at 100 ohms ±15% across the operational bandwidth, critical for balanced signaling in twisted-pair applications. and meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 11801 for Category 7 performance, minimizing signal and reflections in high-speed links.

Performance Characteristics

The GG45 connector is certified for frequencies up to 600 MHz under Category 7 (Class F) specifications and extends to 1000 MHz for Category 7A (Class Fa) applications, with support for up to 2000 MHz in Category 8 configurations, enabling Ethernet speeds of 10 Gbps and beyond while maintaining low signal over extended distances. This bandwidth capability arises from its 12-contact design, which separates transmission pairs to minimize interference. Key electrical performance metrics include alien crosstalk (AXT) exceeding 35 dB at 500 MHz and power sum near-end (PSNEXT) greater than 40 dB across operational frequencies, ensuring robust full-duplex transmission with negligible signal degradation even in dense cabling environments. The connector's fully shielded construction provides excellent immunity to external noise, contributing to these high margins. GG45 connectors handle power delivery effectively, supporting Plus (PoE+) up to 30 W per the IEEE 802.3at standard, and are compatible with PoE++ (up to 100 W under IEEE 802.3bt) thanks to their robust gold-plated contacts and 360-degree shielding for heat dissipation. Performance is verified through compliance with ISO/IEC 11801 Class F and Fa standards, including comprehensive channel testing that confirms reliability over permanent links up to 100 m when paired with appropriate Category 7/7A cables. These tests encompass , , and parameters, ensuring the connector meets or exceeds requirements for high-speed .

Compatibility and Usage

Integration with RJ45

GG45 connectors achieve with RJ45 infrastructure through a dual-mode design that utilizes 12 contacts, where only 8 are engaged in RJ45 mode to match standard Ethernet applications. This is facilitated by an incorporated switch mechanism, often activated by a spacer on the GG45 plug, which isolates the additional four contacts used for higher-frequency GG45 transmission and limits operation to the 100–250 MHz bandwidth typical of Category 5e and 6 performance. In this configuration, GG45 jacks seamlessly accept standard RJ45 plugs without requiring modifications to existing devices, enabling fallback support for legacy networks such as 10Base-T, , and 10GBase-T over shorter distances. GG45 modules are designed to integrate directly into standard RJ45 faceplates and patch panels via optional adapter clips, allowing installation in conventional keystone formats without altering building infrastructure. Conversion plugs and adapters further enable RJ45-terminated devices to connect to GG45 ports, preserving compatibility in mixed environments while maintaining the physical footprint of traditional setups. This modular approach supports straightforward upgrades, as GG45 components can be snapped into existing enclosures compliant with ISO/IEC 11801 standards. Interoperability has been verified through testing in mixed cabling scenarios, confirming reliable 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps links when combining GG45 jacks with RJ45 plugs and Category 6 cabling. These tests demonstrate minimal at operating frequencies, ensuring low signal degradation and compliance with Category 6/Class E requirements for , NEXT, and parameters. The switch mechanism endures over 1,500 mating cycles with RJ45 plugs without performance degradation or wear. However, achieving full Category 7 benefits, such as 600 MHz operation, necessitates end-to-end GG45 termination on both ends of the link; partial compatibility with RJ45 components reduces the effective bandwidth to Category 6 levels and may introduce limitations in higher-speed applications beyond 10 Gbps. In mixed setups, overall channel performance is constrained by the lowest-rated component, potentially capping frequencies at 250–500 MHz depending on cable quality.

Supported Cabling Standards

The GG45 connector is primarily designed to support Category 7 (Class F) screened twisted-pair cabling, which operates up to 600 MHz, and Category 7A (Class FA) cabling, extending performance to 1000 MHz. These standards utilize fully shielded configurations such as S/FTP (shielded/foiled twisted pair) or F/FTP (foiled/foiled twisted pair) to minimize electromagnetic interference and ensure high-frequency signal integrity. The connector's 12-contact design facilitates reliable termination of these cable types, providing backward compatibility with lower categories while optimizing for advanced shielding requirements. GG45 aligns with key international standards, including ISO/IEC 11801 for permanent link and channel performance specifications in Class F and Class FA environments. Supported cables consist of four twisted pairs constructed from 23-24 AWG solid or stranded conductors, with individual pair foil shielding and an overall braid or foil for comprehensive protection, maintaining a maximum DC resistance of 10 ohms per 100 meters to preserve power delivery and signal quality. For future-proofing, GG45 offers partial compatibility with emerging Category 8 (Class I/II) cabling at up to 2000 MHz, particularly in short-run applications such as interconnects up to 30 meters, though full standardization and widespread adoption for GG45 with Cat 8 remain limited. This capability stems from the connector's extended frequency handling in GG-mode, allowing it to accommodate higher-bandwidth needs beyond traditional 10GBASE-T deployments.

Applications and Advantages

High-Speed Networking

The GG45 connector plays a pivotal role in high-speed networking environments, particularly in data centers and enterprise LANs, where it supports 10 Gbps Ethernet as defined by IEEE 802.3an standards. Its design accommodates the bandwidth demands of server-to-server communications and large-scale data processing, leveraging Category 7 cabling to achieve frequencies up to 600 MHz. The connector's fully shielded construction provides 360-degree electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) protection, which minimizes signal degradation and in dense deployments. Such performance enhancements make GG45 suitable for environments requiring consistent throughput without frequent retransmissions. Deployments of GG45 have occurred in European telecommunications infrastructures, where it has facilitated upgrades to support high-bandwidth services in line with ISO/IEC 11801 Class F standards. These implementations highlight GG45's adaptability in scaling network capacity for telecom providers.

Installation and Maintenance

The termination process for GG45 connectors involves a tool-less snap-in design that utilizes insulation displacement contacts (IDC) to secure wires without requiring traditional punch-down tools. Technicians prepare the cable by stripping the outer jacket and foil shielding, then use a wire organizer to position the twisted pairs according to T568A or T568B color codes, ensuring the untwist length per pair remains under 0.5 inches (13 mm) to preserve crosstalk performance. Strain relief clips are then engaged to retain the cable jacket, providing mechanical support and preventing pull-out during handling. Required tools for termination are minimal, typically consisting of a precision cable stripper for jacket and foil removal, along with the optional Easy Termination Tool, which automates foil separation and wire alignment for shielded cables to ensure consistent results. For plug variants, a compatible crimping tool may be used, though the snap-in jack format emphasizes field-installable efficiency without specialized equipment. The GG45's dual-mode compatibility with RJ45 allows for straightforward upgrades in existing infrastructure. Maintenance of GG45 connectors focuses on preserving the integrity of the gold-plated contacts and overall assembly. Periodic visual inspections should check for signs of corrosion, dust accumulation, or physical damage to the shielding, with cleaning performed using 90% or higher on a lint-free swab, avoiding materials that could scratch the contacts. A frequent issue in GG45 deployments arises from mismatched shielding grounding, particularly in mixed environments, which can induce ground loops resulting in audible or . To mitigate this, all shielded components must share a common earthing point, and installers should avoid combining shielded GG45 cabling with unshielded types in the same segment to prevent noise injection; proper bonding of the drain wire to the connector housing during termination is essential.

Comparisons

With RJ45 Connectors

The GG45 connector features 12 contacts compared to the standard RJ45's 8 contacts, with the additional four contacts positioned in the corners to enable improved pair separation and enhanced isolation, particularly beneficial for high-frequency applications. This design upgrade minimizes between twisted pairs, supporting more reliable signal transmission in dense cabling environments. In terms of frequency support, the GG45 can handle up to 2000 MHz for Category 7A/8 applications, quadrupling the 500 MHz maximum of RJ45 connectors used in Cat6A systems and offering greater bandwidth capacity for future high-speed Ethernet standards. This extended range positions GG45 as a more future-proof option for networks requiring sustained performance beyond 10 Gbps over longer distances. GG45 connectors are typically 20-50% more expensive than equivalent RJ45 models due to their advanced shielding and additional contacts, with individual units often priced around $10-15 compared to under $1 for basic RJ45 plugs. Availability of GG45 is more limited outside , where it sees greater adoption in professional installations, whereas RJ45 remains universally accessible but constrained for emerging high-category needs. The GG45 provides a seamless path from RJ45 via its dual-mode pin configuration, as its 8 central contacts maintain full , allowing direct insertion into existing RJ45 ports without rewiring. However, achieving maximum GG45 performance requires an end-to-end chain of compatible components to leverage the full benefits of reduced and higher frequencies.

With ARJ45 Connectors

The GG45 and ARJ45 connectors serve a shared purpose in augmenting systems to support higher frequencies and data rates beyond traditional RJ45 limitations. Developed as proprietary alternatives for Category 7 and 7a applications, they differ significantly in design philosophy to address compatibility and needs in high-speed networks. The GG45 connector employs a "2-in-1" snap-in architecture, integrating a complete Category 6 RJ45 interface alongside a dedicated Category 7 interface via additional contacts, using pin configuration for mode selection (8 central pins for RJ45 compatibility, all 12 for GG mode). In comparison, the ARJ45 features a universal 12-contact layout engineered for direct Category 7a operation, also relying on its augmented pin configuration (8 for RJ45, 12 for ARJ) for compatibility and high-frequency transmission. Standardization efforts highlight regional divergences: the GG45 is aligned with ISO/IEC 11801 Class F/FA and higher specifications (up to 2000 MHz), gaining prominence in European markets through its alignment with international cabling norms and IEC 60603-7-71. Conversely, the ARJ45, developed by Stewart Connector, meets IEC 60603-7-71 for Category 7A performance up to 1000 MHz (and up to 2000 MHz for Category 8), with mechanical interface per IEC 61076-3-110, and has found greater traction in , where it complements TIA-oriented ecosystems despite the absence of formal TIA adoption for Category 7. Both connectors deliver performance parity for Category 7/7a cabling, supporting frequencies up to 2000 MHz to facilitate and applications requiring low . The GG45's dual-mode design provides superior ease of integration with existing RJ45 equipment, minimizing upgrade disruptions in mixed environments. Meanwhile, the ARJ45's modular plug-and-jack system offers advantages in flexible, scalable installations, such as PCB-mounted configurations for enterprise and use. Market adoption reflects these distinctions, with GG45 more prevalent in European high-end deployments due to Nexans' regional influence, while ARJ45 sees broader use in North American projects favoring its modular versatility. Overall usage remains niche compared to RJ45, but trends indicate convergence toward the TERA connector for ISO Category 8 systems, as it addresses compatibility concerns in emerging 40 Gigabit Ethernet infrastructures.

References

  1. https://www.nexans.no/en/products/Data-Network-Solutions/Copper-LAN-Systems/Connectors/LANmark-7A37225.html
  2. https://tripplite.eaton.com/products/ethernet-cable-types
  3. https://www.flukenetworks.com/blog/cabling-chronicles/what-ever-happened-category-7
  4. https://itinfra.datwyler.com/en_us/copper-networks/jacks-plugs-and-adapters/ps-gg45-7%25E1%25B4%25AC/
  5. https://www.nexans.no/en/products/Data-Network-Solutions/Copper-LAN-Systems/Connectors/LANmark-7-37202.html
  6. https://objects.eanixter.com/PD316942.PDF
  7. https://www.nexans.no/en/products/Data-Network-Solutions/Copper-LAN-Systems/Connectors/LANmark-7A37291.html
  8. https://www.accio.com/plp/gg45-connector
  9. https://www.e-channelnews.com/nexans-and-mysticom-extend-10-gigabit-ethernet-links-to-25-meters-over-cat-7/
  10. https://www.nexans.com/group/our-story/
  11. https://www.crxconec.com/en/faq/CRXCONEC-faq-04.html
  12. https://www.amphenolltw.com/news-events/guide-to-data-center-connectors.html
  13. https://ofshid.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/NE420735.pdf
  14. https://www.televes.com/us/219202-dk7000a-data-cable-s-ftp-cat-7a-dca-lsfh-23awg.html
  15. https://www.iso.org/standard/45319.html
  16. http://www.cabletool.net/Kerpen/Data_System_Cable/82.PDF
  17. https://www.americantechsupply.com/siemoncat7specifications.htm
  18. https://files.siemon.com/en/specsheet/siemon-tera-e6-cable_spec-sheet.pdf
  19. https://www.truecable.com/blogs/cable-academy/cat6-ethernet-cable-untwist-performance-compared-fluke-dsx-8000-test-results
  20. https://manuals.plus/ny/nexans/n422-117-lanmark-7-easy-termination-tool-manual
  21. https://www.oupiin.com/tag_ii.php?id=137
  22. https://www.vcelink.com/blogs/focus/how-to-avoid-and-fix-ground-loop-in-networking
  23. https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/can-ethernet-cables-cause-ground-loops.30946/
  24. https://www.fs.com/blog/cat5e-cat6a-cat7-and-cat8-cable-buying-guide-2647.html
  25. https://www.lampsandelectrical.com/product-page/lanmark-gg45-snap-in-connector-cat-7a-8
  26. https://www.amazon.com/CableCreation-100-PACK-Connector-Connectors-Transparent/dp/B01K9Z4FT2
  27. https://www.connectortips.com/whats-going-infrastructure-cat-5-thru-cat-8-balanced-pair-connectors/
  28. https://www.mouser.com/datasheet/2/643/belf_s_a0001060030_1-2290133.pdf
  29. https://ir.belfuse.com/static-files/389679fa-c4c2-4c7e-8b8b-9c96f7609f76
  30. https://www.digikey.com/en/product-highlight/s/stewart-connector/arj45-category-7a-connector-system
  31. https://docs.rs-online.com/efe1/0900766b813f33ae.pdf
  32. https://www.flukenetworks.com/press-releases/fluke-networks-unveils-tera-and-gg45arj45-adapters-versiv-dsx-8000-cableanalyzertm
  33. https://www.ecdonline.com.au/content/business-and-management/white-paper/cat-8-cabling-standards-update-1302571213/download
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