Pass-Through vs Standard RJ45 Connectors for Cat6 - What to Use

Summary: Pass-through (easy/EZ) and standard RJ45 connectors can look identical, but they install differently and each has tradeoffs. This guide explains how to crimp both styles on Cat6 cable, what tools you need, common mistakes to avoid, and the simplest way to choose the right connector for a home network or a professional install.

RJ45 Connectors Explained and How to Crimp Them

There are two common RJ45 styles used for Ethernet patch cables: pass-through (easy/EZ) and standard (non-pass-through). They both terminate the same eight wires, but the connector design changes how you install and verify them.

Before you start: tools and materials

• Cat6 cable (UTP in this walkthrough).
• Wire stripper (or a combo stripper/cutter).
• RJ45 connectors (Cat6-rated connectors are recommended for Cat6 cable).
• Crimper
  • Standard connector: typical Cat5e/Cat6 crimper.
  • Pass-through connector: pass-through compatible crimper with a clean cutting blade.
• Optional: Cat6 boot cover for extra strain protection if the cable will be moved or handled often.
• Recommended: network cable tester (even a basic one helps catch mistakes fast).

T568B wiring order (most common in many home networks)

Keep the conductors flat and in this left-to-right order:

The most important rule is consistency: use the same standard on both ends of the cable. Mixing standards on the same cable can create wiring issues depending on what you are connecting.

How to crimp a standard RJ45 connector (non-pass-through)

1. Strip back the outer jacket about 1 to 1.5 inches.
2. Untwist the four pairs into eight individual wires.
3. Straighten the wires. The flatter and straighter they are, the easier insertion becomes.
4. Arrange wires into the T568B order and press them together tightly so they stay aligned.
5. Trim straight across so the exposed conductors are an even length (roughly 3/4 inch is a common target).
6. Insert the conductors into the connector slowly. Verify that:
   • The wire order did not change while inserting.
   • All eight conductors reach the end of the plug.
   • The cable jacket seats into the connector far enough for strain relief.
7. Crimp the connector using a standard RJ45 crimper until you hear/feel the crimp fully seat.
8. Inspect the plug, then test the cable with a cable tester (recommended) or by connecting it to your network.

Standard RJ45 advantages

• No exposed wire ends at the front of the connector.
• Less reliance on a cutting blade being perfect every time.
• More universal tooling - most standard crimpers work with standard plugs.
• Often trusted for long-term durability in patch panels or tight spaces where cables get flexed.

Standard RJ45 disadvantages

• Harder for beginners: getting all eight wires even and fully seated takes patience.
• More time-consuming when you are learning, especially if one conductor does not reach the end.

How to crimp a pass-through (easy/EZ) RJ45 connector

1. Strip back the outer jacket about 1 to 1.5 inches.
2. Untwist the four pairs into eight individual wires.
3. Straighten and flatten the wires.
4. Arrange wires into the T568B order.
5. Feed the wires through the pass-through connector until they exit the front. This lets you visually confirm the color order before crimping.
6. Insert the connector into a pass-through compatible crimper and crimp firmly. The tool should cut the wire ends flush.
7. If any wire ends did not fully cut, crimp once more to finish the cut.
8. Test the cable with a network cable tester.

Pass-through RJ45 advantages

• You can see the wire order before crimping, which removes a lot of guesswork.
• Faster terminations for beginners and high-volume jobs.
• Cleaner seating because you can pull the wires tight before crimping, reducing slack.

Pass-through RJ45 disadvantages

• You need a specialized pass-through compatible crimper with a sharp cutting blade.
• If the blade is dull or the cut is not flush, tiny wire ends can stick out. Over time, that can contribute to scratching, corrosion, or occasional contact issues.
• Some pass-through designs can be pickier with thicker Cat6 conductors.

Does connector type affect internet speed?

Not by itself. If both terminations are done correctly, performance depends on correct wire order, strong contact at each pin, tight jacket strain relief, and good cable and connector quality.

Which one should you choose?

• Beginner or DIY home user: Use pass-through (easy/EZ) connectors with a high-quality crimper. You will get cleaner, repeatable results faster and you can visually verify every termination.
• Professional install, maximum reliability: Use standard RJ45 connectors if you want a set-it-and-forget-it approach, especially in patch panels or areas where the cable is likely to flex.

Quick checklist to avoid failures

• Pick one wiring standard (T568A or T568B) and use it on both ends of every cable.
• Seat the jacket into the connector far enough for proper strain relief.
• Pass-through only: confirm the wire ends are cut perfectly flush after crimping.
• Test every cable - even a cheap tester is better than guessing.
• Do not cheap out on connectors - bad ends are a top cause of mystery cable failures.

If you want to see the full walkthrough and tool details, watch the complete video on YouTube.