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GG45

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 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 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 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 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 , featuring eight RJ45-compatible pins (1 through 8) that support twisted pairs 1-4 for 1000BASE-T Ethernet 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 () 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 capability arises from its 12-contact design, which separates transmission pairs to minimize interference. Key electrical performance metrics include alien crosstalk (AXT) exceeding 35 at 500 MHz and power sum near-end (PSNEXT) greater than 40 across operational frequencies, ensuring robust full-duplex 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 standards, including comprehensive channel testing that confirms reliability over permanent links up to 100 m when paired with appropriate 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 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 s 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 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 shielding and an overall braid or for comprehensive protection, maintaining a maximum 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 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 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 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 and needs in high-speed networks. The GG45 connector employs a "2-in-1" snap-in architecture, integrating a complete Category 6 RJ45 alongside a dedicated Category 7 via additional contacts, using pin for mode selection (8 central pins for RJ45 , 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 (8 for RJ45, 12 for ARJ) for 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 markets through its alignment with cabling norms and IEC 60603-7-71. Conversely, the ARJ45, developed by Stewart Connector, meets IEC 60603-7-71 for 7A performance up to 1000 MHz (and up to 2000 MHz for 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 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.

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