Multi‑Port RJ45 Connectors Guide: Ganged (1xN) & Stacked (2xN) Modules

Multi‑port RJ45 Connectors include ganged and stacked types. These connectors save space, boost efficiency, and support reliable ethernet connections. Choosing the proper connector ensures strong network performance. Multi‑port female RJ45 connectors combine multiple Ethernet ports into a compact jack. LINK‑PP offers models from 1×2 up to 1×8 (single‑row) and 2×1 to 2×8 (stacked dual‑row), providing up to 16 ports in minimal PCB space. These are ideal for network switches, embedded devices, industrial control systems, and NAS boards.

Multi‑Port RJ45 Connectors Key Features

Feature

Description

Port Configuration

Supports a wide range of layouts: 1×4, 2×1, 2×4, up to 2×8 for high port density

Speed Compatibility

From 10/100 Mbps (Cat 3) to 1 Gbps (Cat 5e/6); selected models support 10 Gbps

Integrated Functions

Options for integrated magnetics, Auto‑MDIX, PoE support, and LED indicators

EMI Protection

EMI finger grounding and fully shielded metal shells available for noise immunity

Mounting Options

THT (through-hole), SMT (surface-mount), vertical or side-entry configurations

Environmental Durability

Industrial-grade design tolerates wider temperature ranges and mechanical stress

Ganged (1xN) and Stacked (2xN) Explained

Ganged (1xN) and Stacked (2xN) RJ45 Connnectors

Ganged (1xN) RJ45

In a ganged configuration, you find all the RJ45 connectors arranged side by side in a single horizontal row. This layout is called "1xN" because you have one row with multiple ports. You can choose from several multiple port configurations, such as 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x6, or 1x8. Each port works as an individual RJ45 connector, but all share the same mounting area on the device.

Ganged RJ45 connectors help you save space on your network panel. You can install them easily because the connectors line up in a straight row. This makes cable management simple and neat. You often use these connectors in switches, patch panels, and routers where you want quick access to each port.

Tip: If you need to expand your network but want to keep the layout simple, Ganged RJ45 connectors offer a straightforward solution.

Stacked (2xN) RJ45

Stacked RJ45 connectors give you a way to fit more connections into a smaller space. In a stacked configuration, you see two rows of RJ45 connectors placed one above the other. This design is called "2xN" because you have two rows, each with N connectors. Common configurations include 2x1, 2x2, 2x4, 2x6, and 2x8. You can reach up to 16 ports in a stacked dual-row module.

Stacked RJ45 connectors help you increase port density on your device. You often use these connectors in high-density switches, servers, and network appliances.

Port Configuration & Use Cases

Configuration

Typical Uses

1×2 / 1×4 / 1×3 / 1×6 / 1×8 (Ganged)

Small switches, NAS, embedded systems

2×1 / 2×2 / 2×4 / 2×6 / 2×8 (Stacked)

High‑density switch panels, industrial routers

For instance, the LPJG87012CNL is a 2×8 port, 1000Base‑T MagJack, RoHS‑compliant, with integrated magnetics for PoE and EMI control, rated from −20 °C to +70 °C, housing plated shield and gold contacts

Why Choose LINK‑PP Multi‑Port RJ45 Connectors?

✔ High Port Density

LINK‑PP modules support dense configurations: single‑row up to 1×8 ports, dual‑row 2×8 ports stacked, covering all common layouts from 1×2, 1×4, up to 2×8.

✔ Data Rates & PoE Support

Designed for 10/100, 1000Base‑T, and higher speeds such as 2.5G, 5G, 10GBase‑T. Many models include integrated magnetics (MagJacks) to support PoE (IEEE 802.3af/at/at‑plus) and reduce EMI.

✔ Shielded vs Unshielded Options

LINK‑PP offers both shielded and unshielded versions. Shielded modules improve EMI suppression—a must for industrial or noisy environments. Unshielded versions are ideal when EMI is minimal.

✔ LED & Mounting Variants

Available with or without integrated Green/Yellow or Green/Green LEDs. Mounting styles include through-hole (THT), surface-mount (SMT), and various tab/latch orientations (up, down).

✔ Compliance and Reliability

All models are RoHS‑compliant, UL‑recognized, and meet ISO standards. Housings use UL94V‑0 rated thermoplastic, and contacts are gold‑plated for reliability across 0°C to +70°C or −40°C to +85°C ranges.

Ethernet Applications

Key Buyer Considerations

  • Desired port count & layout (single row vs stacked dual row)

  • Data speed requirement (choose models rated up to 10G if needed)

  • Magnetics/PoE support (MagJack vs Modjack)

  • Shielding need (for EMI mitigation)

  • LED indicators (for link/activity status)

  • Mount style (THT vs SMT vs THR, tab orientation, pitch)

  • Environmental tolerance (industrial temperature operation)

RJ45 connector gender choice matters: female jack sockets are recessed and more protected than male plugs, minimizing damage risk.

FAQ

What is the difference between shielded and unshielded RJ45 connectors?

Shielded connectors block electromagnetic interference. You use them in noisy environments. Unshielded connectors work well in standard office or home networks.

Can you use multi-port RJ45 connectors for Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

Yes, Multi-port RJ45 connectors are PoE-support. Always check the product specifications to confirm PoE support.

How do you choose the right port configuration for your network?

Count your devices. Choose a connector with enough ports for now and future growth. Ganged and stacked options give you flexibility.

See Also

Essential Specifications To Know About Integrated RJ45 Connectors

Complete Guide To LINK-PP RJ45 Connector Naming Conventions

Introduction To LINK-PP LPJK0071AINL 100/1000Base-T RJ45 Magjack

Common Applications And Uses Of RJ45 Connectors Explained

Detailed Overview Of 100G Optical Transceiver Module Form Factors