A registered jack (RJ) is a standardized telecommunication network interface for connecting voice and data equipment to a computer service provided by a local exchange carrier or long distance carrier. Registered interfaces were first defined in the Universal Service Ordering Code (USOC) system of the Bell System in the United States for complying with the registration program for customer-supplied telephone equipment mandated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the 1970s. They were subsequently codified in title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 68. Registered jack connections began to see use after their invention in 1973 by Bell Labs.
The specification includes physical construction, wiring, and signal semantics. Accordingly, registered jacks are primarily named by the letters RJ, followed by two digits that express the type. Additional letter suffixes indicate minor variations. For example, RJ11, RJ14, and RJ25 are the most commonly used interfaces for telephone connections for one-, two-, and three-line service, respectively. Although these standards are legal definitions in the United States, some interfaces are used worldwide.
Modular connectors, left to right: Eight-position, eight-contact (8P8C) plug, as used for RJ45S, RJ49, RJ61, and others (though shown wired in a pattern incompatible with RJ61) Six-position, six-contact (6P6C) plug, which can be used with RJ25, RJ14, and RJ11 Six-position, four-contact (6P4C) plug, which can be used with RJ14 and RJ11 (and will carry lines 1 and 2, but not line 3, of an RJ25) Four-position, four-contact (4P4C) plug, used for connecting a telephone
6P4C crimp-on style connector, commonly used for RJ11 and unpowered RJ14
Female RJ21 connector. Pin assignment is coordinated with the table.
8P8C keyed female connector (jack), the same as that used in RJ45S
A modular connector is a type of electrical connector for cords and cables of electronic devices and appliances, such as in computer networking, telecommunication equipment, and audio headsets.
Left to right, modular connectors: 8P8C plug, 6P6C plug, 6P4C plug, 4P4C plug, 6P6C jack.
An 8P8C modular plug. This is the common crimp-type plug, of the same kind pictured above crimped onto a cable (with molded sleeve).
8P8C plug with contacts for solid wire (left) and stranded wire (right)
Contacts for solid wire (top left) and stranded wire (bottom right)