The following information is not for shoppers if patch cord quality is not important at all. In light of good and bad patch cords being full in the market, figuring out the “K2” can help to free the linking risk.
Cable is the major player in communications, but a bad plug can totally flip the entire performance.
This could come from
Improper design on the jacks and plugs dimensions and tolerances; or
A mismatching mechanism on the jacks and plugs construction; or
Unqualified materials and manufacturing on the jacks and plugs include unqualified assemblies.
What is IEC 60603-7?
IEC 60603-7 standard covers the common dimensions, mechanical, electrical and environmental characteristics (and applicable tests) for plugs and jacks.
By defining the performance factors for these RJ45 connectors, IEC 60603-7 allows plugs and jacks from any vendor to be successfully mated.
Not only does IEC 60603-7 cover the physical dimensions of plugs and jacks, but it also references high-frequency performance requirements for shielded and unshielded RJ45 connectors. These specifications ensure that all plugs and jacks compliant with this standard will be intermateable.
An unqualified plug prevented the patch cord plug from being completely inserted into the proper electrical contact point, which would fail Power over Ethernet (POE) on cabling. That’s the crucial essence of “K2”. Does “K2” mean to you now?
