An Ethernet cable connects your Reolink device to a network, carrying both data and power over a single cable. This article explains the cable specifications, RJ45 connector types, wiring standards, and pin assignments you need to know when working with Reolink PoE systems.
Applies to: Reolink TrackMix Wired LTE, Trackmix Series G765, Reolink Wi-Fi camera with an Ethernet (LAN) Port, and all Reolink PoE cameras.
What Is an Ethernet Cable
An Ethernet cable connects your electronic device to a network, allowing internet access and communication with shared network resources. In Reolink security products, Ethernet cables are used to connect PoE cameras to an NVR, a PoE switch/injector, or directly to a router.
For PoE (Power over Ethernet) cameras, the Ethernet cable serves a dual purpose:
- Data transmission — sends video feeds and receives commands.
- Power supply — delivers electrical power from the NVR or PoE switch to the camera, eliminating the need for a separate power adapter.
Ethernet Cable Requirements for Reolink Products
To ensure stable network performance and reliable power delivery, use an Ethernet cable that meets the following requirements. You can purchase an Ethernet cable from the Reolink official website if you need.
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Connector | RJ45 |
| Wiring Standard | T568B (Stranded twisted-pair) |
| Number of Pins | 8 PIN (all wires must be connected) |
| Supported Cable Types | CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, or CAT7 |
The effective maximum cable length between the camera and the network device (e.g., NVR or PoE switch) depends on the cable category and what the cable is connected to:
| Cable Type | Recommended Maximum Length |
|---|---|
| Cat5 | Up to 80 m (262 ft) |
| Cat5e and above | Up to 100 m (328 ft) |
Understanding Standard RJ45 Connectors & T568B Wiring of Ethernet Cable
Reolink PoE products use RJ45 connectors of Ethernet Cable to link cameras, NVRs, switches/injectors, and routers. Understanding the connector types and the T568B wiring standard is essential when working with Ethernet cables — whether you are troubleshooting a connection or repairing a damaged cable.
1. RJ45 Connector Types: Male vs Female
The images below show what the RJ45 male (plug — left image) and female (jack — right image) connectors with 8 PINs look like.
The following explains the differences between RJ45 male (plug) and female (jack) connectors.
| Connector Type | Location | Pins | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| RJ45 Male (Plug) | At both ends of the Ethernet cable | 8 pins | The standard plug that inserts into the camera, NVR or network device port. Follows T568B wiring. |
| RJ45 Female (Jack) |
On the camera body/pigtail; On network devices such as routers, NVRs, and PoE switch/injector ports. |
8 pins (standard) | The receptacle on the device. |
2. T568B Wiring Standard/Order (Male Connector)
The male RJ45 plug on the Ethernet cable follows the T568B wiring standard/order — the default scheme recognized by ANSI, TIA, and EIA. Reolink products require T568B-terminated cables. If you are making or repairing an Ethernet cable male connector, follow this standard/order:
| Pin | T568B — Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | White & Orange | Ethernet data transmission |
| Pin 2 | Orange | Ethernet data transmission |
| Pin 3 | White & Green | Ethernet data transmission |
| Pin 4 | Blue | PoE power delivery |
| Pin 5 | White & Blue | PoE power delivery |
| Pin 6 | Green | Ethernet data transmission |
| Pin 7 | White & Brown | PoE power delivery |
| Pin 8 | Brown | PoE power delivery |
Internal Wire of Reolink Camera Pigtail
The number of wires, wire colors, and wiring sequence of the RJ45 female connector on a Reolink camera pigtail are different from those of a standard RJ45 male plug on an Ethernet cable. Some Reolink IP camera models use only 4 or 6 internal wires inside the camera body when stripping the Reolink camera's RJ45 female connector.
If you need to repair or replace the connector on a Reolink camera pigtail, after stripping the outer jacket, confirm how many wires are inside the pigtail first — it will be either 6 wires or 4 wires. If there are 6 wires, refer to the "6-Wire" column in the table below. If there are 4 wires, refer to the "4-Wire" column. Following the wire order and colors shown in the table, connect each wire to the corresponding pin starting from Pin 1, then crimp the new RJ45 female connector or RJ45 Keystone Jack.
| Pin | Function | 6-Wire Configuration | 4-Wire Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Data | Orange & White | Orange & White |
| Pin 2 | Data | Orange | Orange |
| Pin 3 | Data | Green & White | Green & White |
|
Pin 4 or Pin 5 (choose one) |
Power |
Grey or Brown (varies by camera model) |
— |
| Pin 6 | Data | Green | Green |
|
Pin 7 or Pin 8 (choose one) |
Power |
Purple (connect to either Pin 7 or Pin 8) |
— |
Note:
- "Pin 4 or Pin 5" means choose one — connect the Grey (or Brown) wire to either Pin 4 or Pin 5, not both. Different Reolink camera models may use either Grey or Brown for this position.
- "Pin 7 or Pin 8" means choose one — connect the Purple wire to either Pin 7 or Pin 8, not both.
- The 4-Wire configuration contains data wires only (Pins 1, 2, 3, 6), so no dedicated power wires are needed.
- Cutting or modifying the camera pigtail may void your warranty. This guide is intended for advanced users and technicians. If your camera is still under warranty and the connector is damaged, click 'Submit a request' below for more help.
Most installation scenarios only require a standard Ethernet cable that meets the recommended specifications. The internal wire sequence described in this article is intended only for repairing or replacing the RJ45 connector on a Reolink camera pigtail.
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If you have any questions, click “Submit a request” below to contact the Reolink Support Team.