Replacing RJ45 jack on Rpi 4b with smaller connector

[u/Randomtings42]

I’ve seen some warnings online that the Ethernet port on a raspberry Pi cannot be easily bypassed but I can’t find a straight answer from the docs or data sheet as to what is lost if the RJ45 jack is removed. Is it just shielding or is there other functionality that would be lost/need to be replaced? Or even better is there no issue with removing the port on a 4b specifically?

The specific reason I’m wanting a smaller connector is so the cable can be unplugged and removed easily, however the hole in the housing I’m using is just a bit too small for to fit an RJ45 through

[u/Gamerfrom61]

Normally the Pi 4 RJ45 connectors have no active or passive components in them. 

They perform two jobs:

1) Provide a secure connection to the cable by the clip on the jack and solid lugs on the board. These lugs are normally grounded via a connection to the circuit board ground plane.

2) Run the data / power (esp for PoE) to the Ethernet adapter chipset via good quality solid pins (also increasing the socket resistance strength)

Note changing the connector can lead to electronic noise (unshielded case), wrong signal path (pins route differently) or a drop in speed (incoming interference due to no shielding or poor quality pins / connections). 

[u/farptr → u/Gamerfrom61]

Normally the Pi 4 RJ45 connectors have no active or passive components in them.

That isn't true. All Pi models with Ethernet use RJ45 sockets with integrated transformers.

[u/Gamerfrom61 → u/farptr]

Interesting as the part number I had does not have anything in it. 

I'll see if I can update the forum post if I can find it!

[u/farptr → u/Gamerfrom61]

Pi 4 and 5 both use a Trxcom TRJG0926HENL or the same part under the Link-PP brand. RJ45 sockets with integrated magnetics/transformers have a similar situation to Band-aid where they're commonly called Magjacks even though that is a trademark by a specific manufacturer.

[u/Ok_Cartographer_6086]

get a USB-C to Ethernet adapter.

[u/Kurogane1412]

You want to butcher an Pi 4 in this economy are you insane? Just use an different case or 3d print the perfect case seriously 😅

[u/gimmeslack12]

The hole in your enclosure is too small and so you want to remove the ethernet port? Am I understanding that correctly? Maybe... and hear me out... you get a different enclosure?

[u/emveor → u/gimmeslack12]

Whats the big deal? My shoes were too small so i cut my toes off

[u/BadMustard_AVN]

add the connector after you've put the cable through the hole...

[u/bluser1]

Just curious what were you planning to replace it with?

[u/TheSoCalledExpert → u/bluser1]

Asking the real questions.

[u/farptr]

Is it just shielding or is there other functionality that would be lost/need to be replaced?

Ethernet needs transformers for isolation and signal reasons. All the Pi models with Ethernet have the transformers integrated into the socket. It won't work without them.

The specific reason I’m wanting a smaller connector is so the cable can be unplugged and removed easily, however the hole in the housing I’m using is just a bit too small for to fit an RJ45 through

Crimp on the RJ45 plug after feeding the cable through.

[u/TheSoCalledExpert]

Get a unibit and make the hole bigger.