Wire/part selection for a rj-45 project

Hello, I am currently working on a project where I will connecting an arduino to a multitude of RJ-45 network plugs.

I have several questions.

I’m considering hot gluing the wires to the Arduino, to help ensure they stay firmly connected and stay secured.

I don’t plan on removing wires the very often, if ever…

What size wire would you recommend for something like this. A slightly larger 20 AWG to help it stay snug and tight, or should I stick with the 22 AWG size.

I tried to solder some Cat-5e network cables to a prototype shield, but the solid strand of wire seems to break too easily for the amount I am doing. Roughly 60 points to solder, .

I am thinking a flexible strand wire is a more appropriate choice. They only need to be 4 inches in length at least.

I’m not really familiar with all the various connections available. That is why I am asking these questions, I may be doing this all wrong and would like some advice…

Or, if you have a suggestion for connecting about 12 RJ-45 plugs to the arduino, I’d like to hear them.

Just fyi… Most of the plugs are for sensor type applications, so only 3 wires needed. Only 2 plugs really need all 4 pairs…

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

Hi,

You could use a Screw Terminal Arduino Shield like this Terminal Shield for Arduino or this Arduino-Compatible Screw Shield to firmly connect the wires from the RJ-45 plugs on your Arduino.
Another solution might be to use RJ45 MagJack Breakout Boards with some M/M jumper wires