Replacing a TAE/DSL Socket with a RJ45 Jack

Introduction

As technology advances, it's important to keep up with the latest changes to ensure your home or office network is running as efficiently as possible. The TAE socket was widely used in Germany and other European countries for connecting to DSL modems, but now the RJ45 socket is becoming the new standard. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to replace the TAE socket with an RJ45 socket so you can connect directly to your modern DSL modem, like the FritzBox.

Please note that the first outlet in your house typically is a special outlet with a PPA(passive testing termination) that belongs to your ISP and shouldn't be changed.

What you need

Step 1 Remove the old socket

Replacing a TAE/DSL Socket with a RJ45 Jack, Remove the old socket: step 1, image 1 of 2

Replacing a TAE/DSL Socket with a RJ45 Jack, Remove the old socket: step 1, image 2 of 2

Unscrew and remove the cover.
If you want to add an RJ45 jack but only have access to the first (non-replaceable) TAE outlet, you can mount the new RJ45 outlet next to it. Connect La on the new outlet to pin 6 of the old TAE outlet, and Lb to pin 5. You can use any type of shielded twisted pair cable for the connection.
Remove the the connections.
Keep track of La and Lb. You’ll need to know what wires to connect where in the new socket.
Unscrew the socket from the wall.