I’m having an issue with a server whose management port has burned out. This RJ45 port is a 12-pin MagJack (1G)
I absolutely need it to access the management interface.
I’ve desoldered the RJ45 connector, and while waiting for a proper replacement part, I was wondering if it’s possible to solder a regular RJ45 cable directly in its place, pin-to-pin, to temporarily restore the connection.
Has anyone tried this before, or knows whether it’s electrically feasible and safe for the PHY?
Soldering a cable will not work, if the PHY expects to be connected to a magjack or transformer with center taps. You need to figure out how the magjack was connected.
If someone has tried it is irrelevant, because you can't apply that answer to your circuit. If it is feasible or safe, no, you may be electrically damaging it, or mechanically by overheating PCB and components so it might become unrepairable.
If you really want, try figuring out the connections and replace magjack with any that is electrically compatible, or with a transformer, where you can solder CAT5 cable directly.
