why haven't ethernet connectors changed?

Fri Dec 21 00:05:42 UTC 2012

There have been some smaller connectors but nothing with widespread
adoption. Tyco has something called RJ point 5 which uses standard UTP
cable but looks like a squashed RJ 45 and has double the density.
Wouldn't save much space on a Pi thigh its meant more for bulk
applications. From: Michael Thomas
Sent: 12/20/2012 13:21
To: NANOG list
Subject: why haven't ethernet connectors changed?
I was looking at a Raspberry Pi board and was struck with how large the ethernet
connector is in comparison to the board as a whole. It strikes me: ethernet
connectors haven't changed that I'm aware in pretty much 25 years. Every other
cable has changed several times in that time frame. I imaging that if anybody
cared, ethernet cables could be many times smaller. Looking at wiring closets,
etc, it seems like it might be a big win for density too.

So why, oh why, nanog the omniscient do we still use rj45's?

Mike