why haven't ethernet connectors changed?

Thu Dec 20 18:38:56 UTC 2012

They haven't changed for you: http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTzJPvwOhWoL2afxBdl7a-LmYYWwzgQNpiHSXr4ppIMgsZuWP6Oy1NVnrpN

Cheers,
Joshua

On Dec 20, 2012, at 10:29 AM, <tech-lists at packet-labs.net<mailto:tech-lists at packet-labs.net>>
 wrote:

On 2012-12-20 12:20, Michael Thomas wrote:
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

The primary reason that pops to mind is backwards compatibility...   Ubiquitous availablity of the
parts for RJ45 connectors (end connectors, wall plates, panels, etc.) also means that it is more
economical to continue using the well established connector.   A new connector would
drive up costs initially, whereas continuing to use RJ45 is cheap and already works.

Jay