why haven't ethernet connectors changed?

Thu Dec 20 20:57:09 UTC 2012

I think that you might be describing the DIX connector retaining clamp. 

Dave Edelman

On Dec 20, 2012, at 13:40, "Howard C. Berkowitz" <hcb at netcases.net> wrote:

> On 12/20/2012 1:20 PM, 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
> Seen an AUI or vampire tap recently?  Vampires made a certain amount of sense, but the AUI connector seemed to have little purpose other than recycling weak metal from Coors beer cans.  IIRC, the inventor apologized.
> 