why haven't ethernet connectors changed?

Fri Dec 21 23:50:57 UTC 2012

Steve, something I hadn't thought about is the fiber mess. I see that in
other areas as I mentioned in another answer. 

In the fiber world it is a continuous
issue of hybrid patch cords dealing with ST,SC,LC and all the other
variants out there.  It would be a huge nightmare if the same thing
happened with copper Ethernet.

Ralph Brandt

-----Original Message-----
From: Naslund, Steve [mailto:SNaslund at medline.com] 
Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 11:43 AM
To: nanog at nanog.org
Subject: RE: why haven't ethernet connectors changed?

Please, no connectors that do not lock into place.  Is plugging in the
RJ-45 that much of a task?  Most portable devices are going wireless in
any case so they are not an issue.  The RJ-45 has worked OK for me.  The
AUI connectors have a special place in networking hell.  What an
incredibly horrible mechanical design they were?  The flip side of the
question is why you think the RJ-45 should change.  You could argue that
you don't usually need all eight wires but every time we tried that
argument someone came up with a compelling reason to use more wires.  I
like that it is very standard.  In the fiber world it is a continuous
issue of hybrid patch cords dealing with ST,SC,LC and all the other
variants out there.  It would be a huge nightmare if the same thing
happened with copper Ethernet.

I am also not a huge fan of the USB connector because I have seen a lot
of those break and there is no positive retention.  Magnetic is cute but
has no place in a datacenter and even with desktops I can picture a lot
of support calls because someone bumps a wire that knocks the mag
connector out of place.  I really hate dongles of all types but I guess
you don't really have a choice with devices so physically thin that you
can't get the jack in there.

I think I will keep the RJ for now.

Steven Naslund

-----Original Message-----
From: Aled Morris [mailto:aledm at qix.co.uk] 
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2012 12:38 PM
To: Michael Thomas
Cc: NANOG list
Subject: Re: why haven't ethernet connectors changed?

On 20 December 2012 18:20, Michael Thomas <mike at mtcc.com> wrote

> ethernet
> connectors haven't changed that I'm aware in pretty much 25 years.

15-pin D-type AUI connectors with slide latches?

BNC for thinwire?

I do agree though, something more like mini-USB would be more
appropriate for home Ethernet use.

Aled