The only thing I would change about RJ-45 is a longer tab (but make it optional) for when you care more about ease of removal than cable tangles. Polycom phones are hell to try and unplug the RJ-45, for example. -----Original Message----- From: Naslund, Steve [mailto:SNaslund@medline.com] Sent: Friday, December 21, 2012 11:43 AM To: nanog@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@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@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