Lecture Notes: Connectors and Their Uses

RJ Connectors

RJ11 Connector

• Type: Six-position two-conductor connector
• Use: Traditional analog telephones, DSL modems
• Positions & Conductors: 6 positions, 2-4 conductors

RJ45 Connector

• Type: Eight-position eight-conductor connector
• Use: Ethernet connections, sometimes other connections
• Comparison: Similar to RJ11 but larger

F Connector

• Use: Coaxial cable connections for cable television and internet
• Connection Type: Threaded connection to secure it
• Standard: DOCSIS for cable internet

Punchdown Blocks

• Use: Connecting users to a network in data centers or large computer rooms
• Process: Wires are punched into the block using a punchdown tool
• Design: Permanent attachment for easier management, often with RJ45 on the other side

USB Connectors

USB 1.1 and 2.0

• Standard A Plug: Commonly used
• Standard B Plug: Used for peripherals (e.g., printers)
• Mini and Micro B Plugs: Used for mobile devices

USB 3.0

• Changes: Higher speeds required different connectors
• Standard A Plug: Identical size to previous, with additional pins
• Micro B Plug: Used for smaller connections

USB-C

• Design: Double-sided (no top or bottom)
• Size: Similar to USB micro B plug
• Use: Peripheral devices, computers, supports various signals (e.g., Thunderbolt, DisplayPort)

Molex Connector

• Type: Four-pin power connector
• Use: Provides 12V and 5V power inside computers
• Manufacturer: Originally by Molex Connector Company, also made by AMP (Mate-N-Lock)

Lightning Connector

• Type: Eight-pin connector
• Use: Apple devices (iPhones, iPads)
• Features: Provides power and data transfer, no orientation required

DB9 Connector

• Type: D sub-miniature connector, size B, 9 pins
• Use: RS-232 signals, used for modems, serial devices, data center infrastructure (switches, routers)
• Example: Managing devices at command line in a data center