Overview

In Chapter 4 we focused mostly on media and the physical layer (layer 1 of the OSI model), and did not include any discussion about specific network components. Similarly, Chapter 5, which examined the data link layer (layer 2 of the OSI model) did not contain any information about network devices.

1. What are connectors?

   Connectors attach components together. Several types of connectors are available, serving various purposes. For example, connectors are used to: (a) connect network interface cards, such as an Ethernet card, to a cable; (b) connect cable segments (e.g., thin coax to thin coax); and (c) terminate a segment. In this last category, connectors actually connect the cable to a terminating resistor or an array of resistors and are consequently known as terminators. The type of connector used is usually a function of cable type. For example, eight-pin modular connectors are used with UTP cable. (See Figure 6-1.)

   
   Figure 6-1: Top (left) and side (right) views of an RJ-45 connector. Formally known as 8-pin modular connectors, RJ-45s resemble standard telephone jacks and are used with UTP cable.

2. Aren't these the ones that look like modular telephone connectors? I've always heard them referred to as RJ-45 connectors.

   Eight-pin modular connectors do indeed resemble the standard modular telephone connectors used in the United States, and yes, they are commonly called RJ-45 connectors.

   In the strictest sense, the RJ designation refers to a specific series of connectors defined in the Universal Service Order Code...