Port replication assembly with adapter cable and related methods of use

Improved connectors and plug/cable assemblies are provided for use in distributing data. The present disclosure provides for electrical connector assemblies for use with electrical wires/cables (e.g., preterminated wires/cables) that include at least one plug member. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for connector assemblies (e.g., port replication connector assemblies) and associated plugs and cables that are adapted for use in multi-connector panels and with patch panels, e.g., for distributing data to computers and computer networks.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to electrical connector assemblies for use with electrical wires/cables that include at least one plug member, particularly preterminated wires/cables. The present disclosure is further directed to connector assemblies (e.g., port replication connector assemblies) and associated plugs and cables that are adapted for use in multi-connector panels and with patch panels, e.g., for distributing data to computers and computer networks.

2. Background Art

With the continued evolution of data communications equipment, performance standards and requirements continue to advance. The structured cabling industry has experienced a progression from Category 3 level performance standards/requirements, through Category 5/5E, Category 6, and, more recently, Category 6A performance standards/requirements. At each stage, manufacturers of cabling and connector technologies have been required to address data communication capabilities and limitations of their existing product offerings. Of importance in meeting industry requirements is the control/minimization of noise/cross-talk encountered in cabling and connector assemblies. In general, noise/cross-talk issues become more pronounced as data communication frequencies are increased.

Typical connector assemblies include a jack and a plug that are adapted to detachably engage to effect a data communication connection. Common RJ 45 connector assemblies include a jack and a plug, each of which includes eight conductors in a predefined side-by-side orientation. Various techniques have been developed to control/address noise and crosstalk that are generated in the jack/plug interface, including capacitive compensation in the jack and/or plug. Noise/crosstalk compensation may be introduced through physical arrangements of the conductors within the jack and/or plug, as well as compensation introduced on printed circuit boards associated with the jack and/or plug.

Alternative conductor layouts for purposes of jack/plug combinations have been proposed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,162,077 to Laes et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,533 to De Win et al. disclose male/female connector designs wherein shielded wire pairs are arranged with a plurality of side-by-side contacts and additional contact pairs positioned at respective corners of the male/female connector housings. The foregoing arrangement of contacts/contact pairs for shielded cables is embodied in an International Standard—IEC 60603-7-7—the contents of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference. The noted IEC standard applies to high speed communication applications with 8 position, pairs in metal foil (PIMF) shielded, free and fixed connectors, for data transmissions with frequencies up to 600 MHz.

In completing cabling installations, it is generally necessary to feed wiring/cabling from location-to-location, e.g., through conduits and/or in open spaces behind walls, above ceilings and below floors. Frequently, the wire/cable is fed from spools, introduced through the back/side of a wiring box, and terminated by an installation professional, e.g., by punching down individual wires with respect to insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) or the like. According to this conventional installation technique, the installer is able to define the length of each wiring/cabling run at the time of installation, thereby maintaining flexibility. However, the termination process is time-consuming and it is necessary to test/confirm system performance after the installation is complete.

As an alternative installation technique, preterminated wires/cables may be employed to achieve point-to-point wiring connectivity. A preterminated wire/cable generally includes a plug that is pre-mounted with respect to at least one end of a predetermined length of wire/cable. The plug is generally mounted with respect to the wire/cable by the manufacturer and, as part of the manufacturer's quality control procedures, performance at the interface between the wire/cable and the pre-mounted plug is verified before shipment to the installation site.

One type of cabling task is the connection of server(s)/switch(es) to a computer or network of computers. This is sometimes accomplished through the use of rack-mounted patch panels. Patch panels allow establishing and re-routing connections, i.e., by re-arranging the connections, e.g., by removing plugs from jacks and inserting them in alternative jacks. While this type of connectivity provides flexible connections, the plug/jack connections are subject to wear and distortion leading to defective connections and requiring replacement of the jack, cable and/or plug. In instances where the jack is attached to an expensive piece of electronic equipment, such as a server or switch, replacement of a jack can be both inconvenient and expensive and/or places expensive equipment at risk due to the necessity to move and disassemble the equipment.

Despite efforts to date, a need remains for connector assemblies and associated plugs/cables and related methods of use that provide enhanced flexibility and/or performance. These and other needs are satisfied by the connector assemblies, plugs/cables, techniques and methods disclosed herein.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides for improved electrical connector assemblies for use with electrical wires/cables (e.g., preterminated wires/cables) that include at least one plug member. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous connector assemblies (e.g., port replication connector assemblies) and associated plugs/cables that are adapted for use in multi-connector panels and with patch panels, e.g., for distributing data to computers and computer networks. Improved port replication connectors and plug/cable assemblies are provided for use in distributing data.

The present disclosure provides for a preterminated cable assembly including a cable; a first plug mounted with respect to a first end of the cable, the first plug supporting a first plurality of electrical contacts, the first plurality of electrical contacts positioned in quadrants of the first plug so that the first plurality of electrical contacts are arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration; and a second plug mounted with respect to a second end of the cable, the second plug supporting a second plurality of electrical contacts, the second plurality of electrical contacts arranged in an RJ-45 contact layout geometric configuration.

The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the cable includes a plurality of shielded or unshielded twisted pair wires. The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the first plug is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into a first jack opening to make electrical connection therewith; and wherein the second plug is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into a second jack opening to make electrical connection therewith.

The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the second jack opening is associated with a server or switch. The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the first jack opening is associated with a housing, the housing defining the first jack opening and a third jack opening; wherein a third plurality of electrical contacts are positioned in the first jack opening, the electrical contacts of the third plurality being arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration; wherein a fourth plurality of electrical contacts are positioned in the third jack opening, the electrical contacts of the fourth plurality being arranged according to a contact layout geometric configuration that is different from the third plurality of electrical contacts; and wherein each electrical contact of the third plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the fourth plurality, and each electrical contact of the fourth plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the third plurality.

The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein at least two first pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are upwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding upper portion of the first jack opening; and wherein at least two second pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are downwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding lower portion of the first jack opening.

The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the fourth plurality of electrical contacts are arranged in an RJ-45 contact layout geometric configuration. The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the first jack opening is associated with a housing, the housing defining the first jack opening and a third jack opening; wherein a third plurality of electrical contacts are positioned in the first jack opening, the electrical contacts of the third plurality being arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration; wherein a fourth plurality of electrical contacts are positioned in the third jack opening, the electrical contacts of the fourth plurality being arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration; and wherein each electrical contact of the third plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the fourth plurality, and each electrical contact of the fourth plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the third plurality.

The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly further including a contact subassembly positioned within the housing; wherein the contact subassembly supports a plurality of contact support members; and wherein each contact support member includes a pair of electrical contacts. The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the contact subassembly includes a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board configured and dimensioned to supply compensation with respect to an electrical connection made with respect to the electrical contacts of the third plurality. The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the first and third jack openings are oppositely directed.

The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein the housing is mounted with respect to a patch panel assembly. The present disclosure also provides for a preterminated cable assembly wherein at least two first pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are upwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding upper portion of the first jack opening; and wherein at least two second pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are downwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding lower portion of the first jack opening.

The present disclosure also provides for, in combination, a preterminated cable assembly that includes: (i) a cable, (ii) a first plug mounted with respect to a first end of the cable, the first plug supporting a first plurality of electrical contacts, the first plurality of electrical contacts positioned in quadrants of the first plug so that the first plurality of electrical contacts are arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration, and (iii) a second plug mounted with respect to a second end of the cable, the second plug supporting a second plurality of electrical contacts, the second plurality of electrical contacts arranged in an RJ-45 contact layout geometric configuration; a connector assembly including: (i) a housing defining a first and second jack opening, the first jack opening configured and dimensioned to receive the first plug, (ii) a third plurality of electrical contacts supported by the housing and positioned in the first jack opening, the electrical contacts of the third plurality being arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration, (iii) a fourth plurality of electrical contacts supported by the housing and positioned in the second jack opening, the electrical contacts of the fourth plurality being arranged according to a contact layout geometric configuration that is different from the third plurality of electrical contacts; wherein each electrical contact of the third plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the fourth plurality, and each electrical contact of the fourth plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the third plurality of electrical contacts; wherein the first plug of the preterminated cable assembly is inserted into the first jack opening of the connector assembly to make electrical connection therewith; and wherein the second plug of the preterminated cable assembly is inserted into a third jack opening associated with an electrical device to make electrical connection therewith.

The present disclosure also provides for a combination wherein the electrical device is a server or switch. The present disclosure also provides for a combination wherein at least two first pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are upwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding upper portion of the first jack opening; and wherein at least two second pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are downwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding lower portion of the first jack opening.

The present disclosure also provides for, in combination, a preterminated cable assembly that includes: (i) a cable, (ii) a first plug mounted with respect to a first end of the cable, the first plug supporting a first plurality of electrical contacts, the first plurality of electrical contacts positioned in quadrants of the first plug so that the first plurality of electrical contacts are arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration, and (iii) a second plug mounted with respect to a second end of the cable, the second plug supporting a second plurality of electrical contacts, the second plurality of electrical contacts arranged in an RJ-45 contact layout geometric configuration; a connector assembly including: (i) a housing defining a first and second jack opening, the first jack opening configured and dimensioned to receive the first plug, (ii) a third plurality of electrical contacts supported by the housing and positioned in the first jack opening, the electrical contacts of the third plurality being arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration, (iii) a fourth plurality of electrical contacts supported by the housing and positioned in the second jack opening, the electrical contacts of the fourth plurality being arranged in an IEC 60603-7-7 standard contact layout geometric configuration; wherein each electrical contact of the third plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the fourth plurality, and each electrical contact of the fourth plurality is electrically continuous with at least one electrical contact of the third plurality of electrical contacts; wherein the first plug of the preterminated cable assembly is inserted into the first jack opening of the connector assembly to make electrical connection therewith; and wherein the second plug of the preterminated cable assembly is inserted into a third jack opening associated with an electrical device to make electrical connection therewith.

The present disclosure also provides for a combination wherein the electrical device is a server or switch. The present disclosure also provides for a combination wherein at least two first pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are upwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding upper portion of the first jack opening; and wherein at least two second pairs of electrical contacts of the third plurality of electrical contacts are downwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding lower portion of the first jack opening.

The present disclosure also provides for a combination wherein at least two first pairs of electrical contacts of the fourth plurality of electrical contacts are upwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding upper portion of the second jack opening; and wherein at least two second pairs of electrical contacts of the fourth plurality of electrical contacts are downwardly deflectable, and are oriented side-by-side with respect to each other in a corresponding lower portion of the second jack opening.

Additional advantageous features, functions and benefits of the disclosed connectors, cable/plug assemblies and techniques will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In general, improved connectors and cable/plug assemblies are provided for use in distributing data. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for advantageous electrical connector assemblies for use with electrical wires/cables (e.g., preterminated wires/cables) that include at least one plug member. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved connector assemblies (e.g., port replication connector assemblies) and associated plugs/cables that are adapted for use in multi-connector panels and with patch panels, e.g., for distributing data to computers and computer networks.

Current practice provides that one type of cabling task is the connection of servers or switches to a computer or network of computers, which is sometimes accomplished through the use of rack-mounted patch panels. In general, patch panels allow establishing and re-routing connections by removing plugs from jacks and inserting them in alternative jacks. However, while this type of connectivity provides flexibility, the plug/jack connections are subject to wear and distortion leading to defective connections and requiring replacement of the jack, cable and/or plug. For example, where the jack is attached to an expensive or complex piece of electronic equipment (e.g., server or switch), replacement of a jack can be both inconvenient and expensive. Such replacement may also place expensive equipment at risk due to the necessity to move and disassemble the equipment. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved port replication connectors and cable/plug assemblies for use between servers/switches and the like and patch panels or connectors or the like to eliminate or reduce the need to remove the jack/plug connection at the server/switch while also providing flexible re-routing connections throughout the data system, thereby providing a significant manufacturing and commercial advantage as a result.

In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. Drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and in certain views, parts may have been exaggerated for purposes of clarity.

Referring now to the drawings,FIGS. 1 and 2show a connector assembly10having a first housing12and second housing14that are adapted to latch together, e.g., by latching members18,20extending from the top surface of first housing12and latching member24(FIG. 2) extending from a bottom surface of housing12. Such latching members18,20,24detachably engage mating slots formed in second housing14. Second housing14has a jack opening26on a face28thereof. A label slot30is provided above jack opening26on face28to permit an installer to label the electrical connection associated with jack opening26for future reference. A jack opening32(FIG. 2) is formed on face34of first housing12. A set of contacts36,38, respectively, are presented at jack openings26,32. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the contacts36,38are configured to define two different types of standard jacks, namely, an IEC 60603-7-7 jack at jack opening26and an RJ 45 jack at jack opening32. First housing12and second housing14are typically fabricated from a plastic material, e.g., polycarbonate.

FIG. 3illustrates a connector assembly40having a pair of housings42,44like those of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The housings42,44capture a contact subassembly46therein when snapped/attached together. Contact subassembly46has printed circuit board48which electrically connects a first set of electrical contacts50to a second set52(shown in dotted lines). In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, the first set of electrical contacts50have a configuration suitable for an IEC 60603-7-7 jack and the second set of electrical contacts52are in the form of an RJ 45 jack. As described more fully in the applications incorporated herein by reference above (e.g., the parent patent applications), a plurality of contact support members54,56,58,60provide mechanical support for the first set of contacts50and the printed circuit board48provides electrical connectivity between the contact sets50and52, e.g., through circuit traces and/or cross-talk compensation circuitry.

FIG. 4shows an alternative connector70similar to those described above relative toFIGS. 1-3, but having first and second jacks72,74of the same type, illustrating that the present disclosure is intended to encompass a connector70having two jacks of the same type. While jacks72,74have features indicative of an IEC 60603-7-7 jack, i.e., the contacts76are longitudinally opposed, the jacks72,74could be in any form, e.g., both could be RJ 45 jacks or they could be two different types of jacks.FIG. 5diagrammatically shows the contact configuration90for an IEC 60603-7-7 jack andFIG. 6diagrammatically shows the contact configuration92for an RJ 45 jack. Referring again toFIG. 4, variations in the housing78may be made, e.g., by providing a housing bifurcated at the plane of the cross-section, as illustrated inFIG. 4, and capturing a printed circuit board80(that intermediates between the jacks72,74) in an internal groove82, when conjoined to form the housing78.

FIG. 7shows a multi-connector panel assembly100having a first housing102with a plurality of jack openings104, each for receipt of a mating plug (not shown). A second housing106has a corresponding plurality of jack openings108. A contact subassembly110includes a PCB board112upon which is mounted a plurality of contact inserts114and a plurality of contact supports116, which are grouped in sets like those shown inFIG. 3to configure a plurality of contacts in a standard configuration, such as those of IEC 60603-7-7 jacks. The contact inserts114house a plurality of contacts like contacts52ofFIG. 3and insert into jack openings108. The contact supports116provide mechanical support for a plurality of contacts (e.g., similar to contacts50ofFIG. 3), and the contact supports116are slideably received in first housing102providing jack openings104with the contacts required of a standard jack, e.g., an IEC 60603-7-7 jack.FIG. 7therefore illustrates that the connector technology described above in reference toFIGS. 1-6can be replicated in multiple, side-by-side units to yield a multi-connector panel100. As noted above with respect to the individual connectors ofFIGS. 1-6, the connector configuration available at jack openings104and108can be the same or may be different, e.g., one or both may be RJ 45 or IEC 60603-7-7 jacks, and the jacks at jack openings104are in electrical communication with corresponding jacks present at jack openings108(e.g., via PCB board112).

FIGS. 8 and 10show diagrams of the connection of a server or switch120to a computer121or a computer network (not shown) via intermediating elements ending in a cable122and plug124that may be connected to jack125on the computer121or computer network. The server120has a plurality of outlet jacks126, e.g., RJ 45 jacks that may receive a mating plug, such as plug128on cable130. Cable130has another plug132at the other end, which is plugged into a mating jack134of a first patch panel136. The jack134is connected at the rear of patch panel136to an intermediate cable138, typically by a punch-down IDC (insulation displacement connector)137(SeeFIG. 10). The intermediate cable138runs to and connects to the rear of a jack140of a second patch panel142, again typically by a punch-down IDC connector139. The jack140to which cable138connects may receive a plug144of cable122, the other end of which124plugs into jack125of computer121. Typically all plugs124,128,132and144in this arrangement are RJ 45 plugs. As shown inFIG. 10, in the event that it is desirable to re-rout cable122to another jack140a, i.e., to occupy the position shown in dotted lines and labeled122a, it would be necessary to either break the connection139and move cable138to connection139a, or to put a new cable146to connection137aassociated with jack134a. This would further require unplugging plug132from jack134and moving it to position132ain socket134a. It is possible to do this without harm, but each instance of unplugging/plugging a plug into a jack risks bending, breaking or otherwise disturbing the contacts of the plug/jack. While the breakage of a jack134or a plug132is relatively inconsequential in itself, if the plug132is broken, then the cable130would need to be replaced, necessitating removal of plug128from jack126which is located on the server/switch120. As noted before, each instance of unplugging/plugging into the jack126increases the risk that the jack126will be compromised. In the event that jack126is compromised, it would be necessary to remove and replace the jack126in the server/switch120, thereby necessitating the removal, disassembly, re-assembly and/or replacement of the server/switch120, thereby placing the expensive server/switch120at risk of damage.

FIGS. 9 and 11show an embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure wherein an advantageous port replication panel assembly148, like multi-connector panel assembly100shown inFIG. 7(or like connector assemblies shown inFIGS. 1-4), is used to intermediate between the server/switch120and the patch panel136. In one embodiment, port replication panel assembly148has more connectors or grouped contacts150, each with front and rear jacks152,154, respectively, than are shown in the multi-connector panel assembly100ofFIG. 7, but is otherwise constructed with similar features and functionality. A cable assembly155(FIG. 12) with a connector cable156has a plug158at one end with the appropriate configuration for reception by the jack126(e.g., RJ 45 jack) of the server/switch120, which is unchanged from the example shown inFIGS. 8 and 10, and a plug160at the other end for reception in jack154(e.g., IEC 60603-7-7 jack) of the port replication panel assembly148. (FIGS. 9 and 11). Typically, jack126of server/switch120is an RJ 45 jack, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

FIG. 12shows exemplary cable assembly155including cable156having a male plug158,160, respectively, at each end. As shown inFIG. 11, cable assembly155is advantageously configured and dimensioned to connect server/switch120to the port replication panel assembly148. In the embodiment shown, plug158typically has an RJ 45 configuration, and plug160typically has an IEC 60603-7-7 configuration. Thus, rear jack154utilized in exemplary port replication panel assembly148is an IEC 60603-7-7 jack that is configured and dimensioned to matingly receive plug160of cable assembly155. Front jack152of port replication panel assembly148could be either an IEC 60603-7-7 jack or another type of jack, e.g., an RJ 45 jack. Cable156typically features shielded twisted pair (STP), fully shielded twisted pair (FTP) or unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wires.

As shown inFIG. 11, in the event that it is desirable to re-rout cable122to another jack140a, i.e., to occupy the position shown in dotted lines and labeled122a, it would be necessary to either break the connection139and move cable138to connection139a, or to put a new cable146to connection137aassociated with jack134a. This would further require unplugging plug132from jack134and moving it to position132ain jack134a. As noted above, each instance of unplugging/plugging a plug into a jack risks bending, breaking or otherwise disturbing the contacts of the plug/jack. However and in distinct contrast to the prior art system described above inFIGS. 8 and 10, if plug132in the disclosed advantageous system ofFIG. 11is broken and cable130needs to be replaced, this would only necessitate the removal of plug128from front jack152of port replication panel assembly148, and not from jack126of the expensive server/switch120as is the case with the prior art system illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 10. The improved system disclosed inFIGS. 9 and 11thereby reduces the risk that jack126of expensive server/switch120is damaged/compromised, thereby providing a significant manufacturing and commercial advantage as a result. In the event that port replication panel assembly148becomes damaged over time, the general replacement cost and network downtime would be significantly less than the expense of replacing/repairing server/switch120.

Stated another way, when the jack fields126of server/switch120are used regularly for cross connect administration, the ports and/or jacks126of server/switch120may become damaged. To mitigate this risk to costly active equipment (e.g., server/switch120), port replication panel assembly148may be advantageously introduced between patch panel136and server/switch120, via cable156and plugs158,160. This thereby creates a replicated port, providing an efficient and low cost administration point, while leaving the server/switch120port(s) essentially untouched.

As noted above and as shown inFIG. 12, plug158typically has an RJ 45 contact layout configuration, and plug160typically has an IEC 60603-7-7 contact layout configuration. In exemplary embodiments, cable assembly155utilizes a modular plug termination (RJ 45) at plug158and a cable termination (IEC 60603-7-7 standard) at plug160.

Cable assembly155is typically a preterminated assembly, whereby plugs158,160are pre-mounted to cable156before shipment to an installation location or distribution channel. In general, individual wires of plugs158,160are brought into electrical communication with electrical contacts157,159that are exposed relative to the exterior of plugs158,160. In exemplary embodiments, contacts159of plug160are positioned in quadrants of plug160such that plug160complies with the contact geometry set forth in the IEC 60603-7-7 standard. Plug160with IEC 60603-7-7 contact geometry is advantageously adapted to engage and electrically communicate with a jack assembly (e.g., jack154of port replication panel assembly148). In general, contacts157of plug158are positioned in a conventional 8-position RJ 45 contact layout, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

Such configuration of cable assembly155results in exemplary plug160being reduced in size, thereby enabling easier routing of cable assembly155through the system (e.g., through the racks, cabinets, cable management systems and/or pathways) while providing a high speed connection. In addition, individual plugs160of bundled cable assemblies155can be passed through one at a time through the system or data center. When in position, exemplary plugs160are configured and dimensioned to snap fit, attach and/or terminate into the rear of assembly148, completing the termination. In exemplary embodiments, cable assembly155allows for improved pair-to-pair isolation and improved pair balance through cable assembly155, which results in greater channel immunity from internal and or external noise, which ensures consistently high performance links and channels. More particularly, cable assembly155improves crosstalk and balance performance by isolating pairs and maintaining pair geometry through the termination.

Moreover, it has been found that each use of an IEC 60603-7-7 jack/plug combination (e.g., in the system illustrated inFIG. 11) reduces cross-talk over other types of jack/plug combinations, such as an RJ 45 jack/plug combination. Thus, it may be beneficial to utilize port replication panels148to replace the patch panels, e.g., patch panels136and142shown inFIG. 11, in each instance using an IEC 60603-7-7 jack/plug combination at each interface where it can be used (e.g., at132/134,137,139and/or140/144). With such configuration, cable122could be replaced with a cable similar to cable156, i.e., with the computer/computer network121typically utilizing an RJ 45 jack for receiving an RJ 45 plug.

Although the systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments and/or implementations. Rather, the systems and methods of the present disclosure are susceptible to many implementations and applications, as will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from the disclosure hereof. The present disclosure expressly encompasses such modifications, enhancements and/or variations of the disclosed embodiments. Since many changes could be made in the above construction and many widely different embodiments of this disclosure could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the drawings and specification shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additional modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure.