Ethernet cable connectors feature an 8-position 8-contact (8P8C) modular plug design. Each wire inside the Ethernet cable (remember, four twisted pairs) slips into each position in the connector. Here are the three types of connectors: Registered Jack 45 (RJ45) A registered jack is an interface connecting equipment to a networked device. The “45” aspect simply means there were 44 registered devices before the Ethernet connector. This connector is most commonly used on computers, routers, modems, game consoles, and other devices that support Ethernet connections. There are two wiring standards for the RJ45 connector: T-568A and T-568B. The latter is typically used for new networks while the government requires the former T-568A wiring scheme.1 etherCON RJ45 This is a ruggedized and lockable version of the RJ45 connector developed by Neutrik. It’s designed for network-enabled stage lighting, pro video, and pro audio devices. GigaGate 45 (GG45) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standardized this connector for CAT 7 and CAT 7a (along with the non-RJ TERA connector). Also known as Augmented RJ45 (ARJ45), this design moves two of the four twisted pairs to the other side of the connector, providing 12 contacts combined. A switch on the connector is activated by a compatible port that enables the cable to use its new contacts. Otherwise, the connector uses the eight standard contacts for backward compatibility. CAT 8a and CAT 8b use the standard RJ45 jack.