Network connector
Modernizing Network Connectivity with a Next-Generation connector.
Introduction
The RJ45 connector, patented in 1973, has been a cornerstone of networking technology for decades with 2B units sold in 2023.
However, as network technology has evolved, the demand for smaller, faster, and more efficient connectors has grown.
Zuerisee Connect GmbH has developed and patented a revolutionary, compact and high-performance alternative to the RJ45 connector designed to meet the needs of modern networking environments.
By addressing the limitations of the RJ45, this innovation has the potential to reshape how devices connect, providing unprecedented ease of use and enhanced performance.
The RJ45 connector, though reliable, presents several challenges which are solved with our Next-Generation connector.
| Problem | Solution | |
|---|---|---|
| Network speed | As networks transition to higher speeds (e.g., 10Gbps and beyond), the RJ45 struggles to maintain signal integrity. | Engineered for high-speed data transmission by ensuring minimal signal loss. |
| Size | While practically everything else in electronics has decreased in size the RJ45's bulky design has remained the same for 50 years. | Smaller and sleeker design allows for higher density of connectors in switches and smaller enclosures of devices. |
| Ease of use | The insertion process can be cumbersome, often requiring force, and the clip mechanism is prone to breakage. | Intuitive insertion mechanism without fragile components. There are no moving parts on the male connector. |
| Durability | The locking arm on a standard RJ45 connector is prone to getting caught and breaking off. | No moving parts or compliant mechanisms on the male connector. |
| Migration path | The RJ45 connector is used in such large numbers that replacing it, without ensuring backward compatibility, is nearly impossible. | Our adapter makes transitioning from the RJ45 to the new connector extremely simple, ensuring backward compatibility and widespread adoption. |
Network speed
At 100 Gbps, 1 bit is only 8 mm long
1 bit is 8 mm at 100 Gbps
10 Gbps Ethernet and beyond, uses echo cancellation to send and receive simultaneously on each wire pair.
Data travels at ~⅔ the speed of light through copper cables.
This means one wire pair, in a 100Gbps cable, carries about 125 bits per meter, meaning that a single bit spans approximately 8 mm along the cable.
At high data rates, precision is critical. Even minor differences in wire length and geometry can cause signal skew and degrade performance.
Preserving wire geometry
Due to the way wires must cross inside the RJ45 connector the wire geometry are altered.
Our connector preserves the natural twist geometry of the cable, with only a minimal half-turn deviation.
The wires follow their intended flow all the way to the contact points.
The wires in are inevitably trimmed to slightly different lengths.
All wires are trimmed in the same length.
This design minimizes distortion, maintains signal integrity, and enables reliable operation at higher network speeds.
Size
Cable pulls and management
Our plug passes through holes as small as 7 mm, making installation much easier. An RJ45 connector requires a hole at least twice as large.
Connector density
The female RJ45 connector is relatively large, with outer dimensions of approximately 16 mm × 13 mm.
As a result, standard 1U switches can accommodate only up to 48 ports.
By reducing the connector's outer diameter to 11 mm, it becomes possible to fit 96 or more ports into a 1U switch.
Enclosure size
As surface mounted components gets smaller and smaller the old RJ45 is often the limiting factor to make smaller devices.
Although this modem is mostly empty space, its size can't be reduced due to the five RJ45 ports.
The RJ45 connector on this Raspberry Pi Pico significantly increases the size of the required enclosure.
Our proposed form factor for a single-port onboard connector.
Ease of use
Inserting an RJ45 connector often fails on the first try - especially when accessing the port on the back of a device. In the end, users often have to pull it out to visually confirm the correct orientation.
Our new connector features rotational guidance that aligns the rotation before full insertion is possible.
The RJ45 connector is infamous for its locking mechanism, which can be difficult to release - especially when the connection is located on the back of the device.
Our new connector features a snap mechanism similar to the one found in headphone jacks.
Durability
The locking arm on a standard RJ45 connector is prone to getting caught and breaking off.
Without the arm, the connector no longer applies sufficient pressure to the contacts, leading to connection failure.
In designing our new connector, a strict design principle was followed: no moving parts or compliant mechanisms on the male connector.
As a result, the moving element of the snap mechanism is integrated into the female counterpart.
Backward compatibility
The adapter that makes migration possible
We have created a backward compatible adapter for seamless transition.
Front and rear view of the adapter. All connections are same length for high speed.
Patch cable with adapter.
Device packaging
Devices such as modems, TVs, and similar equipment must be equipped with the new connector.
Packaging should include one adapter per patch cable.
Modem packaged with two new patch cables and adapters for backward compatibility.
Data centers
Converting RJ45 based switches in a mixed environment is as easy as fill up the RJ45 ports with adapters.
The connector and adapter are patent pending.
