Cable Connectors – Brief Overview of Types

Importance of Understanding Cable Connectors

Without the connectors at the edges of the cables, no one can attach and use them. So, every cable needs a component at its edges that allow the cables to connect easily with any port. So, every cable is generally equipped with male or female connectors. However, these connectors are then further divided according to their networking requirements. Before heading towards the division of cable connectors as per their networking needs, we should know the male and female connectors of the cables.  

Two Types of Cable Connectors as per the Physical Structure

On the basis of the physics and shape of the cable connectors, there are two basic types one is male, and the other one is female cable connectors. 

Male Cable Connectors

At the end of the cable, if the connector is attached that has one or more exposed pins, then it is termed the male cable connector. These male connectors would attach to the female connectors, and the current can easily pass through the cable and device. So, these male connectors create a connection between the socket and the devices. 

Female Cable Connectors

Contrary to this, the female connectors have holes that allow the male sockets to attach easily, and, in this way, they would connect the power with the device. 

Three Main Types Of Cable Connectors As Per The Networking Needs

Now networking cabling systems are distributed into three main categories that are elaborated below: 

• Coaxial connectors

These connectors are generally used for connecting cable TVs, cable modems, satellite TVs, and terrestrial TVs. However, these connectors are further divided into three more types that are discussed here.

F-series Coaxial Connectors

These connectors are crafted by using crucial components that are as a threaded collar, an outer jacket that is covered with the ferrule, and a protruding central conductor. You need to check the structure of this coaxial cable connector closely before buying, as it will help you to ensure a long-lasting and solid connection. However, these sorts of connecting devices are used for home cameras, satellite cables, and modems. 

N-Series Coaxial Connectors

The N-series coaxial cable connector is very much similar to the f-coaxial cable connector having only one difference weather resistant pin that is located at the central conductor. The reason for joining this pin is to ensure the safety of connection at the time of rough and outdoor use of the connector. So, if you need the cable connector of coaxial cable for any sort of outdoor use, then these connectors would be your first choice. 

BNC Connectors  

Having some of the features of the f-coaxial connector still, this connector is quite unique as it is designed to endure the application regarding frequent connection and disconnection. However, the BNC connector is also having the central conductor and a ferrule attached to the outer jacket. But this connector also has a rotating collar that allows a secure connection of the cable with the female connector. 

• Fiber Optical Connectors

Another form of cable connector is the optical fiber connector, which is available in different forms in the market. Some of these types commonly used for connecting optical fiber with other devices. However, many of these types are suitable for male connectors. They also used with different methods like the screw-on, snap-in, and bayonet. You need to attach the pair of the fiber optic connector to the end of the cable and the device as well. Basically, the purpose of using fiber optic connectors is transmission. These connectors are available in both simplex and duplex designs. 

• The simplex connector can easily block one fiber, and that is the reason it is named the simplex connector.
• The duplex connector can easily terminate the two wires at a time, and therefore it is known as the duplex connector. 

Now have a bird’s eye view of some connectors that are easily available in the market for the fiber optical connector.

MT-RJ Connector

One of the popular duplex connectors is easily available in male and female both styles. For enhancing the alignment, these connectors have multiple pins and surround the two fibers inside the polymer ferrule. 

SC Connector

This one of such conductors whose use is very high just because of its out-of-the-ordinary performance. However, these connectors are quite more expensive than other connectors. 

• Twisted Pair Connectors

Basically, the twisted pair cables comprised of a single outer shield with multiple pairs of wires inside that shield. Twisted pair cables come in one pair to four pair ranges. Now, if we talk about the twisted pair cable connectors, these come in the form of plugs and modular jacks. Twisted cable connectors can used with different types of cables as these have symmetrical designs. With the pins, slots, and tabs, these connectors have unique in shape as well. However, these sort of modular cable connectors used for the cable television wiring and the connections of the telephones. 

These cable connectors are available in the market with different widths and configurations like eight, four, and two. Its unique shapes and availability of the different pins and tabs enhance their use as well as suitability for various cables and connections. 

Final Thoughts

All the above discussion would let the reader know about the in-depth cable connectors. However, these connectors widely used in devices and electronic gadgets. But each of the connectors plays playing a different role in the network cabling. However, the cables and connectors are incomplete without each other, and no one can use them separately for any sort of electric connection. However, in order to ensure smooth transmission and connection. It is essential to select the right connector as per the cable type.