Method and System for Modularized Configurable Connector System for Ethernet Applications

Abstract

A first modular Ethernet connector and a coupled corresponding second modular Ethernet connector may communicate data based on Ethernet standards. The Ethernet connectors may be configurable and comprise at least twelve contact positions. Different connector configurations may support widely different data rates. The Ethernet connectors may fit within a handheld device and/or may be sized to fit greater than twenty-four connectors in a 1 RU faceplate of a 19 inch rack. A variable number of conductor and/or ground contact positions may be unpopulated or populated with contacts of various materials. The Ethernet connectors may be configured with a properly fitting latching mechanism, with connector shielding and/or to ground cable shielding. The Ethernet connectors may be sized and fitted for secure coupling. The Ethernet connectors may be coupled to a twisted pair cable. Differential pair conductors are terminated adjacently. The Ethernet connectors may comprise POE, a PHY and/or an antenna.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A system, comprising:
 a first connector that is configured to connect with a second connector, the first connector including:   an antenna;   a first circuit that is configured to communicate data in accordance with Ethernet standards; and   a housing that is configured to:   secure the first connector to the second connector, the second connector including a second circuit that is configured to provide Power Over Ethernet (POE) and communicate data in accordance with Ethernet standards; and   couple electrically the first circuit and the second circuit, wherein the first and the second connectors include dimensions similar to or smaller than an RJ45 connector.   
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect directly with the second connector. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect directly with a patch panel. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect manually with the second connector. 
     
     
         25 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect manually with a patch panel. 
     
     
         26 . The system of  claim 21 , wherein the housing includes a latching mechanism configured to secure mechanically the first connector to the second connector. 
     
     
         27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the housing of the first connector is a first housing and the latching mechanism of the first connector is a first latching mechanism, wherein the the second connector includes a second housing similar to the first housing, and wherein the second housing includes a second latching mechanism corresponding the first latching mechanism. 
     
     
         28 . A system, comprising:
 a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first and the second connectors include dimensions similar to or smaller than an RJ45 connector;   the first connector comprising a first circuit that is configured to:   communicate data in accordance with Ethernet standards; and   provide power in accordance with Power Over Ethernet (POE) standards;   the second connector comprising a second circuit that comprises an antenna;   the second circuit configured to:   communicate data in accordance with Ethernet standards; and   communicate wirelessly via the antenna;   the first connector comprising a housing that is configured to:   couple electrically the first circuit and the second circuit; and   secure the first connector to the second connector.   
     
     
         29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are structurally independent of each other. 
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the first connector and the second connector are functionally independent of each other. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect directly with the second connector or a patch panel. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect manually with the second connector or a patch panel. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein the housing includes a latching mechanism that is configured to secure mechanically the first connector to the second connector. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 33 , wherein the housing of the first connector is a first housing and the latching mechanism of the first connector is a first latching mechanism, wherein the the second connector includes a second housing similar to the first housing, and wherein the second housing includes a second latching mechanism corresponding the first latching mechanism. 
     
     
         35 . A first connector, comprising:
 a first circuit that is configured to:   provide Power Over Ethernet (POE); and   communicate data in accordance with Ethernet standards; and   a housing that is configured to:   secure the first connector to a second connector, the second connector including an antenna and a second circuit that is configured to communicate data in accordance with Ethernet standards; and couple electrically the first circuit and the second circuit, wherein the first and the second connectors include dimensions similar to or smaller than an RJ45 connector.   
     
     
         36 . The first connector of  claim 35 , wherein the first connector is independent structurally of the second connector. 
     
     
         37 . The first connector of  claim 35 , wherein the first connector is independent functionally of the second connector. 
     
     
         38 . The first connector of  claim 35 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect directly with an external receptacle of a patch panel. 
     
     
         39 . The first connector of  claim 35 , wherein the first connector is further configured to connect manually with an external receptacle of a patch panel. 
     
     
         40 . The first connector of  claim 35 , wherein the housing includes a latching mechanism that is configured to secure mechanically to the second connector.