Cabletron Systems 100BASE-FX, Руководство по кабельной продукции

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Physical Components 2-5
Cabling Terms
Gender
The gender of a connector refers to the organization of the pins, contacts, or
channels of the connector. Connectors may be identified as male, female,
hermaphroditic, or genderless. The most common types of connectors in
networking are male and female.
A male connector is one that is inserted into a recessed or hollow port. In the case
of some connectors, the determination of male gender is based upon whether the
connector makes its networking connection through a pin or a channel.
Connectors with pins are considered male.
Female connectors are those that are constructed to accept a male connector.
Female connectors typically provide channels into which the pins of male
connectors are inserted. A readily available example of male and female
connectors is the standard electrical extension cord. The extension cord has a male
end, the prongs that are placed in the wall outlet, and a female end, the slots on
the opposite end of the cable.
Connections in any gendered cable systems must be made between one male
connector and one female connector. The connectors themselves will not allow
male/male or female/female connections.
Some connectors are genderless or hermaphroditic. These are connectors that
have aspects of both male and female connector types. They may be connected to
any other port or connector. The Token Ring MIC connector is perhaps the most
common genderless connector in networking.
Keyed
A keyed connector is one that has a housing specifically designed to be connected
to a port in a particular orientation. The keyed connector is shaped in such a way
that it may only be inserted into the port or connector so that the pins or channels
of the housing match up properly.
Threaded
Threaded connectors are designed to be secured to other threaded connectors or
ports. They are designed to be screwed together. The threads hold the connectors
in place.
Locking
A locking connector is one that snaps into place. Locking connectors are usually
keyed, and are often gendered. The locking action holds the connector firmly in
place and makes the connection resistant to disconnection due to strain or
movement. Locking may be accomplished by a spring clip mechanism or by the
use of key pins and locking channels.