Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 6.11
A connector jack that uses 110-type blocks for the horizontal cable connections.
(Courtesy of Molex Fiber Optics, Inc.)
module, the combination can be certified to Category 5e. The 100 strip has the
advantage that it can be terminated with conventional punchdown tools and its con-
nectivity and longevity parameters are well established. On the other hand, the strip
is often wider than the connector module it is attached to, which limits placement
on a mounting place. Variations of this scheme use the BIX or Krone blocks, both
described in Chapter 7, in place of the 110 block.
An alternative to these two other IDC connectors is what we are calling the
“snap-in” connector for lack of a better name (see Fig. 6.8). This connector type is
made in a number of styles by many manufacturers. In general, these designs all
have the common characteristic of compact construction and toolless termination.
The connector contacts mount directly onto a printed circuit board, which also
mounts the modular connector. The wires are each cut to size and placed in a chan-
nel above the contact edges. A plastic insert is used to push up to four individual
wires into the jaws of the IDC contacts, where the insulation is pierced and the elec-
trical connection is made between the wires and the contacts.
The insert usually snaps into place with a click, which is why we are calling it
a
snap-in connector
. The beauty of this connector style is that it terminates the wires
without any tools. Its compact design leaves room on the connector housing for
