Modular connector

A modular connector is a type of <a href="/facts/Electrical_connector/rJh0cHs6">electrical connector</a> for cords and cables of electronic devices and appliances, such as in <a href="/facts/Computer_network/3w5RM99p">computer networking</a>, telecommunication equipment, and audio headsets.
Modular connectors were originally developed for use on specific <a href="/facts/Bell_System/GspEoeEF">Bell System</a> telephone sets in the 1960s, and similar types found use for simple interconnection of customer-provided telephone subscriber premises equipment to the telephone network. The <a href="/facts/Federal_Communications_Commission/Ueghz8W0">Federal Communications Commission</a> (FCC) mandated in 1976 an interface registration system, in which they became known as <a href="/facts/Registered_jack/FJIzzlpD">registered jacks</a>. The convenience of prior existence for designers and ease of use led to a proliferation of modular connectors for many other applications. Many applications that originally used bulkier, more expensive connectors have converted to modular connectors. Probably the best-known applications of modular connectors are for <a href="/facts/Telephone_line/YdKUAka9">telephone</a> and <a href="/facts/Ethernet/nMfhU8tU">Ethernet</a>.
Accordingly, various electronic interface specifications exist for applications using modular connectors, which prescribe physical characteristics and assign electrical signals to their contacts.

Modular connector open-in-new

Modular connector