Device configured to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity

Abstract

A device for providing enhanced connectivity between a first single pair ethernet cable to a second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The device may include a first connectivity portion having a first substrate, a first connection portion provided on a first edge of the first substrate, a second connection portion provided on a second edge of the first substrate, and a receiving portion provided on a first end portion of the substrate. The device also may include a sheath portion configured to engage the first substrate and a second substrate of a second connectivity portion. The sheath portion may be configured to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables by providing an additional single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation.

Description

DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE ENHANCED SINGLE PAIR ETHERNET CABLE CONNECTIVITYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 736,411 , filed on December 19, 2024, which is incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a single pair ethernet connectivity device, and, more particularly, to a device configured to provide enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity.BACKGROUND

[0003] As greater numbers of locations are gaining access to distributed signal networks, the volume of data generated, transferred, and stored has increased. Such rise in access and usage of distributed networks has emphasized the capabilities provided by wired cabling. As a result, a diverse variety of network cabling, and cable interconnections, have been developed to accommodate different installation sites, types of users, and desired network performance.

[0004] While greater cable availability and diversity may provide a robust data network, installation sites often join separate cables, which may introduce operational risks. For instance, joining separate cables may pose installation challenges with size, available space, and precision requirements of some cable interconnects. Cable connections, in other instances, may experience degraded capabilities and / or performance as a result of environmental conditions, such as moisture or movement. For example, single pair ethernet cables of different size, such as from 18 AWG to 26 AWG, solid and stranded, are often utilized. In conventional connectors for such single pair ethernet cables, a different design of connector may be required for each type or size of single pair ethernet cable and the connectors may be larger than desired.

[0005] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are generally directed to a selectable wired cable connection that employs a printed circuit board to improve installation efficiency and operational reliability, particularly for single pair ethernet (SPE) cables that have a relatively small form-factor.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity may include an end portion configured to be connected to a first single pair ethernet (SPE) cable. The end portion may include a substrate, a first connection portion provided on a first edge of the substrate, a second connection portion provided on a second edge of the substrate, and a receiving portion positioned on a first end portion of the substrate. The connector may also include a support portion positioned on a second end portion of the substrate. The support portion may be configured to connect the substrate to the first SPE cable. The connector may also include a sheath portion configured to engage the substrate of the connector. The first and second connection portions may each include a conductive portion configured to engage a first wire and a second wire of the first SPE cable. Each of the conductive portions may be connected, through the substrate, to a corresponding one of a plurality of electrical contact portions positioned in the receiving portion of the end portion and to a corresponding pad contact portion positioned on the substrate. Each of the electrical contact portions positioned in the receiving portion and a corresponding pad contact portion of an opposing connector connected to a second single pair ethernet cable may be configured to provide a first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first and second single pair ethernet cables. The sheath portion may be configured to engage a substrate of the opposing connector. The sheath portion may be configured to provide a biasing force against the substrate of the first single pair ethernet cable and against the substrate of the second single pair ethernet cable so as to biasingly resist relative movement between the substrate of the first single pair ethernet cable and the substrate of the second single pair ethernet cable and biasingly maintain electrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion during operation. The sheath portion may be structurally configured to provide a second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first and secondsingle pair ethernet cables during operation so as to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, the support portion may be configured to guide the first wire from the first SPE cable to the first connection portion and guide the second wire from the first SPE cable to the second connection portion.

[0008] According to certain embodiments, the substrate may include a printed circuit board.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the conductive portion may be an edge contact positioned on either the first edge or the second edge of the substrate.

[0010] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity between a first single pair ethernet cable to a second single pair ethernet cable may include a forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion configured to form a first forward electrical connection with a first forward wire portion of a first single pair ethernet cable during operation and a second forward electrical connection with a second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation. The device may also include a sheath portion configured to electrically couple the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion to a rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation. The rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may be configured to form a first rearward electrical connection with a first rearward wire portion of a second single pair ethernet cable during operation and a second rearward electrical connection with a second rearward wire portion of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may be configured to form a first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The sheath portion may be configured to provide an enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection between the first single pair ethernetcable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection may include a second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection may include a first sheath electrical connection configured to be between the first forward electrical connection of the first single pair ethernet cable and the first rearward electrical connection of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation, and a second sheath electrical connection configured to be between the second forward electrical connection of first single pair ethernet cable and the second rearward electrical connection of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may include a forward single pair ethernet cable connector and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may include a rearward single pair ethernet cable connector.

[0012] According to certain embodiments, the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may include a forward substrate portion having a first forward connection portion configured to form the first forward electrical connection with the first forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation, a second forward connection portion may be configured to form the second forward electrical connection with the second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation, and a receiving portion.

[0013] According to certain embodiments, the first forward connection portion may include a first forward conductive portion configured to engage the first forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable so as to form the first forward electrical connection during operation, and second forward connection portion may include a second forward conductive portion configured to engage the second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable so as to form the second forward electrical connection during operation.

[0014] According to certain embodiments, the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may further include a first forward pad contact portion, a second forward pad contact portion, and a forward receiving portion having a first forward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the first forward pad contact portion during operation and a second forward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the second forward pad contact portion during operation.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may further include a first rearward pad contact portion, a second rearward pad contact portion, and a rearward receiving portion having a first rearward electrical contact portion that may be configured to be electrically connected to the first rearward pad contact portion during operation and a second rearward electrical contact portion that may be configured to be electrically connected to the second rearward pad contact portion during operation.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the first forward electrical contact portion of the forward receiving portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion may be configured to be electrically connected with a first rearward pad contact portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion connected to the second single pair ethernet cable during operation.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, the sheath portion may include a sheath body portion, a first sheath arm portion may be configured to be coupled with the sheath body portion, a second sheath arm portion may be configured to be coupled with the sheath body portion, wherein the first sheath arm portion may be configured to be electrically connected with the first forward conductive portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion, and wherein the second sheath arm portion may be configured to be electrically connected with a first rearward conductive portion conductive portion of the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, the first sheath arm portion may include a first conductive sheath portion and a first sheath biasing portion configured to becoupled with the first conductive sheath portion so as to exert a first biasing force so as to biasingly resist relative movement between the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and biasingly maintain electrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable connection portion during operation and to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation, and wherein the second sheath arm portion may include a second conductive sheath portion and a second sheath biasing portion configured to be coupled with the second conductive sheath portion so as to exert a second biasing force so as to biasingly resist relative movement between the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and biasingly maintain electrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion during operation and to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, the first conductive sheath portion of the first sheath arm portion may be configured to be electrically connected to the first forward conductive portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation. The second conductive sheath portion of the second sheath arm portion may be configured to be electrically connected to the first rearward conductive portion of the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, the first biasing force may include a first compressive force toward a first direction, the second biasing force may include a second compressive forward toward a second direction different from the first direction.

[0021] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity may include a forward single pair ethernet cable connector configured to form a forward electrical connection with a forward wire portion of a first single pair ethernet cable during operation. The device may also include a sheath portion configured to couple the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion to a rearward single pair ethernet cable connector during operation. The rearward single pair ethernet cable connector may be configured to form a rearward electrical connection with a rearward wire portion of a second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The sheath portion may be configured to provide an enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The forward single pair ethernet cable connector may be configured to provide a first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection may include a second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation. The enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection may include a sheath electrical connection between the forward electrical connection and the rearward electrical connection during operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0024] FIG. 2 represents portions of a wired cable connection that may be employed in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a line representation of portions of a connector that may be utilized in the distributed network of FIG. 1 in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 4 displays a line representation of portions of a connector configured in various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates a line representation of an aspect of a connector that may be utilized in the cable assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 in some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a line representation of portions of a connector that may be employed with the cable assemblies of FIGS. 3 and 4 in some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 7 shows a line representation of aspects of a connector capable of being deployed with the cable assemblies of FIGS. 3 and 4 in various embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 8 displays a line representation of portions of a connector structurally configured in accordance with assorted embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 9 represents aspects of a connector constructed and operated in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Embodiments provide reliable connectivity for a single pair ethernet cable by employing a connector with cable terminals and printed circuit board substrates. The use of a printed circuit board to terminate the constituent wires of a single pair ethernet cable may provide reliable, and repeatable, physical engagement for cable conductors that produce robust and repeatable connections the correspond with stable signal carrying pathways in a relatively small form factor.

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0034] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0035] To accommodate greater numbers, and types, of user connected to a distributed network, increased volumes of wired cables are utilized. The diversity of sites and user demands has emphasized customizing wired cables, and cable terminals, to provide adequate signal carrying capabilities. However, customizing wired cabling and connections may present installation and reliability challenges over time, particularly in relatively small physical spaces or locations that experience movement, tension, or force. Accordingly, various embodiments are directed to a wired cable connection that employs cable terminals with printed circuit board substrates to provide increased installation efficiency and heightened reliability over time.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a block representation of a distributed network environment 100 in which various embodiments of a connector may be practiced. As shown, any number of sources 110 may be connected to any number of destinations 120 via one or more signal pathways 130. In some embodiments, a signal pathway 130 is configured to transfer data and other signals via a wireless signal pathway 132. In other embodiments, data and signals are transferred between sources 110 and destinations 120 via one or more wired signal pathway 134 that employs tangible wires to supply one-way or two-way signal transmission.

[0037] The distributed network 100 may employ any number, and type, of signal pathway 130 concurrently, individually, and sequentially. While a single, continuous wired signal pathway 134 may be utilized, the distributed network 100 may also form wired signal pathways 134 with separate wires 136, or cables that package multiple wires within a protective jacket. It is noted that the wired signal pathway 134 is not limited to a particular type, size, or signal carrying speed. In contrast to the wirelesssignal pathway 132 that converts signals into a form that may be distributed without physical aspects of wired signal pathway 134, transmitting data via wired cables may provide greater performance and / or capabilities, such as signal integrity, reliability, speed, and cost.

[0038] As shown, separate wired pathways 134 are arranged to from a single connection between sources 110 and destinations 120 by connecting to an interconnect 140, such as a server, switch, cassette, or splitter. While wired signal pathways 134 may provide some operational advantages over wireless signal pathways 132, the presence of a physical cable may present operational challenges. For instance, a wired cable may not be long enough, or physically compatible with, some installation sites, such as multi-residence complexes or complex industrial installations. A wired cable, in other instances, may not provide the operational capabilities compatible with signal demand.

[0039] The operational challenges of utilizing wired cabling to produce signal pathways 134 may be exacerbated by the availability of different cable terminations, or connectors, which operate to provide performance for the distributed network 100 when installed correctly. That is, the use of an interconnect 140 may provide the ability to employ different wired cables to customize the physical delivery, and electrical capabilities, of the distributed network 100. However, employing separate wired cables 136 to form a signal pathway 134 introduces additional physical connections that may present installation and / or operational challenges that are to be overcome to provide operational performance and reliability.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional line representation of a wired cable connection 200 that may be present in the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 to establish a stable signal pathway 134. As shown, a coupler (or connector) 210, or other interconnect component, is configured to physically and electrically join separate cables 220 to form a stable signal pathway for each signal carrying wire 230. The respective wired cables 220 may have matching, or dissimilar, constructions and / or capabilities.

[0041] In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, each wired cable 220 is structurally configured as an ethernet cable that presents a single pair of signal conducting wires 230. Such cable construction may be characterized as a single pair ethernet (SPE) cable that may provide a relatively small physical form factor and sufficient signal carrying capabilities to service a diverse variety of destinations, such as sensors, devices, components, and computing systems.

[0042] The coupling interconnect 210, in some embodiments, has conducting portions 212 that provide a transition between wires 240 of the respective cables 210 / 220. However, the physical attachment of a cable 210 / 220 to the coupling interconnect 230 may present an electrical connection that has limited capabilities. Even with an ideal installation of the cables 210 / 220 on the coupling interconnect 230, environmental conditions, such as movement and vibrations over time, may degrade the physical and electrical connections between the cables 210 / 220.

[0043] The risk of installation imprecision and / or environmental conditions that jeopardize the quality of the signal connection between each wire 240 and the conducting portions 232 of the coupling interconnect 230 may be addressed by various embodiments of a connector that employs a printed circuit board termination for each cable 210 / 220 that presents the respective wires 240 as reliable contacts that may be utilized to repeatedly form a stable connection that is resistant to environmental conditions and movement of the cables. By structurally configuring the termination of each cable 210 / 220 with a printed circuit board, the installation of wires 240 and formation of a coupling interconnect 230 may be more consistent and reliable over time than the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 that connects wires 240 via conducting portions 232 without use of any rigid substrates, such as a printed circuit board.

[0044] FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively illustrate perspective views of portions of a connector 300 that may be employed in the cable connection 200 of FIG. 2 and the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1 to provide enhanced installation and operational efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. To clarify, the perspective view of FIG. 3 conveys a first lateral side of the connector 300 while the perspective view of FIG. 4 conveys an opposite, second side of the connector 300.

[0045] The connector 300 may be configured to connect to a cable (cable portion) 310, which, in some embodiments, may be a single pair ethernet cable. The connector 300 may include an end portion 320. The cable portion 310 may be any size, type, or construction of signal carrying component while the end portion 320 of the connector 300 may be configured to connect to any number of signal carrying wires present in the cable 310. Contact portions 322 may be structurally configured to physically engage with a receiving portion of a port, coupling interconnect, device, or other electrical termination. For instance, the cable 310 may be an SPE cable having a pair of signal carrying wires 312 / 314 packaged within a jacket 316. In some embodiments, the jacket 316 may be insulating, reinforced, flexible, or rigid to allow for diverse installation capabilities.

[0046] While not required or limiting, the connector 300 may have a wireguide, guide or support portion 318 that may be configured to partially, or completely, surround at least a portion of the substrate 324. A wireguide portion 318 may, in some embodiments, provide structural support for the substrate 324, including the end portion 320. In some embodiments, the wireguide portion 318 may include attachment features, such as tabs, grooves, ridges, or protrusions, that may aid the physical attachment, and retention, of the cable 310 to the substrate 320. The wireguide portion 318 may also include guide portions that may be configured to guide one or more portions of conductors 312 / 314 of cable 300 to be positioned to connect to connection portions of the substrate.

[0047] The substrate 324 may be a rigid substrate, and in some embodiments, may be formed from a material, such as glass, silicon, or resin, that provides physical strength conducive to repeated engagement, and removal, with one or more receiving portions. For instance, the end portion 320 may be structurally configured to physically mate with a matching end portion of a separate cable, with another connector, or, in some embodiments, with a port of an electronic device or network interconnect. The construction of the end portion 320 as a part of the substrate 324, which, in some embodiments, may be a printed circuit board, allows for various lithography and other manufacturing techniques to create electrical leads that may be directed to any number, and type, of electrical contact portions 326. With the ability to construct stable and precise electrical leads through, or atop of, the rigid substrate 324, the end portion320 may be arranged with multiple different electrical contact portions 326 for each signal carrying wire, or conductor, 312 / 314.

[0048] As shown by the perspective views of FIGS. 3 and 4 from opposite sides of the connector 300, the rigid substrate 324 may guide and support electrical leads from separate connection portions 340 to multiple different contacts 326. Although not required or limiting, each wire, or conductor, 312 / 314 may connect to the connection portions 340, and the connection portions 340 may connect, through the substrate 324, with a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330. It is noted that the pad contacts 328 on opposite sides of the substrate 324 respectively connect to different signal carrying wires, or a first forward wire portion 312 and a second forward wire portion 314 of a first SPE cable 310 while the separate spring contacts 330 also connect to different signal carrying wires 312 / 314. That is, each wire 312 / 314 electrically connects to a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330 physically which may be located on opposite lateral or vertical extents of the substrate 324.

[0049] The connector 300 may be modular such that it can connect to different size cables. In some embodiments, the connection portions 340 may be structurally configured to connect to different sized conductors or wires so that different connectors do not have to be used for different sized cables. For example, a shape of the connection portions may be configured to connect to wires or conductors of different size. Additionally, the wireguide may be configured to guide wires of different size so that cables of different size may be connected to the connector 300.

[0050] In accordance with some embodiments, the respective spring contacts 330 are positioned in a cutout or receiving portion 332 of the rigid substrate 324, which allow for efficient application of force onto contact pads 328 of a separate end portion 320 when inserted into the cutout portion 332. Hence, the end portion 320 may provide concurrent electrical connections from the respective pad contact 328 and spring contact 330 for each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 when a separate end portion 320 of another connector, or network element, is rotated ninety degrees relative and inserted into the cutout portion 332. As such, the end portion 320 may reliably provide separate physical and electrical connections from each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 to one or more separate end portions 320 of another connector. The cutout portion 332 may beconfigured with a shape to mate with, and make electrical connection with, a cutout portion of another connector.

[0051] The end portion 320, in other embodiments, may be constructed with different numbers and types of electrical contact portions via a rigid substrate 326. For instance, multiple different pads, of matching or dissimilar sizes, shapes, or electrical contact material, may be present on various aspects of a rigid substrate 324 while different numbers or types of cantilevered springs may extend from the rigid substrate 324 with the ability to concurrently engage and connect each signal carrying wire 312 / 314 when the end portion 320 engages another end portion of another connector, or cable.

[0052] While the substrate 324 provides reliable and precise electrical contact portions 328 / 330 for engagement with a separate component, the rigid substrate 324 may additionally provide reliable and efficient engagement of the respective signal carrying wires 312 / 314 via the connection portions 340. For instance, the rigid substrate 324 may allow for repeatable engagement and disengagement with other terminated cables, which provides robust, and diverse, capabilities for a distributed network.

[0053] FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of an end portion 500 that may be employed in the connector 300 of FIGS. 3 and 4 in some embodiments. The end portion 500 may have a unitary substrate 510 that provides rigidity and size conducive to reliable physical and electrical engagement. It is noted that the end portion 500 may be incorporated into the connector 300 via a wireguide, such as wireguide portion 318, or other fastener or mechanism that securely positions the substrate 324 and the end portion 500 relative to the signal carrying wires of a network cable, such as cable portion 310.

[0054] The substrate 510 may include contacts 328 / 330 that respectively correspond with wire connection portions 340. That is, various embodiments electrically connect separate wire terminations 520 with both a pad contact 328 and a spring contact 330. The size, shape, and orientation of the respective connection portions 340 is not required or limited to a particular configuration, but in certainembodiments each of the wire terminations 520 may include an insulation displacement contact (IDC) 520 that may engage a bare, or insulated, section of a signal carrying wire to establish an electrical pathway from the respective contacts 328 / 330 to the respective wires. In certain embodiments, each connection portion 340 may be structurally configured with an IDC 520 that may physically engage an insulating wire jacket, wire conductor, or combinations thereof to secure the wire in place while maintaining an electrical pathway to the respective electrical contact portions 328 / 330 presented by the end substrate 510.

[0055] In some embodiments, the IDC 520 may have aspects sharpened to allow for the penetration of a wire’s jacket to establish an electrical connection to the wire, or conductor. The connection portions 340, in other embodiments, are structurally configured with one or more electrically conductive portions 522 that may be configured to apply consistent force onto a signal carrying wire. As a result of the structural configuration of the connection portion 340, IDC 520, and conductive portion 522, the end portion 500 may provide efficient installation and establishment of an electrically conductive pathway from the wires, or conductors of a cable to the respective contacts 328 / 330 of the end portion 500. However, the arrangement of the connection portions 340 of the end portion 500 shown in FIG. 5 are not required and may be customized to accommodate a variety of different wires, different installation techniques, and different amounts of reliability for maintaining the electrical connection over time.

[0056] For instance, the conductive portions 340 may have different sizes, or shapes, than shown in FIG. 5, that allow a cable wire to physically engage a conductive portion 522 in a customized manner that is conducive to efficient installation, reliable operation, or both. Similarly, embodiments of the capture portion 340 arrange the conductive portions 522 with one or more components that apply force onto a signal carrying wire, which may provide physical feedback during installation as well as consistent physical retention of contact with the signal carrying aspects of a wire to promote reliable operation despite the presence of movement, vibrations, and environmental conditions over time.

[0057] A possible, but not required, alternate connection portion 340 structural configuration is illustrated in FIG. 5 with an insulation piercing contact (IPC) establishing physical and electrical engagement that corresponds with stable signal carrying pathways through the end portion 500. In the event the end portion 500 employs a unitary substrate 510 that physically supports a pair of IPC contacts in place of the IDC shown in FIG. 5, any number, and type, of electrical contact portion may be present, such as the pad 328 and spring 330 contacts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0058] The substrate 510 may further support a wire retention portion that may move, slide, or rotate relative to the substrate 510 and IPC contacts. Such adjustment of the retention portion may allow for efficient installation and engagement of signal carrying wires with the respective IPC contacts to maintain reliable electrical connections and stable signal pathways. The use of the IPC contacts may allow for a customized size, shape, wire engagement, and reliability compared to the IDC contacts 520 shown in FIG. 5.

[0059] In some embodiments, the end portion 500 may employ different wire contacts (IDC / IPC), retention portions, wireguides, and conductive portions 522 to provide a customized balance of size, installation efficiency, and operational reliability. The customization of an end portion, and a corresponding cable assembly that employs the end portion, may incorporate any number, and type, of wire engaging components to provide assorted installation and / or operational characteristics.

[0060] FIGS. 6 and 7 respectively illustrate perspective views of a pair of connectors 600 that may be employed in a distributed network in accordance with various embodiments. The connectors 600 provide one or more stable signal pathways through the physical connection of a first end portion 610 with a second end portion 620. The respective end portions 610 / 620 of the connectors 600 are structurally configured to connect two opposing cables 630, each cable 630 having a pair of signal carrying wires, or conductors, 640. Through physical engagement of the respective wires 640 with the end portions 610 / 620, stable and reliable electrical connections may be formed by physically engaging substrates 650 of each connector that provide separate electrical contact portions 660.

[0061] While not required or limiting, separate cables 630 may be configured with end portions 610 / 620 with matching structural configurations. When matching end portions 610 / 620 are utilized, as shown, a rotation of one end portion 610 relative to the other end portion 620, such as a ninety degree rotation about a longitudinal axis of the respective cables 630, allows the assorted electrical contact portions 660 to align so that a spring contact, such as contact 330, will physically and electrically engage a pad contact, such as contact 328, of the opposite end portion 610 / 620. The contact between the spring contacts 330 of the first end portion 610 and the pad contacts 328 of the second end portion 620 may provide a first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the cables 630, which may be for example a first SPE cable and a second SPE cable.

[0062] With each end portion 610 / 620 presenting electrical contact portions 328 / 330 with a rigid substrate 650, such as a printed circuit board, establishing, disconnecting, and reconnecting electrical connections, and resulting stable signal pathways, may be efficient and reliable over time. The arrangement of each end portion 610 / 620 with connection portions 340 that efficiently guide installation and operation of the respective cable wires 640 allows the end portions 610 / 620 to selectively provide a stable pair of signal pathways. In other words, rotation of one end portion 610 relative to the other end portion 620 allows for physical engagement of the pad contacts 328 of the first end portion 610 with the spring contacts 330 of the second end portion 620, and vice versa, as shown in FIG. 7, which provides continuous force onto each rigid substrate 650 that promotes physical retention and sustainable electrical connection through motion, vibration, and environmental conditions.

[0063] FIGS. 8 and 9 respectively illustrate perspective views of a pair of connectors (also referred to as devices) 800 that are configured to make an electrical connection between separate opposing cables 810 in accordance with various embodiments. Each respective cable 810 may be arranged with a pair of wires 812 that are respectively connected through the physical engagement of end portions or a forward SPE cable connectivity portion and a rearward SPE cable connectivity portion 820 that terminate each connector 800. It is noted that each end portion 820 may have a rigid substrate 822 that provides efficient wire installation via connection portions 824 and at least one electrical contact portion positioned in, or on, the substrate 822.In certain embodiments, the at least one electrical contact portion may include an edge contact 826 provided on a longitudinal edge of the substrate 822. In some embodiments, the substrate 822 of the connector 800 may be structurally configured similarly to the end portions 610 / 620 of FIGS. 6 and 7 with multiple different electrical contact portions concurrently engaged on separate surfaces of the substrate 822, but such configuration is not required.

[0064] With the connectors 800 shown connected in FIG. 8, a sheath 830 may be positioned externally to the rigid substrate 822 and provides concurrent physical and electrical support. The sheath 830 may comprise any number of components that engage the rigid substrate 822 to link the respective end portions or the forward SPE cable connectivity portion 820 to the rearward SPE cable connectivity portion 820. For instance, the sheath 830 may be structurally configured as a unitary piece of electrically conductive material having a central body portion 834 and a pair of arm portions 836 electrically connected to the body portion 834. In certain embodiments, each of the arm portions 836 may include a flexible or semi-rigid spring portion 838 and a flexible or semi-rigid conductive sheath portion 832. The conductive sheath portion 832 of each arm portion 836 may be structurally configured to engage the edge contacts 826 on the respective rigid substrates 822 and form an electrical pathway between the opposing end portions 820. For example, once the sheath 830 is in place, an electrical signal from one of the end portions may be transmitted to one of the conductive portions 832 via a corresponding edge contact 826. The electrical signal may move through the arm portion 836, into the body portion 834, and then into the opposing arm portion 836 disposed over the opposing end portion 820. The electrical signal may then be transmitted into the opposing end portion 820 by being passed through the conductive sheath portion 832 of the opposing arm portion 836 and into the opposing edge contact 826. In certain embodiments, the sheath 830 may be used to provide a grounding path instead of an electrical pathway.

[0065] The spring portions 838 of each arm portion 836 may be structurally configured to engage and provide a compressive force to the respective rigid substrates 822 themselves, thereby reinforcing the physical connection between the opposing connectors 800. Each of the arm portions 836 may therefore be configured to form an electrical pathway between connectors 800, as well as arranged to apply acontinuous force onto the substrates 822 via the conductive sheath portion 832 and the spring portion 838, respectively. The arm portions 836 may therefore increase physical retention and electrical stability over time as well as biasingly resist relative movement between the substrates 822 which may break the mechanical or electrical coupling between opposing cables 810. In certain embodiments, the sheath 830 may be structurally configured to contact or connect to alternative or additional contacts provided on the substrate 822, for example, but not limited to, the contact pad portions 328 as seen in FIG. 6, thereby providing a second or alternative single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the substrates 822 in addition the single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion provided by the respective spring contact portions 330 and pad contact portions 328. By having two single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portions, a level of redundancy for the device 800 may be provided should either one of the first and / or second points of electrical contact fail or be interrupted. In other words, the first and second single pair ethernet cable electrical contact portions maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first or second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portions is interrupted during operation. Additionally, according to certain embodiments, each single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion may provide an electrical pathway for two different types of transmission, for example power may be routed through the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion via the spring contacts 330 and pad contacts 328, while a ground may be provided through the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion via the sheath 830. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion may be for power while the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion through the sheath 830 may be for a data signal, or vice versa.

[0066] In some embodiments, the sheath 830 may act as a shielded contact with common, or individually shielded, links. The connectors 800 in FIG. 8 are illustrated with a sheath 830 that may be arranged as a single bridging contact while the connectors 900 shown in FIG. 9 provide separate sheaths 930 on each end portion 820, respectively. In certain embodiments, each of the sheaths 930 may be substantially to the sheath 830 seen in FIG. 8 by being structurally configured so that,when the opposing connectors 900 are joined together via their respective end portions 820, the sheaths 930 may engage with the opposing end portion 820 and operate concurrently to provide a common electrical pathway between the connectors 900 for each of the pair of wires 812. For example, as the end portions 820 of the opposing connectors 900 are brought together, each sheath 930 may be structurally configured to form an electrical pathway between an edge contact 826 disposed on one end portion 820 and an edge contact 826 disposed on the opposing end portion 820. In certain embodiments, each sheath 930 may be structurally configured to engage with any aspect of the rigid substrate 822 of an end portion 820, such as but not limited to, a side or longitudinal edge, the capture portions 340, or the cutout portion 332, to form a stable electrical pathway corresponding with a first and second forward wire portions and first and second rearward wire portions 812 of each cable 810. For example, each sheath 930 may include a resilient conductive portion 932 and a resilient spring portion 934, where each of the conductive portions 932 are structurally configured to make contact with a corresponding edge contact 826, and where each of the spring portions 934 provide a continuous compressive force onto the substrates 822 as discussed above with regard to the sheath 830 shown in FIG. 8. In certain embodiments, both sheaths 930 may be used to form either an electrical pathway or a grounding path between the connectors 900 as is needed.

[0067] Through the use of cable terminations that employ a rigid substrate, wired cable connections may be more efficient to install and provide more robust operation compared to other manners of coupling wires of separate cables. The combination of connection portions that aid in accurate electrical contact with a cable wire and the presence of one or more types of electrical contact portions on the rigid substrate of each cable termination allows for repeatable physical engagement, and disengagement, along with resistance to operational degradation in response to changing electrical conditions. With the rigid substrate of each cable termination allowing reliable formation of electrical leads, traces, vias, and channels, quality electrical connections may be efficiently established and maintained.

[0068] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components,functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0069] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity comprising: an end portion configured to be connected to a first single pair ethernet cable, wherein the end portion comprises: a substrate; a first connection portion provided on a first edge of the substrate; a second connection portion provided on a second edge of the substrate; and a receiving portion positioned on a first end portion of the substrate; a support portion positioned on a second end portion of the substrate, wherein the support portion is configured to connect the substrate to the first single pair ethernet cable; and a sheath portion configured to engage the substrate of the connector; wherein the first and second connection portions each comprise a conductive portion configured to engage a first wire and a second wire of the first single pair ethernet cable; wherein each of the conductive portions are connected, through the substrate, to a corresponding one of a plurality of electrical contact portions positioned in the receiving portion of the end portion and to a corresponding pad contact portion positioned on the substrate; wherein each of the electrical contact portions positioned in the receiving portion and a corresponding pad contact portion of an opposing connector connected to a second single pair ethernet cable are configured to provide a first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first and second single pair ethernet cables; wherein the sheath portion is configured to engage a substrate of the opposing connector; wherein the sheath portion is configured to provide a biasing force against the substrate of the first single pair ethernet cable and against the substrate of the second single pair ethernet cable so as to biasingly resistrelative movement between the substrate of the first single pair ethernet cable and the substrate of the second single pair ethernet cable and biasingly maintain electrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion during operation; wherein the sheath portion is structurally configured to provide a second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation so as to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation.

2. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the support portion is configured to guide the first wire from the first single pair ethernet cable to the first connection portion and guide the second wire from the first single pair ethernet cable to the second connection portion.

3. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises a printed circuit board.

4. The connector of claim 1 , wherein the conductive portion is an edge contact positioned on either the first edge or the second edge of the substrate.

5. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity between a first single pair ethernet cable to a second single pair ethernet cable comprising: a forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion configured to form a first forward electrical connection with a first forward wire portion of a first single pair ethernet cable during operation and a second forward electrical connection with a second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation;a sheath portion configured to electrically couple the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion to a rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation; wherein the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion is configured to form a first rearward electrical connection with a first rearward wire portion of a second single pair ethernet cable during operation and a second rearward electrical connection with a second rearward wire portion of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation; wherein the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion is configured to form a first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation; wherein the sheath portion is configured to provide an enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation; wherein the enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection comprises a second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation; wherein the enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection comprises a first sheath electrical connection configured to be between the first forward electrical connection of the first single pair ethernet cable and the first rearward electrical connection of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation, and a second sheath electrical connection configured to be between the second forward electrical connection of first single pair ethernet cable and the second rearward electrical connection of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion comprises a forward single pair ethernet cable connector and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion comprises a rearward single pair ethernet cable connector.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion comprises a forward substrate portion having a first forward connection portion configured to form the first forward electrical connection with the first forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation, a second forward connection portion configured to form the second forward electrical connection with the second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation, and a receiving portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first forward connection portion comprises a first forward conductive portion configured to engage the first forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable so as to form the first forward electrical connection during operation, and second forward connection portion comprises a second forward conductive portion configured to engage the second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable so as to form the second forward electrical connection during operation.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion further comprises a first forward pad contact portion, a second forward pad contact portion, and a forward receiving portion having a first forward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the first forward pad contact portion during operation and a second forward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the second forward pad contact portion during operation.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion further comprises a first rearward pad contact portion, a second rearward pad contact portion, and a rearward receiving portion having a first rearward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the first rearward pad contact portion during operation and a second rearward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the second rearward pad contact portion during operation.1 . The device of claim 9, wherein the first forward electrical contact portion of the forward receiving portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion is configured to be electrically connected with a first rearward pad contact portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion connected to the second single pair ethernet cable during operation.

12. The device of claim 5, wherein the sheath portion comprises a sheath body portion, a first sheath arm portion configured to be coupled with the sheath body portion, a second sheath arm portion configured to be coupled with the sheath body portion, wherein the first sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected with the first forward conductive portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion, and wherein the second sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected with a first rearward conductive portion conductive portion of the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the first sheath arm portion comprises a first conductive sheath portion and a first sheath biasing portion configured to be coupled with the first conductive sheath portion so as to exert a first biasing force so as to biasingly resist relative movement between the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and biasingly maintain electrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion during operation and to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation, and wherein the second sheath arm portion comprises a second conductive sheath portion and a second sheath biasing portion configured to be coupled with the second conductive sheath portion so as to exert a second biasing force so as to biasingly resist relative movement between the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion and biasingly maintainelectrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion during operation and to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the first conductive sheath portion of the first sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected to the first forward conductive portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation, and wherein the second conductive sheath portion of the second sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected to the first rearward conductive portion of the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the first biasing force comprises a first compressive force toward a first direction, the second biasing force comprises a second compressive forward toward a second direction different from the first direction.

16. A device for providing enhanced single pair ethernet cable connectivity comprising: a forward single pair ethernet cable connector configured to form a forward electrical connection with a forward wire portion of a first single pair ethernet cable during operation; a sheath portion configured to couple the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion to a rearward single pair ethernet cable connector during operation; wherein the rearward single pair ethernet cable connector is configured to form a rearward electrical connection with a rearward wire portion of a second single pair ethernet cable during operation;wherein the sheath portion is configured to provide an enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation; wherein the forward single pair ethernet cable connector is configured to provide a first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation; wherein the enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection comprises a second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion between the first single pair ethernet cable and the second single pair ethernet cable during operation; and wherein the enhanced single pair ethernet cable electrical connection comprises a sheath electrical connection between the forward electrical connection and the rearward electrical connection during operation.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the forward electrical connection comprises a first forward electrical connection and a second forward electrical connection, the forward wire portion comprises a first forward wire portion and a second forward wire portion, the first forward electrical connection is configured to be with the first forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation, and the second forward electrical connection is configured to be with the second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation;18. The device of claim 17, wherein the rearward electrical connection comprises a first rearward electrical connection and a second rearward electrical connection, the rearward wire portion comprises a first rearward wire portion and a second rearward wire portion, the first rearward electrical connection is configured to be with the first rearward wire portion of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation, and the second rearward electrical connection is configured to be with the second rearward wire portion of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the sheath electrical connection comprises a first sheath electrical connection configured to be between the first forward electrical connection of the first single pair ethernet cable and the first rearward electrical connection of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation, and a second sheath electrical connection configured to be between the second forward electrical connection of first single pair ethernet cable and the second rearward electrical connection of the second single pair ethernet cable during operation20. The device of claim 19, wherein the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion comprises a forward substrate portion having a first forward connection portion configured to form the first forward electrical connection with the first forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation, a second forward connection portion configured to form the second forward electrical connection with the second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable during operation, and a receiving portion.21 . The device of claim 20, wherein the first forward connection portion comprises a first forward conductive portion configured to engage the first forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable so as to form the first forward electrical connection during operation, and a second forward connection portion comprises a second forward conductive portion configured to engage the second forward wire portion of the first single pair ethernet cable so as to form the second forward electrical connection during operation, and wherein the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion further comprises a first forward pad contact portion, a second forward pad contact portion, and a forward receiving portion having a first forward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the first forward pad contact portion during operation and a second forward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the second forward pad contact portion during operation.

22. The device of claim 21 , wherein the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion further comprises a first rearward pad contact portion, a second rearward pad contact portion, and a rearward receiving portion having a first rearward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the first rearward pad contact portion during operation and a second rearward electrical contact portion that is configured to be electrically connected to the second rearward pad contact portion during operation, and wherein the first forward electrical contact portion of the forward receiving portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion is configured to be electrically connected with a first rearward pad contact portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion connected to the second single pair ethernet cable during operation.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the sheath portion comprises a sheath body portion, a first sheath arm portion configured to be coupled with the sheath body portion, a second sheath arm portion configured to be coupled with the sheath body portion, wherein the first sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected with the first forward conductive portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion, and wherein the second sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected with a first rearward conductive portion conductive portion of the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion.

24. The device of claim 23, wherein the first sheath arm portion comprises a first conductive sheath portion and a first sheath biasing portion configured to be coupled with the first conductive sheath portion so as to exert a first biasing force so as to biasingly resist relative movement between the forward single pair ethernet cable connector and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connector and biasingly maintain electrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion during operation and to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pairethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation, and wherein the second sheath arm portion comprises a second conductive sheath portion and a second sheath biasing portion configured to be coupled with the second conductive sheath portion so as to exert a second biasing force so as to biasingly resist relative movement between the forward single pair ethernet cable connector and the rearward single pair ethernet cable connector and biasingly maintain electrical connection at the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion during operation and to maintain single pair ethernet cable electrical connection continuity between the first and second single pair ethernet cables during operation even when either the first single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion or the second single pair ethernet cable electrical connection portion is interrupted during operation.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the first conductive sheath portion of the first sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected to the first forward conductive portion of the forward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation, and wherein the second conductive sheath portion of the second sheath arm portion is configured to be electrically connected to the first rearward conductive portion of the rearward single pair ethernet cable connectivity portion during operation.

26. The device of claim 24, wherein the first biasing force comprises a first compressive force toward a first direction, the second biasing force comprises a second compressive forward toward a second direction different from the first direction.

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