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Ask HN: Why haven't we miniaturized the Ethernet RJ45?

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Re: Ask HN: Why haven't we miniaturized the Ethernet RJ45?

#11

Post by tacostakohashi »

Maybe because it's really convenient being able to continue using the billions of cables and other devices in existence?

Also RJ45 is in fact already a minaturized/standardized alternative to various proprietary/national phone connectors that preceded it, and the basic idea was to be able to repurpose existing phone twisted pair installations for ethernet. Also, it can be made pretty small if actually needed, see the Xircom RealPort adapters from back in the day.

As far as big / bulky / annoying connectors, go, RJ45 is very low down my list.

Re: Ask HN: Why haven't we miniaturized the Ethernet RJ45?

#14

Post by stephenr »

linuxlizard wrote: post #8
JohnFen wrote: post #6

My speculation: there's no real market need. Devices that don't have enough space for the RJ45 are probably using WiFi anyway and have no burning need for a physical ethernet connection. Since making the connectors smaller also makes them less robust, why take on that tradeoff in the absence of a clear benefit? I understand that R-Pis and the like appear to be an exception, but they don't represent the amount of mark…

That does make sense. Ethernet is easily replace by WiFi. There's no easy replacement for USB (can't charge a phone over Bluetooth (yet)).

Inductive charging is the replacement for usb charging.

I literally don't remember the last time I charged my iPhone by plugging it in - there are even inductive power banks available now.

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