Innovative across generations

The demands placed on modern data communication are constantly trending upwards - and with them the complexity of infrastructures. Connectors are at the heart of these developments: they not only connect devices, but also entire generations of technologies. The future does not belong to a one-size-fits-all solution, but instead to intelligent adaptation. Adapters are becoming the key to flexibility and innovation.

The last few decades have been characterised by the pursuit of standardisation and convergence. Ethernet has established itself as the universal physical layer, enabling cross-sector communication. Cabling standards – predominantly ISO/IEC 11801 and EN 5073 – ensure a certain degree of uniformity, particularly in office and data centre environments, but also in industrial production. Nevertheless, it is clear that the variety of connectors and cabling philosophies in use is greater than ever before.

Today, infrastructure can be roughly divided into three areas: The connection of end devices to the local area network (LAN), which is mainly based on copper technology, transmission in wide area networks (WAN) and the connection of data centres, where fibre optic technology prevails. Despite these differences, there is a clear convergence at the physical layer: everything runs over Ethernet. However, this layer is diverse – wireless technologies are deployed to connect many end devices, but these are in turn connected to the access point by way of classic connectivity, usually RJ45.

In data centres, on the other hand, optical technology dominates with a large number of LC connectors for multiple fibres and MPO connectors for high packing densities and bandwidths.

In data centres, on the other hand, optical technologies prevail with LC duplex connectors with 2-fibre connections for transmitting and receiving (10/25G). MPO/MTP multi-fibre connectors for parallel optics are generally deployed for data rates of 40/100/200/400/800G/1.6T and high port densities.

The state of the art shows that Ethernet has resulted in a convergence of connectors, but the systems have evolved and grown historically and will continue to grow in the future. Adapters have become indispensable for connecting the systems of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Adaptation is no longer a necessary evil, but a strategic advantage, as it always involves Ethernet according to IEEE 802.3, thereby ensuring absolute data transparency in terms of communication.

Adapters are strategic infrastructure components enabling flexible connections between different systems. They ensure data integrity and future-proofing by supporting adaptation to new technologies and devices without restricting data transmission. The data lifeline does not require absolute uniformity at Layer 0. Far more, it is crucial to choose the right, future-proof connector for the respective application. Data integrity and consistency are not restricted by adapter cables – on the contrary: they enable flexible adaptation to new technologies and end devices, ensuring that the infrastructure remains usable for decades.

The future in the area of end devices will not only be shaped by RJ45 – Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) will become more significant and bring new connectors into play. Here, too, adapters will be needed to ensure compatibility between old and new systems. Multi-fibre connectors are becoming increasingly significant in data centres, with the number of fibres and performance levels steadily on the rise. While LC duplex connectors as small form factors are now standard, very small form factor connectors such as SN or MDC are setting new standards in terms of miniaturisation and port density. The same applies to multi-fibre connectors, where the new and more compact types such as SN-MT and MMC are already finding their way into the data centres of hyperscalers and AI/HPC clusters. This means that the same Ethernet is being transmitted by way of ever-new connectors – and this is also giving rise to new adapter solutions.

The future of connectors in data centres lies in miniaturisation, while simultaneously boosting data rates. Very small form factor connectors will become particularly dominant in hyperscale data centres. Even if these new connectors do not immediately become established across the board, they will have a lasting impact on infrastructure. In this context, adapters will continue to play a central role, bridging the gap between old and new technologies.

The convergence of Ethernet-based data communication is a successful model. At Layer 0, however, the world remains colourful and diverse. The right selection and combination of connectors – supported by adapters – makes it possible to flexibly serve all the relevant applications and requirements. While standardisation remains important in order to create a certain foundation, the future belongs to diversity and adaptability. The adapter is king – and therefore remains indispensable for the future.