CompTIA A+® Certification All-In-One For Dummies®, 2nd Edition

1.4. Connector Types

Many, many types of cables exist on the market these days: video cables, modem cables, printer cables, and extension cables, to name a few. Despite the many types of cables, there are very few types of connectors. The following sections look at the most common types of connectors that you will encounter.

1.4.1. IBM Type 1 connector

The IBM Type 1 connector is commonly used with IBM token ring networks, and will either connect the workstation to a hub or connect multiple hubs. Unlike typical connectors that are either male (with pins) or female (with holes) and must be paired with a connector of the opposite gender to allow them to be connected, the Type 1 connector can be connected to any other connector. IBM calls the connector a "hermaphrodite," being composed of both genders of connectors. Figure 1-4 shows a Type 1 connector, with two connectors joined at the top of the figure.

Figure 1.4. The IBM Type 1 data connector.

1.4.2. DB-9

The DB-9 connector is a D-shell–type connector, so named because of their D shape. The DB-9 has nine connection points arranged in two rows. This connector used to be found on the back of a computer in its female form, to be used with a CGA or EGA monitor. Now, you'll find a male DB-9 connector on the back of a computer as one of the two types of serial connections for COM ports. Figure 1-5 shows male and female DB-9 connectors. ...