The EtherCON is a ruggedized and lockable connector for Ethernet over twisted pair wiring. It is manufactured by Neutrik and is designed for

professional audio Professional audio, abbreviated as pro audio, refers to both an activity and a category of high-quality, studio-grade audio equipment. Typically it encompasses sound recording, sound reinforcement system setup and audio mixing, and studio mus ...

and

stage lighting Stage lighting is the craft of lighting as it applies to the production of theater, dance, opera, and other performance arts.

network applications.

Design

The design is modeled after the

XLR connector The XLR connector (also Cannon plug and Cannon connector) is a type of electrical connector primarily used in professional audio, video, and stage lighting equipment. XLR connectors are cylindrical, with three to seven connector pins, and are oft ...

with a circular hard metal shell and a locking latch. The cable connector is always male and is designed to fit over a standard 8P8C modular connector. The chassis connector is always female and has the standard form factor of an XLR panel connector. The chassis connector may be mated with an EtherCON connector and a standard 8P8C plug. The chassis connectors are rated for either Cat 5e, Cat 6 or 6A compatibility, with the Cat 5e and 6A models being cross-compatible. (The Cat 6 model utilizes a different shell design from the other models.) Neutrik makes two styles of the connector, one for assembly before the 8P8C plug is attached, and one that will fit over a pre-attached plug. When special headers are used, EtherCON is capable of providing a IP65 grade waterproof connection for outdoor usage.

Applications

EtherCON connectors are used on many

audio over Ethernet In audio engineering, audio and broadcast engineering, broadcast engineering, Audio networking is the use of a Computer networking, network to distribute real-time digital audio. Audio Networking replaces bulky snake cables or audio-specific insta ...

and

audio over IP Audio over IP (AoIP) is the distribution of digital audio across an IP network such as the Internet. It is used increasingly to provide high-quality audio feeds over long distances. The application is also known as audio contribution over IP (ACI ...

products. EtherCON connectors are used on various lighting fixtures as a method of sending and receiving

DMX512 DMX512 is a technical standard, standard for digital communication networks that are commonly used to control lighting and effects. It was originally intended as a standardized method for controlling stage lighting dimmers, which, prior to D ...

data signal. EtherCON connectors are also used to transfer data across large

LED display A LED display is a flat panel display that uses an array of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as pixels for a video display. Their brightness allows them to be used outdoors where they are visible in the sun for store signs and billboards. I ...

s in both indoor and outdoor settings.

References

Networking hardware Ethernet Computer connectors Audio engineering Neutrik {{comp-hardware-stub