There are numerous metal-shelled versions of the RJ45, but that doesn't make them an industrial connector. It was never intended to take strain, or resist vibration, or exclude the environment.
In the uncontrolled environment that a car experiences, I'd like to see something more robust, more industrial. Otherwise, I see flaky data connections plaguing car owners for the life of the car.
Here are two very recent "Made By Monkeys" articles pertaining to cars:
They show the possibilities that poor design of the physical network could bring; RJ45 connectors will not hold up to water pouring on them or being constantly flexed.
TJ - Nothing saying that we have to use the plastic RJ-45 connectors going forward. I used to work in the off-road industry that used networks on a much larger scale but essentially the same idea mentioned here (control on one type; info on another). We used metal RJ-45's from Siemens with the clip being a spring-like device. If the link works, this should be a picture (found with just a google image search):
Cutting down on the number of protocols is a good thing. I love the idea of Ethernet in the car.
But are RJ45 connectors really the way of the future? It's assuredly not industrial (how many of you are working with broken-tabbed RJ45 connectors friction-fit into your computers right now?).
Is the industrial M12 Code-D connector the way? Or is there a happy medium between the two?
I have to say, I'm not a big proponent of the camera on the back. I have one on my Acura MDX and I never use it. Perhaps it's the male/female thing, but I, for one, don't trust and can't visualize pulling out without turning my head to see where I'm going. Drives my husband nuts because he can't understand why. Now the cameras for automatic parallel parking--that might be whole other story!
Another recent deployment of Ethernet is at concerts. Paul MacCartney was an early adopter a few years ago, running the sound signals from the stage to the sound board. Now it's being used in theaters as well as at concerts. The benefit is improved network confirguration and lower installation costs.
A camera on the back is a great idea. The first time I noticed that option was on the 2011 Kia Sorento. It's particulalry important since so many vehicles are so big. Use of the Ethernet to transmit data sounds like a good advance. Fixing wiring in cars can be a nightmare.
We looked at a number of sources to determine this year's greenest cars, from KBB to automotive trade magazines to environmental organizations. These 14 cars emerged as being great at either stretching fuel or reducing carbon footprint.
Researchers at MIT and Sandia National Labs have observed a reaction in lithium-air batteries that could help improve the design of these cells for electric vehicles and other applications.
Healthcare might seem to be an unlikely target application for the Internet of Things technology, but recent developments show small ways that big-data is going to make an impact on patient care moving into the future.
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A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
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