open link
Digital Equipment's Open Linksystem is a cabling system that encompasses the evolution from IBM-style basic cabling or Yellow Cable to modern structured cabling.
In contrast to other systems, DEC assumes that the user basically needs an ISDN/ telephone socket and a data socket at his workstation. Accordingly, a shielded four- wire cable conforming to IBM cable type 1 specifications and an STP cable conforming to ISDN standards are laid simultaneously in the Open Link to supply the terminal equipment. Each wall socket thus receives a combination connection of eight wires, four each from unshielded and shielded cables. This also means that all possible data connectors can be used and, accordingly, Open Link also offers the concept of interchangeable connector inserts.
Open Link supports Ethernet with BNC connectors with integrated baluns, Token Ring with IBM standard hermaphrodite connectors, terminal connections with four and six pin modular jack connectors and ISDN with RJ45 connectors. Between the distributors, DEC recommends and supports the use of fiber optic cables.