Heavy-duty IBM Data Connector (IDC), often referred to by network engineers as the "hermaphroditic" or "genderless" connector. Unlike standard ethernet cables that have distinct male and female ends, two identical IBM 6091000 connectors can snap directly into each other. It features a rugged, spring-loaded locking mechanism with internal shielding and self-shorting contacts. When unplugged, the connector automatically loops the transmit wires back to the receive wires to maintain ring continuity - Real-Life Application: It was crimped onto the ends of thick, shielded IBM Type 1 and Type 2 data cabling. It plugged directly into Token-Ring Multistation Access Units (MAUs, the precursor to network switches), IBM PC Token-Ring network adapter cards, or into the matching wall outlet described below
