Apparatuses and methods for improved network connections

A network connection assembly comprising:

• a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB defines:
• a first end;
• a second end;
• at least one grounding region on the PCB proximate the second end;
• a plurality of network connectors proximate the first end of the PCB, wherein each network connector is configured to receive a corresponding networking device connected thereto;
• a plurality of soldering pad pairs proximate the second end of the PCB, wherein each soldering pad pair is configured to receive a differential signal cable;
• and
• a plurality of electrical traces, wherein each electrical trace is configured to provide electrical communication between a network connector and a corresponding soldering pad such that electrical signals may pass therebetween;
• and
• a plurality of differential signal cables, wherein each differential signal cable comprises a pair of signal wires such that each differential signal cable is in electrical communication with the PCB via attachment between the pair of signal wires and a corresponding soldering pad pair,
• wherein at least a first differential signal cable is offset from a second differential signal cable with respect to an edge of the PCB at the second end such that cross-talk between the differential signal cables is reduced.

A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board (PCB) for a network connection assembly, wherein the PCB has a first end and a second end, the method comprising:

• forming at least one grounding region on the PCB proximate the first end;
• providing a plurality of network connectors on the PCB proximate the first end of the PCB, wherein each network connector is configured to connect to a corresponding networking device;
• defining a plurality of soldering pad pairs on the PCB proximate the second end of the PCB, wherein each soldering pad is configured to receive a differential signal cable such that each soldering pad in the soldering pad pair receives a signal wire of the differential signal cable attached thereto;
• and
• defining a plurality of electrical traces, wherein each electrical trace is configured to provide electrical communication between a network connector and a corresponding soldering pad such that electrical signals may pass therebetween,
• wherein the PCB is formed such that at least a first soldering pad pair is offset from a second soldering pad pair with respect to an edge of the PCB at the second end.