Multi-port communications device and associated methods

A multi-port RJ-jack communications device, comprising:

• a multi-port RJ-jack housing including portions defining a plurality of recesses extending inwardly for receiving respective mating plugs therein;
• a signal connector means within each of the recesses and defining a respective plurality of communications ports, each communications port for establishing inbound and outbound signal paths with a respective mating plug;
• a circuit board within said multi-port jack housing said circuit board comprising an electrically conductive layer defining a first internal electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield;
• at least one communications processor mounted on said circuit board on a first side thereof and connected to said plurality of communications ports for processing inbound and outbound communications signals;
• and
• at least one EMI generating device positioned on a second side of said circuit board opposite the first side.

A multi-port RJ-jack communications device comprising:

• a multi-port RJ-jack housing including portions defining a plurality of recesses extending inwardly for receiving respective mating plugs therein, the recesses being arranged in two tiers with each tier comprising two or more recesses arranged in side-by-side relation;
• signal connector means within each of the recesses and defining a respective plurality of communications ports, each communications port for establishing inbound and outbound signal paths with a respective mating plug;
• a circuit board within said multi-port jack housing;
• and
• at least one communications processor mounted on said circuit board and connected to said plurality of communications signals.

A method for making a communications device, comprising a multi-port RJ-jack housing having a front and a back, and including portions defining a plurality of recesses extending inwardly from the front for receiving respective mating plugs therein, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning signal connector means within each of the recesses and defining a respective plurality of communications ports, each communications port for establishing inbound and outbound signal paths with a respective mating plug;
• mounting at least one communications processor on a circuit board and connected to said plurality of communications ports for processing inbound and outbound communications signals;
• and
• positioning the circuit board within said multi-port jack housing and extending adjacent the back thereof.