Layer terminology
Connector vs protocol
A connector is a physical interface. A protocol or standard describes behavior carried through an implementation. The same shell can appear across different technology layers, and a standard name does not guarantee an exact device implements every optional capability.
USB Type-C vs USB / Thunderbolt technology
USB-C is the connector form. USB generations, USB4, Thunderbolt, video transport and charging behavior require separate evidence.
Physical form: USB Type-C
Technology references: USB 2.0 overview · USB 3.2 nomenclature and modes · USB4 version 1 overview · USB4 version 2 overview · Thunderbolt 4 overview · Thunderbolt 5 overview
HDMI connector forms vs HDMI specification versions
Type-A, Mini Type-C and Micro Type-D are physical forms; HDMI version capability is a different layer.
Physical form: HDMI Type-A · Mini HDMI Type-C · Micro HDMI Type-D
Technology references: HDMI 2.1 overview · HDMI 2.2 overview
DisplayPort forms vs DisplayPort link family
Full-size and Mini DisplayPort identify connector forms. Link rate and feature support remain implementation-specific.
Physical form: DisplayPort connector · Mini DisplayPort connector
Technology references: DisplayPort 2.1 family overview
8P8C modular form vs network service
An 8P8C-shaped interface is not by itself proof of Ethernet, PoE, console service or a particular link rate.
Physical form: 8P8C modular connector (commonly called RJ45)
Technology layer: Exact service remains device-specific in the current evidence set.
M12 D/X-coded forms vs Ethernet implementation
M12 coding identifies a physical interface family; the exact network implementation and device support still require documentation.
Physical form: M12 D-coded Ethernet connector · M12 X-coded Ethernet connector
Technology layer: Exact service remains device-specific in the current evidence set.
These tables reorganize facts already present in the canonical field notes and engineering sidecars. A shared count, role word, coupling method, alias or family label does not prove that two parts mate, carry the same signal, use the same wiring or are safe substitutes.