How to properly ground the shielded connector of a data center switch?

Correct grounding method for shielded connectors (RJ45/USB/SFP cages) of data center switches: The housing must be directly connected to the chassis ground with low impedance, not the signal ground.

Grounding path: Connector pins should be routed through the PCB to the chassis ground studs, or a metal spring should be used to directly contact the chassis panel.

Impedance requirements: DC resistance <2.5mΩ, impedance <10mΩ at 100MHz.

Incorrect example: On a certain model, the RJ45 housing was only connected to the signal ground through a thin trace (0.3mm wide, 15mm long).

During ESD testing, the connection reset and restarted. After changing the connection to a direct copper trace to the chassis studs, the test passed. Etymotic recommends using a continuous copper trace without solder mask and an open contact window under the connector.