A connector for use in a free-standing connector port for mating with an external pluggable module is disclosed. The connector has terminals that extend lengthwise of the connector so that cables may be terminated to the terminals and the terminals and cable generally are horizontally aligned together. The connector defines a card-receiving slot and is position in a cage that defines the connector port. The cables exit from the rear of the connector and from the connector port. The connector includes a heat sink that is configured to cool a module inserted into the connector port.