A receptacle that is configured to receive connectors of different types. If a connector of one type is received into the receptacle, the connector contacts engage one set of receptacle contacts. If a connector of another type is received into the receptacle, the connector contacts engage another set of receptacle contacts, and so forth for potentially other connector types and other contact sets. A communication system may also control which PHY circuitry communicates with the receptacle depending on which connector type is plugged into the receptacle. The receptacle can include a connector detection mechanism configured to detect whether a connector of the first type or second type is inserted into the receptacle. Circuitry and pin design of the receptacle also depends on the first and second connector types.