Networking requires Ethernet cables, which are primarily classified as straight through cable and crossover. In local area networks (LANs), each type has a distinct function, and knowing the distinctions between them will help you select the best cable for your requirements.
A Straight-Through Cable: What Is It?
In a network, devices of various kinds connect using straight cables, also called patch cables. This Ethernet cable is the most widely used type and appears in many different network setups.
Wiring Standard: Wire both ends of a straight through cable using the same standard. The most widely used standards are T568A and T568B. Either both ends of a straight-through cable are T568A, or both are T568B.
Pin Configuration: The pin configuration is consistent throughout the cable since the pinouts on either end are the same.
This consistency ensures proper data transmission between connected devices. Usually, straight cables are used to link various kinds of network equipment.
Typical usage cases include of:
PC to a Switch or Hub: Connect a computer to the standard port of a network switch or hub using straight-through wires.
Computer to a Modem: A computer is connected to the LAN port of a cable or DSL modem.
Router to a Modem: These wires link the WAN port of a router to the LAN port of a cable or DSL modem.
Router to a Switch or Hub: In order to extend the network, they can connect a router’s LAN port to a switch or hub’s uplink port.
Switches and Hubs Connected: Connect one switch or hub using an uplink port and connect the other using a regular port.
A crossover cable: what is it?
A crossover cable eliminates the requirement for a network switch or hub by connecting similar devices directly. It employs two distinct wiring standards at either end, which sets it apart from a straight-through connection.
Wiring Standard: Ethernet crossover cable use distinct standards for wiring each end. One end follows the T568A standard, while the other end uses the T568B standard. This setup enables direct communication between similar devices by flipping the broadcast and receive signals.
Signal reversal: To enable correct interaction between devices, cables switch the transmit and receive pairs in their internal wiring.
Typical uses are as follows:
Linking Two Computers Directly: Connect two computers together without the need of a switch or hub by utilizing their network interface cards (NICs).
Linking Two Switches or Hubs: By connecting two network switches or hubs directly, you can enable data sharing between them without the need for a middleman.
Overhead Cables:
Used to establish direct connections between similar devices (e.g., switch to switch, computer to computer).
Wire one end with T568A and the other end with T568B.
Not as popular, yet necessary for some direct device connections.