Crossover vs Straight Through Cable: Which One Do You Need?
Crossover cables and straight-through cables are the type of Ethernet technologies that are used to connect networking devices. Straight-through cable is use for connecting different type of devices, while crossover cable is used for connecting different type of networking device. In this article, we will differentiate the key differences between crossover vs straight through cable.
What is a LAN Cable
We use a LAN cable in an intranet for connectivity of computers. It has a vital role in transmitting data among computer, switches, routers, and other network devices in a LAN environment.
Crossover Cable
Crossover cable is a type of twisted pair cable which are used to connect different type of devices in a network. It is a type of Ethernet cable consisting of eight conducting wires. Crossover cable uses RJ45 connectors on both the ends. It uses 568A on one side and 568B on the other side.
The name of the cross cable is called through its pin structure. Because, Pin 1 is crossed with Pin 3, while Pin 2 is crossed with Pin 6.
When to use Crossover Cable
Use it when connect same type of devices like:
- PC to PC
- Router to Router
- Switch to Switch
- Hub to Hub
- Hub to PC
- Hub to Server
Straight Through Cable
A straight through cable is a type of twisted-pair cable, which connect same type of computer networking devices in the computer network. It also uses RJ45 as their terminating connector. However, the connectors at the both sides of the cable will use either T568A or T568B scheme. The Pin 1 at one side has the same color code with the other side pin1. Similarly, Pin 2 has same color code with the other side of the Pin 2 and so on. That’s why it’s called straight-through cable.
When to use Straight Through Cable?
Normally, straight-through cable are for the following devices:
- PC to Router
- PC to Switch
- Switch to Router
- Switch to Firewall
- Switch to Server
What is Auto-MDI or MDIX
Auto-MDI/MDIX (automatic medium-dependent interface crossover) is a new technology through which networking device automatically detects an internal structure of the cable and then adopt itself with the cable to send/receive data through it.
Conclusion
Crossover cable vs straight through cable are the important type of Ethernet cable. Both are using for LAN connectivity, however there are some differences between them.
Moreover, if we connect one cable instead of another, then auto-MDI automatically detects it and communicate data according to it.
