When you understand the fundamentals of both, comparing straight and crossover cables becomes quite simple. We want to go over these differences in greater depth so that everyone understands why these two cables must be used separately. This article will cover the terms you need to know, what is a straight cable, what is crossover cable, as well as the difference between straight-through and crossover cable.
The definition
Straight-through Cable
The straight-through cable is CAT5 with an RJ-45 connector on each end and the same output pin on both ends. For consistency, it employs the same color code throughout the LAN. In a LAN, this type of twisted pair cable connects a computer or a network hub, such as a router. A straightforward cable is a twisted pair cable that is used in local area networks to connect computers to network hubs such as routers. This type of cable, also known as a patch cable, is an alternative to wireless connections in which one or more computers connect to the router via a wireless signal.
The wired pins on a straight-through cable match. White orange, orange, white green, blue, white blue, green, white brown, brown are the color wiring configurations. They are arranged from pin number one to pin number eight. The leads are made of cat5 cable and can be configured in a variety of patterns to achieve various results with ethernet cables. These cables are always used to connect two devices. Straight cable is also known as catch cable by some experts, and it is the most common type of ethernet cable used. Continue read more to know the difference between Straight-Through and Crossover Cable.
Crossover Cable
A crossover Ethernet cable is an Ethernet cable that connects two computer devices directly. RJ45 crossover cables, unlike straight cables, use two different wiring standards: one end uses the T568A wiring standard, while the other uses the T568B wiring standard. An Ethernet crossover cable’s internal wiring reverses the transmitted and received signals. It is frequently used to link two devices of the same type, such as two computers (via a network interface controller) or two switches.
The wire configuration is a little more complicated with crossover cables. There are 8 pin slots on each side of the cable with an ethernet connector. The wires will be connected in the following sequence: one side pin A connects to three side pin B, two side pin A connects to six side pin B, three side pin A connects to one side pin B, four side pin A connects to pin seven on side B, five side A connects to pin eight on side B, six side A connects to pin two on side B, seven side A connects to pin four on side B, and eight side A connects to pin four on side B.
There are also colored wires connected to each battery slot. The pin connections woven in this manner create a system in which the wires overlap. Cat5 cables are also used for crossover cables. From pin one to pin eight, the colors would be white-orange, orange, green-white, blue, blue-white, green, brown-white, and brown. If you want to make your own ethernet cable after purchasing a cat5 cable, there are many diagrams available online. An Ethernet Crossover cable appears to be a regular Ethernet cable from the outside. That is the difference between Straight-Through and Crossover Cable.
Which One You Should Choose Between Straight-Through and Crossover Cable
Depending on your purpose, you can reference the table below to know the application of straight-through and crossover cables. Then you can choose the type of cable fit your expect:
| Cable Type | Application |
| Straight-Through | – Change to the router – Change to a PC or a server – PC or server hub |
| Crossover Cable | – Switch to switch – Change to the hub – From hub to hub – Router-to-router communication – Ethernet port on the router to PC NIC – From PC to PC |
The difference between Straight-Through and Crossover Cable
Straight-through Cable
- Straight-through cable is a type of CAT5 cable that has RJ-45 connectors at both ends with the same pin out.
- It is one of the most widely used network cable formats.
- You can also connect it from the router’s LAN port to the uplink port of a switch/hub.
- A straight-through cable connects a computer to the LAN port of a cable or DSL modem.
- When connecting two devices of different types, you should use straight-through cables.
- It allows you to connect the WAN port of a router to the LAN port of a cable or DSL modem.
- Unlike devices, straight-through cables are mostly used for connecting.
Crossover Cable
- A crossover cable is a type of CAT that has one end that is T568A and the other end that is T568B. It is only used in a few instances.
- You can connect it to the LAN port of a router or the regular port of a switch or hub.
- A crossover cable connects a router’s LAN port to a switch’s or hub’s normal port.
- When connecting two devices of the same type, you should use a crossover cable.
- By using the normal port on both switches/hubs, you can connect them.
- Crossover cables are typically used to connect similar devices.
In this article, we have explained the difference between straight-through and crossover cable. The article has also given the basic definitions of each, when to use which cable as well as the basic differences. Currently, straight cables are much more popular than crossover cables and are widely used by people. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!
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